Thread in which to comment/advise on purchasing and running a second car
09 March 2003, 02:11 PM
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This tread is here for people to find out about running/owning a second car, from other owners of the cars they are looking at, be it for a work horse or a toy for the weekends, insurance, maintenance and parts costs.
This is not a thread you reply to as such but one for people to read if they are interested in buying another car so please keep replies down to ownership and nothing else.
Ta
I shall start the ball rolling about my second car.
Manufacturer:- Ford
Model:- Mondeo
Engine:- 1.8ltr
Trim:- LX
Trim features:- RDS radio, front elec windows, deadlocks, sunroof.
Original cost:- 1300 pounds
Age:- 8.5 yrs old
Mileage when bought:- 68.5k
Reason for purchase:- Workhorse
Ownership:-
Well so far in the 3 months ive owned this car (and 4k ive put on her) ive had no real problems to speak of.
Having taken the car to the local Ford dealership for a service/cambelt/drivebelt change and a few other bits done at the same time (replacement disc's/pads, new brake fluid, a replacement pipe under the radiator plus a few very minor bits done too) the car runs very well and having all the above done for 640 quid i find is pretty good value too!
I needed a new tyre when i purchased the car originally, the harsh setback of 35quid for a new goodyear eagle nct tyre really was a bit of a shock (compared to 120 for the bridgestone so2pp i have on the scoob) so i can say that the running costs of this car are not really astranomical (along with cheap dealer services and parts).
Fuel wise, i average 33-35mpg on long runs, i havnt done much town driving so i cannot say what the mpg is like for that.
What to look for when buying:-
There are plenty of Mondeo's out there, the most common definately being the 1.8 LX, so you have more than enough of a choice to "pick and choose".
Check for worn clutches, CV joints (knocking whilst turning the steering wheel), gearboxes should be smooth and easy to engage, FSH is preferable as it shows that the car has been looked after, check for oil leaks and definately find out when the belts were last changed (id still get these done if your not sure though), but as most consumables are pretty cheap, you can haggle a bit if things need doing.
Best buy of the range:-
For me it would probably be the GLX (and a 2ltr), a rather rarer car than the LX but they are still out there, price wise they should be around the same as the LX, but only a little higher.
The GLX comes with ABS, elec mirrors and electric front drivers seat over the LX version.
Insurance:-
Still a bit of a minefield depending where you live but still very cheap for a car of its size.
Overall:-
A good reliable car up to now (also no rust so good body on it), a bit boring to drive as it feels very neutral and not much feed back (then again it is a cruising car rather than a performance one) but takes the miles without any problems. The engine gets a little noisier after 3.8-4k rpm but below this its very quiet and you would hardly know its running.
This is not a thread you reply to as such but one for people to read if they are interested in buying another car so please keep replies down to ownership and nothing else.
Ta
I shall start the ball rolling about my second car.
Manufacturer:- Ford
Model:- Mondeo
Engine:- 1.8ltr
Trim:- LX
Trim features:- RDS radio, front elec windows, deadlocks, sunroof.
Original cost:- 1300 pounds
Age:- 8.5 yrs old
Mileage when bought:- 68.5k
Reason for purchase:- Workhorse
Ownership:-
Well so far in the 3 months ive owned this car (and 4k ive put on her) ive had no real problems to speak of.
Having taken the car to the local Ford dealership for a service/cambelt/drivebelt change and a few other bits done at the same time (replacement disc's/pads, new brake fluid, a replacement pipe under the radiator plus a few very minor bits done too) the car runs very well and having all the above done for 640 quid i find is pretty good value too!
I needed a new tyre when i purchased the car originally, the harsh setback of 35quid for a new goodyear eagle nct tyre really was a bit of a shock (compared to 120 for the bridgestone so2pp i have on the scoob) so i can say that the running costs of this car are not really astranomical (along with cheap dealer services and parts).
Fuel wise, i average 33-35mpg on long runs, i havnt done much town driving so i cannot say what the mpg is like for that.
What to look for when buying:-
There are plenty of Mondeo's out there, the most common definately being the 1.8 LX, so you have more than enough of a choice to "pick and choose".
