UKBouldering.com
the shizzle => shootin' the shit => Topic started by: tommytwotone on September 14, 2016, 09:12:16 am
-
All, looking to replace one of our hatchbacks in anticipation of sprog no.2's arrival.
I'm mindful that we'll have one child potty training (or just beyond), then a new baby so I'm looking for something that isn't going to be a beauty queen - this car is going to get trashed so I'm thinking about something cheap-ish, reliable and big enough for us to go away with all the associated stuff you end up taking.
At present I'm struggling to see past a mid-2000s VW Passat estate TDi (ideally the 130 version). Shedloads of them about, the engines are pretty bulletproof (my mate in the trade has had 2 and both went well over 250k miles). I'm not scared of high miles but would ideally like something as close to 100k as poss.
The other obvious option is the Octavia estate, but not finding many in the ballpark.
Anyone got any other good shouts for sub £2000?
-
Indestructible engines in the 1.9 TDi, you can't go wrong. Our saloon passat has got leather seats which actually are great for with kids, stuff doesn't get ground into them.
-
Am I right in thinking that the Octavaia is built on the same as the Passat but more cheaply fitted out? If they are the same price then why would you look past the Passat ?
Personally I would be looking at the Mondeo Estate first.
-
Personally I would be looking at the Mondeo Estate first.
Cheaper to repair when your son drives them into lampposts I guess... ;) Never had you down as MondeoMan Shark... Octavia is an estate version of the Golf - not passat.
Anyway, back to the OP.... Aside from the VAG group (A4 out of your range? Some cheap 2.7tdi A6 estates knocking about too..) have you...
Thought about a Saab 9-3 estate (sportwagon or whatever..). I think for your money it would be one from when Saab/GM were together, so would be like a well built (in sweden) Vauxhall.. 1.9TDI's etc...
-
Good shouts - cheers guys.
Right on the Octavia / Passat thing - the latter is just a lot bigger. In fact, my mate apparently managed to get 8 internal doors from Wickes in the back of his when he was doing his house up, much to his amusement having been told by the guy in the shop that "there's no way you'll manage that"!
Had checked out a few Audis but not finding masses at the money, and kind of think the Passat's better value for virtually the same thing.
Had looked an Mondeos but for some reason (badge snobbery probably) had never dug that deep. Will be a while till Una is at the wheel, and whatever I get if it lasts 14 years for under 2 grand I'll be well impressed...
The Saab is another one on the list - was hoping I might be able to pick up a cheap 9-3 Aero estate and sneak it past the missus without her realising what it was!
-
Depending on how big you need, we've had 2 Ford Focus estates, and they have loads of room for bikes, prams etc in the boot. the 1.6 Diesel engine is great to drive, and they are dead cheap to maintain and repair. I've heard good reports from colleagues who have the 1 litre ecoboost, but I'm not sure how great it would be for long distance, but OK for in town pootling.
-
I've got a Mondeo estate.. No its not an Audi, or a 5 series bimmer, but you get a lot more car for your money. Stacks of space. (bigger boot that passat, octavia, sabb) All mod cons if you go for a titanium/x.
Bought at 95k and going strong after a couple of years (reaches for breakdown cover card, touches wood etc)
-
Forester? (laughs manically ;) 0
-
Personally I would be looking at the Mondeo Estate first.
Cheaper to repair when your son drives them into lampposts I guess... ;) Never had you down as MondeoMan Shark...
I was the happy owner of a Mondeo company car in trhe mid 90's. It drove really well and I think they look great and the styling has continued to improve subsequently. I would be happy to own one again though I am even happier to have the BMW.
Even better witgh the Mondeo brand snobbery means they devalue more than they should. Conversely I get the impression that there is an inverted brand snobbery with Skodas that adds to their resale value.
-
I've got 2 x sprogs and have the 2 litre Octavia Estate (11 years old now). I'd buy another one. I had a Focus 1.6tdci estate before that and it cost more to maintain.
If I was going cheap I'd buy a Berlingo.
