Suggestions for 4k car

9designs2

9designs2

9designs2

Soldato
Joined
5 Jan 2003
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Somewhere in the middle
Looks like I will be moving back to the UK soon, so need to find a car..... for now don't want to splash out much....
So looking for something up to 4K, good for a long distance drive, probably will be doing a drive across Europe to Slovakia.....and a trip to Le Mans this year.

So I should think diesel, but will keep option open on petrol as well for now.... My ideas so far as follows, trying to find something a bit different that "appeals"....

Seat Leon Cupra, (Petrol or Diesel.... I had Diesel in the past)
BMW 323 Coupe
Lexus IS200
 
What are your priorities, other than good long distance?

Mondeo would fit that bill and would be the usual answer to a 4k car question, but I'm guessing from your list that wont be of interest?
 
2809.0787.jpg
 
Nor said:
What did you find the probs were?
Click to expand...

Just realised how arrogant my post sounded - oops sorry :)

Erm,

Build quality wasn't good so there was constant rattling
Suspension was on the hard side, every little inperfection was felt in the road
Reliability concerns of HGF
Seats weren't particularly comfortable on long journeys.

From the MGR camp, i'd be looking at a ROver 75 2.0 Diesel, or possibly the MG ZT if the suspension is ok :)
 
How about a 406 Coupe? A friend has a 2.2Hdi, its comfortable, economic, pretty quick, very pretty and "interesting"
 
Rwac said:
Just realised how arrogant my post sounded - oops sorry :)

Erm,

Build quality wasn't good so there was constant rattling
Suspension was on the hard side, every little inperfection was felt in the road
Reliability concerns of HGF
Seats weren't particularly comfortable on long journeys.

From the MGR camp, i'd be looking at a ROver 75 2.0 Diesel, or possibly the MG ZT if the suspension is ok :)
Click to expand...

ZT Diesel is a good shout, but don't agree with your reasons re the ZS. Seats on my ZS are great, dead comfy, no rattles in car. I wouldn't advocate the 1.6 or 1.8, HGF isn't an issue on other models. Suspension is sporty, but on the motorway and back roads it's perfect. You only feel it on really bad roads. What car did you have mate?

There are plenty of other cars out there to buy for £4k though, and MG Rovers aren't everyone's cup of tea. Just giving my suggestion though.
 
Nor said:
ZT Diesel is a good shout, but don't agree with your reasons re the ZS. Seats on my ZS are great, dead comfy, no rattles in car. I wouldn't advocate the 1.6 or 1.8, HGF isn't an issue on other models. Suspension is sporty, but on the motorway and back roads it's perfect. You only feel it on really bad roads. What car did you have mate?

There are plenty of other cars out there to buy for £4k though, and MG Rovers aren't everyone's cup of tea. Just giving my suggestion though.
Click to expand...

Definately, suggestions are what it's about , apologies again i was attempting to juggle a pizza slice when I posted.

I had the 1.8 Mk1 ZS, I found it quite horrid on the motorway as the suspension found all the little imperfections on the motorway surface. The 180 is a great car for backgrounds, hooning around it, but maybe the OP needs something a little more refined/smooth for his long trip.

Apologies again - didn't mean to offend :)

If you wanted to see the MG options for 4k:

http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-u...cleYearOfManufacture=2003&vehicleRegLetter=53

2003 MG ZT 2.0 CDTi + 4dr Auto Diesel Saloon
Price:
£3,950ono
76,000 miles, 4 Door Saloon, BMW 2.0 Diesel, Automatic, Hi-Line Sat Nav, TV, Cruise, Night Vision Rear View Mirror, ABS, Dual Climate AC, Alarm, 18" Alloy wheels, 6 Disc CD Player, Park Distance Control, Electric F&R Windows, Electric Door Mirrors, Half Leather/Alacantra Seats, Trip Computer, Excellent Condition, FSH, Moving abroad forces reluctant sale. £3,950 ono.
 
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Priorities, Sporty, a enjoyable/fun rewarding drive.... hold value ok, not to thirsty...
Nice to be unusual, so I am trying to avoid the Mondeo route, to be honest only Fords I buy wear an RS badge !!! (I've had 3)
The Rover route..... think I will pass on that....
The 406 is a good one for the list I think.
Anything from Audi ?
 
fun rewarding drive, cover lots of miles, not a small car, potentially a diesel..

for £4k.

can't offer much really.

zt cdti
320d






mondeo tdci :p
 
Circa 2000-2002 A6 2.5 TDI manual
Seats in that era of A6 are nice and flat, I have sat in them for hours on end on trips and never had a sore bottom. Quite a nice wafty car.

The 1.8T petrol is woeful when paired up with the auto gearbox so steer clear. Could also look at the 1.9 but you may see better examples of the 2.5 as cars of this age that you want (i.e motorway munchers) would have around 100k on them.
 
156 is a lovely car but not great on long journeys - no better than a focus/golf etc, although the seats in my lusso were a bit more comfortable.

It's a car you'll love but I can guarantee it will never work properly. Mine had issue upon issue, had a serious drink habbit (12mpg and 1l of oil per week) but it was the only car I've ever been upset about getting rid of. I wouldnt reccomend one, but I would buy one again...
 
I've just had over 2 years working as a supplier to FIAT !!! (Aka Fiat 500/Ford KA)...For seats !!!!....... Kind of know Fiat to well !!:eek:
But yes 156 does look a nice car.... now I am scared ! :D
 
Octavia vRS, recently been out in ethos', very quick yet SO refined.

can pick up a minter for less than 4k, beats about everything else mentioned for the moleh.
 
If you like 3-series' then the 330i is the model to get. You'd easily get an SE spec model for the budget, or even an early sport with some haggling.
 
He said £4k, not £2k. £4k buys a decent more than serviceable 330i these days.

Sport, he'd have to view them. Adverts always make cars look good so its impossible to jump to any conclusion about the ones advertised for the approximate budget.
 
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