NewNiceMrMe Posted January 5, 2005 Report Share Posted January 5, 2005 Ok, I want to get some advice to help me come to a decision on what to do here. Some of you already know about this because I gave a suggestion about it in another post. Basically, I want to garage the M3 Conv for weekdays during the winter months and buy a "Winter car" to go back and forth to the office in. The wife's 320d will be with her every day. Chris_P suggested winter wheels/tyres for the M but it doesn't achieve in full what I want to which is to avoid anyone else pranging it in winter, keep the miles down and save me having to spend hours of therapy on cleaning every few days because of the crap the accumulates on it on the A1 every day. The wife has now given me the all clear to go ahead. So, heres the score. I want to spend no more than £2.5k in total - BUT - that must include insurance (thats the agreement I have with the wife!). It'll be doing 65 miles day. On the odd day it'll do 80, sometimes up to a 100 (one day per week). I don't want something mega-small like a Smart because as I say I do go on the A1 & A19 on the way too/from the office. I don't want something that makes me feel like I'm driving a tin car with millimetres protecting me from the outside world. So, gotta be economical, reasonably decent performance, small to medium size but with good build quality, must be very reliable. I probably won't bother with main dealer servicing no matter what it is. My preference would currently be to a Turbo Diesel of some kind, but not sure if that'd fit in budget. A 4x4 isn't ruled out. Comfortable, no hassle to drive. Citroens/Peugeots are cheap and fit - but couldn't do with the build quality. Don't mind Focus's and a high mileage TD might just fit. Might even think of an older Audi A4 with very high miles, Golf, Polo....allsorts. What do you think? Want to buy as soon as possible so let me know what ya think quickly (within a week and then I'll start seriously looking around to buy). Ta very much in advance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xspencex Posted January 5, 2005 Report Share Posted January 5, 2005 Mercedes 300D E on H or K plate...solid as can be... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Calm Chris Posted January 5, 2005 Report Share Posted January 5, 2005 Pug 306 Oil burner might be in price, Golf likely to be over budget. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted January 5, 2005 Author Report Share Posted January 5, 2005 One more thing - come spring time/early summer I'd want to sell for as close a price as I paid for it! And then, come winter again, maybe edge up in price a bit more. I'll get to where I want with the winter car eventually - I just have to do it in stages to avoid upsetting her! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xspencex Posted January 5, 2005 Report Share Posted January 5, 2005 MK3 Golf GL TDI.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted January 5, 2005 Author Report Share Posted January 5, 2005 You can't pick up even an early 300D up for around £2k surely????? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R32North Posted January 5, 2005 Report Share Posted January 5, 2005 Can't argue with what I drive everyday - K plate 80TDi, Goes on and on and on and on! Runs on vapour, cost £235 fully comp and £2000 to buy. Its got elecy bits, PS, s/r, heated external bits, plenty of space, does 45mpgs and has cost me about £250 in costs for the last year! It needs 2 new springs for the front, which just cost me £44 and they'll get fitted on friday. Overall I love it, so easy to drive, its not fast, won't get me pulled by plod and can swallow 3 people, 3 BMX bikes, bags and gear and isn't the least bit bothered by all this. My best buy in the past 12 months by far Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xspencex Posted January 5, 2005 Report Share Posted January 5, 2005 [ QUOTE ] You can't pick up even an early 300D up for around £2k surely????? [/ QUOTE ] I'm talking W124 boxy merc style..probably on an H reg.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted January 5, 2005 Author Report Share Posted January 5, 2005 Thanks for that SixDegrees. I'd seriously give that thought too. There is a H plate grey Audi 80 TD down the same road as me. The guy who owns it is fanatical about it too, it is immaculate (wonder if he'll want to sell!!!). I have a friend who runs his own garage and he'd do the servicing so costs shouldn't he high as he has already said he'll do them at parts only costs cos I've known him years as a friend rather than my "back street garage contact". