Small, fun, sub 2k an isofix points ...

Conanius

Conanius

Conanius

Soldato
Joined
18 Oct 2002
Posts
12,898
As topic.

Could go slightly over, but sub 2k ideally.

I'm after a second car that can get, say 35+mpg on a run, and with isofix points in the back for child seats.

Ideally I want something fun ish to drive, but as long as it's at the bare minimum pleasant that will do.

I don't want something big, we already have that, I just want something to get to work in, and when needed, act as a backup to the main car.


I like the idea of something 'like' a renaultsport twingo/lupo gti/etc, but they seem closer to 4k, and as such out of budget.

What are the 172's like ? I know they have pretty reasonable spec, but is the running costs reasonable ? It's cambelts every 40k isn't it ?

Will consider all sorts, but nothing bigger than a focus really.
 
Cam belts every 72K or 5 years on RS 1*2. For 172's pretty much all of them should be on the second change by now. I've just had the belts done for the second time on my 04 182 (Its still just under 80K).

I've still got mine despite also having an E92 335i. I just can't force myself to get rid of the little RS as its so much fun to drive :) You'll not get anything more fun to drive at your budget.
 
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Get a 172 definitely. They both have isofix too. Fits the bill well- quick, cheap, economical and sub £2k shouldn't be a problem.
 
The Cambelt is every 72k, but the aux belt is every 36k I believe. Not an especially cheap job to do if you start replacing tensioners & dephaser pulleys etc. Overall running costs don't seem too much what from what I've read, small wheels so tyres are cheap.

But overall supposed to be great fun, and with the rear seats folded down you have a fair bit of room. Can't comment about the isofix though. Among the bad points are a high seating position and big steering wheel.
 
Fuel costs getting the better of you already? :D

Surely you'd be better off spending this money on the extra juice for the LR? :)
 
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182 for sure, surely there under 2k now? I was only expecting 2k for mine?

Can also see +40 on the 182 if your careful.

Running costs (IMO) are fine, so far mines has had the belts done, plugs etc so basically just servicing.

O and a spring which had snapped.
 
Jez said:
Fuel costs getting the better of you already? :D

Surely you'd be better off spending this money on the extra juice for the LR? :)
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This was my thought, who'd want to take a child around in a car the size of an Aygo too. No chance in a crash!
 
Jez said:
Fuel costs getting the better of you already? :D

Surely you'd be better off spending this money on the extra juice for the LR? :)
Click to expand...

Haha, nope. We will be needing a second car, and my other half will be using the LR as her main vehicle.

I've found that you can buy 'belt in' ISOFIX bases, which obviously opens up the market somewhat. it's important to state that, out of 100 journeys, I'd be amazed if more than 2 or 3 were done in this car with the little one. The only reason we'd be doing it is if we didn't have the LR for some reason, and in which case, we'd have some sort of loan/courtesy car I'm sure. It's more for a 'just in case'.

I've had a peek at 172's and they seem plentiful at sub 1k, so thats a good shout.

Other cars that are now attracting me are things like the Corolla T-Sport 190 (I drove one a few years ago back to back with a Celica 190) and I actually really quite liked the engine. I know it isn't everyones cup of tea, but variety is the spice of life and all that.

Other idea is something totally off the wall like a 106 Rallye. £2k seems to secure one with decent history, and it ticks the fun and frugal boxes nicely. I'd imagine if looked after I'd be struggling to lose money on one of these. Another nice benefit.
 
You can get 5 door corolla t sports, but the rest are 3 door yes.

I'll probably end up with a 5 door mk1/1.5 focus 1.6 zetec hatch for under a grand after all this this, but I'm curious to see the options before I commit.
 
Conanius said:
Haha, nope. We will be needing a second car, and my other half will be using the LR as her main vehicle.

I've found that you can buy 'belt in' ISOFIX bases, which obviously opens up the market somewhat. it's important to state that, out of 100 journeys, I'd be amazed if more than 2 or 3 were done in this car with the little one. The only reason we'd be doing it is if we didn't have the LR for some reason, and in which case, we'd have some sort of loan/courtesy car I'm sure. It's more for a 'just in case'..
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YOu can, but they are not ISOFIX.

Isofix is the system to connect to the car with simple hooks onto the isofix loop - automotive standard.

The Travel system base tends to change between manufacturers so that they only work with those seats, and as such is certainly not a standardised interface.

I prefer them to belt in anyway, ISOFIX is for idiot proofing. Belting in options also tend not to damage your seats as much as getting between the seat bench and squab sometimes relies on the insertion of the guide tube to move the trim out the way for the hooks. Also allows you to move the seat more outboard if you want to get 3 kids in.

Currently got a Maxi Cosi Easy base 2 for our Pebble seat, the additional leg resolves any non ISOFIX concerns people have.

EDIT: What size child we talking here anyway. Ie never considered moving from belt in options to ISOFIX. I don't see the merit.
 
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