-
Even better with the Mondeo Ford brand snobbery means they devalue more than they should. Conversely I get the impression that there is an inverted brand snobbery with Skodas that adds to their resale value.
Otherwise, agree with this.
-
Personally I would be looking at the Mondeo Estate first.
Cheaper to repair when your son drives them into lampposts I guess... ;) Never had you down as MondeoMan Shark...
I was the happy owner of a Mondeo company car in trhe mid 90's. It drove really well and I think they look great and the styling has continued to improve subsequently. I would be happy to own one again though I am even happier to have the BMW.
Even better witgh the Mondeo brand snobbery means they devalue more than they should. Conversely I get the impression that there is an inverted brand snobbery with Skodas that adds to their resale value.
The used car market is at rock bottom - and once you get down to the 2-3k mark then brands don't count for much. Value reflects the quality and longevity of the model/brand. Though I have an interest in cars - and spend a fair part of my life in one, so I have a desire to get something I like - and/or interests me.. I don't see them in an entirely utility based way.
Anyway - shouldn't you be getting a ridiculously powerful motorbike? ;)
-
I've said it before and I'll say it again, you've got to go German or Japanese!
Passat Estate is a great choice, but watch out for rear suspension issues. And don't overlook Toyota Avensis, pretty boring but equally as bombproof and reliable as VW.
-
I've just bought a 2000 Oldsmobile Alero ...
... more seriously, I hired a Focus for a few weeks in the summer and was impressed.
-
Disappointed you didn't get a Ram Hemi Andy.
-
Mazda 5. Seven seat affair, officially a MPV but more like an estate. Recently tried to trade mine in only to discover they're worth peanuts so should be able to pick one up for a decent price.
Boot quite large, fits four full size pads for example.
Extra seats a good option taking parents/siblings out etc.
Sliding rear doors very useful with kids. 58 models onwards available with auto doors too I believe.
-
Am I right in thinking that the Octavaia is built on the same as the Passat but more cheaply fitted out?
Not really, you can play spot the VAG part.
I love my Octy (2011, vRS 170 TDI). If it's not big enough go for a Passat. I looked a 9-3 1.9 ttid but was advised that although mechanicals were readily available, bodywork parts were not.
Peewee has a Toyota and although it's a bit dull, it's well spec'd and a decent size.
-
Forester? (laughs manically ;) 0
I've had mine for 8 years and love it. No problems whatsoever and it's done lots of Rocklands trips.
-
Forester? (laughs manically ;) 0
I've had mine for 8 years and love it. No problems whatsoever and it's done lots of Rocklands trips.
Tempting...though I somehow doubt that "it's really practical" is going to swing it!
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2004-Subaru-Forester-2-5-STi-Turbo-HIGH-QUALITY-IMPORT-GRADE-4-impreza-/222235441674?hash=item33be43ba0a:g:yI4AAOSw5VFWNN~8 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2004-Subaru-Forester-2-5-STi-Turbo-HIGH-QUALITY-IMPORT-GRADE-4-impreza-/222235441674?hash=item33be43ba0a:g:yI4AAOSw5VFWNN~8)
All great shouts here, thanks all - other potential options I've happened on have been a Honda Accord estate, or a Nissan Primera estate.
Nobody got any love for 4 x 4s, soft roaders, crossovers etc?
The idea of an ageing Range Rover is quite a tempting one but I don't think I could live with the paranoia of a pricey breakdown!
-
If you want a MASSIVE boot on your estate, the Skoda Superb might be worth a look. Think they're more $$ though.
