New car help....again!

sebdangerfield

jackieblack wrote: »

I could not disagree more - I'm with the girlfriends on this one

I'm in the middle on this one. I love cars and spend a high proportion of my income on them. More than I should really but I see it as a hobby and I don't really "Waste" money on anything else.

Even though, I'm having just as much fun planning the stupidest trip i've ever done in a banger because I love cars so much!

sebdangerfield

LandyAndy wrote: »

Don't dismiss the turbo either. My estate ran to 234k before it went for scrappage. They are comfortable, handle reasonably, have great visibility and can carry huge loads. I regularly got 55-60 mpg as well.

Landy, Did much go wrong with that? I'm definately tempted by the 405/406 but have been put off by the turbo blowing heads and general reliability on the 406. Both would be perfect as getting my bikes on the roof would be a help so bigger would be better.

jackieblack

sebdangerfield wrote: »

I'm in the middle on this one. I love cars and spend a high proportion of my income on them. More than I should really but I see it as a hobby and I don't really "Waste" money on anything else.

Even though, I'm having just as much fun planning the stupidest trip i've ever done in a banger because I love cars so much!

It sounds like great trip, and a great challenge too.
I'm sure you'll have a fab time.

sebdangerfield

mealticket wrote: »

jeremy clarkson's dog

Please come back when the title says;

"New dog help......again!"

But cheers!

spark_deals

Hi
Which ever car you buy,
Google for the forums and look for the problems there............
About turbo-ed cars, they don't blow heads, stupids do...
I mean check under the bonnet, don't let coolant run low, cars never overheat.
I drive 400 rover, sweet like a nut, never spend extra penny but necessary ones like... low coolant warning light and buzzer.
HTH

DaveMacD

sebdangerfield wrote: »

Landy, Did much go wrong with that? I'm definately tempted by the 405/406 but have been put off by the turbo blowing heads and general reliability on the 406. Both would be perfect as getting my bikes on the roof would be a help so bigger would be better.

I ran my 406 to 123k before I sold it on. Was making a little bit more smoke than it had done previously, but other than that, the engine was sound. Needed a new set of springs on the front, a new tie bar on the rear, and a new radiator and bottom hose. By that point it was 10 years old, and they were all original bits I was replacing. Around 2 years later, the only other things it had needed was a power steering hose, the other rear tie bar, and some other little odds and sods, but nothing major. It's still running now coming up on 13 years old.
Electrics were annoying though. Rear wiper only worked when it felt like it, as did the auto wipers on the front. And the info display in the dash lost all its lights. But other than that, it was fine. You don't need auto wipers, I blacked out the rear windows, and the info display only told you temp and radio station

sem9999

If you do not mind slightly rustic try to find Skoda Felicia -there are some very good ones about for very little money.
Very reliable and dead easy/cheap to fix should anything go wrong. Also cheap tax on 1.3 model and pretty economical.

catflea

sebdangerfield wrote: »

I've discussed getting rid of the girlfriend and keeping the cars but she told me off and pointed out that i'm boxing above my weight with her and I'd only end up with a munter if I got rid. I can see her point. I'm fairly sure this is domestic violence.

You must have a somewhat odd relationship there! :rotfl:

SERIOUS Suggestion. Mid 90s Escort Diesel Estate. virtually bombproof, can be picked up for peanuts. My brother has an L plate 1.8TD - he claims approx 55mpg and commutes the best part of 90 miles a day in it. Its pretty comfy if you can put your feet somewhere around all the crud he fills the footwell with! :eek:

sebdangerfield

Done!

Thanks everyone, for the advice. I finally sorted it all out and bought a Citroen Berlingo Van from auction last week for £750. Add on the insurance at £182 and I'm halfway to hungary for the cost of a tyre from my old car!

All seems ok with the van but it's a little reluctant to start first thing in the morning but seems better, not good, the warmer it gets. I've made it obvious I don't have a clue about diesels any ideas? I was thinking glow plugs?

leanneq

Sounds like great fun!
I love cars....and i'm a girl! Ha ha