New car time

[Sancho]

Yes! It's a 'what car shall I get' thread.

Basically, I have just started working in Kent and need something comfortable and reliable to drive down there daily. I have been and looked at a few cars, but most of them been dogs, so I though I'd throw this one out to the crowd. I think my expectations are tough but realistic, but please let me know if I'm wrong.

What I'm looking for is essentially:

Cheap
Reliable
Comfortable

It must:

Be less than £1,500
Have full and up-to-date service history, including cambelt changes at the correct intervals
Have less than 120,000 miles
Have at least 6 months MOT
Have tyres in good condition
Do 30mpg at worst
Be a 1.8 at least
Be Focus sized or bigger
Have air conditioning
Have a stereo
Have a light-coloured interior
Be in full working order, including electrics

Things that I would like but don't need:

Cream leather interior
Main dealer history
Less than 80,000 miles
Diesel
Auto
Dark colour paint

Things that I don't care about:

Minor scratches and dents (as long as there's no rust)
Image
Top speed
Practicality

Makes that I wouldn't buy:

Fiat
Alfa Romeo
Renault
Citroen(except Xsara Picasso)
BMW
Mercedes
Vauxhall
Rover (other than 600)

Cars that I think would fit the bill:

Ford Mondeo
Ford Cougar
Saab 9-3
Saab 9-5
VW Bora
Skoda Octavia
Audi A4
Audi A6
Volvo S40
Volvo V40
Volvo S60
Subaru Legacy
Hyundai Coupe
Mazda 6
Lexus IS200
Rover 620
Honda Accord
Peugeot 406
MGF / TF (with the upgraded HG)
Mazda MX5 (I know the engine's too small going by my rules)
Ford Streetka (Yes, it's for girls, and the engine's too small)

Any thoughts on what I might have missed? Anyone got one of these cars they want to sell me?

[MWS]

Mrs MWS had a 406. The build quality was pretty poor. .

[Sancho]

Mrs MWS had a 406. The build quality was pretty poor. .

Do you mean it had mechanical / electrical problems or just that the trim was squeeky and the shut lines were enormous? I don't really mind it being crap as long as it can get me down the motorway reliably and in more comfort than a 15 year old 1 litre Micra or a 21 year old brick that struggles to hit 60 on hills.

[MWS]

Do you mean it had mechanical / electrical problems or just that the trim was squeeky and the shut lines were enormous? I don't really mind it being crap as long as it can get me down the motorway reliably and in more comfort than a 15 year old 1 litre Micra or a 21 year old brick that struggles to hit 60 on hills.

Hey Sanch. It was a 1.8 petrol. The engine and gearbox gave no problems ( even though the BE3, and BE4 boxes are prone to bearing wear, and 3rd gear sychro hub problems ). The main thing was the squeaks and rattles, bits of trim, etc coming loose, and a generally poor quality feel. ( her previous car had been a rather excellent Corolla ). Just a thought. Is there any reason that you haven't put an Avensis on your list ?

Something like this.....

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...1500?logcode=p

[Sancho]

Hey Sanch. It was a 1.8 petrol. The engine and gearbox gave no problems ( even though the BE3, and BE4 boxes are prone to bearing wear, and 3rd gear sychro hub problems ). The main thing was the squeaks and rattles, bits of trim, etc coming loose, and a generally poor quality feel. ( her previous car had been a rather excellent Corolla ). Just a thought. Is there any reason that you haven't put an Avensis on your list ?

Something like this.....

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...1500?logcode=p

OK, thanks. The only reason for no Avensis is that the earlier ones (and the Carina? before that) are primarily used as cabs round these parts so there are a million knackered ones. Of course, no-one's ever used an Octavia or Mondeo as a cab....

I shall have a look.

[slobodan]

I came over to the UK for a couple of months stint of work.

I bought a 99 VW Bora diesel. 500 quid, 6 months tax and MOT. 1 woman owned from new. A/C works, all electrics work.

I have never had a VW before.

###### thing does easy 55mpg, if I drive slow it'll do over 60!!!

15000 miles and nothing has gone wrong with it.

I would look at a Golf or Passat, maybe a 2003 for the money you want to spend.

[meooo]

Honda? this one looks good

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2002-HONDA...item2a30583c58

[MYLUX]

I'd vote for the IS200, been using one as a daily for the past year and I can't fault it in ANY way.
Keep in mind both the Saabs are Vauxhalls
Mondeo diesels can be problematic
VW Bora and A4 very effective for your needs
Watch for Mazda diesels with DPF issues
Just an idea, early one owner low miles Primera (pre Renault involvment), you can beat it to death every day and it will not die and will cost less than a grand.
HTH

[Sancho]

Honda? this one looks good

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2002-HONDA...item2a30583c58

Thanks. Smells like an import to me? Maybe a little lightweight too.

Maybe just the beige. Interesting..

[Sancho]

I'd vote for the IS200, been using one as a daily for the past year and I can't fault it in ANY way.
Keep in mind both the Saabs are Vauxhalls
Mondeo diesels can be problematic
VW Bora and A4 very effective for your needs
Watch for Mazda diesels with DPF issues
Just an idea, early one owner low miles Primera (pre Renault involvment), you can beat it to death every day and it will not die and will cost less than a grand.
HTH

Good stuff, thanks. I had thought about Primeras. My Micra is on 120,000 miles, gets brutalised every time I get in it and just keeps coming back for more.

The only problem with Primeras is finding one that hasn't been beaten up.

[MWS]

OK, thanks. The only reason for no Avensis is that the earlier ones (and the Carina? before that) are primarily used as cabs round these parts so there are a million knackered ones. Of course, no-one's ever used an Octavia or Mondeo as a cab....

I shall have a look.

Think about it. They're popular for use as cabs, because they're extremely well built, and ultra reliable. .