[Closed] Quick, £1500 burning a hole, need a car ASAP, practical or fun?...

Can you fix cars? That sciroco will need some serious tlc to keep it on the road.

get an old corsa for 400 quid or something. Mod it up with the rest of the cash i.e. go down halfords and buy loads of tat to stick on it, great big bucket exhaust,lots of stickers, etc. Then go cruising round mcdonalds carpark showing off to the local teenage girls who will swoon cos you are a cool badass mofo. That's what the lads round here do, live the teenage life you never had!

M.

X.

5.

If i was you.....

[url= http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201137415666880/sort/priceasc/usedcars/price-to/2000/price-from/1000/model/bora/make/volkswagen/quicksearch/true/postcode/np45jr/page/2/radius/1501?logcode=p ]V5 TASTIC[/url]

not economical but go for the 1.9td few on there. bombproof

The best way to buy a car at your budget is to buy the best car you can find in the market i.e. you could be shooting yourself in the wallet by having VW tinted glasses on. Susceptible to marketing and brand image are we?

Go big, get a far better car for your money with a big engined 'beast'.

Vento VR6, same as your old friend, just faster and more rigid. Good luck finding one, it will probably have been an unmarked police car!

Can you fix cars? That sciroco will need some serious tlc to keep it on the road.

Not so sure - I've had a Mk2 Golf a Mk3 Golf and a Mk2 Scirocco, and the Scirocco was by far the most reliable. For all that, though, Waderider is right... VWs aren't actually that reliable / cheap-to-run / good (IME). Many Japanese makes will knock them into a cocked hat. If you see a bargain, get it, and to hell with the brand snobs and marketing junkies.

Owned 3 MX5s - all excellent.

But, I've also had a lowered, slightly modified 6N2 Polo GTI which was probably just as much fun to drive but had room to carry stuff in. I'd love another...

Susceptible to marketing and brand image are we?

quite the opposite actually - I poke iPod owners in the eye, and laugh at anyone wearing 'labels', and walk a country mile to avoid Nike sports gear if I can help it.
[u]Old[/u] VW's just look better. Especially once slammed.
Blame it on owning a beetle as a first car.
Im not even keen on new VW's, but as soon as they hit 'banger' age, they magically look smarter.

V5 TASTIC

would love to, have owned a V5 before, and driven VR6's. great engines, tons of smile per mile. Just cant afford the fuel costs. Mortage and young child come before £20 trips down the road these days. Fuel is a killer.

Go big, get a far better car for your money with a big engined 'beast'.

So tempted to do that. As soon as the novelty wears off ill be crying like John Terry's life coach every time I visit the petrol station

MX5

The V5 was a beautiful engine, mine was the later 170bhp I assume a 16v one, rather than the earlier 150bhp 8v one, so the fuel consumption was not too bad, or at least comparable to my current 2.0T FSI Quattro.

Had a nice grunt and also very smooth but not the most free revving of engines, but I had a Honda VTI before that so not the best comparison.

Downside was the V5 went through more set of cooling fans than I care to remember. Mine had 4 sets including the original ones in the 5 1/2 years I had it from new !!

Theres an awesome looking Passat V5 Highline estate on ED38 at the moment for £1650

If you want something cheap, reliable, comfy and economical try a Rover 75 CDTi.

I kid you not. BMW engines/gearbox and beautifully equipped in the higher trim specs.

If you want the same but with great handling try the MG ZT.

Someone on here put me on to them and I've never looked back since getting a lovely ZT-T CDTi. THere's a huge body of knowledge online at [url= http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk ]the 75andZT Club[/url]. People think they're crap coz of the Rover name but it was a car developed by BMW without constraints and it shows. There's also a V6 and a lairy V8 (bit pricey).

All the cars you're considering are worthwhile but the 75/ZT is worth a thought. I've got a T25 Westfalia as well so I like a bit of "character" too. 😉

[img] [/img]

MG-ZT(T)..nice.. I must be a sadist, its almost too nice!

Similair to [b]djaustin[/b], mate, got a rather beautiful example of a Corrado VR6 a couple weeks back for £2,500. If you'll go 'high-miler' I'm sure it'd pay off, had a drive the other day; and that engine is rather spectacular for its age. We worked out, in the last week... he's averaged 27 mpg in town, though I'd guess it'd be much better on longer- motorway commutes. Spacious too, fit 4 grown men in comfortably, plus the boot space is excellent, transported a V6 in it the other day!

Also, am slightly craving an original Sirocco at the moment, after the next door neighbour finished his 'Project Sirocco' last night. Looks pretty darn gorgeous, though he did splash out on a brand new- replica interior to compliment the white exterior 😯 . 1983 I believe it is so a Sirocco 2?...

