Sensible, Cheap to run & Reliable Daily <£5k
#1
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
Sensible, Cheap to run & Reliable Daily <£5k
My circumstances will be changing somewhat this year and as such the scoob is getting SORN'd/garaged. My leased Ibiza TDI is going back in a few months and I wish to buy a used replacement rather than lease again.
I am looking to spend £5k max on something hassle free that I can park anywhere and not give a toss about for 2-3 years doing 12-15k pa. Requirements are at least 40mpg, at least Ibiza-sized and low running costs. 5 doors handy but not essential.
My current thoughts are focused on some flavour of 5-6 year old Kia. Ideally an NA petrol as I reckon there's less to go wrong. I don't want anything very old or with a moon mileage but I'd be grateful for any other suggestions. Apologies its such a boring topic!
I am looking to spend £5k max on something hassle free that I can park anywhere and not give a toss about for 2-3 years doing 12-15k pa. Requirements are at least 40mpg, at least Ibiza-sized and low running costs. 5 doors handy but not essential.
My current thoughts are focused on some flavour of 5-6 year old Kia. Ideally an NA petrol as I reckon there's less to go wrong. I don't want anything very old or with a moon mileage but I'd be grateful for any other suggestions. Apologies its such a boring topic!
#2
Scooby Regular
Golf mkv 08-07 plate 1.9 tdi match model ticks all the boxes solid reliable and you'll have change for modifications like egr removal, decat and remap very nippy and plenty of torque IMO
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#9
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (31)
I picked up a run around for the wife on Christmas eve whilst I decide which car route to go next. It's a late 2004 A3 2.0TDI sportback with 3 owners that's covered 113k and has a proper full history all for £2k.
I love it! It can be parked anywhere get covered in $hit inside and out and no one cares because it's throw away money. I looked at quite a few newer cars for twice the price but this car is actually better spec'd and cleaner, throw in 50mpg ish and it's a win win.
I love it! It can be parked anywhere get covered in $hit inside and out and no one cares because it's throw away money. I looked at quite a few newer cars for twice the price but this car is actually better spec'd and cleaner, throw in 50mpg ish and it's a win win.
#10
Scooby Senior
iTrader: (68)
I picked up a run around for the wife on Christmas eve whilst I decide which car route to go next. It's a late 2004 A3 2.0TDI sportback with 3 owners that's covered 113k and has a proper full history all for £2k.
I love it! It can be parked anywhere get covered in $hit inside and out and no one cares because it's throw away money. I looked at quite a few newer cars for twice the price but this car is actually better spec'd and cleaner, throw in 50mpg ish and it's a win win.
I love it! It can be parked anywhere get covered in $hit inside and out and no one cares because it's throw away money. I looked at quite a few newer cars for twice the price but this car is actually better spec'd and cleaner, throw in 50mpg ish and it's a win win.
#11
#12
I picked up a run around for the wife on Christmas eve whilst I decide which car route to go next. It's a late 2004 A3 2.0TDI sportback with 3 owners that's covered 113k and has a proper full history all for £2k.
I love it! It can be parked anywhere get covered in $hit inside and out and no one cares because it's throw away money. I looked at quite a few newer cars for twice the price but this car is actually better spec'd and cleaner, throw in 50mpg ish and it's a win win.
I love it! It can be parked anywhere get covered in $hit inside and out and no one cares because it's throw away money. I looked at quite a few newer cars for twice the price but this car is actually better spec'd and cleaner, throw in 50mpg ish and it's a win win.
#13
best golf and engine/gearbox built by far. Just watch out for camshaft wear (regular decent oil changes changes) and it will go forever.
#14
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (11)
Fiat Panda 100HP and you will have ~£2k change.
I ran around in one for a while, it averages between 37-45 mpg depending on how it's being driven. It's an engine that loves to be revved but drinks oil (common apparently).
I've taken it around Cadwell Park and it was hilarious, too.
Just fit a set of Koni yellows and get a 2008 model onwards as they have a different brake servo and much better feel.
I ran around in one for a while, it averages between 37-45 mpg depending on how it's being driven. It's an engine that loves to be revved but drinks oil (common apparently).
I've taken it around Cadwell Park and it was hilarious, too.
Just fit a set of Koni yellows and get a 2008 model onwards as they have a different brake servo and much better feel.
Last edited by fpan; 28 January 2019 at 07:28 PM.
#17
#21
Scooby Regular
#22
Scooby Regular
Fiat Panda 100HP and you will have ~£2k change.
I ran around in one for a while, it averages between 37-45 mpg depending on how it's being driven. It's an engine that loves to be revved but drinks oil (common apparently).
I've taken it around Cadwell Park and it was hilarious, too.
Just fit a set of Koni yellows and get a 2008 model onwards as they have a different brake servo and much better feel.
I ran around in one for a while, it averages between 37-45 mpg depending on how it's being driven. It's an engine that loves to be revved but drinks oil (common apparently).
I've taken it around Cadwell Park and it was hilarious, too.
Just fit a set of Koni yellows and get a 2008 model onwards as they have a different brake servo and much better feel.
#23
#25
Scooby Regular
#26
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
Many thanks for all the replies - plenty food for thought! I am a bit wary of potential turbo failures etc with any VAG TDI. Heard plenty horror stories! The Fiat Panda is a great shout - hadn't even considered that I could get something remotely fun for this purpose/budget!
#28
Scooby Regular
#30
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (7)
Toyota Corolla Tsport or D4D if it needs to be really good on fuel, Yaris tsport is supposed to be fun too and they will go to the moon and back, things like clio and fabia vrs diesel bit ugly but great little cars, mrs mate has one, I've not driven it far but it was fun for the 5 mins I was in it, and get 60mpg too, I wanted to buy it off her a few months back but she wouldn't sell it me, 04 plate 60k from new.
Last edited by ditchmyster; 05 January 2017 at 08:40 AM.