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sayerbloke Posted January 5, 2005 Report Share Posted January 5, 2005 Geez. Out of the price range you said, but I`ve just seen a 1998 R Reg VOLVO V70 2.5 10V on Autotrader for less than £3K and a 1999 V Reg MITSUBISHI Carisma 1.6 for £2.5K. Searching for ALL cars below £3K returns quite a few hits Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted January 5, 2005 Author Report Share Posted January 5, 2005 So I had noticed! See why I'm asking? Lots to choose from, but perhaps not when I start considering my wants and needs a bit more. SixDegrees gave a good one with the Audi 80 TDi - but I want as many to consider as possible. The Pug is another idea but my sister has a new 306 and has had nowt but problems - plus I saw what happened to it in a side impact (fortunately not her side) and it didn't fill me with confidence. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sayerbloke Posted January 5, 2005 Report Share Posted January 5, 2005 1994 VOLVO 440 1.8i, L reg for £700? 1993 AUDI 80E Estate, K reg for £895? 1987 TOYOTA SUPRA 3.0 3dr Hatchback for £895 1994 HONDA ACCORD 2.0i, L reg for £950 1990 BMW 5 SERIES 535i Sport EH Auto Saloon for £1000? Sooo much choice! Here's that BMW (Tempted to buy that myself!): Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted January 5, 2005 Author Report Share Posted January 5, 2005 [ QUOTE ] 1994 VOLVO 440 1.8i, L reg for £700? [/ QUOTE ] Nah, I just couldn't... [ QUOTE ] 1993 AUDI 80E Estate, K reg for £895? [/ QUOTE ] Right make, wrong model possibly. Cheap mind you. [ QUOTE ] 1987 TOYOTA SUPRA 3.0 3dr Hatchback for £895 [/ QUOTE ] Not exactly economical. Besides, again, I just couldn't. I could put one of those big dragon stickers on it mind you!!! [ QUOTE ] 1994 HONDA ACCORD 2.0i, L reg for £950 [/ QUOTE ] Yes, I'd look at a Honda, maybe a later model though. [ QUOTE ] 1990 BMW 5 SERIES 535i Sport EH Auto Saloon for £1000? [/ QUOTE ] Just doesn't fit this bill, as nice as I'm sure it may be, possible big invoices in future too. Must be mountainous mileage. Thanks for all that effort Sayer!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sayerbloke Posted January 5, 2005 Report Share Posted January 5, 2005 That Volvo was the one that had all the problems. Volvo's nightmare car. The Audi is an estate, so not my cup of tea. The Honda is good, but newer ones aren't that much more. That Supra is the old wedge shaped one, which I personally love the shape of, but they`re all a bit old and done too many miles. Pity. The BMW has covered 140K. It says in the advert. One thing you can say for all of them though; depreciation isn't gonna be a big factor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted January 5, 2005 Author Report Share Posted January 5, 2005 I used to love the Supra - when I was 17! Then ever since it has just become abused by so many people I have gone off them. The Honda is of interest because I used to have one many moons ago and no matter what you did to it it never went wrong. Furthermore, we have a few on our fleet at work and I know I could get one of those dirt cheap. We've kept a few as general runabouts for up to 6 years and they've been very well serviced. But none are diesels and the paintwork is tatty on most too because whilst they're mechanically sound no one ever bothered washing em! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sayerbloke Posted January 5, 2005 Report Share Posted January 5, 2005 I drove the Clio van at work today. It`s a P reg, done 122K, 1.9L diesel. No power steering, so it`s like driving a tank [how can it be so heavy when the car is so light?] and the wheel doesnt turn smoothly, it rotates in jerks. I`m also not convinced that the turning of the wheel and the fact the wheels turn are entirely related... it`s more something to hang on to while the vehicle goes around a corner. The clutch is like a switch, the brakes will bring the vehicle to a total stop if you even look at the brake pedal and I`m not a big fan of the seat position. But it`s a million times better than the works Ford Courier vans Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted January 5, 2005 Author Report Share Posted January 5, 2005 [ QUOTE ] I`m also not convinced that the turning of the wheel and the fact the wheels turn are entirely related... it`s more something to hang on to while the vehicle goes around a corner. [/ QUOTE ] Top marks for that one! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chav Posted January 5, 2005 Report Share Posted January 5, 2005 [ QUOTE ] A 4x4 isn't ruled out. Comfortable, no hassle to drive. [/ QUOTE ] it just gives everyone else on the road hassle flippin 4x4's. i have mud tracks to go up/down every day...and the cab handles them fine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted January 5, 2005 Author Report Share Posted January 5, 2005 It was just an area for consideration....