-
you need a Mitsubishi Delicia; fully bullbarred, kitted out and painted up as a pseudo mountain rescue ambulance - then you can park on grass verges and people's front gardens on the school run
-
you need a Mitsubishi Delicia; fully bullbarred, kitted out and painted up as a pseudo mountain rescue ambulance - then you can park on grass verges and people's front gardens on the school run
:punk:
A cross between this
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7090/7337939558_93b7a08420_b.jpg)
and this
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ5Bzi2_kRMMsxp3cbRRlU7Ty7WqfolnNd0ZY-4L0ZBGSn4QpfM)
-
that's the spirit
if you put a "one life, live it" sticker on the back, you will be able to drive right up to the boulders and not bother with expensive parking arrangements or strenuous walk ins
the kids could either sleep or eat Mcdonald's whilst watching DVDs within acceptable parenting range while you boulder
-
Peewee has a Toyota and although it's a bit dull, it's well spec'd and a decent size.
The taxi.
-
Thanks all, have been looking into a few other bargain basement options and I reckon the hitlist for estates is now:
VW Passat
Nissan Primera
Ford Mondeo
Skoda Octavia
Honda Accord
Mazda 5
All seem to offer sensible / relatively modern and reliable options for decent money.
That said, if anyone's old granny is struggling to get shot of their Forester STi Wagon / BMW 3 Series Tourer etc and is only looking for a couple of grand, hit me on the PM!
-
Depending on how big you need, we've had 2 Ford Focus estates, and they have loads of room for bikes, prams etc in the boot. the 1.6 Diesel engine is great to drive, and they are dead cheap to maintain and repair.
True - until the turbo blows, which it has a habit of doing on that 1.6 Tdci (Peugeot-Citroen engine, so it's in loads of theirs too) and which I found out to my cost.
Stay well clear.
As has already been said, VAG 1.9 PD engine is as bombproof as they come. Can't beat the Passat or Cocktavia at that price range.
-
Word from my mechanic is the 1.6 psa engine (ford peugot citroen Volvo etc..) is a good unit if you service it every 10k. Just likes a regular oil change.
-
Thanks all, have been looking into a few other bargain basement options and I reckon the hitlist for estates is now:
VW Passat
Nissan Primera
Ford Mondeo
Skoda Octavia
Honda Accord
Mazda 5
All seem to offer sensible / relatively modern and reliable options for decent money.
That said, if anyone's old granny is struggling to get shot of their Forester STi Wagon / BMW 3 Series Tourer etc and is only looking for a couple of grand, hit me on the PM!
I had a Primera for 7 years and 125000 mostly trouble free miles. The only issue was a faulty water pump replaced under warranty. Decent space, the 2.2 diesel is pretty economical and torquey and drives reasonably well. If you can pick up a good example under 100,000 miles then it'd be good for another 100,000 no problem.
-
Oh - Rob L (you know him from the Depot) was getting rid of his VRs (high miles - and saloon - but they still have a huge boot) for £1700 a week or so ago.. got his number?
edit/update. just messaged him and its gone....
-
Oh - Rob L (you know him from the Depot) was getting rid of his VRs (high miles - and saloon - but they still have a huge boot) for £1700 a week or so ago.. got his number?
edit/update. just messaged him and its gone....
Shit, really?
That is a bugger. I bet he's seen the light and is sorting himself out with a sweet shed Primera estate after reading this thread.
Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk
-
Think he's getting himself a newer one! It was on faceballs last week he was about to webuyanycarhonestmate.con
-
We are very happy with our Astra Ecoflex estate Tom. Loads of room and no running problems...
-
Word: it's catD but so what...
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160920/65d094e7a0ef5dca78d129a4f4a3bf51.jpg)
-
There was a 9-5 2.2tid outside the Manc. Depot last night and I thought of 3T straight away; he found a 1 owner from new (06?) for 2.2K which is an absolute bargain IMO.
-
Is there a Saab equivalent to the 1.8 VAG TDi?
-
1.9tdi you mean? Theres the 1.9ttid (180bhp). I've heard the turbos go pop quite early in their life!
-
From a bit of research today, I think the diesel lump is common with other GM cars of the era (Vectra etc).
Sounds like on top of turbos, some have inherent problems with belts which sounds scary.
That said, for sub 2k the petrol sounds more solid if thirsty, but would be fun.
And as for Cat D Tom, the thifty shed drivers worries little for such minor details!
Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk
-
:) that one 3T was the 2.0 petrol turbo With 207bhp. 0-60 in 7.5 :) the aitotrader app has a reallly decent search tool...
-
230 BHP (though Parkers suggests more like 250BHP...) estate for £1600!
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2002-Saab-9-5-2-3-HOT-Aero-Estate-/282165804575?hash=item41b2647e1f:g:rqIAAOSw-kdX0DwL (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2002-Saab-9-5-2-3-HOT-Aero-Estate-/282165804575?hash=item41b2647e1f:g:rqIAAOSw-kdX0DwL)
Looks like a half-decent / pretty tidy one as well.
-
There's a Awd version too..
And a 3.0 v6 diesel (in 176 and 200ps form..)
-
Love how this (as per any car search, ever) has gone from 'looking for a cheap, reliable family car' to 'maybe I should buy this unusually cheap, expensive to maintain, 300bhp motor off eBay...' :lol:
-
Love how this (as per any car search, ever) has gone from 'looking for a cheap, reliable family car' to 'maybe I should buy this unusually cheap, expensive to maintain, 300bhp motor off eBay...' :lol:
That is generally the back and forth of my car ownership - have something quick / nice, then think "it's costing a fortune, I need something sensible". Then get something sensible and stat thinking "this is so boring, I want something quick / nice"!
Recent history as gone:
Cirtoen AX - BMW 3 Series Tourer - Peugeot 106 Diesel (blew up after 2 months) - Renault Megane (hateful thing) - BMW 320 Coupe (ex lagers wagon) - Nissan Micra (suprisingly hard to kill despite best efforts) - Skoda Fabia
-
Sounds familiar that (the boring -> nice/quick -> too expensive -> boring cycle that is)
You're about to discover that having two young kids is disproportionately harder than just the one, you'll be amazed.
While no used car's going to come without hassle, it might be worth sucking it up for now and going for one that is more likely to give you a reliable, low cost ride for the next few years. The less hassle stuff like your car causes, the more time/patience/cash the family has and the more chances to get out and do Font 7 something you'll have.
-
Recent history as gone:
Cirtoen AX - BMW 3 Series Tourer - Peugeot 106 Diesel (blew up after 2 months) - Renault Megane (hateful thing) - BMW 320 Coupe (ex lagers wagon) - Nissan Micra (suprisingly hard to kill despite best efforts) - Skoda Fabia
Made me think what my own car history is which is surprisingly few in 28 years
Mates mum’s Chrysler Avenger!, Then company Cars- VW Golf 1.4, Rover Vitesse, Mondeo, BMW318 (love affair with BMW starts), and briefly Volvo C70. Then set up own business Vauxhall Omega 3.0 (lot of car for the money), BMW 330D Estate (brilliant car which I had for nearly 10 years) and currently BMW 530D Estate which I also expect to run for 10 years.
-
Recent history as gone:
Cirtoen AX - BMW 3 Series Tourer - Peugeot 106 Diesel (blew up after 2 months) - Renault Megane (hateful thing) - BMW 320 Coupe (ex lagers wagon) - Nissan Micra (suprisingly hard to kill despite best efforts) - Skoda Fabia
Made me think what my own car history is which is surprisingly few in 28 years
Mates mum’s Chrysler Avenger!, Then company Cars- VW Golf 1.4, Rover Vitesse, Mondeo, BMW318 (love affair with BMW starts), and briefly Volvo C70. Then set up own business Vauxhall Omega 3.0 (lot of car for the money), BMW 330D Estate (brilliant car which I had for nearly 10 years) and currently BMW 530D Estate which I also expect to run for 10 years.
I like this game!
Vauxhall Cavalier estate (army years)
Peugeot 205 gti 1.6
Peugeot 205 gti 1.9
Renault Clio Williams 2
Kawasaki ZX6R
Triumph 955 Daytona
Yamaha R1 (/army years)
Ford Transit van with orange flashy light on top
Bedford 1976 camper van, LPG conversion (New Zealand year)
Peugeot 306 (instructing years)
Volvo 440 (/instructing years)
Chevy 1986 camper van - scooby doo! (Canada years)
VW golf mk2 with studded tyres - shit to a blanket
Honda civic with studded tyres - sticky shit to a blanket (/Canada years)
VW Golf mk3 (rope access jobbing)
Mitsubishi Delica starwagon :lol: 'onelifeliveit' etc...
