chocolate_o_brian

iTrader: (22)

Some who frequent here may or may not know my car was hit by another car recently (10.02.11). As it was only a little runaround the engineer has called me today confirming that it's a write off.

So I need some ideas on a replacement and look to your guys for advice.

Criteria is as follows:

1. Budget is £1200 topps
2. Baby friendly (so 4-5 doors if poss)
3. I would like power steering but could live without it
4. Not too old, i.e. early 90s
5. Reliable, not to expensive to run, possibly fun? to drive
6. Insurance friendly

I know most requests like these usually have a bigger budget but this is all I would have

TIA

Andy

Jamz3k

Join me and buy an Alfa 147! One could defo be had for that money. Mine hasn't had any major faults other than those caused by abuse/neglect and a bit of bad luck.

scoobiesteve103

mk 3 golf

chocolate_o_brian

iTrader: (22)

4 door Alpha for that cash James? Any ideas as your resident gluton for car punishment.

Never driven one, what are they like fella

Jamz3k

My workmates cousin just got a black 5dr with red leather internet, 89k on the clock, belts done with FSH for less than a £1k.

You wont get more car for the money AND compared to my mates A3 1.6 its a mecca of reliability/power/fun.

They are gay.

paulwrxboro

vw polo
honda civic, well built and cheap, fun to drive

scoobiesteve103

scoobie sport?

Jimbob

iTrader: (13)

Vectra B, you can get a 2.5 V6 GSI for around £1200.
And will satisfy all of your above.
Get a smaller engine for insurance if you want.

An example.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1999-VAUXHALL-...ht_1556wt_1139

chris666

Seeing as you like ze french i give you the 306 cab
£1200 will buy a nice example
very cheap to run (1.8)& good fun in the summer & ok in the winter
wide opening doors easy access to the rear for a kids seat
this is mine 2001 bought for £1300 last year

dpb

Ill go with citroen xsara again , lots of car for the money

dpb

The dullest steering of any car in history

Dave Thornton

MG ZS 120 for £700 + keep £500 back for a head gasket
X Type Jag for £1500
BMW 325tds E36 for £1000

chocolate_o_brian

iTrader: (22)

Keep them coming gents, even looking at 4 door Alphas as a curve ball

Chris, yellow cab Pug, I'm not a hairdresser lol! Maybe a 306 with a permanent roof?

500

TBH, I wouldn't put my family in a 306 cab, have you seen the fifth gear crash?

MG ZS sounds a good option though, great chassis

Jay m A

iTrader: (2)

A 306 XSi should be in range

SPEN555

BMW 750i £999 Bargain

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...ge/1?logcode=p

EddScott

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2248316.htm

Cash and a winning smile?

Some JDM action?

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2481071.htm

Something from the fatherland with a stupid engine

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2505427.htm (I like this one - S4 without the blowers)

Andy M3

You could save a bit and buy my lovely Audi

http://pistonheads.com/sales/2532741.htm

A bit of a service and some new rubbers here and there and for way less than a grand you can be motoring in 90's luxury!!!

Jimbob

iTrader: (13)

I`ve had 2 one highly modified and never found that was the case, shouldn`t listen to Clarkson all the time

Matteeboy

Mk3 Golf
Old A3 Audi
Honda Civic

Don't try and get anything quick - it will be a nightmare.

Oh and possibly a mk1 Focus.

chocolate_o_brian

iTrader: (22)

I hate to admit it but I've been looking at Alpha 156's at work today

A contractor at work is a biiig enthusiast of the marque and has about 14 at home in a barn. He said a lot of the stuff you hear is simply from folk who have no first hand experience. I've never driven one but would like to own an Alpha for the character and noticed that you can get 4 door saloon/5 door estates to suit most my criteria? Any thoughts guys? Oh and thanks for the links to cars for sale

Matteeboy

AlFa.

Two good mates have had 156s - funnily enough both got shot of them pronto. The rumours are there for a reason.

The Zohan

Buy an alfa with your eyes wide open - not reliable and parts expensive, fun if a second car.

How about? http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/review...98.aspx?page=6

surprisingly good fun if pushed and reliable as a Swiss watch (not a fake one)

I have a 2.0L Accord which has 170BHP it is lively and reasonably refined and never misses a beat. leather interior, climate control, heated electric seats and dirt cheap to buy

If not a civic will also fit the bill and they handle like a dream. 1.6 sohc vtec is 125 bhp and the 1.6 dohc vtec is 156bhp. both good on fuel and real sleepers.

why buy and early 90's car if you want reliability - the two do not go hand in hand unless looking towards Mercedes. Rust and electrical problems will plague pretty much any car which is 15-20 years old.

fivetide

iTrader: (1)

Mate has a 156 with the big wing on it... mind he's an RAC patrolman so the reliability issues don't bother him. Its not been that bad actually but it isn't jap.

I'd look either Jap or dull - Mondeo, Vectra etc. Alternatively, think BMW or MB. You can pick up a 5 series or a C-Class for this money and chances are they'll still have a lot of service history and a low owners.

With a more prestige car it was screwed together better in the first place and people tend to keep them and carry onservicing them well after the usual 3 year warrenty is up (MB offer 30 year recovery through Mobilo if you keep up dealer services) so they tend to be better looked after than the average family wagon.

5t.

chocolate_o_brian

iTrader: (22)

Sorry Paul, my post was worded to suggest nothing to old, i.e. early 90's

I'd prefer something made within the last 12-13 years.

One thing which I am concerned about is something that general insurers won't like. As I have this claim ongoing I dunno if I could swap back to Moley afterwards to get a good deal on anything even mildly performance. I have a feeling CIS would double/triple my policy if I turned up wanting a quote on a group 15 car for example, even though I have 4 years NCB.

chocolate_o_brian

iTrader: (22)

Hmm, good points. Two things with Beemers though,

1. They usually cost a lot to bu new so would replacement parts be costly even when 10-15 years old?
2. The image that 10+ year old Beemers have, regardless of comment on here
3. I don't actually like Beemers for some reason, just not for me

Sorry, 3 points

Jamescsti

I used to have a Alfa 156 as a company car, 2 litre petrol, only issue I had was the Selespeed gearbox, the main issue was it either wouldn't go into reverse or would get stuck in reverse, only way to reset it was turn ignition off and on again, dealer couldn't sort it either, or could never recreate the problem

Jamz3k

Ah the Sillyspeed gearbox, to be avoided like the PLAGUE!

Go on COB, get that 156 bought, you won't regret it (you probably won't get to work either!)

The Zohan

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...ge/3?logcode=p

Here ya go, you can get 2!

Or just one with a huge spec and lowish miles 10 years old. http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...ge/4?logcode=p

john banks

Mondeo.