low cost, reliable car - advice please

jamiec84

Hi All

I'm looking to spend up to about £1,500 on a used motor, looking for something reliable and decent to drive on long journey and reasonably economical.

Basically, my situation is that I've taken up a new job contracting (3 months, but possible more), about 175miles from home. Which means I'll need to travel and stay mon-fri and back at weekends. I've looked at the numbers, and if I can get a car in the above price range, it will work out a similar cost to train and taxi fares over the course of my contract, but will be much more convenient for a number of reasons.

I've had a scan around e-bay and auto trader and there's a few german diesels in my price range, with around 100 to 150k on the clock, FSH and look like they're looked after from the photos. I've no idea if something like this is a huge risk though and is likely to break down in a month!

I'm not really sure if what I'm looking for is realistic, I've never bought a car in this price range (or any really), so hoping people can help. My thinking is that I will only need it for 3-6 months, so if I can get something around that price, I can sell it on again at the end of my contract, if I don't need it, and get the majority of my money back.

What do you guys think? Am I mad or is this a realistic plan?

lee111s

VW/Audi/Seat diesel.

I bought a 52 plate golf gt tdi last year with 106k on the clock for £2000. Never missed a beat and returns 45mpg avergae.

LandyAndy

lee111s wrote: »

VW/Audi/Seat diesel.

I bought a 52 plate golf gt tdi last year with 106k on the clock for £2000. Never missed a beat and returns 45mpg avergae.

Blimey that's miserable mpg. I had a 53plate GTi 150 diesel and it never dropped below 55mpg.

clayton16749

If the car is only to be kept for a few months, I think I'd find getting the train easier.


Buying a car can be a risk, especially an old car with a lot of miles. If you do decide to get one take someone with you who knows a bit about mechanics - might help you avoid any nasty and expensive surprises.

Furts

It is probable everyone would laugh at this one...a Nissan Almera with the standard 1500 petrol engine.

They are not cool, but they are cheap, they are reliable, the insurance is very reasonable and they go on forever. There are many around with low mileage and careful elderly owners. I found one a year ago for my niece as a first time car - it has not broken down, it is cheaper to insure than a Fiesta or Micra, and it is strong and scores well for crash resistance. So I have peace of mind should she be in an accident - which she has not been!

SunReader

Old Rover 620 with Honda motor; smart, comfortable, cheap as chips and boringly reliable. Getting a bit old now so try and find a good one.

What you lose in mpg you will gain in low running costs and cheap parts. Basically a Honda accord in Rover body.

James May described it "as British as a jap tourist in london wearing a bowler hat"

ben_m_g

I'm looking for an even cheaper car, for a 100 mile round commute, mostly I've been looking a small diesels around 100k with full service history.

Prices seem to be around the £650 mark, and as long as you really don't care what you get, there is a wealth of cars to choose from.

I saw a 106 1.5 diesel the other day, cam belt and full SH, banged and dented on the outside, dodgy aftermarket cd player. 107k miles.
If looked after could run for another 80k without too much issue.

Didn't buy it, as the guy was not only late straight off the bat, but was clearly lying about small details.

OddballJamie

ben_m_g wrote: »

I'm looking for an even cheaper car, for a 100 mile round commute, mostly I've been looking a small diesels around 100k with full service history.

Prices seem to be around the £650 mark, and as long as you really don't care what you get, there is a wealth of cars to choose from.

I saw a 106 1.5 diesel the other day, cam belt and full SH, banged and dented on the outside, dodgy aftermarket cd player. 107k miles.
If looked after could run for another 80k without too much issue.

Didn't buy it, as the guy was not only late straight off the bat, but was clearly lying about small details.

I learnt to drive in a 106 diesel, ideally suited for driving lessons as everything happens in slow motion.

Idiophreak

jamiec84 wrote: »

I'm looking to spend up to about £1,500 on a used motor, looking for something reliable and decent to drive on long journey and reasonably economical.

Basically, my situation is that I've taken up a new job contracting (3 months, but possible more), about 175miles from home. Which means I'll need to travel and stay mon-fri and back at weekends. I've looked at the numbers, and if I can get a car in the above price range, it will work out a similar cost to train and taxi fares over the course of my contract, but will be much more convenient for a number of reasons.

tbh, if you need it for 3 months, you might be better off hiring a car...I imagine you'd be looking at £250/month, something like that for hiring the thing...could get something new, economical, under warranty...Kinda removed the risk of buying a lemon and saves you the hassle of selling afterwards if you don't want to keep the car.

Just food for thought.

ben_m_g

OddballJamie wrote: »

I learnt to drive in a 106 diesel, ideally suited for driving lessons as everything happens in slow motion.

I took it for a test drive I know exactly what you mean.

Shame really, I have had a 106 in the past, not bad cars, simple and nothing fancy.
It would have been a great first car for the wife.

But I tend to trust my gut, if I don't trust the seller, I don't buy.

jaydeeuk1

Daihatsu sirion with the 1.33 toyota engine - chain driven and reliable, or something like a daewoo/chevvy lacetti in 1.6 or preferably 1.8 guise. Sure the gear stick feels like a stick in a bucket but they're pretty reliable still and parts are cheap, plus they're ok comfort wise. Otherwise something like a kia magentis, plasticky, not that great on fuel but will be great on motorways as very comfortable and after 3 months you'll probably be able to sell for near what you paid.

I'd never want a modern diesel out of warranty