View Full Version : Car?
Righto chaps, I've been out and about kicking tyres today looking to change my car (a 2003 ford focus 1.6l lx). I've seen a few things I liked but i'm open to suggestions.
Criteria are as follows:
£4-£5k max budget i can scrape together at the moment.
Diesel (up to 2L)
Comfortable (I'm a big chap of apprx 6'2" and 16 stone. A mini or wee mazda RX wont do)
Plenty of load space (I play in a band and often transport a mid sized bass combo and a few guitars around)
Lower Mileage the better (less than 80k)
I'm not a speed demon and prefer to get there in comfort rather than in a hurry.
A half decent stereo would be nice, CD player a must
Lets have your suggestions? So far I've seen Jaguar X-Type, BMW 3 Series, more Mondeos and Vectras than you can shake a stick at. The surprise of the bunch for me was a Volvo S40 2L Diesel with 70k miles on and was quite nice to drive. Seemed to meet most of the above criteria.
Cheers
Audio Al
14-01-2013, 08:58
Volvo V50 estate 1.6 or 2ltr 6 speed manual , up to 60 mpg and the later ones are £30 a year road tax ;)
Dominic Harper
14-01-2013, 09:04
BMW 5 Series touring. Job done
walpurgis
14-01-2013, 11:14
Golf or Passat diesel estate. Roomy, good on juice and reliable. They tend to hold their value better than others too.
Cheers lads, looking at all these options. The volvos seem to come up with the lowest miles generally. Do like the 5 series and passats but many have been reps cars and have around 100k miles on em. Is that so much of an issue with these sorts I wonder?
BMW 5 Series touring. Job done
BMWs are for weenie-boy ferret-fanciers. Mercs rool ok, ya bass! :D
Marco.
walpurgis
14-01-2013, 22:49
Cheers lads, looking at all these options. The volvos seem to come up with the lowest miles generally. Do like the 5 series and passats but many have been reps cars and have around 100k miles on em. Is that so much of an issue with these sorts I wonder?
You will probably get 250,000 miles out of a decent modern diesel. The engines and gearboxes tend to be bulletproof these days, it's the other bits that start showing age, suspension, steering, electric windows & sunroofs, instruments, etc. Anything from a good make with 100,000 miles on should be fine, just make sure it's been maintained properly.
BMWs are for weenie-boy ferret-fanciers. Mercs rool ok, ya bass! :D
Marco.
They do indeed and I looked at a some C class - the insurance put me off as I could afford a whole new pair of speakers for the difference.
You will probably get 250,000 miles out of a decent modern diesel. The engines and gearboxes tend to be bulletproof these days, it's the other bits that start showing age, suspension, steering, electric windows & sunroofs, instruments, etc. Anything from a good make with 100,000 miles on should be fine, just make sure it's been maintained properly.
Volvo S50 big estate jobbie in my sights now, the one i'm looking at has 100k on it but its in nice condition... now for the haggling!
They do indeed and I looked at a some C class - the insurance put me off as I could afford a whole new pair of speakers for the difference.
Well, the Merc C320 CDI Avantgarde SE estate (as shown in my avatar), group 17 insurance, is just a shade over £400 a year to insure, fully comp - I didn't think that was too bad! How much were you being quoted for other C-Class Mercs?
Volvo S50 big estate jobbie in my sights now...
Don't forget the driving gloves and flat cap (Russian 'Cossack' hat in the winter), old chap, or you'll let the rest of the Volvo drivers down! :eyebrows: ;)
Marco.
hifi_dave
17-01-2013, 10:20
When I used to regularly carry a lot of equipment around in huge boxes I owned 7 (IIRC) Volvo estates and they were equal disaster with the 2 Range Rovers I had.
Sure, you can put a lot into a Volvo estate but the reliability and cost of repairs was shocking. You could never get in and turn the key without saying a little prayer first.
