Car for £1.5k or less

Johnny_Barnes10

Thanks for the replies, I was put off Rovers due to the reasons above but will look into the Volvos as I like the look of them. Insurance will be the deciding factor though, with an engine of those sizes I'll not hold my breath for a decent quote!

worried_jim

I think the Rover diesel engine was a Peugoet lump and fairly reliable- but it's still a Rover, go with the Volvo with all the toys.

Johnny_Barnes10

Not chance of the Volvo S60, insurance coming out at £1750 compared to £1100 for a Seat Leon, £1200 Ford Focus/Mondeo for example.

lindopski_2

I drive a Rover 420 SDI (2ltr diesel)
It was a catD write off and cost me £350 - 3 years ago, its falling to bits due to neglect but has only ever cost me for tyres,exhaust and brakes.
It does about 50 odd to the gallon and is very comfy to drive - the turning circle is naff and it sounds like an old Van - but it has done 150k without even thinking about it, loves a motorway and mine even has air-con.
the heater is roasting but as usual the first two settings dont work only 3 or 4 do - the same as my brothers petrol R-reg 416 Rover lol.
It even runs on bio-diesel or veg oil if you like - one of the best diesel engines I have ever had.

Id have a 45 tomorrow.

Weird_Nev

I'd be looking at Volvo S40's too, or even S60's. The D5's go cheap, so long as they're not estates.
My parent have run a 1.9 tdi S40, and whilst it's dull as anything it gets 55mpg and has never given any problems in 5 or 6 years.
The bigger volvo saloons are very well appointed.
Rover 45's and 75's also go cheap but aren't bad cars. Beware insurance costs though ,and parts are harder to find but not impossible.
Mondeos are a good shout but buy with care - cars with injector problems and dual mass flywheel failures abound and are expensive to put right.
Some of the Alfa Romeo saloons are also nice places to be and good value for money, but do model specific research .some are very strong cars, others are riddled with faults and electrical gremlins. Avoid cars with 'semi-auto' gearboxes too, nothing but trouble.
Have a look on auto-trader. Put in your criteria but leave the make and model blank and see if that turns up anything interesting, you might be pleasantly surprised.

Johnny_Barnes10

Surprised the Rover 45 quote comes out only slightly less than a S40. Will do that search later on, I look up the cars I like on What Car and Honest John. Any other decent sites to look at?

Tilt

Here's a thought;

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201143424323068/sort/priceasc/usedcars/price-to/2000/maximum-age/up_to_10_years_old/make/fiat/page/4/postcode/wv14qq/radius/20?logcode=p

I can most certainly recommend Fiat... i've owned over 20 since 1978!

Tilt

Sorry, just noted you prefer 4/5 doors. What about this one then. If the mileage is genuine, its wort a look!

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201144425759226/sort/priceasc/usedcars/price-to/2000/quantity-of-doors/5/maximum-age/up_to_10_years_old/make/fiat/page/4/postcode/wv14qq/radius/20?logcode=p

the_big_fact_hunt

in May i bought a W reg Mondeo, (older type) diesel with mot until Jan 2012 and almost 3 months tax for £450,its in really good condition, very clean and tidy, cost me about £40 to service it, and its really pleasant to drive

Johnny_Barnes10

Tilt wrote: »

Here's a thought;

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201143424323068/sort/priceasc/usedcars/price-to/2000/maximum-age/up_to_10_years_old/make/fiat/page/4/postcode/wv14qq/radius/20?logcode=p

I can most certainly recommend Fiat... i've owned over 20 since 1978!

See with that I'd prefer the 3 door as looks better. But due to my experience with my Bravo Fiats are off the the list. Thanks all the same though.