Need new car for commute. Whats The Best Way To Go?

IAN_moone

Hi guys

So 2 months ago my little 1.1 saxo died, head gasket went spectaculary (sounded like popcorn under the bonnet). id already plowed about 1k into repairs for this car in the previous 4 months, so it went to scrapyard heaven.

i purchased a 1.4 rover 25 (mistake i know), now the head gasket is going in this car (theres water in the oil, drinking water like nobody's business).

so i have lost just about all my savings in the past 6 months on repairs on the saxo and buying a rover that only lasted 2 months

im still driving the rover currently, although i want a new car in the next week or so as breaking down on the motorway and not making it to work isnt really an option for me.

i do about 40 - 50 miles a day, 5 days a week just to get to work and back, then you have all the usual little things on top of that.

ive managed to find about a grand to spend on my next car, however if this car blows up in a month or 2 i will probably have to quit my job and say i cant afford the commute.

what do you guys recon the best "sort" of car is for me to get when you factor in insurance, initial cost, fuel, repairs etc.

i was looking at diesels but the 2nd hand cars are so expensive. so im thinking perhaps a jap petrol?

i crashed my bmw 318 about 2 years ago and claimed and im only 21 so insurance is a major factor. id say 60% of the miles i do are @ 90mph on the motorway (id prefer not to have a debate on the pitfalls of speeding if you dont mind)

so anyone got any ideas? i just need a car that isn't likely to breakdown more than anything. so far im thinking something like a civic, Masada 323 that sort of thing.

Thanks

scheming_gypsy

Something Japanese would be my choice. The most reliable cars i've had have been Gen 6 Celicas, I've had two and the only 'engine' type issues i had was a corroded HT lead.

blacksta

I have had a S reg ford KA for the last 3 years 1.3 - Manual - My average commute is about 100 miles round trip daily - This is my third Ford - No problems at all - I had rover - Head Gasket issue as well?

Chimpofdoom

scheming_gypsy wrote: »

Something Japanese would be my choice. The most reliable cars i've had have been Gen 6 Celicas, I've had two and the only 'engine' type issues i had was a corroded HT lead.

Japanese is the way to go...

My girlfriends 11 year old Honda Civic is built like a tank..

Honda/Toyota/Mazda.. if you can find one thats been looked after then your onto a winner!

IAN_moone

ok thanks for the replies.

how do the jap cars take the mileage? because i think i would be lucky to get any at <100k miles. ideally i could do with picking up a car for like £600 or so so ive got a bit in the kitty for emergencys

so do you guys agree that diesel is probably not the most cost effective route in my situation?

poppasmurf_bewdley

Any Ford or Vauxhall should be ok, as should most Jap cars. I'm currently running a Mondeo, and my kids have my old car, a W Astra with 105k. Both cars are ultra-reliable. Previously they had a P Corsa which was fine. Before that they had an old Skoda which was lots of trouble.

scheming_gypsy

IAN_moone wrote: »

ok thanks for the replies.

how do the jap cars take the mileage? because i think i would be lucky to get any at <100k miles. ideally i could do with picking up a car for like £600 or so so ive got a bit in the kitty for emergencys

i picked up a '93 plate MR2 with 90k for £500 and last year i sold a '92 plate with 65k on the clock for £650. Toyota engines are bullet proof if looked after; there's somebody on the MR2 forum's who on about 230k

As long as it's been looked after, service history, receipts and details of cam belt changes then they'll probably get to about 300k if not abused... Same with volvo's as well, and you can pick them up cheap.

rodenal

You could spend £200 and just get the head gasket sorted and replaced with the revised gasket.

Even if it does fail again it won't be for a good while, whereas if you flog the 25 and try to buy something else you'll just be throwing money down the drain.

*IF* you decide to definately get something else then I agree a jap car is a good start. Be aware though that parts for any japanese car are silly money when compared to a european motor.

Case in point - 2 front wishbones for my mk3 mr2 £400 - 2 front wishbones for my e36 £180.00. Parts only, labour would be much the same on either it's the same job really.

Caliper for the MR2 - in the region of £140
Caliper for the BMW - in the region of £60

IAN_moone

rodenal wrote: »

You could spend £200 and just get the head gasket sorted and replaced with the revised gasket.

Even if it does fail again it won't be for a good while, whereas if you flog the 25 and try to buy something else you'll just be throwing money down the drain.

*IF* you decide to definately get something else then I agree a jap car is a good start. Be aware though that parts for any japanese car are silly money when compared to a european motor.

Case in point - 2 front wishbones for my mk3 mr2 £400 - 2 front wishbones for my e36 £180.00. Parts only, labour would be much the same on either it's the same job really.

Caliper for the MR2 - in the region of £140
Caliper for the BMW - in the region of £60

I paid £500 for the car. I've not been able to get a quote for less than £500 for the repair. even if i just scrap the car for £100 its still probably the way to go.

rodenal

Where are you based? HG on a rover is an easy job for any mechanic. You could probably do it yourself if you have a bit of mechanical knowledge - £500 is silly money.

IAN_moone

rodenal wrote: »

Where are you based? HG on a rover is an easy job for any mechanic. You could probably do it yourself if you have a bit of mechanical knowledge - £500 is silly money.

down bristol sort of way.