Yet another "What Car" thread

[Poodle]

100k on a half-decent diesel is like 30k on most things running petrol lol.

[Norledge]

100k on a half-decent diesel is like 30k on most things running petrol lol.

Maybe in 1902.

[RetroPug]

Agreed that diesels can go to higher miles, and I would buy a cheap diesel with high miles, but if I am stretching the budget (which I could) I don't want to then also get stuck with something unreliable. If I'm investing 2.25k for example, It has to then be low miles and nice enough to justify it. I'm not going to buy a very high miles example of a nice car over a great example of a less nice car.

Really don't want to spend loads (to me) on a car, then get stuck with a huge repair bill and be thinking if I pay it it's loads and I'll lose too much on the car if I move it on when not running.

In my mind I'd like to either:
1. Buy something for 0-1400ish that is ok, does the job, isn't shite, is really cheap to run and lasts a few years. If it does ever die the max I can ever lose is the purchase price - scrap value = quite a few hundred quid.
2. Spend a decent bit extra and get something that has a very good chance of not sticking me with a massive bill that is also fairly nice.

I am beginning to wonder whether or not I should just get a cheap derv 306 now and run it for a few years for next to nothing.
It is definitely a very economical choice.

Love the seats in this, but it's an XUD.
http://www.gumtree.com/p/peugeot/peugeot...1072865171

Not far from work.

[Toms306]

Don't get fooled into thinking high mileage = unreliable. Dependant on the previous owner, a car can be wrecked pretty quickly lol. I saw a 2008 50k Focus on Gumtree last week (same as mine, but 1.6 petrol) - was being sold for spares/repair as the engine had failed due to no oil in it, only one service in that time, damaged interior, many large exterior dents and scratches, mirror smashed, no MOT etc etc! Unfortunately its gone or I'd link it. But I was amazed how bad it was for the age and mileage lol.

Not sure you've got the right gumtree link there? LX 'bus seats' aren't exactly nice!? But on a serious note, ph2 estate will probably have no rear arch left.

I would buy as new as you can, but go for something with a few more miles, rather than something older and low mileage. Age causes rust, fatigues metal and perishes rubber much more than mileage does in my experience.

[RetroPug]

Thanks for your thoughts. Obviously I would be checking a car over! I don't want something that's been totally abused.

Those seats are bloody epic. Is that cheap sedan near you still for sale?

[RetroPug]

Under no circumstance buy a vauxhall with the 1.9 diesel. You will have problems. Not a matter of "if" it's when.

Are they really that unreliable? Found a lovely vectra with it but I don't want problems.

Is the 2.0L diesel ok?

Also, is this suspiciously cheap or am I imagining things?
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/a...?logcode=p

[ozonehostile]

406 coupe but try finding one :p

[Poodle]

Pfft get on norledge, find me a modern petrol that's done 400k on the current engine or runs better than new at 100k. :p

The 1.9cdti is ok as an engine, it's the same as the jtd/tid/ttid/multijet. Has a few common problems, but isn't particularly worse than any other mass-produced derv.

That Seat is rather cheap, suspicious lack of vag tax...

And seconded on lx seats being awesome.

[RetroPug]

Pfft get on norledge, find me a modern petrol that's done 400k on the current engine or runs better than new at 100k. :p

The 1.9cdti is ok as an engine, it's the same as the jtd/tid/ttid/multijet. Has a few common problems, but isn't particularly worse than any other mass-produced derv.

That Seat is rather cheap, suspicious lack of vag tax...

And seconded on lx seats being awesome.

Yeah...other examples seem to be 300 more for 30-50k more miles and same MOT etc.

Would be a steal if it was genuine.

406 coupe but try finding one :p

I have been trying!
If you happen upon another bargain/good one let me know.

[Toms306]

That Leon is pov spec with the crappy 90bhp engine! It's the equivalent of saying a 1.4 LX 306 is cheap over a HDi DTurbo.

[r3k1355]

That Seat is rather cheap, suspicious lack of vag tax...

Seat's are bottom of the pile in the VAG world so attract the least tax.
From my experience it's:

Audi
VW
Skoda
Seat

Obviously they own a bunch more companies, but those are the main ones people will be looking at, and the order of scene tax.

[RetroPug]

That Leon is pov spec with the crappy 90bhp engine! It's the equivalent of saying a 1.4 LX 306 is cheap over a HDi DTurbo.

Ok so that isn't alarmingly cheap and might be worth investing some time into investigating?

