Spec me a car! Idea's and recommendations welcome! [Archive]

LeperousDust

29-07-2012, 16:06

This is going to be fairly open ended, because I really have NO idea what I want. I just know what I don't want when I see it....

Essentially, I want a fun car that I won't be doing much driving in. I commute most places by bike as its always easier, cheaper and around Edinburgh usually faster!

I want to be able to throw my bike on the said steed via my rack on the back or roof rack/bars or tow bar to take biking further afield (I REALLY miss this :().

And it needs to be reasonably comfortable enough to get me home (200 odd miles) or down south if I really have to!

I don't really want to spend more than £2k on the car, have worked out £3k to include a car tax and insurance at the very very top end. Ideally less personally...

I think I'm after something smallish so no estates.

Bigger end i've seen an '04 Mondeo Ghia X 2.0 fully tricked out (with Sat Nav although that doesn't really do anything for me) with 70k on the clock for 2k.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201229479089769/usedcars?logcode=visc Think this is the most sensible choice but it doesnt really do anything for me properly...

Smaller end an MG ZR '04 70k for 1600
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201215463703081/usedcars?logcode=visc This is the cheapest and OK although have to be careful with the engine and problems associated, its small, a little fun but under-powered in the long run me thinks... Again "it'd do" though...

With a twist Hyundai Coupe 2.7 V6 '02 70k
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201225476241590/usedcars?logcode=visc The Hyundai seems a really out there option, I'm not sure if I'm just being stupid tbh... I can insure it for <500 a year and tax is 270 so its within "budget" and I'll have initial tax thrown in etc...

I think I like it, and it'd be different and fun to drive when I do so occasionally.

Any out there ideas about what I could be looking at? If I said I liked the Golf GTI, Skoda VRS, Elise off the top of my head, what would you recommend granted my budget isnt stretching that far so I'm trying to substitute accordingly. But also open minded to lots of alternatives at all ends of the spectrum really...

Loooooost! Disclaimer the 3 chosen above are just 3 cars that seem alright within a local 5 mile area just to give examples, they aren't actually indicative of what I'm after :)

Zirax

29-07-2012, 17:33

IIRC didn't you have an old Almera with a Dulux finish front bonnet?

I wouldn't call a 2.0 Mondeo that sporty really. It would do as an A->B motor.

MG ZR. A good mate of mine Mike has one of these. If you get the rear strut brace off the MG owners club it does go around corners at a stupid speed. It is a little underpowered on the straights but part of the fun is ragging the daylights out of it :D

Hyundai Coupe. Just don't. They are god awful cars to drive and generally crap.

------------------
Hmmm
How about a Focus Zetec? The Zetec as it comes with the hardened sports suspension.
Ford Puma.

divine

29-07-2012, 18:41

It might be the older shape but i'm sure you could easily get a decent example of the Octavia vRS within budget.

You've really plucked a rather eclectic mix of cars there though:

Mondeo - repmobile motorway hack
MG ZR - tarted up boy racer fantasy rover
Hyundai Coupe - Cheap Korean attempt at a fun car
Golf GTI - reasonably quick but generally sedate all rounder
Octavia vRS - as above but less scene tax
Elise - hardcore stripped out race car for the road

If I were you i'd look at older hatchbacks - in terms of the Golf you'd only get a Mk4 GTI, I have one, it's comfortable but it's not exactly mountains of fun. The Octavia and Leon Cupra are worth looking at as cheaper alternatives but retaining the comfort.

A Civic might be worth a look but a Type-R would likely be out of budget and insurance range.

Focus is generally ok but the ST170 is nothing great and the regular 2.0 drinks fuel for no real performance.

Renaultsport Clios are mountains of fun but long distance comfort will be lacking compared to the others.

LeperousDust

30-07-2012, 00:55

I did have that Old Almera, finally scrapped it last year when it failed it's MOT for rusting YET AGAIN common Almera problem, everything was fine, but welding was getting out of hand for the cars worth. I haven't had a car since, which is sheer proof why I don't particularly need one, but it would be helpful at times.

I realise that car list was hilariously eclectic :D It's because I'm so confused as to what I want really. The Hyundai Coupe is a big fat no then? I felt that myself in a way, but wanted someone to tell me it.

It think I'm after something hot hatchy, and you've given me food for thought. I'm in no rush really just need to sit around looking at what I can get until something I really fancy pops up. It's just hard when I don't know what I fancy :D

vRS would probably be fairly decent though, I thought about a Renaultsport clio, but I just don't know if I could "do" a renault, aren't they prone to being put together with shoestring or less, and electrics as reliable as our summers...?