Even when working - joy of joys - if the road was damp or, heaven forbid, icey, the road holding was dire. Cornering or a roundabout at more than a crawl and the back end became the front. A touch better when fully loaded but terrible just the same.
I wouldn't have a Volvo again, even as a gift, unless I used it as a p/x against something decent.
Audio Al
17-01-2013, 13:16
When I used to regularly carry a lot of equipment around in huge boxes I owned 7 (IIRC) Volvo estates
And you purchased 6 more :scratch:
Sure, you can put a lot into a Volvo estate
You sure can , that's why all the antique dealers use them as well
Even when working - joy of joys - if the road was damp or, heaven forbid, icey, the road holding was dire. Cornering or a roundabout at more than a crawl and the back end became the front. A touch better when fully loaded but terrible just the same.
I had a 245 estate for years , other than servicing / routine maintenance it never let me down, As to handling , they are not sports cars and having a large overhang behind the rear wheels need to be driven with some thought ;)
Have a look at this one still going strong
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300848107277&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:GB:1123
Look at the mileage! For the thick end of 2 grand you would really need your head examined.
Audio Al
17-01-2013, 13:30
Look at the mileage!
My point exactly , massive miles and still going strong , not turned into a fridge at 100k ;)
...but is perhaps destined to do so at any minute! ;)
Marco.
If you really must have a Volvo Estate (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VOLVO-P1800ES-45-000-miles-tan-leather-auto-excellent-condition-tax-and-mot-/181054236637?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2a27ac67dd) there's only one in my book... :)
Audio Al
17-01-2013, 13:38
If you really must have a Volvo Estate (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VOLVO-P1800ES-45-000-miles-tan-leather-auto-excellent-condition-tax-and-mot-/181054236637?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2a27ac67dd) there's only one in my book... :)
Does it come with the " Colgate ring of confidence " :lol:
hifi_dave
17-01-2013, 15:17
I'm ashamed to say that I did buy seven of the things - two at a time. I know nothing at all about cars and just accepted the unreliability was normal. They were my choice because they are safe and took a lot of gear but other than that they were a nightmare.
I p/x the last one when a dusting of snow left me stranded in my rose bed. In desperation I phoned the local SAAB dealer and said I'd buy one if he could get to me. 30 minutes later he knocked on the door and I bought the demonstrator. I had a few SAABs which took slightly less of a load but they were totally reliable, very safe, went in the snow and I didn't have my heart in my throat taking a corner sharply.
And you purchased 6 more :scratch:
You sure can , that's why all the antique dealers use them as well
I had a 245 estate for years , other than servicing / routine maintenance it never let me down, As to handling , they are not sports cars and having a large overhang behind the rear wheels need to be driven with some thought ;)
Have a look at this one still going strong
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300848107277&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:GB:1123
walpurgis
17-01-2013, 17:37
Have a look at this one still going strong
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300848107277&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:GB:1123
I would not waste time even looking at this Volvo. No matter how lightly it's been driven, at that mileage much of the car will be suspect mechanically. Look elsewhere.
For similar or less money, look at Mercedes W124 series estates from 1989 to 1997 (200/220/230 petrol engines) with as low mileage as you can find and you'll have a reliable and durable car. They may be old but they are fantastically built.
The Mercs suffer less from ancilliary problems than the Volvos, which although having strong engines and gearboxes, have instrument and electrics failures. It's not unheard of for the roof lining to fall apart either.
The Mercedes are a nicer drive and tend to be better on petrol too. I've owned a Merc 190E (also W124 series) with nearly 150,000 on the clock and it was just fine, my friend currently has one too.
Audio Al
17-01-2013, 18:29
I would not waste time even looking at this Volvo. No matter how lightly it's been driven, at that mileage much of the car will be suspect mechanically. Look elsewhere.
For similar or less money, look at Mercedes W124 series estates from 1989 to 1997 (200/220/230 petrol engines) with as low mileage as you can find and you'll have a reliable and durable car. They may be old but they are fantastically built.
