WTB cheap runaround

R

Rob s

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

http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/2006-Ford-Focus-1-6-petrol-LONG-MOT-1-PREVIOUS-OWNER-/162546619517?nav=SELLING_ACTIVE
 
Young Pretender said:
I've got a decent runner up for sale at the moment for little money..

http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/2006-Ford-Focus-1-6-petrol-LONG-MOT-1-PREVIOUS-OWNER-/162546619517?nav=SELLING_ACTIVE
Click to expand...


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