Check for worn clutches, CV joints (knocking whilst turning the steering wheel), gearboxes should be smooth and easy to engage, FSH is preferable as it shows that the car has been looked after, check for oil leaks and definately find out when the belts were last changed (id still get these done if your not sure though), but as most consumables are pretty cheap, you can haggle a bit if things need doing.
Best buy of the range:-
For me it would probably be the GLX (and a 2ltr), a rather rarer car than the LX but they are still out there, price wise they should be around the same as the LX, but only a little higher.
The GLX comes with ABS, elec mirrors and electric front drivers seat over the LX version.
Insurance:-
Still a bit of a minefield depending where you live but still very cheap for a car of its size.
Overall:-
A good reliable car up to now (also no rust so good body on it), a bit boring to drive as it feels very neutral and not much feed back (then again it is a cruising car rather than a performance one) but takes the miles without any problems. The engine gets a little noisier after 3.8-4k rpm but below this its very quiet and you would hardly know its running.
09 March 2003, 03:50 PM
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Just a note for people.
Please only post constructive comments about your experiences or advice with regards to the purchasing and running of a second car.
Anything that isn't there to help will be removed.
Thanks to Tony for starting this up, I am sure this will be of great help to people and a good source of valuable information.
Cheers,
Michelle.
Please only post constructive comments about your experiences or advice with regards to the purchasing and running of a second car.
Anything that isn't there to help will be removed.
Thanks to Tony for starting this up, I am sure this will be of great help to people and a good source of valuable information.
Cheers,
Michelle.
09 March 2003, 04:38 PM
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ive just bought a granada scorpio as a second car for £325 its had one previous owner and lots of history and is mint for the year, its got evrything you could think of from leccy heated seats to c/ control, ive done 3500 miles in it already and not one thing wrong, buy one of these thats been looked after and your onto a winner. was gonna get a mondy myself but this turned up and its a bargain. sierras are also bullet proof buys too, i mean 1 million or so taxi drivers cant be wrong can they??
steven.
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10 March 2003, 03:14 PM
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Manufacturer:- Subaru
Model:- MY02 Outback H6 Auto
Engine:- 3.0ltr
Trim:- Standard
Trim features:- leather, heated seats, alloys, cd, metallic paint climate control, momo steering wheel, vehicle dynamics control.
Original cost:- 26K
Age:- 0.75 yrs old
Mileage when bought:- 0k
Reason for purchase:- Wife + kiddie + dog runabout / towing (groan).
Other Cars Tested:- Saab 9-5 3.0 TD, 9-5 Aero.
Insurance : 100 more than the RAV4 GX it replaced. About 450, full ncb.
Coming up for 10k, my wife says it gains speed deceptively, and reels in other cars before you realise you are swearing at the 'slow' drivers in front. Much better to drive than the RAV4, but not so good height visibility. Rolls much more than a UK Impreza but isn't that much slower through bends; the VDC package is a little intrusive if you drive hard, but welcome when you're unsure of the road. Due to it's heavy kerbweight, it doesn't respond well to being chucked about at low speeds, with understeer being on the menu if pushed hard. Very good at towing a 1200kg caravan, but beware the comments by caravanners about sway and snaking (I haven't noticed it, personally).
A very comfortable tourer, I wouldn't have a problem driving to the south of France in this, unlike the Impreza; sound system is ok, plenty room for the monsters, huge boot, efficient a/c climate control, comfy ride, bright interior (as opposed to gloomy Saabs, for example).
Servicing is once a year with usual dealer labour rates whilst in warranty.
Does about 24mpg, I got 26-27mpg touring in Cumbria, including the travelling up there (@ 80-100mph). Very similar consumption to the in-law's 2.5 outback.
Summary: Expensive to run fuel wise, but great if you can afford it. Needs more power, stiffer springs and a manual box
Likely to have heavy depreciation.
Model:- MY02 Outback H6 Auto
Engine:- 3.0ltr
Trim:- Standard
Trim features:- leather, heated seats, alloys, cd, metallic paint climate control, momo steering wheel, vehicle dynamics control.
Original cost:- 26K
Age:- 0.75 yrs old
Mileage when bought:- 0k
Reason for purchase:- Wife + kiddie + dog runabout / towing (groan).