The Mercs suffer less from ancilliary problems than the Volvos, which although having strong engines and gearboxes, have instrument and electrics failures. It's not unheard of for the roof lining to fall apart either.
The Mercedes are a nicer drive and tend to be better on petrol too. I've owned a Merc 190E (also W124 series) with nearly 150,000 on the clock and it was just fine, my friend currently has one too.
I am not suggesting a purchase of this Volvo, its just an example of the miles they can do
Cheers for the suggestions chaps... this may seem a little leftfield but my heads been turned by a Jaguar, x-type 2.0 Diesel. 2005 reg with 60k on the clock. Bodywork and interior in lovely condition, black leather trim, lots of service history etc. Seller wants £4.5k.
Its a bit Alan Partridge I know I dont even play golf... other than that whats your thoughts on the reliability and maintenance costs of these?
Basically a mondeo under the skin right?
Hi Rich,
Did you read my post #9? If so, you've missed the question I asked, dude:
Well, the Merc C320 CDI Avantgarde SE estate (as shown in my avatar), group 17 insurance, is just a shade over £400 a year to insure, fully comp - I didn't think that was too bad! How much were you being quoted for other C-Class Mercs?
:)
I looked at Jags too, before I bought the Merc. They look nice enough, but was put off by the 'Mondeo in a tart's dress' thing. The only Jags I'd entertain buying are the 'proper' ones.
Have you looked at Alfas? Some of those are well cool! I like Audi's, too.
Marco.
Audio Al
19-01-2013, 00:50
Basically a mondeo under the skin right?
Yes , from the days when Ford owned Jaguar ,
Have you looked at Mondeo's ? may save yourself £1K as well :)
Hi Rich,
Did you read my post #9? If so, you've missed the question I asked, dude:
:)
I looked at Jags too, before I bought the Merc. They look nice enough, but was put off by the 'Mondeo in a tart's dress' thing. The only Jags I'd entertain buying are the 'proper' ones.
Have you looked at Alfas? Some of those are well cool! I like Audi's, too.
Marco.
Hi Marco,
It was going to be around 1200 quid. I currently pay 300 for my focus. 900 would probably be a decent down payment on a pair of totems!
Its the generally high mileage on the c-class which puts me off but they haven't been ruled out if a nice one came along within my budget.
I know what you mean about proper jags, I've always been a fan of our feline friends and will one day have XJ or better.
My brother in law has a modern Alfa and its a lovely looking car but he can't abide the maintenance costs and often drives my sister's VW or my mum's Honda instead. I put a call into a local garage I know well about an Audi they had just sold. The dealer (who is a nice bloke for the car trade) is keeping his eyes open for any which might come along. He normally gets by business for work and mots and I have trust in his judgement.
Yes , from the days when Ford owned Jaguar ,
Have you looked at Mondeo's ? may save yourself £1K as well :)
After having a focus I swore I wouldn't have Ford again, its a steady enough car but the looks are dull and the interiors so plastic and rattly I find
isuckedmandelsonslemons
19-01-2013, 09:10
I've been fortunate in having quite a few top end cars and for three years I was a motoring journalist so I've driven all sorts from shit to sublime. Very unlucky if you get a bad car nowadays. I won't bore you with the list of metal that me and my mrs have had over the years but I CAN say her current car may not be the best I've ever driven but its the best we've ever own by a big, big distance. Jaguar XF. Superb in every respect.
Ali Tait
19-01-2013, 09:17
Try an Alfa diesel, maybe 156 estate if you want a bit of space. They are cheap to buy and will do Star Trek mileage if you look after them.
Hi Rich,
It was going to be around 1200 quid. I currently pay 300 for my focus. 900 would probably be a decent down payment on a pair of totems!
£1200? Jeezuz! :wowzer:
How's that, I wonder? My Merc only cost me just over £400, fully comp... Were the ones you were looking at newer? Mine's a 56 plate (2007).
