£1k or less - shed, banger, something fruity?

[funkyrobot]

My trusty Mazda3 was sold this morning. Therefore, I'm after something cheap and cheerful to fill the void. At the moment, I don't need a vehicle to get to work. The car I'm after will be used for evenings, weekends etc. It will need to be large as I am tall, my fiancee is tall and we have a two year old (so safety is important too).

What could I get for £1k or less? Anything that could be classed as a bit fruity/different out there? Or am I stuck with normal stuff like a Ford Focus?

Also, I would like to take the opportunity to learn spannering whilst owning this car. Something easy to work on would be a bonus. My current spannering experience involves diagnosing and fixing a coil pack issue on my fiancee's Polo. I'm as beginner as beginner can be.

Cheers all.

[LordHaveMurci]

Can you get a Skoda Ocatavia VRS for that money now?

[funkyrobot]

Good suggestion.

[UberMeister]

Volvo V40/S40 T4

[Pazuzu]

I bought a 2001 Jaguar XJ8 for slightly over that budget - highly recommended

[SebringMan]

You wouldn't go far wrong with a Clio 172 for this money as long as you are not fussy about mileage.

[funkyrobot]

SebringMan said:

You wouldn't go far wrong with a Clio 172 for this money as long as you are not fussy about mileage.

Will it fit 2 tall people and a two year old ok?

Ta.

[funkyrobot]

Pazuzu said:

I bought a 2001 Jaguar XJ8 for slightly over that budget - highly recommended

It has to be something like this.

[funkyrobot]

UberMeister said:

Volvo V40/S40 T4

A good, safe option. Thanks.

[mikeyr]

funkyrobot said:

Will it fit 2 tall people and a two year old ok?

Ta.

Yes, but you might find you are cramped and the driving position is a little bus like anyway. Boot space isn't massive for the assorted kid paraphernalia.

Focus is a decent steer?

[MiggyA]

E46 prices are low right now (possibly as low as they'll get). Not that exciting but a 2.5 or 2.8 (or fairly ropey 330) could be found for around that money if you're patient, and they have a good crash rating.

[funkyrobot]

MiggyA said:

E46 prices are low right now (possibly as low as they'll get). Not that exciting but a 2.5 or 2.8 (or fairly ropey 330) could be found for around that money if you're patient, and they have a good crash rating.

Thanks. I've actually been looking at e39's. For some reason, I really like them.

E46 is a good shout though.

[funkyrobot]

mikeyr said:

Yes, but you might find you are cramped and the driving position is a little bus like anyway. Boot space isn't massive for the assorted kid paraphernalia.

Focus is a decent steer?

My mazda was a Focus underneath. I guess there isn't much wrong with them.

Ta.

[funkyrobot]

Do these look ok?



http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/252572870061?_trksid=p20...



http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/122169271694?_trksid=p20...

[Stickyfinger]

Wife and kid in the car ?

just pick the highest NCap rated car you can find no matter the maker.

[ZX10R NIN]

2001 C320 Avantgarde 80k 220bhp
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

2000 Vauxhall Omega 3.0i 96k 210bhp
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

2004 Peugeot 607 SE 3.0i 95k FSH
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

[benjijames28]

ZX10R NIN said:

2001 C320 Avantgarde 80k 220bhp
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

2000 Vauxhall Omega 3.0i 96k 210bhp
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

2004 Peugeot 607 SE 3.0i 95k FSH
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

They Mercedes looks a bargain, long as you can afford the running costs.

[ZX10R NIN]

The worst running cost would be the fuel & the spark plug change as there are 12 of them, plus you'd have to keep an eye for rust as this model wasn't fully galvanised.

[funkyrobot]

Thanks for the above.

Been looking at E39's.

Saw a nice Honda Accord near me, but is sold quite quickly.

[funkyrobot]

https://www.gumtree.com/p/seat/SEAT-TOLEDO-1.9-S-T...

Boring, diesel (may not be the best choice at this price point), local and cheap.

I know the old 1.9 is an ok engine. Looks like cam belt and water pump was done somewhere between June 2013 and June 2014. Recent oil service and new tyres.

Ok?