Most reliable modern-ish engines - purchase for abroad
Discussion
Hi guys,
Ive been looking for a car in Spain to keep at my holiday home.
Initially I was looking for something like a cheap 1.9 mkiv golf but they are thin on the ground, and service history appears to be non existent with many of these cars.
I then considered taking a z3 or z4 out there and registering it, but having previously driven RHD cars out there, it becomes pretty tiresome.
So I am considering something a bit more modern, max budget about 5k.
I’m looking something that is very reliable, preferably easy to work on if need be, economical and small for easy parking.
Recommendations?
Thanks
Ive been looking for a car in Spain to keep at my holiday home.
Initially I was looking for something like a cheap 1.9 mkiv golf but they are thin on the ground, and service history appears to be non existent with many of these cars.
I then considered taking a z3 or z4 out there and registering it, but having previously driven RHD cars out there, it becomes pretty tiresome.
So I am considering something a bit more modern, max budget about 5k.
I’m looking something that is very reliable, preferably easy to work on if need be, economical and small for easy parking.
Recommendations?
Thanks
Fiat Panda.
The FIRE engine only recently went out of production after 40 years.
4 doors, amazingly practical. Choice of FWD or 4x4.
More recently, they use the Twin Air and the Firefly 3 cylinder or there's a diesel.
The FIRE engine only recently went out of production after 40 years.
4 doors, amazingly practical. Choice of FWD or 4x4.
More recently, they use the Twin Air and the Firefly 3 cylinder or there's a diesel.
- Other than that, the Up! GTI if you want more sport and power or if you can make do with two seats, there is the Fiatazda MX124 which the hire car companies were confident enough to hire out. The Fiat engine is again a proven one but has the Abarth alternative for even more power.
- Just saw the budget. The answer for me would be a 2010- 12 Fiat Panda 169. Bulletproof and if you go to Greece or Spain or Italy, the locals all know best.
Edited by LuS1fer on Sunday 7th September 14:09
I wonder if a SEAT is a good choice. I think that Spanish are still fairly attached to, and fond of, the brand and so when you inevitably have to call out a garage to fix something, they are more likely to give you some help.
This is about as Spanish as a paella...
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/18845828
This is about as Spanish as a paella...
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/18845828
Edited by Matt_T on Monday 8th September 00:13
Matt_T said:
I wonder if a SEAT is a good choice. I think that Spanish are still fairly attached to, and fond of, the brand and so when you inevitably have to call out a garage to fix something, they are more likely to give you some help.
This is about as Spanish as a paella...
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/18845828
I recall those 1.4 tsi engines being ticking bombs reliability wise. That being said the one you linked seems to have done OK, so far.This is about as Spanish as a paella...
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/18845828
Edited by Matt_T on Monday 8th September 00:13
Billy_Whizzzz said:
I’ve got a Fiat 500c 100hp 1.4 which keep in Greece - 500s and pandas are absolutely ubiquitous and everyone knows how to fix them. Was cheap and I love it. Perfect for small roads and has the soft top.
I think the convertible gets very expensive if you crack the rear window.LuS1fer said:
Billy_Whizzzz said:
I’ve got a Fiat 500c 100hp 1.4 which keep in Greece - 500s and pandas are absolutely ubiquitous and everyone knows how to fix them. Was cheap and I love it. Perfect for small roads and has the soft top.
I think the convertible gets very expensive if you crack the rear window.I'm now in a similar situation as my old A4 cabrio blew itself up earlier in the summer.
Are you planning on buying a LHD in Spain or taking something down to re-register? Either way, I am sure you are already aware the prices are bonkers versus UK equivalent RHD cars.
We do quite a lot of local trips in Spain, whereas in the UK we tend to drive less frequently and further. It means a diesel is likely to be an issue there for DPF reasons. This means the S/H market is further limited as the Spanish love a diesel.
Currently thinking something like a Qashqui or RAV4 petrol. Dull but pretty robust.
Are you planning on buying a LHD in Spain or taking something down to re-register? Either way, I am sure you are already aware the prices are bonkers versus UK equivalent RHD cars.
We do quite a lot of local trips in Spain, whereas in the UK we tend to drive less frequently and further. It means a diesel is likely to be an issue there for DPF reasons. This means the S/H market is further limited as the Spanish love a diesel.
Currently thinking something like a Qashqui or RAV4 petrol. Dull but pretty robust.
Shnozz said:
I'm now in a similar situation as my old A4 cabrio blew itself up earlier in the summer.
Are you planning on buying a LHD in Spain or taking something down to re-register? Either way, I am sure you are already aware the prices are bonkers versus UK equivalent RHD cars.
We do quite a lot of local trips in Spain, whereas in the UK we tend to drive less frequently and further. It means a diesel is likely to be an issue there for DPF reasons. This means the S/H market is further limited as the Spanish love a diesel.
Currently thinking something like a Qashqui or RAV4 petrol. Dull but pretty robust.
Pulling away on those short, dead stop slipways, onto the chaotic traffic on malagas dual carriageway, means it has to be LHD!Are you planning on buying a LHD in Spain or taking something down to re-register? Either way, I am sure you are already aware the prices are bonkers versus UK equivalent RHD cars.
We do quite a lot of local trips in Spain, whereas in the UK we tend to drive less frequently and further. It means a diesel is likely to be an issue there for DPF reasons. This means the S/H market is further limited as the Spanish love a diesel.
Currently thinking something like a Qashqui or RAV4 petrol. Dull but pretty robust.
I had our car seized out there recentlywhen I took my UK tax of it, came back to my car and the police were using DVLA reg checker to see if it had mot and tax. Of the car disappeared onto a truck lol!
StefanYHU said:
Pulling away on those short, dead stop slipways, onto the chaotic traffic on malagas dual carriageway, means it has to be LHD!
I had our car seized out there recentlywhen I took my UK tax of it, came back to my car and the police were using DVLA reg checker to see if it had mot and tax. Of the car disappeared onto a truck lol!
Yeah I wouldn't want RHD in Spain for the same reasons. Have had my Exige down there and wasn't too bad as its so tiny so could position yourself easily, but still far from ideal and that was very much just as a weekend toy rather than daily car. I had our car seized out there recentlywhen I took my UK tax of it, came back to my car and the police were using DVLA reg checker to see if it had mot and tax. Of the car disappeared onto a truck lol!
Amazes me how many tightwads will reregister a RHD car! Ultimately you have to give them away to sell them too.
As I say, I am thinking a Japanese/Korean soft-roader for Spain. Reliable and a bit raised for some of the steeper slopes and high curbs.
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