runabout

Paul (MN)

I may buy a runabout. Not willing to spend much money...

Perhaps max €1500 while looking for a car in good condition, that people just can't sell these days.

Shortlist:

Post 1992 Corolla Hatch
Post 1992 Cit ZX
Mid 90's Pug 306
Mid 90's Mazda 323 (not the F, had one already)
Mid 90's Mishibishi Lancer
Mk III VW Golf


I don't know whether to just get a Corolla as it will generally be reliable. Should be loads for sale by middle aged-elderly that had an easy life and maintained on the button at a main dealer

or

Go for something that is cheap because nobody else will buy it, like an Alfa 145 or similar.


Also,

Don't know whether to go for said Corolla, or get a Cit ZX or Pug 306 as they have nice ride/handling. At that age perhaps they are all as (un) reliable as each other anyways....


Might also be interested in something easy to sell on as I may change it again soon just for the heck of it. So a Corolla or Golf would be easy for that....


Anyway, if anybody has any comments then great. Perhaps one of them has a higher cost of spare parts (Mazda?).

alias no.9

An early ford ka would probably come in at around the €1,500 mark if you buy private. They're cheap to run and parts are cheap. They're fun to drive too. Go for one without power steering as the power steering pump saps a lot of power.

Paul (MN)

thanks for the comment. I wouldn't drive a ka. Mostly because of the looks but also because I want something Focus sized.

bazz26

Hey Paul,

Check out a few of these:

http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=222406

http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=219672

http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=225076

http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=226539

http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=194147

The Corolla looks the pick of the bunch.

By the way I thought you recently got rid of a Fiesta because it was too expensive to run 3 cars?

BrianD3

Go for something that is cheap because nobody else will buy it, like an Alfa 145 or similar

How about a Renault 19 1.4? These are very unfashionable and therefore cheap, you'd pick up a good 95 or 96 for around a grand. Handling and ride are similar to 306 and ZX. Reliability not too bad. Equipment and comfort levels are very good.
Example:
http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=Car&carID=224675
BrianD3

alias no.9

€1750 for a 12 year old opel astra, knock the 1 off the start of it and it might be worth a look.

clio_16v

BrianD3 wrote:

How about a Renault 19 1.4? These are very unfashionable and therefore cheap, you'd pick up a good 95 or 96 for around a grand. Handling and ride are similar to 306 and ZX. Reliability not too bad. Equipment and comfort levels are very good.

BrianD3

The R19 would definately be a good option. You'd definately get one for under €1500, prob with electric everything and a full leather interior! Alternatively, I'll be selling my escort in the next month or so if you're interested... Cheap insurance, cheap to run, reliable etc

Paul (MN)

Hi all,

Bazz26,

I have a few personal preferences & dislikes. I don't want a square Sunny or an Almera. I don't want one of those Astra's. I don't want an old Ford. Those escorts eat petrol!

It wasn't that it was too expensive to run three cars... it was that I didn't need 3 cars. I have the Primera for the family and I have me "classic" Merc for work/"fun". I dont' need another car!

However, I may be about to make a substantial purchase of the escargo type and am thinking of ditching the Merc and getting something cheaper to run.


I did think of the Renault 19. I haven't decided about that. I know it would be mechanically no worse than any other car but there's something about it... I dunno. Then again I could get it cheap and I like French cars.... OK it's on my shortlist!

My old favourite is also on my list... an early 90's Peugoet 309, in white specifically. If anybody has one let me know!