Cheap winter runaround?

inkey$

inkey$

Lifer
 Sevenoaks & Suffolk
Considering a second car for the winter - mainly so the M can stay tucked up during the worst of the whatever this winter throws at us but also to transport the MTB and other house junk around. Checklist must include:

- Good fuel economy
- Space for a bike
- ...but not too big as GF 'doesnt like big cars'...apparently.
- Reliable
- Under £1000
- Age not important

What would you forumites recommend?
 
Good suggestions although I fear the Skoda may be too big. Golf would be a no brainer. On the Pug, reliability wise how are they? Also been looking at Multiplas, Colts and Sportraks.
 
I destroyed a Pug 306 diesel, including snapping a driveshaft. Wasn't thrashing it at all (well, not much!). Wouldn't buy a French car again, wasn't the first French nightmare car I had.
 
I had no problems with mine, the XUD engine is tried and trusted, I had to replace the entire exhaust to the manifold, but it only cost £90
 
Don't forget the Skoda is based on the Golf, many people think it's the size of a Passat, but it's actually the Superb which is based on the Passat. Size wise I'd be surprised if an Octavia was much bigger than a Golf.

I'd also give another vote for the Pug 306 mind!
 
Cjeers fellas. I'll take another look at the Octavias. All other suggestions welcomed :thumbsup:
 
Blue said:
...I'd also give another vote for the Pug 306 mind!
Click to expand...

I had a 306 XSi, handling was fantastic and pretty reliable too. Can't comment on the diesel, except to say that it looked good and handled well...
 
I ran my dads 'dog' car a 306 diesel last winter when the Zed was off the road, non turbo, and other than being slow as fcuk it was great.
I am driving his other car atm while waiting to get the replacement (this sunday) for the Z4MC, R plate A4 Avant Quattro, I think he's selling it, and would be sub £1k
 
Took a leap of faith and bought a Rover 25 1.4 last year to use for the daily commute. With the exception of a couple minor non mechanical niggles it has given me (so far) fault free motoring, find it good to drive, economical (over 40mpg) and yesterday passed its MOT. :D
 
Despite owing both a 205, ZX and 306 in the past (so not a hater of french cars) I think the 306 is a good car but I would imagine its probably getting hard to find a good example now.
I would be tempted by an octavia too, I run a 99 TDI estate which was bought new by my Dad as well as the Z. It has been pretty much Faultless from new. I've had it for 5 years now and MOT repairs over that time have cost less than £20 a year on average excluding brakes and tyres etc. I'd be tempted to go for a petrol in the £1000 and under region as it will have half the miles and 1.6 should still do about 40 mpg.
If you Mrs thinks it is too big how about a Fabia estate. You could get one with about 80k for a little over 1200. The 1.4 16v is surprisingly nippy and it is like a tardis inside when you consider the outside size.

Seat Cordoba vario could be another option?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201139418072166/sort/priceasc/usedcars/body-type/estate/price-to/1000/model/cordoba/make/seat/radius/1501/page/1/postcode/tr11we?logcode=p

Not many Vag engined TDI estates around with 70k on the clock and 55+ mpg potential for less than £1000! :thumbsup:
 
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