What age are you - 17? ;) Or, I knew that Newcastle was rough, but not that rough!! :eyebrows: ;)
The massive difference in what I've paid for insurance and what you've been quoted seems bizarre... Did you shop around for the best deal? I spent hours trawling comparison sites to ensure that I got the cheapest price possible :)
Marco.
walpurgis
19-01-2013, 11:04
this may seem a little leftfield but my heads been turned by a Jaguar, x-type 2.0 Diesel. 2005 reg with 60k on the clock. Bodywork and interior in lovely condition, black leather trim, lots of service history etc. Seller wants £4.5k.
Nothing wrong with the X Type, it's decent car and seems well liked by it's owners, a friend's wife had the 2.5 V6 and loved it.
The spec for the 2.0 diesel is here:
http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/reviews/facts-and-figures/jaguar/x-type/saloon-2001/25767/
The £4.5k price for the one you have your eye on is what you'd expect to pay at a dealer. Buying privately, it should be about £600 less depending on condition and spec.
Here's a price guide:
http://priceanycar.com/Jaguar/X-Type/2005/?q=2.0+D
MikeMusic
22-01-2013, 12:55
How about a more modern Focus ?
Same as you have but better
How about a more modern Focus ?
Same as you have but better
Found me a gem of a motor, a 2006 Mondeo LX 1.8 petrol with 50K miles on. Has been well looked after and serviced at the local garage I use. Seller is local old chap who lost his wife recently and he cant drive it because it reminds him of her... honestly. Its got a few months tax on it and recently MOT'd by the bloke who normally does my work. Bodywork and interior is immaculate. Best thing about it is the chap wanted £3.5K but for a local boy from the neighbourhod he'll take £3k. Given the fact that I sold my Focus for £900 that means its costing me just £2100. It wasn't Mrs B's preferred choice of motor (she never bloody drives anyway) but I easily won her over by booking a trip to Rome with a Med Cruise with the money saved from the original budget. :cool:
Have to look after the ladies who put up with up funny hi-fi ways eh?
Audio Al
22-01-2013, 13:11
Well done , glad you are sorted ;)
MikeMusic
22-01-2013, 13:12
Found me a gem of a motor, a 2006 Mondeo LX 1.8 petrol with 50K miles on. Has been well looked after and serviced at the local garage I use. Seller is local old chap who lost his wife recently and he cant drive it because it reminds him of her... honestly. Its got a few months tax on it and recently MOT'd by the bloke who normally does my work. Bodywork and interior is immaculate. Best thing about it is the chap wanted £3.5K but for a local boy from the neighbourhod he'll take £3k. Given the fact that I sold my Focus for £900 that means its costing me just £2100. It wasn't Mrs B's preferred choice of motor (she never bloody drives anyway) but I easily won her over by booking a trip to Rome with a Med Cruise with the money saved from the original budget. :cool:
Have to look after the ladies who put up with up funny hi-fi ways eh?
I almost suggest a Mondeo as my 2nd choice
Don't know about the price as I'm out of touch
Did you drive it around a bit ?
I reckon my P Saab is worth less than £900. Moves me about ok though :D
Best thing about it is the chap wanted £3.5K but for a local boy from the neighbourhod he'll take £3k. Given the fact that I sold my Focus for £900 that means its costing me just £2100. It wasn't Mrs B's preferred choice of motor (she never bloody drives anyway) but I easily won her over by booking a trip to Rome with a Med Cruise with the money saved from the original budget. :cool:
Have to look after the ladies who put up with up funny hi-fi ways eh?
Lol - I like your style, dude! :respect:
Nice one. I'm sure you'll have earned more than a few brownie points there! Glad you're sorted now, although I'd still love to know why that quote you got for Merc insurance was so fooking expensive......................?
Marco.
tommy6206
22-01-2013, 14:43
I have the 2010 Mondeo tdi new shape and must say its a superb car loads of room inside and very good on derv and 150bhp on tap.I just picked up a Rigonda symphony and the speakers on the back seat from Brighton to Barnstaple all A and B roads 450 miles and it returned 43 mpg..