I had a B4 estate and, whilst a nice car overall, it rolled a hell of a lot and wasn't particulary comfy after a long drive. My sister otoh has made a rare good car purchase in the form of a 90k miles R reg B5 Passat for £1300. It's a far better car.

That'll just about see you in a Volvo 850 T-5R with around 300bhp (if it's been remapped). Sensible estate and great straight line pace.

[img] [/img]

You could buy my Corrado G60 for 700 then spend the rest putting a new engine in........

[img] [/img]
I've got an A3 for sale, it'll be in auto trader next week.
Looking for £1500-1800.
Mail me if your intrested.

Save a bit more and get a Fabia vrs. If not then a Polo Gti is in your budget.

Polo (9N, 1.4 16V)
Passat B3/B4 estate
Passat B5
Golf Mk2 Mk3 Mk4 (estate or hatch)
Scirocco Mk2
T25
Bora
Vento

Not being funny but you can't really describe any of those cars as being 'FUN' to drive - apart from the MK2 Golf if it's in Gti form. Passat is quite possibly (with the exception of the Vauxhall Vectra) the dullest car to drive that has ever been produced.

If you're going to spend 1.5k and enjoy it, and you like retro then I'd be tempted to take a bit of a risk - hell you only live once. Why not spend your money like this:

[img] [/img]

155mph, 0-100 in 14.5 secs, seats 4 in comfort, will take a snowboard or mountain bike inside. What's not to like.

Or if you want a VW then how about this:

[img] [/img]

Well I started off reading this thinking you like fun cars then you go and list lots of boring cars!

Fun car at that price would = Mazda MX5 or Suzuki Cappuccino

A mate of mine had one of those Fiat things, quick in a straight line but awful round corners if attempting to use any of the power.

As above - I'm passively keeping alook out for a decent 850 T5 estate. The 2.3 engine is virtually bombproof.

if you're a vag lover (hehehe) what about a 924 or 944? will get a bike in, fun, cheap. what's not to like?

A mate of mine had one of those Fiat things, quick in a straight line but awful round corners if attempting to use any of the power

Guessing the suspension must have been shot then? Wishbones can wear quickly and lead to sloppy handling. A well looked after Coupe will handle very nicely and corner faster than most things on the road. Okay it's no go cart, more of a GT car but it's still handles pretty well.

MX5 is a great car, if you can look past the slightly camp image but how would you get a bike in there? Suzuki Cappucino err . . . . . . . perhaps a little bit too gay 😕

850 T5 as Hora said is a great car, if you can live with the fuel economy and don't mind a bit of wheelspin. Built like a breese block! Plenty around for less than £1.5k

"Suzuki Cappucino err . . . . . . . perhaps a little bit too gay"

One of the best cars I have ever owned and driven 😆

mx5 can have a bike on the pass seat, on a boot rack or on some saris bones 🙂

I kid you not. BMW engines/gearbox and beautifully equipped in the higher trim specs.

Not 100% correct, but close enough to make them a bargain.

KV6 engine if you want to go anywhere in a hurry/lots of noise :D.

thisisnotaspoon - just sent you an email

mustang v8 engine if you want to go anywhere in a hurry/lots of noise :D.

ftfy 🙂

Ha, so I like boring cars? it must be true!

Fun to me is more about the look I guess, I cant afford a true 'drivers' car as they are fdar too juicy for my monthly budget

Corrado, T5, Fiat Coupe, all great and have all been considered at least once at some point in the past, but probably when petrol cost lest than £1 per litre.

Remember my criteria: cheap, able to take child seat without much fuss, reliable, economical, boxy, retro(ish), ability to carry bikes

I dont want much! 🙂

Am currently negiotiating on a 91 Golf Mk2 Driver, 1 onwer, zero rust, low miles, 1.6auto box - whaddya reckon?

Did I mention I have a set of G60 steel wheels that im keen to use on my next car? Yes thats right, im choosing my next car on the basis that a set of wheels will fit. Mental.

Am currently negiotiating on a 91 Golf Mk2 Driver, 1 onwer, zero rust, low miles, 1.6auto box - whaddya reckon?

I think I'd rather walk. won't be particularly economical either

924 is probably no worse on fuel. its got a vw engine in it. Won't fit the wheels though..

91 VW Golf 1.6 auto? I reckon £450 tops?

924 and 944 are actually good cars!

please dont make me look at porsche's, I love them!.. 'clicks onto autotrader'...

M.

X.

5.

Again.

MX5 is a great car, if you can look past the slightly camp image

Last person who made any such comments (the usual 'hairdresser' one) I nearly made physically sick in it. He retracted the comment sometime later. Still miss that car.

