stix Posted 12 January 2013 Posted 12 January 2013 Corsa Clio Punto Fiesta C2 206/207 Thing with cars is that one person may suggest you get car X because they've had one for years with no issues at all. Then someone else will come on and say that they also had car X and had nothing but trouble from day one. My car was running superb for the time i had it, no issues at all....then the engine packed up completely out of the blue at the weekend, scrap.
pSinatra Posted 12 January 2013 Posted 12 January 2013 1.5/2Kish I know Mini's are a bit more than that but I was prepared to spend more on one cos I've always liked them. But now...not so much. Buying a car is a lottery at the best of times. For that sort of price, you'll be buying something that is getting on a bit. You may pick something up that gives you no trouble at all & costs you no more to run than the usual unavoidable running costs (insurance, tax, petrol, etc). But it will be getting to that age when things are more likely to go wrong & you should consider cars that you know aren't too expensive to repair & parts more readily available
MrsJohnMurphy Posted 12 January 2013 Posted 12 January 2013 Buy a VW, you'll never go back to anything else.
Trav Le Bleu Posted 12 January 2013 Posted 12 January 2013 Buy a VW, you'll never go back to anything else. Had a 25 year old Polo coupe for 3 years now and only spent £600 on it in all that time (ex. tax and ins) Never had a problem with my Scirroco either. Did buy a Mk1 Golf GTi many years back that had, I think, being crashed and bodged, which was a nightmare. There's never any guarantee. Probably my 3rd and 4th favourite cars I've owned (had a few!) after my Mitsubishi Galant GTi and my Mini 1275. Whilst what pSinatra says is true about older cars, they can also be a lot easier to fix yourself - you don't need to plug a diagnostic tool into them. Any man who doesn't know the basics of car maintenance is a wuss!
Bayfox Posted 12 January 2013 Posted 12 January 2013 For 2k if your not bothered by what car. A 55 plate or there abouts if you can find a low mileage one. Would do you. I dont really like french cars but will admit my wifes was a spot on little motor. Cheap to run and maintain. Never had any problems. Brought it 2nd hand only sold it last year due to having 2 kids to fold in the back. Got a good return as it was low mileage and well maintained. Garage sold it to an employee a week later and he's still running it round locally now. Just make sure timing belt has been done. Ideal 1st car to be honest. And i've had fiestas, 205's etc but the cilo was by far the most reliable and cost effective.
Raw Dykes Posted 12 January 2013 Posted 12 January 2013 I'd recommend VWs or Japanese cars, as they are usually very well-built and shouldn't give you many headaches. VWs hold their value very well, too. I'd advise you to avoid Renaults as they are usually the opposite. My dad was a mechanic for 20-odd years, and he always said Renaults were badly made. My brother, against that advice, bought a Megane that was only a few years old. It was the bane of his life and he couldn't wait to get shot of it. Cost him a fortune in repairs in the short time he owned it. I'd definitely recommend getting a diesel. It makes such a huge difference to running costs. I've got a VW Lupo 1.0L, and I thought it would be about as economical as a diesel, but it isn't in the same league.
pSinatra Posted 12 January 2013 Posted 12 January 2013 Had a 25 year old Polo coupe for 3 years now and only spent £600 on it in all that time (ex. tax and ins) Never had a problem with my Scirroco either. Did buy a Mk1 Golf GTi many years back that had, I think, being crashed and bodged, which was a nightmare. There's never any guarantee. Probably my 3rd and 4th favourite cars I've owned (had a few!) after my Mitsubishi Galant GTi and my Mini 1275. Whilst what pSinatra says is true about older cars, they can also be a lot easier to fix yourself - you don't need to plug a diagnostic tool into them. Any man who doesn't know the basics of car maintenance is a wuss! You're absolutely right!! I have no sympathy for anyone who takes no care of their car & then complains when things go wrong that could have been avoided. The number of people I know who would have no idea how to top up their oil.......if they ever knew what their oil level was?? I was going to suggest a VW of some sort or maybe a Focus/Fiesta if you wanted something a little younger?
Trav Le Bleu Posted 12 January 2013 Posted 12 January 2013 I know so-called men who don't know what a Haynes manual is.
Mickey O'Neil Posted 12 January 2013 Posted 12 January 2013 I'm going to get slaughtered for this, but here goes. I had a 70s Mini. I was too embarrassed to drive it (how I can say that now with the rusty rat I drive I don't know!) I let my neighbour borrow it. He did a couple of robbery's in it! I never did drive it!! Anyway, Mini One, Cooper, Cooper S? Which one you looking at buying? There's plenty of indies who do BMW's so I wouldn't stress too much about servicing/repair costs. Apart from my last 2 cars (Rat VW's), my other 8 previous cars have been Mercedes. I'm not minted but I never used to worry about servicing/repairs with decent indies about. Join a Mini forum and do your research for common faults. This is what I've done for a Toyota Celica G7 and feel confident enough to buy one. At the end of the day, they don't seem to be plagued with problems. Just enjoy it if you buy one. Good luck.
Saxondale Posted 12 January 2013 Posted 12 January 2013 Basically mate, just buy what you want. If you're unlucky, you'll have problems. If you're lucky, you won't. Simple as that.
The Year Of The Fox Posted 13 January 2013 Posted 13 January 2013 Noone spotted the trend here then？minis are girls cars unless you're talking the vintage model
Mack Posted 13 January 2013 Posted 13 January 2013 What a steaming heap of junk the old mini was. So much romance around it and I'm sure it was a pioneering car but it was also an unreliable rust bucket. I believe the new one is just a small BMW.
CupidStunt Posted 13 January 2013 Posted 13 January 2013 The fact he knows 3 people who've had them nicked? And that means there desirable for thieves?, to me, its just a snapshot of his situation, and not a true reflection. Anyhow for £1500-£2000 he is not getting one anyway, not a new shape at least @op, If its your first car, get something cheap and reliable, you cant go wrong with a ford focus, around 2003/2004 It all depends on what you want it for, and what purpose it is to serve fanny magnet?
SOCCERROO FOX Posted 13 January 2013 Posted 13 January 2013 More specifically one of the newer-ish models? Looking at one for my first car, but being completely clueless when it comes to cars I thought I'd get some opinions on them before setting my sights on it. The only issue I've heard is that they're a bit expensive to fix but I'm sure they say that about every car these days. More specifically one of the newer-ish models? Looking at one for my first car, but being completely clueless when it comes to cars I thought I'd get some opinions on them before setting my sights on it. The only issue I've heard is that they're a bit expensive to fix but I'm sure they say that about every car these days. Well my work collegue can testify to that
Mickey O'Neil Posted 14 January 2013 Posted 14 January 2013 What are indies? Sorry. Independent (Garages) There's a few decent Merc ones that I know of. There will be plenty of Mini/BMW indies about
CupidStunt Posted 14 January 2013 Posted 14 January 2013 Sorry. Independent (Garages) There's a few decent Merc ones that I know of. There will be plenty of Mini/BMW indies about There is only 1 mini indie that i know of and thats Bond street in Anstey, and i personally would use them again Mini dealers seem to do a decent service plan that is quite competitive compared to indies
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