Looking for a cheap to run older car

interstellaflyer

My 61 plate MK3 Megane Estate has let me down big time, dodgy Key Card and a problem with the pre-coding in the control module, I'm into £600 by the time I get it fixed, that includes new keys and vehicle recovery costs, yeah serves me right for buying a heap of c**p Renault. Anyways, once fixed it's going and I really want something that's cheap to run, easy to fix and has a decent reliability record, I do between 30 and 50 miles 6 days a week as a commute on top of leisure milage, I need a car around the same size as the Megane estate due to leisure activities on top of that something comfortable and well equipped, looking to spend 2-3 grand but really depends on what I get for the Megane.

consumers_revenge

focus?
.........

interstellaflyer

consumers_revenge wrote: »

focus?
.........

Was thinking that, anything to watch out for ie common faults? Best engine, not bothered about diesel?

System

Not really any known problems with the Focus. Avoid the 1.4 so its 1.6 petrol or 1.8 TDCi or if looking at newer consider the Ecoboost.

interstellaflyer

Tarambor wrote: »

Not really any known problems with the Focus. Avoid the 1.4 so its 1.6 petrol or 1.8 TDCi or if looking at newer consider the Ecoboost.

Not going to get an ecoboost for 2-3 grand

daveyjp

Search out an Auris or Avensis petrol.

worried_jim

Honda Civic will meet all your needs good ones from £800 upwards.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201703073013557?sort=sponsored&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&transmission=Automatic&model=CIVIC&postcode=bn424sn&radius=30&advertising-location=at_cars&make=HONDA&page=1

motorguy

interstellaflyer wrote: »

My 61 plate MK3 Megane Estate has let me down big time, dodgy Key Card and a problem with the pre-coding in the control module, I'm into £600 by the time I get it fixed, that includes new keys and vehicle recovery costs, yeah serves me right for buying a heap of c**p Renault. Anyways, once fixed it's going and I really want something that's cheap to run, easy to fix and has a decent reliability record, I do between 30 and 50 miles 6 days a week as a commute on top of leisure milage, I need a car around the same size as the Megane estate due to leisure activities on top of that something comfortable and well equipped, looking to spend 2-3 grand but really depends on what I get for the Megane.

Check the renault forums RE: the pre-coding issue in case anyone has any advice / cheaper options.

RE: your key card, if its the buttons theres loads of people on ebay who will open it, replace the buttons and reseal for a few £.

motorguy

interstellaflyer wrote: »

My 61 plate MK3 Megane Estate has let me down big time, dodgy Key Card and a problem with the pre-coding in the control module, I'm into £600 by the time I get it fixed, that includes new keys and vehicle recovery costs, yeah serves me right for buying a heap of c**p Renault. Anyways, once fixed it's going and I really want something that's cheap to run, easy to fix and has a decent reliability record, I do between 30 and 50 miles 6 days a week as a commute on top of leisure milage, I need a car around the same size as the Megane estate due to leisure activities on top of that something comfortable and well equipped, looking to spend 2-3 grand but really depends on what I get for the Megane.

Any 1.9TDI VAG car with a FSH and a good history of maintenance.

Skodas tend to be less abused, so probably an Octavia for best VFM.

I'd probably personally run with a Passat or Golf though.

Try to buy privately otherwise for your £3K you'll be buying a £2,000 car with a dealers £1,000 profit margin

motorguy

Tarambor wrote: »

Not really any known problems with the Focus. Avoid the 1.4 so its 1.6 petrol or 1.8 TDCi or if looking at newer consider the Ecoboost.

Avoid the 1.6 TDCI like the plague, especially at that price point.

motorguy

worried_jim wrote: »

Honda Civic will meet all your needs good ones from £800 upwards.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201703073013557?sort=sponsored&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&transmission=Automatic&model=CIVIC&postcode=bn424sn&radius=30&advertising-location=at_cars&make=HONDA&page=1

The O/P seems to be doing approx 15,000 to 20,000 a year.

I think thats well in to diesel territory.

Assuming 33mpg out of that petrol Civic auto you linked to, and 18K PA, you'd be pumping £250 a month of fuel in to it.