Finding an economic car

Kilty_2

gilbert_and_sullivan wrote: »

I want one of those...:rotfl:;)

Soon as the OP mentioned lost service book you just know it's got something to hide.

:rotfl:

At the time it was an 07 plate with 18k on the clock and it was showing it's age (it looked like it had done at least 60k)

They had an 06 Corsa C with nearer to 30k on it too and it was absolutely knackered.

One careful owner? :rotfl: (and a million learner drivers supervised by joe bloggs, not a qualified instructor)

talksr

Kilty wrote: »

OP - £5250 would get you a 1.7 CDTI Astra on a 55/06 plate with around 40-50k on the clock.

Blimey, ok well thanks for all of your posts and advice guys.
I would love an Astra 1.7cdti. I may even be pushed to get an 07 if my budget would stretch.
But would have to get a design as that is what I am used to.
Would it last? My 04 petro at 70k is starting to act up. Strange clunk noises and indicators no longer tick tock.

Kilty_2

A Design is going to be costly compared with lower models (Club/Active/etc). Was around £1200-£1500 premium when I bought mine (07 56 1.6 Active)

You can add cruise control to a diesel H very easily and cheaply and even the half leather seats etc are easy to come by. . Have a look at Astra Owners Network for some inspiration . Always a few selling up on there as well and you won't find better examples than owners club cars IMO.

If you're worried about longevity buy approved used with a warranty and have any issues ironed out when you're covered.

talksr

I have just had a browse and there are two which seem not bad:
This is a diesel C2. Quite high mileage, but it is a diesel but a little old:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201009354034929/sort/priceasc/usedcars/fuel-type/diesel/seller-type/private_adverts/page/1/postcode/cm231al/radius/10?logcode=p

And this one I saw on ebay the other week, but didn't get a chance to view
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300406102346&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Might be worth taking a look at the two of them.

talksr

Kilty wrote: »

A Design is going to be costly compared with lower models (Club/Active/etc). Was around £1200-£1500 premium when I bought mine (07 56 1.6 Active)

You can add cruise control to a diesel H very easily and cheaply and even the half leather seats etc are easy to come by. . Have a look at Astra Owners Network for some inspiration . Always a few selling up on there as well and you won't find better examples than owners club cars IMO.

If you're worried about longevity buy approved used with a warranty and have any issues ironed out when you're covered.

Thanks kilty. I will take a look on AON and see if there are any up for grabs near to me.

Kilty_2

A 1.3 CDTI Corsa D wouldn't be a terrible choice - but be careful of hire cars and driving school cars - they're a very popular choice for both.

Driving school cars are quick to spot since there will be a small hole in the passenger footwell carpet - these are very rarely patched up.

Don't buy an old/high mileage Citroen.

calebdylan

corsa is a nice car but the maintenance cost is high so you need to switch on to alterante options