Type-R would be sweet, but you're right probably impractically out my budget. ST170 I'd had in mind also, but It reminds me of my mates focus he wrote off when he was younger kinda ruined it for me. Alas most of the hot hatches obviously have that kind of image though...

LeperousDust

30-07-2012, 01:33

Age old question, how many miles before I should start thinking otherwise, I mean I understand that not all miles are made equally, but i have definite problems when hitting 120k+ Prefer 70-100k tops I think but i really don't know why!?!

kaiowas

30-07-2012, 13:00

With regard to mileage, generally I couldn't give a toss what the odo says. Most modern cars will happily do several hundred thousand as long as they're maintained properly so I buy on condition rather than mileage. Only caveat to that is if you're looking at a particular model has a common and expensive fault which is known to crop up at a certain mileage.

On the subject of car choice, what's your idea of fun? Do you favour straight line performance, nice chuckable handling, silly amounts of grip or just something that looks nice If you can narrow that down it'll help us to give you more relevant suggestions.

LeperousDust

01-08-2012, 16:03

True with respect to mileage I guess, generally things are more worn inside after more miles though surely, probably my only reason to worry a little. Not really sure what my idea of fun is, i think i'm probably pretty easily pleased! Renaultsport was a good call actually, the more I think about it. I was after something more than my old 1.4 Almera haha which isn't hard to beat i know! And something at least maybe nice to be inside but i'm not really sure how much I actually care about that. But I was generally eyeing up leather interiors over cloth, and all the little extras on top of that are always nice but not necessary. That was my draw to the GhiaX its no race car, but 2L would probably keep me happy. Its essentially just practical and then also nice to drive in (for the money anyway).

Then again the Clio renaultsport's growing on me, I know they're a little sparse inside generally but I think it would be a decent car that suits me for now, so i'm swaying to things in that direction. Looks like the 172 is probably what i should be looking at I guess?

Zirax

01-08-2012, 16:32

Just seen this:-
http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18427995

One of the cars is this:-
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3893649.htm
Can you stretch that 2k limit though? Could be a lot of fun.

LeperousDust

01-08-2012, 17:52

That Honda is V nice, but but i've just got real strict on myself, 2k tops now :p Just spent 1k on a Vaio Z which i'll get great use out of =/:D 2k on a car for occasional fun/use is really ALL I need. I say that now like i'm sure i won't spend more but we'll see... :)

That thread is superb food for thought though! Exactly what I'm after although I care less on MPG :p

Haven't been round OcUK in YEARS!

LeperousDust

01-08-2012, 21:07

http://classifieds.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/ford/focus-st/ford-focus-st170-3dr--53-plate--51k-miles/619049

Sold but looks like what i'm after me thinks. ST170 isn't probably the sportiest thing in the world but i think its ticking my boxes. I'm just gonna bide my time locally see what appears! I've got quite a few ideas in my head now though :)

Thanks guys!

LeperousDust

01-08-2012, 21:15

http://classifieds.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/renault/clio/2004-renault-clio-172-sport-full-dealer-service-low-miles-remap-may-px/656962

Seems like the 172 ticks everything but i'm really unsure about the way the back end looks, can't quite make out why though, this is also 90 miles away. Being without a car right now that's annoyingly far away...

And the caps and worrying ad don't fill with confidence :p

kaiowas

01-08-2012, 21:43

You're not looking at the back whilst you're driving it :p

Could you get away with strapping your bike to the back of an MX5 or is that pushing the limits of practicality?

LeperousDust

01-08-2012, 21:59

Yeeeeah I had thought about it, but i'm unsure, although a celica MR2 and maybe even an MX5 etc... (although I think i'd have that least of all) are in my lines of sight if something comes up close, but i'm having trouble thinking its practical enough with my bike. Although really it probably wouldn't be that much hassle...

There is a Mk3 MR2 close by (http://classifieds.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/toyota/mr2/rev3-mr2/615748) that interests me a little...

There's also a skoda vrs hatchback close which I think it probably decent ish... http://classifieds.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/skoda/octavia/skoda-octavia-vrs-1-8t-20v-5dr/336723

The more I look the more i think i'm after a hot hatch basically, but would debate some kind of possible coupe assuming I can get away with fitting a bike to it (hmmmm).

