1k budget, needs to last a year

Michael Myers · 1 Aug 2018 at 18:23

Hi Folks

looking for suggestions on a budget car i can use as a daily for a year while i go through saving and purchasing a new house.

clearing off all debts so getting rid of all finance / loans.

i did this a few years ago and ended up with a e46 323i which was perfect for the job, im not afraid to get my hands dirty and use a spanner etc.

would prefer a bigger car like a saloon or estate but may look at a focus/golf sized car.

apart from another cheap e46 and hope for the best what do you suggest?

What would you buy if you had 1k for a car that needs to last a year?

On Holiday · 1 Aug 2018 at 18:29

ahenners · 1 Aug 2018 at 18:47

Something Japanese with as close to 12 months MOT as possible.

Holst1981 · 1 Aug 2018 at 18:55

I had a look on autotrader and the choice is slim at £1000.

I would probably buy something I've owned before
Then at least I know what problems to look for.

Personally that means mx5.

At this budget you need to look at individual cars and try not to buy a shed.

Good luck

Just noticed several rx8 for £1000 one with almost a years Mot. Are you a gambler?

Michael Myers · 1 Aug 2018 at 19:00

Holst1981 said:
I had a look on autotrader and the choice is slim at £1000.

I would probably buy something I've owned before
Then at least I know what problems to look for.

Personally that means mx5.

At this budget you need to look at individual cars and try not to buy a shed.

Good luck

Just noticed several rx8 for £1000 one with almost a years Mot. Are you a gambler?

Not that much of a gambler lol, like you say I might have to stick with something I'm familiar with.

Sin_Chase · 1 Aug 2018 at 19:04

Ford Focus

Millions of them, should be able to get one in budget and reliable enough that there's not too much which can go seriously wrong.

HouR · 1 Aug 2018 at 21:20

Ended up with a 05 plate Toyota Corolla when looking at this budget for the misses to run around in (Our mechanic is ex Toyota and recommended them if budget and reliable is the spec).
We have not exactly tested it, bought on 117k and it now has 119K 2 years later and the only thing I have had to replace is a wheel bearing.
Chain driven engine also so don't need to worry about Cambelt etc.

Vita · 1 Aug 2018 at 21:30

Toyota yaris

wedrum · 1 Aug 2018 at 21:32

Focus focus focus

Gaygle · 1 Aug 2018 at 21:36

Whatever you can get that's newest/lowest mileage. Mazda's tend to be a good shout.

Or a Skoda! Loads of 1 owner 1.9 diesel Skoda Octavias. They'll do you 10 years.

Or a Volvo.

ShiWarrior · 1 Aug 2018 at 21:44

not sure about what u get/year for 1K
but if u need space, civic is bigger than a focus
or you could get a Focus Estate (but the dimensions are the same as a normal focus just a higher boot line)

The Running Man · 1 Aug 2018 at 21:47

I bought my mum's 54 plate Almera for trade in value of 350 quid. The 1.8sve and it's lsdyed 2 years just fine.

MichaelAwkward · 1 Aug 2018 at 21:59

HouR said:
Ended up with a 05 plate Toyota Corolla when looking at this budget for the misses to run around in (Our mechanic is ex Toyota and recommended them if budget and reliable is the spec).
We have not exactly tested it, bought on 117k and it now has 119K 2 years later and the only thing I have had to replace is a wheel bearing.
Chain driven engine also so don't need to worry about Cambelt etc.

2k miles and a wheel bearing in 2 years isn’t anything to shout about...

20k miles, maybe.

Nasher · 1 Aug 2018 at 22:10

A friend just bought an early 2000s V6 Jag for £500. Actually seems to be fine, even the bodywork

Only thing that's broken is the aircon (OFC, had to be in this 35c summer lol). Insurance is cheap because only old men drive them, it's pretty comfortable, has a nice amount of power, and as a Jag driver you can sleep with people's wives and do whatever the **** you want.

Jamauk · 1 Aug 2018 at 22:36

Nasher said:
A friend just bought an early 2000s V6 Jag for £500. Actually seems to be fine, even the bodywork

Only thing that's broken is the aircon (OFC, had to be in this 35c summer lol). Insurance is cheap because only old men drive them, it's pretty comfortable, has a nice amount of power, and as a Jag driver you can sleep with people's wives and do whatever the **** you want.

let me just correct you there, it's Jaaaag!

Anyway, I'd get a mainstream car, a Focus is a good shout, plenty of parts available if anything breaks.

smilertoo · 1 Aug 2018 at 22:44

A honda jazz.

Michael Myers · 2 Aug 2018 at 08:42

Thanks for the suggestions all, considering something VAG 1.9tdi as well, seems they are pretty bullet proof if the timing belts are done at correct intervals.

Nasher · 2 Aug 2018 at 12:59

CoreKrogoth said:
Thanks for the suggestions all, considering something VAG 1.9tdi as well, seems they are pretty bullet proof if the timing belts are done at correct intervals.

The one I had ate a turbo and then ****** oil everywhere, sold it after 6 months

Armageus · 2 Aug 2018 at 13:44

CoreKrogoth said:
Thanks for the suggestions all, considering something VAG 1.9tdi as well, seems they are pretty bullet proof if the timing belts are done at correct intervals.

A quick look suggests that these days anything with a VAG 1.9tdi under a grand is on moon mileage.

Personally if I wanted reliable for £1k, then something like a Honda Jazz or Toyota Yaris would be the best place to look.

Jony27 · 2 Aug 2018 at 14:47

wedrum said:
Focus focus focus

My first and current car is an '04 1.6 Petrol. 2.5 years on and still going strong. Apart from bad luck(3 punctured tyres and warped brake disc) the only "real" issue I have is the bonnet lock hitting the bucket. Bought it at 82k and have put another 20k since. Not bad for less than £1k