Looking to Buy an Older Car on a Budget, Help.

[Puzzled]

A Mondeo or Celica is going to be so dull compared to a MX5 or MR2.

In terms of fun the mx5 was top out of the cars I mentioned (although the ST220 wasn't far off, the engine is fantastic) but it's just finding a good one now. Perhaps look for a late mk2.5, they look a bit better as well with stronger styling on the front (IMO).

Do some test drives OP, people like different things.

 

[Scania]

This brings up a second question.

Anyone who has bought a car which is quite a distance away, how did it go?

I assume you weren't able to see it in person until you went with the intentions of collecting the car.

I'm only asking because in in Belfast but much better deals can be had if I was willing to collect in the mainland UK.

I put a £1k deposit on my last car over the phone whilst I was in Cyprus on holiday having only seen internet photos of it and then drive from Stoke to Peterborough to collect it, distance is almost irrelevant if it's the right car for you imo.

I had the knowledge of buying from a dealer who was happy to refund my deposit if it didn't meet my expectations, thankfully it exceeded them by some margin!

 

[lordrobs]

I put a £1k deposit on my last car over the phone whilst I was in Cyprus on holiday having only seen internet photos of it and then drive from Stoke to Peterborough to collect it, distance is almost irrelevant if it's the right car for you imo.

I had the knowledge of buying from a dealer who was happy to refund my deposit if it didn't meet my expectations, thankfully it exceeded them by some margin!

Different game when buying at the mintiest of mint end of the market from the likes of KGF though. I can only speak of my experience with MX5's but there are plenty out there that look great in photos but are rotten. Many of these are also listed as being rust free!

 

[Scania]

Different game when buying at the mintiest of mint end of the market from the likes of KGF though. I can only speak of my experience with MX5's but there are plenty out there that look great in photos but are rotten. Many of these are also listed as being rust free!

Fair comment which is why I pointed out it was from a dealer and yes, with the amount of photos KGF put up of it it would have been quite something to look different in the flesh!

Indeed I'd seen and traveled to view many "immaculate" e38's during my search that turned out to be absolute hounds once I got there , the camera can lie!

 

[Hater]

Different game when buying at the mintiest of mint end of the market from the likes of KGF though. I can only speak of my experience with MX5's but there are plenty out there that look great in photos but are rotten. Many of these are also listed as being rust free!

Guy who bought mine's first comment was "I know you mentioned some minor rust, but this cars better than every single car I've seen advertised as rust free"