Just gonna prowl PH every waking day :D

LeperousDust

01-08-2012, 22:06

Hmmmmmmmmmm
http://classifieds.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/peugeot/406/peugeot-406-coupe-3-0-v6/637428

:D

Zirax

01-08-2012, 22:45

Hmmmmmmmmmm
http://classifieds.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/peugeot/406/peugeot-406-coupe-3-0-v6/637428

:D

Well, that certainly puts things into perspective.

Any future recommendations with have an appropriate level of fabulous included.

Of all of them the Skoda looks the best tbh.

LeperousDust

01-08-2012, 23:21

Yeah i'm really debating the Skoda, i'd almost certainly jumped if it were smaller style (ie not saloon length)...

Ebay motors is alright sourcing stuff I assume, I can't see why not?
Celica 190 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TOYOTA-CELICA-VVTI-190-SPORT-TOP-OF-THE-RANGE-MODEL-LONG-MOT-GENUINE-CAR-/280932995248?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4168e950b0#ht_609wt_1009)

Loooooove that! ignoring the complete lack of practicality :D

Sensible head screwed back on:
Clio (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Renault-Clio-2-0-16v-Renaultsport-172-Black-2001-51-77000-miles-/180868922448?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2a1ca0bc50)
206 GTI (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2002-02-PEUGEOT-206-GTI-2-0-87-000-MLS-FPSH-/120738436706?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item1c1c925662)
ST170 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2002-FORD-FOCUS-FORD-FOCUS-2-0-ST170-5dr-Petrol-/261061272863?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3cc876e51f#ht_1014wt_1009)
Cupra (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Now-1-year-mot-Seat-Ibiza-2-0-16v-Cupra-GTI-Sport-150-bhp-114-000-mileage-/320916577360?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item4ab81e5c50#ht_1228wt_983)
Definitely getting a handle on what i'm looking out for at least :)

Pheebs

02-08-2012, 00:52

LD's Next Car (http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C290568)

Nuff said.

;)

LeperousDust

02-08-2012, 01:22

That would be hilariously amazing, and unpractical on every level. There is one driving round Edinburgh, seen it twice in the past year. Looks like young guy driving it too (rich student no doubt!)

Having serious thoughts with the (somewhat boring) ST170, it's very close to me, it's not quite hot hatch, but its no slouch. Reliable, roomy, alright on longish journeys etc... It's not got me jumping but its definitely OK. Shame its half leather and doesn't have any extra toys. I'm not up on my prices yet, but I get the feeling they're having a right laugh touching 2k with 100k miles for that, but i'm not sure what i'd offer just yet (more browsing!)

TinkerBell

02-08-2012, 08:12

I would be going with the Skoda, drove a vrs when I was looking for cars (couldn't afford it but wanted a go :p) and it was very nice to drive, I have a Skoda sport 1.2 and even that is nippy and smooth. I will be getting a Skoda for my next car, they are great :D

Have you looked at Seat's as well, they have very similar build to Skoda's, so worth a look

LeperousDust

02-08-2012, 12:14

How are they allowed to put the word sport on a 1.2l NA engine? ;D

Skoda vRS is turbo vs the others being NA, having driven neither I can't really comment (yet) but I think i'd rather a big lump over turbo. Octavia is appealing though...

TinkerBell

02-08-2012, 12:23

Because it has sports seats, sporty interior, electric windows, air con, blacked out windows, sportier front and rear bumper and alloy wheels, colour coded wing mirrors which aren't on the standard 1.2 ;)

You should try a few out before you buy.

LeperousDust

02-08-2012, 12:56

My mum had the 1.4 elegance, and bro had a 1.4 *something less*, mum's currently got an automatic civic, so i've driven those to some extent, although how driving an auto civic relates to what I want i'll never know :D

They're good cars for what they are definitely, I'm just after something with more punch, hence the vRS, cupra etc... My 1.4 'mera was sedate as hell, and well know for its wafty suspension (I called it character ;)). I just don't want another car that's always a bit of a chore to drive. Since i'll barely be using it anyhow...

kaiowas

02-08-2012, 16:35

I think you're going about this the wrong way.

Stop looking at what cars are currently local to you. Decide what car you want based on what suits your needs and what you can afford. Then start looking for the best example of that car that you can find that's in budget and near enough that you're prepared to make the journey for it.

Casually browsing and seeing what jumps out is only good for getting ideas, if you use it as the basis for finding a specific car you will more often that not either end up with a poor example or buying something that's not quite what you want.

Oh and sport is just a name for higher trim levels these days, it's got bugger all to do with the performance. Most manufacturers consider front fog lights to be a 'sporty' upgrade.

