Not joined yet? Register for free and enjoy features such as alerts, private messaging and viewing latest posts and topics.

WTB cheap runaround

You must have a post count >25 to post adverts in here (private sales only, no traders)
Post Reply
Rob s
Member
Member
Posts: 233
Joined: Thu Aug 08, 2013 1:29 pm

WTB cheap runaround

Post by Rob s » Tue Jun 13, 2017 9:28 am

Hi guys,

If anyone has a cheap runaround they are thinking of selling im looking to buy something.
Im open to most things that are cheap to tax, insure and gets 35+mpg. I don't mind too much about cosmetic condition as long as it runs well. Budget is £1000-1500 and im based in Essex and not looking to travel too far as its probably not worth it.

Also if you have any suggestions outside the normal fiestas, Corsa then fire away.
thanks

Rob
Z4MR

mmm-five
Lifer
Lifer
Posts: 12714
Joined: Sun Nov 30, 2008 1:03 pm
Location: Liverpool
Contact:

WTB cheap runaround

Post by mmm-five » Tue Jun 13, 2017 9:40 pm

I've been very happy with my Alfa 147 JTD.

Only has 115bhp, but about 200lb/ft, and does an easy 50mpg sat at an indicated 85mph on the motorway - only manages 35mpg on the Nurburgring though.

Private ones with 100k, 10 years old can be had for you price range, and are cheap to run. E.g. I replaced all 4 struts, springs, discs & pads for less than £400, and I've done 20,000 miles in it since I bought it last Feb.

I actually prefer the seats in it to those in the M.
Trigger’s Z4MC
Some bits now over 163,000 miles, some less than 1,000 miles.
Individual Ruby Black, Individual extended champagne leather, plus many options

Image

User avatar
Young Pretender
Newbie
Newbie
Posts: 27
Joined: Mon Apr 17, 2017 2:01 pm
Location: Tunbridge Wells side of Maidstone :)

WTB cheap runaround

Post by Young Pretender » Tue Jun 13, 2017 10:24 pm

I've got a decent runner up for sale at the moment for little money..

http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/2006-Ford-Focus ... ING_ACTIVE

Rob s
Member
Member
Posts: 233
Joined: Thu Aug 08, 2013 1:29 pm

WTB cheap runaround

Post by Rob s » Wed Jun 14, 2017 11:13 am

Young Pretender wrote: Tue Jun 13, 2017 10:24 pm I've got a decent runner up for sale at the moment for little money..

http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/2006-Ford-Focus ... ING_ACTIVE

Wow that is a lot of miles....maybe a few too many for me. Appreciate the reply though
Z4MR

User avatar
bluespit
Senior Member
Senior Member
Posts: 1314
Joined: Fri Dec 23, 2011 1:01 am
Location: Near Chester

WTB cheap runaround

Post by bluespit » Wed Jun 14, 2017 10:14 pm

a bit left field but we were in a similar position a couple of years ago and bought an A class mercedes circa 51 plate for £800. Ran it for a year then gave it to sis in law, still going strong.

Loads of space, (long wheelbase version), loads of room in the back with the seats out, 1.4 engine gave about 42 mpg, nice high seating position.

they do rot a bit so pick carefully, ours was a one owner mums car, very well looked after.
now I'm about to have more time I've suddenly got less toys to play with!

User avatar
Mr Tidy
Legend
Legend
Posts: 23575
Joined: Wed Jul 02, 2014 12:18 pm
Location: North West Surrey

WTB cheap runaround

Post by Mr Tidy » Wed Jun 14, 2017 11:03 pm

I needed a cheap vaguely practical car when I bought my first Z4 three years ago.

Found a Mazda 323F 10 miles away for £675. Just 2 owners (probably elderly as it originally came from the South Coast and had a few scrapes and scuffs)! Being a 1996 model with the 1500cc engine it was in the cheap tax bracket, and it's a non-interference engine so no need to change the cam-belt until it snaps! Did about 40 mpg driven like I stole it. :lol:

Fine car, but after 6 months I found it a bit "meh" so I sold it and bought a very sensible E46 325ti Compact! More straight 6 loveliness though!

One of those would be in your budget now OP, but tax isn't cheap in Band K although insurance isn't too bad (well not for an oldie like me). And the OBC is showing 34.8 mpg at present - but I'm not selling it. :lol:

Hope you find something suitable. :thumbsup:

ETA Some years ago I had a 320td Compact - one of those would work. In budget, 150 bhp, lowish tax band and high 40s mpg.
Coupes because stunning!
Current - Silver Grey MC, Imola Red heated Nappa & carbon trim. Aeros, H & R Coil-overs, 224s, OE Strut brace, Nav, cup-holders, DSP Hi-Fi, pdc, cruise, MFSW, no CDV! E90 330i daily
Gone - Montego Blue
Gone - Ruby Black

User avatar
BMWZ4MC
Lifer
Lifer
Posts: 6335
Joined: Sun Sep 13, 2009 4:24 pm
Location: Back in the sunshine

WTB cheap runaround

Post by BMWZ4MC » Sun Jul 16, 2017 7:37 pm

I'd second the 320td Compact suggestion. They're quite fun to drive as they're well balanced and a little lighter than the E46 saloon. Keeping it in the right rev range can return surprisingly brisk performance too without much compromise in economy.
Image
Z4MC - heavily fettled for track use
Lotus Exige - sensible daily driver on the mods slippery slope
Westfield SEiW - in hibernation
Modified RS4 Avant - back in Blighty
S2000 GT - gone

jamie_z4
Lifer
Lifer
Posts: 4621
Joined: Fri Dec 31, 2010 9:38 pm

WTB cheap runaround

Post by jamie_z4 » Sun Jul 16, 2017 8:07 pm

I've got a 320cd it's a great daily with split fold seats surprisingly practical! You'd be hard pushed to find a better banger which drives as nice and offers 50mpg for the money
18 Z4s owned to date.

Current: 2.5i Titan silver

Daily driver: 480bhp M140i Shadow edition.

Post Reply