Other Cars Tested:- Saab 9-5 3.0 TD, 9-5 Aero.
Insurance : 100 more than the RAV4 GX it replaced. About 450, full ncb.
Coming up for 10k, my wife says it gains speed deceptively, and reels in other cars before you realise you are swearing at the 'slow' drivers in front. Much better to drive than the RAV4, but not so good height visibility. Rolls much more than a UK Impreza but isn't that much slower through bends; the VDC package is a little intrusive if you drive hard, but welcome when you're unsure of the road. Due to it's heavy kerbweight, it doesn't respond well to being chucked about at low speeds, with understeer being on the menu if pushed hard. Very good at towing a 1200kg caravan, but beware the comments by caravanners about sway and snaking (I haven't noticed it, personally).
A very comfortable tourer, I wouldn't have a problem driving to the south of France in this, unlike the Impreza; sound system is ok, plenty room for the monsters, huge boot, efficient a/c climate control, comfy ride, bright interior (as opposed to gloomy Saabs, for example).
Servicing is once a year with usual dealer labour rates whilst in warranty.
Does about 24mpg, I got 26-27mpg touring in Cumbria, including the travelling up there (@ 80-100mph). Very similar consumption to the in-law's 2.5 outback.
Summary: Expensive to run fuel wise, but great if you can afford it. Needs more power, stiffer springs and a manual box
Likely to have heavy depreciation.
10 March 2003, 04:43 PM
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Manufacturer:- Saab
Model:- 9000CS
Engine:- 2 ltr n/a
Trim:- XS
Trim features:- Aircon, ABS, heated seats, electric windows, trip computer, elec/heated mirrors, massively upgraded brakes, nice alloys
Original cost:- 1350 pounds basic car
Age:- 8 years
Owned for: 9 months
Mileage when bought:- 131k
Mileage now: 145k
Reason for purchase:- Workhorse, wife’s winter transport
Ownership:-
Car has been great, though it is extremely expensive for some parts. The headlights were appalling, turned out that the reflectors were shot. Had to get them replaced with s/h units which were £200 for the pair. Have also had a few small things done and a big service (local specialist, not main dealer), together with engine mounts. Big service (new spark plugs, all filters inc fuel filter) plus front suspension bushes cost £300, though next one will just be oil/filter so I'll do it myself.
Original tyres were OK on the front, appalling on the rear, to the extent that it would spin on a wet roundabout almost every time. Nice when you want some tail-out fun, appalling otherwise. New tyres – Dunlop P4000 – were £220 for all 4.
The fuel computer isn’t particularly accurate – 4mpg overstated all the time – but at least it’s consistently wrong. I tend to get around 28mpg, which is a mixture of town, trips to the dump, and short motorway trips.
There’s no rust of any sort, and the car feels as though it’ll go another 100k without any problems.
What to look for when buying:-
9000’s are cheap and this leads to them being bought by mechanically unsympathetic types in search of the highest BHP/£. I’d avoid the Turbo versions if you just want cheap space, unless you know the provenance. These cars are VERY expensive if things go wrong, but there are so many with 120-150k on the clock that you just know they’re inherently reliable. One of the advantages of the depreciation is that you can get 2nd hand bits cheaply, like a gearbox for £200.
Check the aircon – it usually doesn’t work, though reconditioning it shouldn’t be too bad. It's more complicated for ACC models, which seem to have a lower level of reliability than the manual aircon mine has.
Auto gearboxes (mine’s a manual) die at a bit over 100k, though I don’t know why.
Headlamp washer motors die and cost £150 each – can’t get them from anyone else, so check them out before you buy – good negotiating point.
Traction control (TCS) can die on the turbo models, and it's big bucks to fix, like £500+
Bad bits:
The turbos are fast but potentially troublesome (dependent upon previous owner) and the naturally aspirated ones are slow. Mine handles OK but feels big and heavy mid-corner.
Insurance:-
Bloody expensive – don’t even think about it unless you’ve got NCD, or are 35+ and in a cheap area. I pay £400 TPFT (like it would be worth having comprehensive!)