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesB Posted January 5, 2005 Report Share Posted January 5, 2005 How long are you wanting it for? This might be slightly out of left field but, considering the amount of money you seem to spend per year on cars, couldn't you sort out some kind of long-term rental? Get a reasonably new car and be prepared to write off a certain amount of cash. I have to add here that i have done absolutely no calculations of any sort, even approximate, and that my brain is 'working' with the assistance of a nice single malt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted January 5, 2005 Author Report Share Posted January 5, 2005 [ QUOTE ] How long are wanting it for? [/ QUOTE ] Copied from earlier in the post, from me: One more thing - come spring time/early summer I'd want to sell for as close a price as I paid for it! And then, come winter again, maybe edge up in price a bit more. [ QUOTE ] This might be slightly out of left field but, considering the amount of money you seem to spend per year on cars, couldn't you sort out some kind of long-term rental? [/ QUOTE ] But every penny of that would be thrown away - with a purchased car I have an asset - that I can later sell for as close to purchase price as possible - therefore lower overall cost of ownership. [ QUOTE ] Get a reasonably new car and be prepared to write off a certain amount of cash. [/ QUOTE ] Wouldn't make the financial sense for a 3rd car the above solution does though. [ QUOTE ] I have to add here that i have done absolutely no calculations of any sort, even approximate, and that my brain is 'working' with the assistance of a nice single malt. [/ QUOTE ] Now theres a good idea - off to get one myself! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesB Posted January 5, 2005 Report Share Posted January 5, 2005 Forgive me for labouring the point but, for someone in the habit of buying new M3s, you seem to be getting strangely excited about hanging on to the £2.5k you are talking about here. Also, if you are used to driving an M3, I can't help thinking that you will get frustrated with a £2.5k car during the week as you will have to play performance off against age and/or reliability. Admittedly you won't get much in the rental market either but it will be newer, more toys, no insurance/maintenance/servicing i.e. decreased cost of ownership. By "new car" in my previous post, I meant rental if that wasn't 99% clear. What whisky are you drinking? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted January 5, 2005 Author Report Share Posted January 5, 2005 [ QUOTE ] Forgive me for labouring the point but, for someone in the habit of buying new M3s, you seem to be getting strangely excited about hanging on to the £2.5k you are talking about here. [/ QUOTE ] And why not! [ QUOTE ] Also, if you are used to driving an M3, I can't help thinking that you will get frustrated with a £2.5k car during the week as you will have to play performance off against age and/or reliability. [/ QUOTE ] True - but the fact is, especially in winter months and the trip to/from the office I rarely ever get the opportunity to appreciate this fully. Only on a very good day will I get the chance to do that properly. Of course I know the downsides but I'm not going to lose a great deal so it counters it. We're talking about a work commute only here remember. Stop-start, traffic jams, queues, nothing more, literally nothing more except on an exceptional day. [ QUOTE ] Admittedly you won't get much in the rental market either but it will be newer, more toys, no insurance/maintenance/servicing i.e. decreased cost of ownership. [/ QUOTE ] The costs of long term rental on even the cheapest option would result in all the money gone down the pan immediately. Just doesn't make sense. [ QUOTE ] What whisky are you drinking? [/ QUOTE ] Lagavulin. Favourite. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesB Posted January 5, 2005 Report Share Posted January 5, 2005 Fair enough. I was only running a thought up the flagpole and seeing how it came down. I was also possibly biased by the fact that I probably couldn't be bothered personally to go through the whole buying/selling malarkey twice a year. Push the budget and go for an old Scooby. And what a coincidence, I'm on the Lagavulin myself tonight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted January 5, 2005 Author Report Share Posted January 5, 2005 I enjoy the process of buying - not so much the selling, especially if private. I couldn't buy a Scooby, just couldn't. It just doesn't fit the bill in most ways. Good old Lagavulin. Too smooth mind you...goes down a bit too easy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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