Automatic for under £1000

Not an auto ford, fiesta or otherwise though - they're rotten.

Something like an e36 (so long as rust doesn't offend you) or ovlov auto should be OK
 
My Lexus GS cost a grand, the Lexus transmission has been time proven to be extremely reliable. The engine is very thirsty though especially town driving, so probably not ideal if fuel cost is a concern.
 
A Vauxhall Omega or Ford Scorpio (if you can find any) are pretty good for thier age (if you can look past the Scoprio's looks - they are actually very nice cars). Both are slush boxes - but they probably all will be at this age.

For the Scorpio I'd suggest the 2.3 Ultima - the 2l engines are basically detuned RS2000 units - pretty solid and reliable but underpowered for a car the size of a Scorpio and the Cosworth engined cars are for enthusiasts only now due to parts availability. For the Vauxhall, I've always fancied the 3.2 Omega in Elite trim myself.

You MIGHT find a Lexus LS400 for a grand - but I'd want to pay a bit more personally for one of them and they are 4litres, so out of your "2l" bracket.
 
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loltim said:
Would you recommend the E36 over the E46 that Malt Vinegar posted?
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Depending on the age of both and the engine of both. I'd not want an early E46 6-cyl due to the subframe issue, I think I also prefer the styling of the e36 over the pre-facelift E46, but that might just be me.

Not sure I'm a fan of the autobox in the e36 however. The ones I've driven were never that great.
 
Mondeo is a good car and a nice drive, but personally I have never rated Ford's reliability or build quality. Full of way too many niggly faults and things that go wrong or need changing often that you hardly ever have to on say a Honda. Parts must be cheap for a reason...
 
I got my decent condition E46 328i for £1200. Drives very well, comfortable and fast. Sunroof and heated leather is an added bonus. See if you can find one.
 
paradigm said:
Depending on the age of both and the engine of both. I'd not want an early E46 6-cyl due to the subframe issue, I think I also prefer the styling of the e36 over the pre-facelift E46, but that might just be me.

Not sure I'm a fan of the autobox in the e36 however. The ones I've driven were never that great.
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The early 6 cylinder autos apparently suffer less due to the torque converter taking some of the initial strain. I know my 99 145k 328i has nothing wrong with its subframe.
 
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