Go on a track, with someone who can drive it. Best automotive fun you can get for a grand, no doubt in my mind, and cheap enough to keep running.

rubbish with child seats and bikes though

Last person who made any such comments (the usual 'hairdresser' one) I nearly made physically sick in it.

Why what did you do - tickle his balls?

Only joking. The MX5 is a great car no doubts about it. You have to admit though that however well it handles on a track, it does have a bit of a camp reputation.

Not necessarily a bad thing but I'd say that 90% of MX5's you see are driven by women. In the same way that 90% of Lotus Elise's/TVR's etc are driven by men. I guess he'd struggle to get a Lotus for £1.5k though.

I've had a couple of Sciroccos of around that vintage.

Nice to look at and reliable but a Mondeo is more fun to drive tbh.

just knocked a dealer down from £1500 to £1000 on a 1.6 Mk4 Golf estate. highish miles (130k) but tons of history, cam belt changed etc.
(yet to view it but looks/sounds mint)

I look at Golf estates and get excited at the prospect of filling them with bikes/tools.
Is this normal?

"I look at Golf estates and get excited at the prospect of filling them with bikes/tools.
Is this normal? "

Nope becuase I cant think of a much more dull car to drive

That Mk4 Golf, although cheap will be painfully slow and not great on fuel at all!

I agree with Hora, a T5 would fit the bill.

isn't a mk4 golf pretty ancient by now? a grand for one on 130k seems like quite strong money

You've knocked the dealer down by £500 (a third) and haven't even seen it yet? 🙂

I wouldn't touch it if he's playing that loose with his pricing.

Arghhhhh, a 1.6 Golf Estate. Come on, just try and live a little! For the same money you could buy a VW Corrado and perhaps actually enjoy driving the thing! Up to you though.

[url= http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3343161.htm ]Christ - for a grand you could have bought this![/url]

I think you are missing my points guys,
Im pretty much past caring how 'dynamic' a car drives, 99% of modern cars drive almost the same as each other. Ive had plenty of fun cars in the past but the trade off is almost always running costs are higher.

Im my miserable early 30's I know get much more pleasure from driving quirky bargains. Think 'bangernomics'.
Add to the mix that I have a soft spot for older VW's and then you see why the Mk4 estate starts to appeal.
I know I could get a Mondeo or Vectra (and may even look at them-yuk).. who knows, its a free for all!.
Plus - It has to take child seat/s, and bikes without too much trouble.

Belive it or not, Mk4 estates are desirable and the prices are inflated over and above what you would 'expect' to pay, but have a look at the valuation guide for the car in question:

Dealer £1,250
Private £1,170
Part exchange £1,145
Trade £945
Cost new £14,450

Add to that its excellent service history, one owner from new, zero bodywork issues, it starts to look like a practical car for the money.

Plus, slam the suspension and stick some tunes in and in my eyes at least, its wickeddywickeddywhack!

Mondeos are better 🙂 cheaper... nicer...

you know what? im also willing to accept that i have a weird taste in cars

I have a friend that's selling an original Toyota MR2 well within that budget?!

will it take a bike rack and child seat? ..

Ive had plenty of fun cars in the past

A MK3 TDI Golf Estate - fun ???????

I know get much more pleasure from driving quirky bargains.

Again an old Golf Estate - how is that quirky or a bargain ??????

Im pretty much past caring how 'dynamic' a car drives, 99% of modern cars drive almost the same as each other.

Whatever floats your boat I guess. I just know that I could never put up with a mediocre car in much the same way as I'd never want to put up with a mediocre life. Each to their own though.

By the way 'slamming' the suspension in a 1.6 Golf Estate - surely that's akin to a geriatric old codger buying a pair of Addidas running shoes complete with track spikes. In other words a complete waste of money!

Sorry don't mean to have a go, but there's been loads of people on here trying to help you out with your car choice but it seemed like before you first posted that you'd made up your mind not to take anyone's advice anyway.

will it take a bike rack and child seat? ..

Yes but you'll want to wrap him up warm in the winter.. it gets cold up on the bike rack

why not get a fastback then? at least that's a quicky/unusual car.

sounds like you just want something 'dubscene'. :S

A MK3 TDI Golf Estate - fun ???????

Again an old Golf Estate - how is that quirky or a bargain ??????

Whatever floats your boat I guess. I just know that I could never put up with a mediocre car in much the same way as I'd never want to put up with a mediocre life. Each to their own though.

By the way 'slamming' the suspension in a 1.6 Golf Estate - surely that's akin to a geriatric old codger buying a pair of Addidas running shoes complete with track spikes. In other words a complete waste of money!

Sorry don't mean to have a go, but there's been loads of people on here trying to help you out with your car choice but it seemed like before you first posted that you'd made up your mind not to take anyone's advice anyway.

