Question Some runabout car advice required

[cHodAX]

Been driving an old Fiesta (99 plate) for the last year but it has developed some major problems after the winter we had and needs alot of welding work doing underneath to make it safe. The cost is coming to more than the car is worth and so I am looking at selling it for spares and buying something newer. My budget is going to be around £1500, I know that will sound a pittance to many but I don't even rack up 50 miles a week and so I cannot justify anything more expensive.

So, I am looking for advice on decent small to medium sized cars that are very reliable. Fuel economy isn't that important given the low mileage I do but I need something that won't keep breaking down or turn to rust over the next 2 years. Any pointers would be most welcome, most of my previous cars have been company vehicles with big assed engines but when it comes to smaller cars I am clueless.

Thanks.

 

[dysfunction]

How about a Vauxhall Corsa? Or a VW Polo?

edit: just noticed you can only spend £1500 so the info below won't be of much help...

Also may be worth checking out these places for a good deal:
The UK's No.1 Car Supermarket - Trade Sales!
Used Cars | Cars for Sale | Car Finance | The UK?s leading Car Supermarket - Carcraft
Used Cars | Cargiant - The UKs Cheapest Use Car Dealer

They are usually ex-rental or fleet cars but you can find an excellent car there.
I bought a Vauxhall Astra about 3 years ago (a 2007 model) from Trade Sales and so far all has been very well with it (touch wood)

 

[Tom]

Mazda MX5.

 

[Chilly]

corsa's are pretty reliable and cheap as fuck to fix - very simple cars.

 

[cHodAX]

Ok thanks, will keep Corsa's in mind then. How about Toyota Yaris? The earlier models (2002'ish) any good?

 

[Cadelin]

Ok thanks, will keep Corsa's in mind then. How about Toyota Yaris? The earlier models (2002'ish) any good?

The Toyota Yaris I have is very nice, it is 2003 though, although I brought it from an old person who had done 10k miles in 6 years... That cost me ~£5000 though although I expect if it had done 60k miles the price would be closer to your budget.

One other thing to note is CO2 emissions. Where I live if you have a car that produces under a certain amount you can get quite significant discounts on car tax, parking, insurance. With your budget a saving of £200 a year is actually pretty significant. Edit: I am not sure if thats national or local, I know that the parking discount if local council only.

 

[Will]

I've have use of an M plate 205 diesel for ages. It seems pretty bombproof, running costs are low. Most have the issues have been criminal scum related, rather than wear and tear.

 

[Ch3tan]

I'd say get another fiesta. Cheap parts.

 

[Dudley52]

Agree with Ch3t. Get another Fiesta

 

[old.user4556]

I'm sure Bodhi could find you a Golf for that money

 

[Bodhi]

I've just spent your budget on a BMW 3-Series. Parts seem cheap as chips, they were put together properly in the first place so should cause less issues anyway, and they are thoroughly wonderful to drive.

I'd recommend the 328i

 

[cHodAX]

Oh jesus I can see the insurance bill now, don't get me started Bodhi!

 

[Bodhi]

Mine's just over a grand a year. Now that might seem excessive, but I have a Drink Drive conviction and me Punto ended up around 750, so I though bollocks to it, let's have a proper engine. I did, and it is lovely.

 

[cHodAX]

You dirty tempter you! Away I say! AWAY!

 

[xane]

I've have use of an M plate 205 diesel for ages. It seems pretty bombproof, running costs are low. Most have the issues have been criminal scum related, rather than wear and tear.

I had to swap out my Lemon Polo last year and got a new 207, I was sceptical of Peugeots at first, but its a nice runaround.

 

[Roo Stercogburn]

Astras are pretty good and you should be able to get one easily with that budget. I've used a few down the years and when properly looked after they are pretty robust. The options listed in previous posts are also good

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