Bangernomics - which car?

ZootHornRollo

Hi,

I am looking for a cheap car to use for work. I have a budget of around £500 to spend on something roadworthy.

Ideally i am looking for something with as close to 12 months MOT as possible, something easy on the wallet at the pump and cheap to fix. I am capable enough of using a Haynes manual to fix things (and some tools )

I have been looking at a '96 VW Polo 1.6 for just under £500 with 100k on the clock. Incomplete service history but receipts for last 3 oil/filter changes and other odd repairs/service items. Bodywork in good nick for age.

Sound like decent buy?

Rolandtheroadie

If it's got nearly a years MOT, I'd go for it.

BillScarab

Mt first few cars were all bangers and I never worried about what I drove. The only considerations were price, condition and how much MOT they had. I also used to consider cost of parts as back then foreign tended to be more expensive to repair than the typical everyday Austin/Ford/Vauxhall cars.

So what I'm saying basicallly is don't worry about the brand and model particularly. Price, Condition and running costs are more important.

Oh, the Polo sounds reasonable if it's got 12 months MOT and a bit of tax.

C_Mababejive

Mk 3 Golf or the polo sounds good. Check ebay for similar bargains.

ZootHornRollo

it has 9 months MOT remaining, 2 months tax.

My biggest concern with this one is that the current owner have only had it for 4 months citing only getting 25-30mpg from it driving in town all day and to be fair his advert in the local supermarket is also asking for swaps for a smaller engine car. (and 25-30 would be about right for the car for town driving, no?)

anewman

I'd expect slightly better than 25-30mpg depending on how it is driven. Could just need a new air filter and plugs.

harveybobbles

P reg golf tdi on ebay I have been watching is now over 500 notes.

Aspiring_Writer

anewman wrote: »

I'd expect slightly better than 25-30mpg depending on how it is driven. Could just need a new air filter and plugs.

I would agree, its only a Polo, should be doing 35 round town and 45 plus on the open road...good little cars, and the Golfs, you can't really go wrong with VAG cars.

In fact, just checked first post, its a 1600 engine, even with 100k miles that should be good for another 100 if serviced properly. Offer him 400?

ZootHornRollo

been back to see it again but decided to leave it.

Discovered an oil leak and a knock when going over speed bumps.

time to move on to the next one...

ZootHornRollo

next target....

1996 Mazda 323 LXi 1.5 with 101,000 on the clock.

Being a Mazda it should be fairly bullet proof if looked after previously but how bad are they for rust? How do they fair for parts availability and pricing?

Hammyman

Ford Mondeo MK1 or MK2. Should get 35-40MPG and there are plenty of tidy ones around. Nothing bad to watch out for. Service costs and parts are dirt cheap. 200,000 miles is realistic.

ZootHornRollo wrote:

Discovered an oil leak and a knock when going over speed bumps.

Its a £500 car. You're not going to get anything thats perfect. You're going to get one with knocks and leaks and/or some kind of rusting no matter what you go for. If you don't want knocks and leaks and rust, you need to look at £2000+ cars.

You need to be realistic. I don't think you'll find a car for the condition you want for £500.