MikeMusic
22-01-2013, 14:55
I have the 2010 Mondeo tdi new shape and must say its a superb car loads of room inside and very good on derv and 150bhp on tap.I just picked up a Rigonda symphony and the speakers on the back seat from Brighton to Barnstaple all A and B roads 450 miles and it returned 43 mpg..
I was surprised when a new one parked next to my Saab 9000 - which used to be a big car - Dwarfed it
Would be one on my list if the Saab gives up
Lol - I like your style, dude! :respect:
Nice one. I'm sure you'll have earned more than a few brownie points there! Glad you're sorted now, although I'd still love to know why that quote you got for Merc insurance was so fooking expensive......................?
Marco.
Basically my existing insurers were just taking the pee Marco. These are the same people (a well known company with a red phone) who sent me a renewal one year which was precisely 900quid more than the previous premium. I phoned them up and asked if my car had tranformed into a ferrari overnight whilst sat on the drive... surprise surprise they claimed a computer error and my renewal went back to being the same. I'm sure they just try it on in the hope that people wont notice and just carry on paying!
I was surprised when a new one parked next to my Saab 9000 - which used to be a big car - Dwarfed it
Would be one on my list if the Saab gives up
Aye, its a big un alright... theres room in that boot for several bodies. :doh:
I almost suggest a Mondeo as my 2nd choice
Don't know about the price as I'm out of touch
Did you drive it around a bit ?
I reckon my P Saab is worth less than £900. Moves me about ok though :D
I like Saabs, they're like the dark horses of the car world. They dont scream look at me but can really perform and the comfort and styling is first rate. I was chatting with a mate last night who has one and loves it. Had it not been for the fact that this was local deal with local chaps then they were next on my list to look at.
meF7NmfnXZ0
Had a late 2005 Diesel Mondeo Estate (the ST model, 2.2 Tdci & all the toys) EVERYTHING went wrong with it just when I was ready to move it on. After about 90k the dual mass flywheel was on it's way out, it was difficult to select reverse (kept getting first, which was quite embarrassing on occasions) so the gearbox needed attention & the turbo was on it's way out. To top it all when the fella I sold it to was driving it home part of the exhaust fell off! (I hasten to add he was a friend of a friend who was in the motor trade and got it for a fair price taking all of the known problems into account). After that experience I'd never have another Ford.
MikeMusic
23-01-2013, 07:50
(a well known company with a red phone)
Thanks
<crosses off mental list>
I usually go to comparison sites, but that will save me time in the future
MikeMusic
23-01-2013, 07:56
I like Saabs, they're like the dark horses of the car world. They dont scream look at me but can really perform and the comfort and styling is first rate. I was chatting with a mate last night who has one and loves it. Had it not been for the fact that this was local deal with local chaps then they were next on my list to look at.
Not sure how the latest ones perform. I'd have the 9-5 on my list to look at though
hifi_dave
23-01-2013, 16:50
I had (IIRC) eight SAABs in all, starting with a 900 turbo, which chugged around in the snow where my Volvos disappeared into the roses. Road holding was great and it went like sh*t off a shovel when required.
I enjoyed my SAABs, they were comfortable, practical, economical to run, safe as houses and totally reliable. It's a crying shame that the company has now folded. There's no justice..:doh:
MikeMusic
23-01-2013, 21:34
I had (IIRC) eight SAABs in all, starting with a 900 turbo, which chugged around in the snow where my Volvos disappeared into the roses. Road holding was great and it went like sh*t off a shovel when required.
I enjoyed my SAABs, they were comfortable, practical, economical to run, safe as houses and totally reliable. It's a crying shame that the company has now folded. There's no justice..:doh:
Great motors. The 9000 2.3 Turbo was a big and lovely step up from the 900 Turbo
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