Peugeot 306 estate (/rope access jobbing)
Vauxhall Combo van (company vehicle)
Peugeot Partner van (company vehicle)
Not having to pay fuel, MOT or any maintenance bills for last 5 years makes buying my own car hard to justify but thinking of getting a campervan next year and changing the company car to a Passat estate.
-
Rover Vitesse
A ha
(http://www.imcdb.org/i028833.jpg)
-
Cock Piss Sharktridge
-
Yamaha R1 (/army years)
:bow:
-
Peugeot 205 gti 1.6
Peugeot 205 gti 1.9
Renault Clio Williams 2
Kawasaki ZX6R
Triumph 955 Daytona
Yamaha R1 (/army years)
That, sir, is a pretty impressive run.
:bow:
-
Hehe,
Peugeot 205 gti 1.6 Crashed
Peugeot 205 gti 1.9
Renault Clio Williams 2 Crashed
Kawasaki ZX6R
Triumph 955 Daytona Blew engine up while ragging round the alps and had to leave in a friendly farmer's barn.
Yamaha R1 (/army years)
That, sir, is a pretty impressive run.
:bow:
The Williams2 was pure joy to drive.
-
Good game. From start (1988) to present: Lots of average, a couple of gems....
Escort MkII 1.3
Alfasud 1.5ti
Mini
Mini (and repeat at least 10 times - I bought and sold a load - best was a 68 Cooper with a 1275 S engine in it. Train)
Fiesta Mk1 (grey primer)
Land Rover (IIa, 2.25 petrol, LWB)
Fiesta Mk1 (blue - no primer)
Citroen AX GT
Nova (mk1) 1.5tdi (small car torquey Izusu Turbo diesel lump - superb stealth traffic light racer)
Astra (Mk3) 1.7Tdi
Golf (mk4) (sold at 120k - still see it around Hull now)
BMW 320d Touring (E46 - great car - did 60-120k in it like the Golf)
Golf (Mk6) first (and last) brand new car.. sold at 90K. Only thing ever needing replacing were two front tyres - amazing...
Volvo V40 (present motor).
-
You can tell the car history of a lot of climbers as the tend to follow a pretty similar course. When I started climbing it was all about the Lancia Delta Integrale in LHD (seem to recall Pete Gomersall had a big crash in one) and then 205 GTI's, then Clio Sports.
My history runs a similar line with a few odd ones;
VW Beetle GT
Citroen Saxo VTR
Renault Clio 172 Sport
Ford Ranger Pickup
BMW Z3 Coupe
Land Rover Defender 90
BMW X6 30d
BMW X6 40d (current vehicle)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Mixed bag;
Opel Ascona (Vauxhall Cavalier) - shit heap engine went
Mazda 323 (basically a meccano car - reliable and easy to fix)
Bedford CF 250 Van (killed it - engine went)
Volvo 240 Estate - big enough to sleep 2 - sold for buttons
Volvo V50 - great car but company car had to give it back
Ford Aerostar Van - US car - great did circa 2.5k miles with no probs, had to sell when i left
Renault Espace - given to me, clutch went - died
Peugot 306 HDi - good car, crap electrics - died (shared)
Vauxhall Corsa Hatch - bomb proof, should never have sold (shared)
Ford Focus Estate - Petrol - good car - sold eventually (shared)
VW T5 called Dennis - still got, still going (shared)
Ford Focus - Diesel Estate - good car so far (shared)
-
A good game indeed.
Rover 4 series
Escort estate dull but good for euro trip
Peugeot 306 £500 lasted for 3-4 years! Cracked the head gasket
Peugeot 207 loved it, cracked the head gasket; apparently common on these...