T5 aside. They are cool. But most have rocketship milage, and insurance is way high unfortunately.

why not get a fastback then? at least that's a quicky/unusual car.

sounds like you just want something 'dubscene'. :S

Funny you should say that - Ive wanted one for years and very nearly plumped for a couple of South African/Aussie imports.
Stunnign cars, I love them.
Unfortuantely on my current budget ill only be able to afford a rust bucket.
And then theres winter reliability..

Great suggestion though, youre talking my language

but im willing to consider just about anything else

So far ive been mostly offered gas guzzling saloons that dont suit any of my needs.

No problem, I think I get it - they don't meet your needs because they are not a VW Golf Estate 🙄

I listed all the cars im keen on in first post, there were more than a golf estate!

why not get a caddy? at least they're a little unusual.

a mk4 golf to me is neither old enough to be retro nor new enough to be nice. I understand running a crappy car as a crappy car (I have a £200 mondeo) but not if you want more out of it 🙂

http://retrorides.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=FSW&action=display&thread=115308 looks nice if you can stretch your budget a little

MX-5

Nice simple car. Fun to drive. Easy to maintain. Reasonably nippy but more about balance than stupidly high horse power.

The mark one version is unfortunately, and completely unavoidable, the gayest car ever made. Regardless of how tuned up and track focused they are, sit two men in the seats and they look like a couple contemplating life together.

Having ragged the tyres off my mates one on the way to Le Mans a few years ago we met up with our friends who kindly photographed our arrival. It looked like we were on honeymoon. Admittedly, the kissing probably didn't help.

Fun cars to drive though. I'd have one as a toy.

Volvo T5 would be nice too. But potential ££££££ if things go wrong.

will - Member

That Mk4 Golf, although cheap will be painfully slow and not great on fuel at all!

I get over 40mpg out of my modded 1999 2.0 petrol Bora.

why not get a caddy? at least they're a little unusual.

old school style or newer van style? (i like em both!)

Unfortunately that fastback needs a bit too much work. You can get pretty straight rust free RHD imported squarebacks for about £3k so makes that fastback seem a bit pricey.
Nice colour though, savannah beige..

you see, slam it and any old VW looks the biz!

http://retrorides.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=FSW&action=display&thread=114204

viewing this tomorrow, honest opinions?... (be gentle)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Immaculate-E30-BMW-318-Only-31-000miles-Full-BMW-History-1-Owner-22-Years-/200671952010?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2eb8fafc8a#ht_726wt_1270

MR2 MK1

Lots of comments about "fun cars"- you can have fun in any car, with the right approach and mindset. If you're dependant on the hardware to enjoy yourself then fair enough but not everyone is.

slimjim78 - Member

Am currently negiotiating on a 91 Golf Mk2 Driver, 1 onwer, zero rust, low miles, 1.6auto box - whaddya reckon?

I reckon that should sell to someone who'll put a new engine in it. If that's you, then go for it.

Polo Gti tomorrow..

Polo Gti tomorrow..

Polo Gti tomorrow

I had an old golf estate 1.9tdi mk 4. Worst handling car i have ever had but i quite liked it. Our focus and mondeo estates are better in every way, having said that i could of sold that car 10 times over with 150k on the clock.. People love the badge.

A 130k 1.6 VW for 1k? I'd rather spend 1k on a full service history Ford Puma thanks.

Puma? neh.

Black / Red / Silver / 5dr / 3dr?

3 door silver. Would go for a 5 door as I think they still look fine but this one has super low mileage and one owner etc etc.

Make sure the gearbox is not ready to go bang

I have an 02 astra estate 2.0 dti for sale for £1500, 83k on the clock. Tax test, new front tyres, recent discs and pads all round, brake pipes all round. In silver. Bike fits in the back with wheels in when seats are down. Drives well ands strts first time.tow bar and roof rails , selling due to new job and going to one car

sorry mate, im under strict instruction from the wife not to bring back a Vauxhall.
That was her only condition!

ok, test driven the Polo, lovely looking car, with lovely spec. But... fairly perched driving position (for a taller chap) even compared to other Polo's test driven.
And gearbox linkage felt a bit sloppy. Its was probably fine 9of course the dealer said they are all like that) but having driven my Mrs Audi A2 over it felt worlds apart.

So..back to the E30. I reckon the future is boxy with super low mileage

Haha, it wasnt my first choice either, i wrote off a bora and had to get one within a week and this was an easy option!

I have a friend that's selling an original Toyota MR2 well within that budget?!

I'm going to hate myself, but..

How much?

Binners missus has a polo gti- I think its cost a tidy sum in repairs.