Overall:-
A real quality car which will last forever. Costs very little to buy, is the size of a house inside (if you get the hatchback) and unlikely to get stolen. Can mod them to your heart’s content if you buy a Turbo, but mine was bought purely as a workhorse. It's not let me down, is nice to drive, and costs the same as an equivalent Mondeo.
bros
Model:- 9000CS
Engine:- 2 ltr n/a
Trim:- XS
Trim features:- Aircon, ABS, heated seats, electric windows, trip computer, elec/heated mirrors, massively upgraded brakes, nice alloys
Original cost:- 1350 pounds basic car
Age:- 8 years
Owned for: 9 months
Mileage when bought:- 131k
Mileage now: 145k
Reason for purchase:- Workhorse, wife’s winter transport
Ownership:-
Car has been great, though it is extremely expensive for some parts. The headlights were appalling, turned out that the reflectors were shot. Had to get them replaced with s/h units which were £200 for the pair. Have also had a few small things done and a big service (local specialist, not main dealer), together with engine mounts. Big service (new spark plugs, all filters inc fuel filter) plus front suspension bushes cost £300, though next one will just be oil/filter so I'll do it myself.
Original tyres were OK on the front, appalling on the rear, to the extent that it would spin on a wet roundabout almost every time. Nice when you want some tail-out fun, appalling otherwise. New tyres – Dunlop P4000 – were £220 for all 4.
The fuel computer isn’t particularly accurate – 4mpg overstated all the time – but at least it’s consistently wrong. I tend to get around 28mpg, which is a mixture of town, trips to the dump, and short motorway trips.
There’s no rust of any sort, and the car feels as though it’ll go another 100k without any problems.
What to look for when buying:-
9000’s are cheap and this leads to them being bought by mechanically unsympathetic types in search of the highest BHP/£. I’d avoid the Turbo versions if you just want cheap space, unless you know the provenance. These cars are VERY expensive if things go wrong, but there are so many with 120-150k on the clock that you just know they’re inherently reliable. One of the advantages of the depreciation is that you can get 2nd hand bits cheaply, like a gearbox for £200.
Check the aircon – it usually doesn’t work, though reconditioning it shouldn’t be too bad. It's more complicated for ACC models, which seem to have a lower level of reliability than the manual aircon mine has.
Auto gearboxes (mine’s a manual) die at a bit over 100k, though I don’t know why.
Headlamp washer motors die and cost £150 each – can’t get them from anyone else, so check them out before you buy – good negotiating point.
Traction control (TCS) can die on the turbo models, and it's big bucks to fix, like £500+
Bad bits:
The turbos are fast but potentially troublesome (dependent upon previous owner) and the naturally aspirated ones are slow. Mine handles OK but feels big and heavy mid-corner.
Insurance:-
Bloody expensive – don’t even think about it unless you’ve got NCD, or are 35+ and in a cheap area. I pay £400 TPFT (like it would be worth having comprehensive!)
Overall:-
A real quality car which will last forever. Costs very little to buy, is the size of a house inside (if you get the hatchback) and unlikely to get stolen. Can mod them to your heart’s content if you buy a Turbo, but mine was bought purely as a workhorse. It's not let me down, is nice to drive, and costs the same as an equivalent Mondeo.
bros
03 September 2003, 06:39 PM
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Manufacturer:- Mazda
Model:- Eunos Roadster
Engine:- 1.6ltr
Trim:- S-spec
Trim features:- Bilstein suspension, LSD, Headrest speakers
, chrome interior trim
Original cost:- 4800 pounds
Age:- 11 yrs old
Mileage when bought:- 85.5k
Reason for purchase:- Drifting
Ownership:
Bought July 2002 ostensibly for the other half to use.
Soon changed after the first roundabout
Costs so far, none apart from repairs to OSF suspension when I spun it and twatted a kerb
WARNING
There is a huge modding scene for these beasties from minor dress-ups to bolt-on DIY superchargers !! You WILL spend more than you imagined.
What to look for:
If buying an import...CHECK THE SPEC !! there are a zilion different models in Japan and they have some Japan unique parts.
Quite a few specialists in UK though.
Mail me if you want details (no advertising here )
Edit : I am not doing a write up on Mazda Premacys OK !