VW polo shite, slow and unreliable
Seat Leon, like it, first non crappy car I've had, not that I'm allowed to drive it at the moment... bloody DVLA!
-
Alfasud 1.5ti
I'm seeing you in a new light
-
Slightly back on topic, but my 04 Octavia (last of the mk 1's) was £1200 at about 100k. It's now done 170k and I've only had to replace the replaceable parts (tyres, brakes, etc) and one occasion the alternator, which wasn't expensive.
It's a great car and by far the best I've ever had. The turbo is showing wear now (1.9tdi), but it's still going good.
I'd buy another, but maybe this model is a touch older than what you were after.
-
not including partners' cars which I have bought/looked after...
1978 Chrysler Alpine (gold, rusty as fook), my Mum's old car
1980 Bedford CF camper "Billy"
1988 1.2 Vauxhaul Astra "Douglat"
1998 Astra Estate
1990 BMW E30 316(?) Coupe "The Duck" (had a small fluffy duck where the front badge used to be) Joe Picalli's old car, and his Mum's before that
1995 BMW E36 320i Coupe - my first V6 - sold to T2T
1995 Chevrolet Astro - 4.3litre V6 LPG "Jolene"
2002 1.6 Citroen Xsara Picasso in racing beige
1995 GMC Safari (same as Chevrolet Astro) 4.3 V6 LPG "Silly Billy" - Grumpy Crumpy's old ride
-
Alfasud 1.5ti
I'm seeing you in a new light
Sadly I wrapped it around a tree exiting a corner sideways at 60. Fortunately both passenger and driver walked away.
-
Ford Ka
X Reg Mini Cooper (one of the last 200 made I believe).
Punto HGT 1.9 JTD - CRASHED INTO
Punto HGT 1.9 JTD - never as good (I expect No.1 had been remapped)
'56 VW Beetle with 2.0 Volkspeed engine, gene berg gearbox, twincarbs etc.- FLOODED
Ex AA 2.5 Tdi T4 Camper - Amazing camper
VW Caddy 1.9tdi Camper - Too small, compromised in every way
Skoda Fabia 1.9tdi vRS - 99k miles and only £35 over and above tyres and brakes!
Ford E150 4.2l V8 (351bhp?) - Bought and sold within 7 months. Trip van.
04 BMW 320d M Sport touring (traded in at 198,950 miles) - A PITA but great fun when all was working correctly.
11 Skoda Octavia vRS tdi 170 estate - Very happy with this.
(MKI or II Swift Sport if we crack and buy a second vehicle)
-
51-reg Micra
X-reg Golf 1.9TDi estate where the T was broken. Killed by a tree at 180k miles.
Y-reg Peugeot 306 estate 1.4 petrol. Sold at 160k miles. Amazingly saw it still active about a year ago, I've no idea how.
54-reg Skoda Fabia 1.9TDi estate. Still going strong at 150k.
If I could combine the luggage space of the 306 with the engine of the Fabia and the 6-speed and sound system of the Golf I'd be very happy not to upgrade for a while!
-
2001 Citroen berlingo - family business works van, got new job not comfy for a 60mile commute
1999 mitsubushi colt 1.3 - great car stuck like shit to a blanket, old engine not much power, got rid due to poor economy and doing high miles
2001 ford focus estate 1.8tdi - nice drive and economic but had to get rid after a year to many things started going wrong.
2004 ford mondeo estate 2.0tdi - modded exhaust and a remap, great fun to drive kept for 2.5years and put nearly 100k on it got rid as it bits started falling off.
2007 Toyota avensis estate 2.0tdi - great car not as big as the mondeo, very reliable, sister now has this has her car and it still runs a like new at 170k, swapped mainly just because I fancied an upgrade also i'd put 85k on it in 3 years.
2011 Toyota avensis estate 2.0 tdi, great car, comfy, economic, ok to drive, well specced. just recently bought a tuning box which has made it a lot more fun. great for driving long distances. only downside is small fuel tank or indicated empty point.