LeperousDust

02-08-2012, 19:13

As much as I see where you're coming from, I don't really have access to any decent means of travel other than my bike right now, the reason I'm buying a car! So travelling miles to see a car is now likely to make me debate taking something possibly rubbish maybe skewing my judgement.

Whereas I'm happy to just sit it out and wait, and check everything out locally, until the cows come home! I have no deadline for buying anything...

Really think I should be travelling far and wide? =/

Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk 2

Fayshun

02-08-2012, 19:54

My colleague at work had an ST170, they are *thirsty*, very thirsty.

Zirax

02-08-2012, 22:38

I agree with Kaiowas here, when I got the Omega I drove 200miles and stayed overnight at a hotel. The MR2 track car I got a train to the outskirts of Manchester. The last two cars have ended up being <50miles away :)

I do think that the Skoda VRS you found is an example I would look at. 1 owner from new, clearly one of the 'omg it'll blow up at 100k' brigade. If he has a nice thick wedge of paperwork to go with it and there is nothing wrong with the car, slap £1500 on the bonnet and see what happens

LeperousDust

03-08-2012, 01:27

You speak sound works Matt, cheers, I was thinking of turning up and asking for something similar from the dealer see what he pulls up until we get to the skoda and then play the slightly uninterested cash game see where it goes... Seems nice though, would just want a little drive and since I dont have a day off over the next 12 I can do a lot of research on what I really need to look out for....

Do you think training it to examples of cars is worth it when I'm only looking to spend under 2k? Trains/hotels aren't cheap!? I understand the need to go the extra mile to the THE car of your choice, but i dont even have a decent means of transport right now, and lets be honest cant rely on trains at short notice.

Oooooft, just seen this beautiful golf (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2001-VOLKSWAGEN-GOLF-V6-4MOTION-BLUE-/180943423044?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2a21118644)pop up on ebay on a saved search. 6 days to go can't imagine it will land under my 2k budget? If it does, I'm scared I won't be able to insure it :D :p Sounds ****ing lovely though!

TinkerBell

03-08-2012, 06:25

I don't think you have to travel miles to get a decent car, I made a list of cars that I was interested in which were for sale within 30 miles, did insurance prices on all of them. Went to look at the Skoda as I liked it the most out of the list and bought it after a test drive. It was only about 10 miles away. Mine had a lady owner from new with 15,000 miles on the clock and was in fantastic condition.

divine

03-08-2012, 07:20

True with respect to mileage I guess, generally things are more worn inside after more miles though surely, probably my only reason to worry a little.

Consider which you would expect to wear the interior more:

Person A: Makes 5 or 6 short trips per day, taking the kids to school, popping to the supermarket, in and out the car, on and off the seats, stop starting at traffic lights all the time etc. etc.

Person B: Makes 1 long journey in the morning to get to work. Makes 1 long journey in the evening to get home again.

Guess which one would be more like sold as 'One lady owner, low mileage' :p

Buy on condition, don't assume mileage will be an accurate indicator of condition, it often isn't.

TinkerBell

03-08-2012, 07:48

That isn't always true, for example my car had one lady owner, 15,000 miles over 5 years and it was in fantastic condition. You have to look at the car, not who had it before.

LeperousDust

03-08-2012, 19:26

I understand that every mile is not created equally for sure. My mums car is a classic example: sold as lady owner and I know for a fact she abused it and never seriously serviced it (unless she had to kinda thing)! That 4motion sound gorgeous and well looked after, shame i'll never be able to afford it (let alone insure the bugger)...

divine

03-08-2012, 19:50

That isn't always true, for example my car had one lady owner, 15,000 miles over 5 years and it was in fantastic condition. You have to look at the car, not who had it before.

Yes, that's why I said buy on condition and don't assume mileage is an accurate indicator :huh:

LeperousDust

06-08-2012, 05:30

So so it is actually final now, I'm after a Renaultsport 172. I think i'll cope fine with it on long journeys, it's comfort level is more than what I was used to previously :p.

ST170 felt nicer spec'd inside, just better put together than the above french example, but people keep telling me it just drives rubbish for what i'd be paying in insurance and petrol, and i'm one to listen :)

Can't really beat the 172 with it's decent spec and fun for around/under 2k's surely?

So if i said I was looking at spending probably between 1.5-2k on a Phase 2 (I think it is) >=2002 172, anything I should look out for specifically. Looks like i'll be taking 80-100ks on the clock. Obviously i'll want enough paperwork to see it's alright?

