Which car for £4000?

Fate

Hi there,

After my fiasco with the cheapo Golf (see earlier thread), I have decided it isn't worth repairing and will borrow about £4000 from a family member to get something a bit better!!

I have a dilemma! I would prefer something Japanese but would consider anything reliable. I would really like an MX5 but perhaps that isn't the most sensible idea. Here is what I've whittled it down to;

Ford Fiesta
Ford Ka
Mazda 2
Mazda MX5
VW Polo
Mitsubishi Colt
Seat Arosa
Vauxhall Corsa

I've test driven a Nissan Micra, I know it would be a very sensible choice, but my heart just wasn't in it.

Any opinions would be appreciated, thanks xxx

maniac886

Ford focus....should be able to get one with your budget?

Sorry didn't read it properly..I'd say either fiesta or polo then.

Get some insurance quotes as well...may sway your decision depending on the price!

Hemel_2

i'd go for a polo

rrockettman

You should be able to pick up a cracking little mk2 1.8 mx-5 for that money.
Not exactly money saving, but reliable and great fun!

Fate

rrockettman wrote: »

You should be able to pick up a cracking little mk2 1.8 mx-5 for that money.
Not exactly money saving, but reliable and great fun!

Well, if they're reliable then I would be saving money by not spending my life at the garage!!:rotfl:

epz_2

4k would get a pretty nice scoda octavia, 1million taxi drivers cant be wrong when it comes to reliability

boatman

Go for the MX5, just don't drive on motorways in the rain, lots of spray and your low driving position make visibility a bit limited.
One you have missed is the Skoda Fabia which is a great little car.

fatbelly

boatman wrote: »

One you have missed is the Skoda Fabia which is a great little car.

... especially if you go for the vrs version

(OK, you're going to struggle to get a vrs for under 4k - you'll have to settle for a TDi instead!)

Lord_Lardington

I’ve had some bad experiences with the Ford Ka. I’ve been let down TWICE whilst on holiday and my language skills at the time weren’t good enough to describe the problem to the hire company when I was stuck up a French mountain.

P.S. The French for “Clutch” is “Embrayage”.
P.P.S. The French for Radiator is “Radiateur”.

stumpjumper

Yip - go for the MX5.

Love mine - a '95 mk1 (the one with the pop up headlights), with 115,000 miles under its belt.

they are utterly bombproof mechanically, and i get about 34mpg. The boot is suprisingly spacous.

just check for rust bubbles on the bottom of the wing infront of the rear wheel and for any cracks in the roof.

the origonal vinyl roof can last 10years before needing replaced, and is quite cheap to be replaced when the time comes.

go on - step out the hatchback box and into something fun (you know you want to)

AdrianHi

Fate wrote: »

I would really like an MX5 but perhaps that isn't the most sensible idea.

Even with cars at £4000 in value depreciation is still worth thinking about, 50mpg is no good to you if the car sheds value twice as fast as a slightly thirstier car.
If a 2 seater car with a small boot provides enough space for you a circa £4000 Mazda MX5 will only loose around £500 to £600 in value per year and as an enthusiasts car you stand a good chance of finding used examples that have been well cared for during their life.
You are probably looking at a 1999 S reg. car for £4000, so you will need to look for a genuine not too high mileage example that has had proper care.
£4000 spent on a Corsa for example sees around £700 to £800 a year in depreciation, the car is better on fuel, younger and lower mileage.
The MX5 is not necessarily an unwise choice if you don't do too many miles where the lower fuel consumption won;t matter so much. If you do more miles, say over 8000 to 10000 a year the Corsa might be more sensible.