Couple of bangers...tell me what you think

jase1

andygb wrote: »

I think it is fair to say that urban mythology and the "wise" words of "the bloke down the pub" have sealed the fate of many a car manufacturer.
Still, it does mean that people like us can pick up the odd bargain now and again.

You could say the same re the Kia.

There's nothing inherently wrong with the old 80s Mazda 121, which is all this car is.

This particular example may be rubbish, and they're getting a bit old now for a cheap car, but many a Pride has proven itself as a cheap, reliable hack.

pulliptears

I did own a Fiat, a Punto to be exact. It was a money pit. Cost me to sort all the electrics and then the headgasket blew at 39,000 miles. Put me off Fiat completely I'm afraid.

That said I hear many bad things about Renault yet have a 99 Clio happily plodding along with no real issues in the 5 years I've had it.

Have you considered VW? Polo's are popular for first cars as the insurance is quite reasonable, plus VW seem to be quite reliable.

barbiedoll

s_b wrote: »

barbiedoll i expected the sissy to be gone when you got your self there
at £500 you have to be up early to catch a true in the way bargain
30 years ago i used to be outside the printers to get a copy of autiotrader as it came off the press to find the ultimate bargain

nothing changes really

Yes, you're absolutely right, I'm a bit annoyed with myself, the car was only a couple of miles away from me too, I should have moved a bit quicker on that one.
I've now got email alerts from Autotrader!

Stigy

andygb wrote: »

The only thing that I will say about the Fiat, if it does not have a temperature gauge (just an orange light which comes on when you have boiled the engine:eek:) then leave it alone.

I had an Alfa that was utterly reliable too, in fact, I still see it knocking about today and have spied it on Ebay a few times, which at least suggests it's not scrap metal justr yet, lol!

The light for the temperature, although not ideal, should warn when the engine gets towards the top end of the scale as far as safe operation goes, but no so much so that you've cooked it and blown the Head Gasket....As long as you stop as soon as the red light comes on of cause!....

barbiedoll

What about a Ka? I know they have rust problems but I've just found this on ebay......

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2001-FORD-KA-NOW-RED-/200745550082?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2ebd5e0102

She's made a mistake in the "Item specifics"...stating that the MOT is Feb 2012, but she says in the description that it has a new MOT!

Worth a punt?

And would a worn cambelt show up on a MOT inspection?

(sorry for all the questions, but don't want to miss out on a potential bargain!!)

barbiedoll

And 5 previous owners :eek:

They could all be getting rid of it after 2 years...why why?

Stigy

barbiedoll wrote: »

What about a Ka? I know they have rust problems but I've just found this on ebay......

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2001-FORD-KA-NOW-RED-/200745550082?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2ebd5e0102

She's made a mistake in the "Item specifics"...stating that the MOT is Feb 2012, but she says in the description that it has a new MOT!

Worth a punt?

And would a worn cambelt show up on a MOT inspection?

(sorry for all the questions, but don't want to miss out on a potential bargain!!)

Cambelt wouldn't show up as they are pretty much invisible until they snap, if you know what I mean. Plus side with the Ka though, is that it doesn't have a cambelt. I like the old Kas, and they're bullet proof apart from the rust issues you mentioned. Not the most ecconomical of engines, plus the archaic 1.3-litre engine in all Kas up to about late 2003 early 2004 dated back to the 50s, fundamentally! 2003/4 until the new shap models were still 8-valve models, but Overhead Cam as opposed to Overhead valve lumps...In laymans terms, less rattly and slightly more modern and more ecconomical! The latter OHC models do have chains that require changing only if they begin to rattle, but not as a routine.

A thing to remember with the MoT test is that they are not allowed to remove items fixed to the vehicle for inspection, hence wear in timing belts wouldn't show up!

s_b

barbiedoll wrote: »

And 5 previous owners :eek:

They could all be getting rid of it after 2 years...why why?

they are a one year car at this age so people run them for a year and move on to better cars so 5 owners is spot on

its in death red with unpainted bumpers so will be poverty spec inside with keep fit windows and probably no central locking
this makes it unwanted for most people and as seen by the for sale adverts in the car its in the sellers way and she hasnt got a clue how to market it properly

its a very good goer in my opinion just make sure if you buy it that the power steering isnt leaking from the rack (look down the back of the engine)

andygb

Here we go, an ideal little car for well under £500

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201216464501376/sort/default/usedcars/price-to/500/make/daewoo/postcode/me21dp/page/1/radius/1501?logcode=p

I know a few people who have run Daewoos and they don't have any complaints.

s_b

andygb wrote: »

Here we go, an ideal little car for well under £500

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201216464501376/sort/default/usedcars/price-to/500/make/daewoo/postcode/me21dp/page/1/radius/1501?logcode=p

I know a few people who have run Daewoos and they don't have any complaints.

very nice
they have a lousy uneconomical engine thats based on an even worse ecotec vauxhall design and look at the road tax

Vehicle Excise Duty rate for vehicle
6 Months Rate £121.00
12 Months Rate £220.00

this car is for people who dont do their homework

buy at speed
repent at leisure

dont go there OP