It will still be comfortable, get good MPG, it has aircon and should be reliable. Bargain at that price if genuine IMO. Don't need any toys CC is nice but not necessary.

[Toms306]

Yeah if spec and power don't bother you, you will get 'desirable' models cheaper.

Don't forget 90bhp in a heavy car will be fairly slow though, its bad enough in a 306. That said, remaps for them are cheap anyway.

[RetroPug]

It doesn't need to be fast. My entire commute is motorway, a roads and average speed checks. There is zero exciting drivings, apart from occasionally accelerating off of a roundabout, which I can live without for 50+mpg.

The Leon has disappeared. :/

Might have a look at this if it is still about next week:

http://www.gumtree.com/p/vauxhall/2003-5...1091299010

[Orta]

Under no circumstance buy a vauxhall with the 1.9 diesel. You will have problems. Not a matter of "if" it's when.

Are they really that unreliable? Found a lovely vectra with it but I don't want problems.

Is the 2.0L diesel ok?

Also, is this suspiciously cheap or am I imagining things?
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/a...?logcode=p

Yes the 1.9 IS that bad. Add to this that the rest of the car is shite as well. All vauxhall gearboxes from that era are made of cheese and will break. Your air con will stop working as well. Otherwise great cars

[RetroPug]

Any thoughts on this?

http://www.gumtree.com/p/vauxhall/2005-v...1094164971

Don't much want the hassle of pulling a doorcard off but it seems like a good deal assuming the seller checks out and it is HPI clear etc.

[Toms306]

'Life'? - You really don't like spec do you!

Looks like the sellers a lazy bugger and keeps the belt plugged in to save putting it on and avoid the annoying 'bing'. Also looks a bit tatty for its age. But I can't complain at that price for a 9 year old diesel.

Not heard of that door fault on Vauxhalls, if its anything like the Golf/Bora door module fault it can be a complete arse to get the door open as you cant get the door card off with the door closed. Best method is keep whacking the outside of the door hoping the contacts in the module touch again.

[RetroPug]

'Life'? - You really don't like spec do you!

Looks like the sellers a lazy bugger and keeps the belt plugged in to save putting it on and avoid the annoying 'bing'.  Also looks a bit tatty for its age.  But I can't complain at that price for a 9 year old diesel.

Not heard of that door fault on Vauxhalls, if its anything like the Golf/Bora door module fault it can be a complete arse to get the door open as you cant get the door card off with the door closed.  Best method is keep whacking the outside of the door hoping the contacts in the module touch again.

Hmm, yeah I'm really leaning towards buying something that won't need work doing right away. Barely have enough time for anything gti6 related as is.

I actually do rather like spec quite a lot, but then I'd have to pay for it! Maybe that is what I should do I suppose. The astra below would likely be a good workhorse and comfy, but absolute pov spec again haha.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/a...?logcode=p

[Toms306]

True, you do have to pay for spec...but well specced cars will still hold value time you come to sell. Plus spec is what makes a car, little touches that make it more comfortable or easier make a huge difference overall. I hate pov spec cars haha.

Have you actually looked at/test driven any cars yet? Are there any massive car supermarkets near that you could browse?

[RetroPug]

True, you do have to pay for spec...but well specced cars will still hold value time you come to sell.  Plus spec is what makes a car, little touches that make it more comfortable or easier make a huge difference overall.  I hate pov spec cars haha.

Have you actually looked at/test driven any cars yet?  Are there any massive car supermarkets near that you could browse?

No, things keep getting in the way/ I keep waiting for something better.

Ultimately a 900 quid astra or similar will sell for a few hundred pounds after a few years of motorway mile munching. I'd be worried about resale value if I spent more.

This seems like an ok deal:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/a...?logcode=p

Long MOT, good tyres, probably some servicing if I call and check.
More than I wanted to spend, but good MPGs and hopefully will last a long while.

I should really just bite the bullet and go bloody buy something.

[Orta]

The Mrs had one of these from 2 years old and it's still in the family at 9 years old and 120k. It's never ever ever broken down and besides consumables it's only ever needed a wishbone. Ace cars. My dad has it now and has taken back seats out to use as a van (for tip runs and otherwise hauling crap). It's treated like crap and hasn't had a proper service for years and still starts first time every time. Can't fault the car. I'd have it back off him in an instant!

[RetroPug]

Hmm that's good to hear. Considering spending a bit more and getting one then perhaps.

[RetroPug]

Liked the car on the test drive, something was dodgy about the seller and he had "lost" the history.
Keep looking I guess then.