Tips on finding bargains?

Stormster

Stormster

Stormster

Soldato
Joined
18 Oct 2002
Posts
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Location
Stoke-on-Trent
Basically I've FINALLY had a good offer on my Corsa Sport 1.6, tis an old car now (1999 reg), subtle mods etc.. prob owes me 2700 quid if I go all OCD and note down eveeerryything I've spent which is pretty sad, I know...

I've been offered 1300 quid for a 100,000 mile T plate Corsa in pretty good nick all in all.

Which, is good! I guess lol... but:

How can I find something worthy of replacing it which won't be a dog of a car without paying over the odds? I don't really wanna spend loads, between 2 and 2.5k. Been looking at run of the mill stuff like Focus's, Astra's and they're W reg 90k miles for 2 grand. Just seems stupid? I also don't wanna travel 300 miles on the chance it's gonna be a waste of time and money.

I don't want a big barge even though yes you can get more for your money... Also been looking at MG ZR 160's, Clio 172's, Golf 1.8 turbos (2000 reg, 100k for 2500 quid.... bargain?!).

Just feel I'm not wanting to sell my car only to pay over the odds for something else.

Any tips on places to find bargain motors which are gonna be reliable and cost effective if I even bother accepting his offer? It just feels so frustrating as I've been looking for ages and can't find any good deals worth persuing.
 
Theres actually a few ST170's not TOOOO far away, I might have to do some enquiring lol.

I just hate spending over the odds. I paid £1300 quid for my Corsa in Jan 2007, I like the fact I'm getting it back and have just paid to keep it on the road for 2 yrs so prob 500 quid a year. Would be lovely to keep on doing that haha.
 
Just luck I think and some good sales skillz! lol :)

IMG_4976%20copy.jpg


The car in question.
 
I don't really want an ugly unusual car though... cheap for a reason lol :) I want something I might enjoy owning for a couple of years. Some poke would be great but for around 2500 quid I'm probably dicing with millions of problems from a battered car...

Just gonna have go mental searching lol - loads of local garages none of which seem to advertise anywhere which is annoying too.

Jez, the lad who's made the offer isn't a chav... just someone who likes the car and the fact he can fix it for pennies all by himself.

I just want rid of the stigma, it's done me proud, never missed a beat.
 
Think I've finalised a "shortlist" of cars I'm gonna consider now around £2500 quid.

Alfa 147 (but it's at the BOTTOM of the list in effect, just incase lol)
Ford Focus 1.8 3 door
MG ZR 160
Renault Clio 172
Vauxhall Astra 1.8 3 door
Volkswagen Golf 3 door 1.8 20v turbo

I know some are a bit more performance orientated but it seems for that size of car, at that budget, I aint got much choice.

I drive around town mostly, a Focus ST would be great but I'm not sure if I'd be happy with the fuel consumption?

I can't choose a favourite.. I'd love more performance but I'd also love a newer reg'd car too, something normal for when I'm not in the mood for a rough ride! :)

So I guess most of the cars are compromises... nippyish, decent handling, cheap to run, reliableish etc.

Forgot to say, seen a 1.8 Focus Edge, 3 door, black, 1 owner, 54 reg but 95,000 miles for £2490. Should I let the milage put me off? It looks immaculate.
 
It's just finding one at the right price without being miles away.

Seems to be differing opinions of the 1.8... some claim they do seem more torquey but more of a lazy revving engine and some say the 2.0's are shocking on fuel. Theres hardly ever any 2.0's for sale, especially MK1.5 front ended ones :(
 
If I went for a 2.0 and it did 29/30 round town, that'd be fine really... In practise from what I hear it's usually a bit less lol. I'm used to about 32mpg round town and yeah you're right it's only really pennies but I do a lot of town miles really :(

How do you find the 2.0 performance? :)
 
As bobert said really, sums it up. I'm into cars and want something at least with a LITTLE bit of go, certainly not slower than my 1.6 Corsa, which almost all the Focus's mentioned will be really, the 2.0 should match mine (weight differences etc). And yes almost everyone I've spoke to says the Clio and MG ZR 160 will easily do 30mpg around town :)

I get 31mpg from my Corsa with mixed pressure on the loud pedal around town :)

Just want something I'll want to keep which is a nice motor overall and won't cost me a packet to run.

Tempted just get a loan and get a Fiesta ST as I really do like them. Just didn't want spend 6k really!

As Fonzee said though, for £1300, I'd be stupid to keep my Corsa. Tax and MOT aren't all that far off, clutch is going I think, water pump leaks a bit etc so couple of hundred needs spending on it soon all in all. Just rather spend it on another car really!
 
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I was considering a T Sport Corolla but my missus says noo. Haha :)

I'm worried about the cost/reliability factor of the Alfa, really nice looking car though!
 
Could do I guess, never considered them really.

I think I'm quite liking the compromise of a 2.0 Focus Zetec ESP now. Be better if I can choose one car to aim for. Cheap insurance, running costs, ok performance but I aint sure about the fuel economy, trying to find out more :)

Looked around and theres actually a few decently priced ones about for a change!
 
I think I'm aiming for the Focus really. Yeah I'd like to go more sporty or more exclusive but sensible head says common is good (and cheap) and at the moment I think cheap is the best way whilst still having a sound all round car :)
 
Dude you drive a Fiesta! lol, Phils 206 was a very tidy car.

Phil, you know me, I'll never be happy so theres no point me getting a loan if I will want to swap it again before long.
 
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