What's the etiquette with ebay and test drives etc...? Don't want to win a monster.... But a few ads i've read say no test drives (wtf?)

Anyways, usual shenanigans, and bedtime! Goodnight!

divine

06-08-2012, 19:28

There is a rather big thread on OcUK of Clio 172 and 182 owners, who would likely be able to provide some very good and specific help with what to look out for on a 172.

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=17906540

It's over 8500 posts long though, so I wouldn't try and read it all :p

LeperousDust

07-08-2012, 01:01

Jeeeesus, I'll settle down with a cuppa and get to work on reading that =/

LeperousDust

06-09-2012, 23:28

Riiiiiiiiiiiiight

Plan on seeing this (http://www.cliosport.net/forum/showthread.php?654751-Clio-172-PH1-Pearl-Black) car in Aberdeen Tomorrow/Saturday. I KNOW he will accept £900.

I also have a PM from him answering my call on belts/service receipts here:

Alright, I've still got it just now, going to be advertising it more places this weekend including scot ads. I'm free tomorrow and all weekend so that's good for me, I can easy pick you up from the train station. It's good service history, even has the original sale receipt from when it was sold new. I was assured the belts had been done recently but the garage I bought it from couldn't find the receipt hence the low price. One of the top points is knocking slightly and it could do with a new exhaust mount. £900 would be the lowest I'd goto just to clear it out of my way. Would you be coming up yourself? Just so I know to have the car clear, I bmx so usually have it in the back of the car.

My number is xxxxxxxxx, if you can text first before you call please.

Cheers

David

So I can't quite trust the belts, and possible engine knocking/exhaust mount, and personally i'd need to have the steering wheel upholstered (~£70 but otherwise <£100). Otherwise do you think it's worth the money. It's well within budget, but tbh as long as its mechanically sound would suit me fine. Is £900 fair for that, any ideas if I should be pushing less. I feel i should with 91k and potential problems that are serviceable if butfor good money. Happy to let it go if he's not happy to accept less, it's not like I've let a lot of cars go yet...i'm fussy and I won't pay over the odds, which doesn't help, butI'm still in no rush! :)

Get the impression he's fairly desperate to sell, I just don't know how well auto trader or piston heads would treat him at that price...

Grandad

06-09-2012, 23:38

linky no work without sign up

belts can be sorted but knocking is a rick unless you really know what you are doing

does he mean the exhaust mount could be cause of knocking ? if so it should just knock on momentum changes, if thats all it is then no big deal but if its that simple why hasnt he sorted it ?

a Clio 172 for that sort of money would be awesome though

re ebay, no test drives=no bid simple as that

LeperousDust

06-09-2012, 23:43

Cheers mate, it's not ebay it's straight from cliosport, he's not listed it anywhere else yet.

Copied from classified on cliosport:

Clio 172 PH1 Pearl Black
Putting my Clio 172 PH1 up for sale. I was planning on turning into a track car but have had a change in plans.

It is Y reg 2001, covered 91,000 miles but this will increase slightly as I am still using it daily. It has 10 months mot, 5 months tax.

It does not have an aluminium bonnet but I have bought one which can be included in the sale, the bonnet is silver so will require painting. I have also got an Oreca steering wheel boss and smoked side indicators which can also be included in the sale.

The car is total standard, even has a brand new spare wheel. It has the usual steering wheel wear.

I have removed the front fog fog lamps since taking these photos as I was planning on making cold air feeds.

It has good service history and 4 former keepers.

There are a few marks/scratches around the car, some will come out with a good machine polish. Has a small ding on the boot and a small crack on the rear bumper from the previous owner.

I'm looking for £1,200 o.n.o.

---------------

Re: Clio 172 PH1 Pearl Black
I have just placed a deposit on another car so dropping the price to £1,000 ono

Unsure if pics linked the way I have work, but basically a tidy black 172, worst picture is the steering wheel guff (which i will need to replace)

http://www.cliosport.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=82653&d=1344274678

LeperousDust

06-09-2012, 23:44

http://www.cliosport.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=82652&d=1344274659

http://www.cliosport.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=82651&d=1344274590

http://www.cliosport.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=82654&d=1344274712

LeperousDust

06-09-2012, 23:46

Thing is as well, belts aren't particularly cheap, well when you compare to the cost of the car. So having them guaranteed done would be nice really... It would be 40% on top of the list price again!?

Knocking you have a valid point, if it's the engine mount then that's a simple fix. He is getting rid of this because he's just bought a new car. Not sure if that's because this is past its sell-by date or because he just wants new shiny though...