[Edited by DocJock - 3/9/2003 6:41:22 PM]
Model:- Eunos Roadster
Engine:- 1.6ltr
Trim:- S-spec
Trim features:- Bilstein suspension, LSD, Headrest speakers
, chrome interior trimOriginal cost:- 4800 pounds
Age:- 11 yrs old
Mileage when bought:- 85.5k
Reason for purchase:- Drifting
Ownership:
Bought July 2002 ostensibly for the other half to use.
Soon changed after the first roundabout
Costs so far, none apart from repairs to OSF suspension when I spun it and twatted a kerb
WARNING
There is a huge modding scene for these beasties from minor dress-ups to bolt-on DIY superchargers !! You WILL spend more than you imagined.
What to look for:
If buying an import...CHECK THE SPEC !! there are a zilion different models in Japan and they have some Japan unique parts.
Quite a few specialists in UK though.
Mail me if you want details (no advertising here
) Edit : I am not doing a write up on Mazda Premacys OK !
[Edited by DocJock - 3/9/2003 6:41:22 PM]
03 September 2003, 07:19 PM
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Manufacturer:- Ford
Model:- MY02 Focus
Engine:- 1.6ltr
Trim:- Zetec
Trim features:- alloys, cd, metallic paint and climate pack (aircon,HWS, HWM).
Original cost:- 9K
Age:- 0.5 yrs old (ex dealer car) (2.5 years Full Ford warranty left)
Mileage when bought:- 8.5k
Reason for purchase:- Workhorse
Insurance, had a nightmare on my first, second car (fiesta 1.3) as I had zero ncb. Some companies give you a discount but my scoob was with an impreza specialist and I had a small claim a couple of years ago. Managed to get a years NCB for the Focus (group 6) was pretty cheap 380 with 1 years NCB.
Done about 1500 miles in it and very impressed. No ball of fire but cruises well the CD player can be heard (unlike the scoob). You can get 3 drunk moderators in it, in comfort in the fog.
The heated front screen and wing mirrors are one of the best features. Thats one thing I want on the scoob and would pay for. Except on the Focus its 650 option for aircon, screen, wing mirrors and heated washer jets. I suspect it would be a lot more on an impreza. Dealer also gave me a 2 year discount card 15% off labour and 10% of parts for any Ford car in the family. So my dad can benefit with his car (which he brought from another garage) and already has.
Servicing is once a year and with the discount card, less than £100 for standard 12 month service.
Does about 35mpg compared to the scoobs 18mpg, so I dfont hang about.
I test drove one and brought it, does everything I want it to.
[Edited by chrisp - 3/9/2003 7:20:35 PM]
Model:- MY02 Focus
Engine:- 1.6ltr
Trim:- Zetec
Trim features:- alloys, cd, metallic paint and climate pack (aircon,HWS, HWM).
Original cost:- 9K
Age:- 0.5 yrs old (ex dealer car) (2.5 years Full Ford warranty left)
Mileage when bought:- 8.5k
Reason for purchase:- Workhorse
Insurance, had a nightmare on my first, second car (fiesta 1.3) as I had zero ncb. Some companies give you a discount but my scoob was with an impreza specialist and I had a small claim a couple of years ago. Managed to get a years NCB for the Focus (group 6) was pretty cheap 380 with 1 years NCB.
Done about 1500 miles in it and very impressed. No ball of fire but cruises well the CD player can be heard (unlike the scoob). You can get 3 drunk moderators in it, in comfort in the fog
.The heated front screen and wing mirrors are one of the best features. Thats one thing I want on the scoob and would pay for. Except on the Focus its 650 option for aircon, screen, wing mirrors and heated washer jets. I suspect it would be a lot more on an impreza. Dealer also gave me a 2 year discount card 15% off labour and 10% of parts for any Ford car in the family. So my dad can benefit with his car (which he brought from another garage) and already has.
Servicing is once a year and with the discount card, less than £100 for standard 12 month service.
Does about 35mpg compared to the scoobs 18mpg, so I dfont hang about.
I test drove one and brought it, does everything I want it to.
[Edited by chrisp - 3/9/2003 7:20:35 PM]
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