Most reliable car.

Inactive

jazzy wrote: »

old Hondas are the best!

Agreed...;) :T

big_gay_kirk

anewman wrote: »

Condition and service history are more important than mileage IMO. But still make is important when it comes to spare parts costs - and proneness to problems. For example, DO NOT BUY A LADA :rotfl: it will rot a horrible death and break down every five minutes. Ok I exaggerate, but they're probably not the best cars about. I'd be surprised if you can still get good second hand one of anything but a Niva in roadworthy condition anymore.

I disagree wholeheartedly.. my e reg Riva estate (the 1500cc version) was about the most reliable car I ever had... only problem I had in six years was the fuel filter clogging.. once.. and as it was a simple in line unit, it was easy to fix at the roadside... there was no sign of rot (and it was ten years old when I bought it...) it started first turn every morning, even in sub zero temperatures, had solid suspension, returned 40mpg on a trip (not bad for a car weighing nearly 1.5 tonnes with a 1960s chaoin drive engine) had the most fantastic heater I've ever known (-7 to 30 degrees in about 100 yards...) passed its MOT first time evry year, had lower emissions than most 3 year old cars according to my MOT man, would rev to over 9000 rpm without damaging the engine (they were made to do up to 60mph in 2nd...) and would carry nearly a tonne of weight.. that's a greater payload than a transit 80... they were built for Russian conditions, so Britain was a cake walk.... true, there were a few rough examples around, but that was mainly due to the owners not doing basic maintenance.. remember the Riva was a 1960s car, even the ones built in the 80s... the later belt drive engine wityh the little computer and eec required emission management system did leave a little to be desired, true... and if you got a flat battery on the chain engines, you could crank start them.... the only thing to check is if the car was ever owned by the KGB.. they were better maintained, but they didn't always take youi where you wanted to go.....

big_gay_kirk

anewman wrote: »

Can't help but notice some Chevrolet branding there. Wonder if they're going to bring Ladas to the UK under the Chevrolet branding. I don't think they could ever get away with the Lada branding here.

there have long been plans to sell Ladas here.. under the VAZ name at one point.. technically speaking Ladas are on sale here.. the Vauxhall Corsa was (IIARI) first sold as the Lada Kalina...

Since GAZ took over LDV they have also been planning to sell cars and SUVs, notably the Ataman (same size and spec as a BMW X5 but they were going to be selling them at around 20 grand..) and the new Volga (big saloon and estate.... ) in this country... and Tatra also have plans to start selling trucks....

ZootHornRollo

jap cars are more reliable but they sorta make up for the fewer breakdowns by costing twice as much to fix when they do breakdown.

i've had a honda, a mitsubishi and a toyota and all have cost me big time for parts. even silly little things cost a lot. many parts are only available from the dealer.

they are reliable, but not cheaper to run.

hewhoisnotintheknow

ZootHornRollo wrote: »

jap cars are more reliable but they sorta make up for the fewer breakdowns by costing twice as much to fix when they do breakdown.

i've had a honda, a mitsubishi and a toyota and all have cost me big time for parts. even silly little things cost a lot. many parts are only available from the dealer.

they are reliable, but not cheaper to run.

This is exaclty it

My little saxo was the base model and cost 3k less than the cheapest german variant at the time, i still had no problems what so ever, but if i did i would keep in mind that it was a cheaper car.

That said im still sure you get good and bad examples of each car, but a lot can be said for looking under the bonnet twice and week and visually checking all the important parts

RichardC28

I've had dealings with Paul Bowden at JapAutoagent, he is a pretty sound guy, so if you fancy a flutter with Japanese imports, then he's your guy.

Tiddlywinks

Dare I suggest an old Volvo? The old 240s were pretty much bomb proof and the last of the great Volvos - they now go for affordable prices and a lot still have service history with them. 740s are also well thought of in the owners club as well.

If you go onto the owners club website then you will see some sales ads - the club also has really knowledgable members who are happy to help with problems and diagnostics.

The 440 hatchback was one of my favourite cars even though it looks a bit dated now and the S40 / V40 oldies are also great - my old T reg V40 had no problems in the 4 years I had it.

Old 960s were great as well but are a bit thirsty - also, loads of fun at the lights.

I know, I'm a Volvo groupie !

Tiddly

waynedance

Conor wrote: »

MK1 or 2 Mondeos as well.

here here.

had my mk2 mondeo for 6 1/2 years. cost me a about £380 in repairs in that time and i keep it mint oh and done 70k since buying.

That good my misses has one, best car i ever had and will keep forever.

sophocha

Honda Concerto 1994 (500 pounds) 16-16 SE model ( LEATHER ALL AROUND including wheel, abs, central locking, electric/heated mirrors) with the D16A9 engine.130 hp, 0-60 in 8.8 sec , economical (insurance around 300 a year) and never breaks!