What car £1500?
Discussion
iacabu said:
I've mostly been looking at Saab's over the last couple of days. Any more advice on them?
I see a lot of people are paying well within budget for aero models, are they a safe bet or a big gamble? Otherwise I might just look at a vector/li ear model to keep costs down a bit
If it's a 9-5 the biggest issue is the sludge problem. If you get one I'd drop the sump & clean it, fit the latest PCV kit and use fully synthetic oil. I'd just get the Aero, they're so cheap now it would be rude not to I see a lot of people are paying well within budget for aero models, are they a safe bet or a big gamble? Otherwise I might just look at a vector/li ear model to keep costs down a bit
and 100% get the thing remapped by SaabNoob off Uksaabs.co.uk as it's well worth it (v.quick)I was seriously considering a 2004 facelift 9-5 Aero last year to replace my old 9-3, it's a LOT of car for the money, but went for this 9-3 Aero instead...because of the 2.8 v6 (same engine as the Vectra VXR) The 9-5 is probably the better car (more Saaby) but the v6 is bonkers after a remap so couldn't pass up on it!
What 9-3 were you looking at as they changed a few times over the years
1998 -2000 were b204 engined with t5 management, incredibly strong engines and good for 500bhp with just bolt on mods.
2000 - 2003 were b205 with t7 (b235 for the Viggen) not as strong, 320 at the most due to weaker pistons, but more refined so if your not after big power I'd go for this instead.
2003 onwards was a completely different 9-3, if you can stretch to £2k you'll pick up a nice 2004/2005 9-3 Aero. Might even get one a couple hundred cheaper, I've seen a few nice ones sell for £1,700-1,800
For that price range. I'd be looking for the best MK1 Focus I could find, preferably a 1.8 Zetec.
Probably the best handling FWD car for the money, on the whole reliable and any niggly faults it WILL have (wheel bearings, worn ARB links etc) are cheap to fix.
ST170s will be dogs at that price range, but if you can find a good one, go for it.
Probably the best handling FWD car for the money, on the whole reliable and any niggly faults it WILL have (wheel bearings, worn ARB links etc) are cheap to fix.
ST170s will be dogs at that price range, but if you can find a good one, go for it.
Focus in Ghia or Zetec spec are good cars. Did lots of miles in a 1.6 petrol and it went very well with no problems.
Pug 306 estate, Meridian spec bought for £500 did very nicely for a long time. Sold with 170k on the clock and will go for many years yet. 2.0HDi's are good engines. Did 45mpg all day long.
Currently got a 1.9Tdi A4, S reg, cost me £900. The engines on them go forever with some basic maintenance, and this one has cruise control and fantastic leather seats. Also does over 40mpg, which is useful.
You dont need to pay a lot to have a reliable car.
Pug 306 estate, Meridian spec bought for £500 did very nicely for a long time. Sold with 170k on the clock and will go for many years yet. 2.0HDi's are good engines. Did 45mpg all day long.
Currently got a 1.9Tdi A4, S reg, cost me £900. The engines on them go forever with some basic maintenance, and this one has cruise control and fantastic leather seats. Also does over 40mpg, which is useful.
You dont need to pay a lot to have a reliable car.
Just got round to checking up on this thread. Thanks for the last few replies. I'm still keeping Saab's in mind, will likely be a 2001 shape (and whatever other years they were around) and not a HOT or aero (sensible hat on).
Will keep an eye on Focus too but again, probably just a 1.6-2.0 to keep costs down.
I have looked at the b5 a4's and do quite like them. I had assumed the TDI might cause expensive diesel stereotype problems but if they're older engines and good for big mileage I will look at them again.
Just need to get this Fiesta sold now!
Will keep an eye on Focus too but again, probably just a 1.6-2.0 to keep costs down.
I have looked at the b5 a4's and do quite like them. I had assumed the TDI might cause expensive diesel stereotype problems but if they're older engines and good for big mileage I will look at them again.
Just need to get this Fiesta sold now!
So my car has finally sold and I've got the cash in my pocket to go and buy a new one...makes a change from when I normally browse the Classifieds.
I've been thinking about what car to get for so long and my mind has changed so many times I just don't know what to look at anymore. However, I am going to look at a friends MX5 on Monday, so I'll go from there
ETA- to conclude the thread, I have bought an MX5! Readers car thread to follow
I've been thinking about what car to get for so long and my mind has changed so many times I just don't know what to look at anymore. However, I am going to look at a friends MX5 on Monday, so I'll go from there
ETA- to conclude the thread, I have bought an MX5! Readers car thread to follow
Edited by iacabu on Monday 21st April 21:54
So it's nearly a year later already...the mx5 was sold to a local buyer before I went away last year. I didn't enjoy he experience as much as I'd hoped. Mainly because it was quite gutless and too small as a daily driver for me.
Next week my money should be clear in the bank and I'll once again be shopping with a £1500 budget with a bit more for the right car.
Been going through all sorts, Saabs, Volvos and BMWs at first. I wanted something fast and lazy with an auto box. Now I'm reconsidering the costs of ownership for this sort of car and top of the list for me to look at now is a Clio 172. Bit different to the others but they tick a lot of boxes for me.
It looks like I should get a good one for my budget but there are a few 182s creeping around. Think I'd rather a clean 172 with good history inc belts to be honest but the 182 looks better imo.
Any thoughts?
Next week my money should be clear in the bank and I'll once again be shopping with a £1500 budget with a bit more for the right car.
Been going through all sorts, Saabs, Volvos and BMWs at first. I wanted something fast and lazy with an auto box. Now I'm reconsidering the costs of ownership for this sort of car and top of the list for me to look at now is a Clio 172. Bit different to the others but they tick a lot of boxes for me.
It looks like I should get a good one for my budget but there are a few 182s creeping around. Think I'd rather a clean 172 with good history inc belts to be honest but the 182 looks better imo.
Any thoughts?
Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff