Tips on finding bargains?

malc30 said:
I really don't know how you Young Dudes get plus 30mpg out of your cars :confused:
I run a 2 litre & am happy to get 20 mpg average but then I drive the car rather than let it float about everywhere :D
I can get 37mpg on a run but find it more fun to aim for the Lowest figure, My record is 19 so far :D When I am low on petrol I just buy more & drive it harder to get a lower figure, It's Much more fun my way :cool:
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You seem to be under the illusion that driving a car as if you have stolen it is in some way cool and that you will get internet points for mentioning it.
 
Janesy B said:
If your sitting in town all the time then about half the cars on your shortlist are pointless. You might as well get the 1.6 Focus is economy is such a worry for you.

Clio 172, MG ZR 160 and the Golf 20v 1.8T are not cars for people who worry about getting 30+mpg in town. Something struggle to get in a 1.4 Fiesta.
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Tbh i imagine an MG ZR 160+ could get 30mpg around town and be a hoot around the back roads, especially coming from a corsa.
 
Jez said:
You seem to be under the illusion that driving a car as if you have stolen it is in some way cool and that you will get internet points for mentioning it.
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:D

Stormster, think either the Focus or the MG is your best bet for that budget.

Personally I would wait and save an extra grand for a decent facelift 172 though, pretty decent fuel consumption on these too. However, snap that 1300 offer up straight away :)
 
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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My mates just sold his Y plate 306 HDI, and imo its still looks a nice modern car and they seem to be easily available for £1500 ish.Easily as good as the Focus imo.The interior looks old, but Is no worse than the early learning centre dash of the Focus.

I'd also be looking at something jap, maybe a Corolla sport of some sort.
 
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 have a 1.8 Focus (boo hiss?) collection circa 2000, the reviews I looked at actually recommended this size engine, but it could be different in the newer Fords since the 2004 redesign, and I actually really like it. It's the older design, (in black of course :P), and the 1.8 is actually a pretty decent drive. I do a lot of city driving, and I still end up with about 30-35MPG.

It's also a decent bit nippier than the old 1.25 16v Fiesta I used to have, despite it's larger size; it's very comfortable, lots of room inside which is important as I'm 6'3, and is generally a far nicer car to drive (smoother, quieter, faster....and it seems to enjoy overtaking clios, corsas and fiestas haha)

Cost me £1900 at auction, and with extra work I've had done has come up to about £2400, but its been fully serviced, some bits replaced, so it's running perfectly, and has only done 56000 miles.

So auctions might be worth a look, if you're prepared to do a bit of work on a car. Also to note is that depending on the popularity of the car, will depend on how many people will try and get the car. Cars that have full paperwork are obviously a safer bet.
 
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Stormster said:
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!
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I went for the focus as a compromise. I wanted to go for something a lot sportier (MR2 or similar), but I'm trying to do a bit of saving, and the Focus fitted the bill for me.

At a constant 50-70mph in 5th I get a bit over 40-45mpg, as I say, 35 average is doable in a relatively urban environment, obviously dependant on stop-starts. But thats what I get on the way to work taking it steady.

Check over the paintwork on the inside of the doors, boot and under the mirrors, as these are prone to rust for various reasons.
 
silversurfer said:
Arent the diesel alfas more reliable
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The Multijet diesel engines (1.3, 1.6 and 1.9) are pretty good and tbh so are the petrols. It's 'Italian' things you want to look for, trim not put togther well and electronics playing up and not working.

Theres not much wrong with any of the engines the Fiat Group do right now.
 
The engines require maintaining on the dot, regular services and belt changes etc. , but other than that are fairly sound. The diesels just need less regular belt changes and such rather than being more reliable.
Wear and tear on suspension, the odd sensor going **** up, rattles, etc. are what tends to happen.
 
Also avoid the sports models, on alfas... For sme reason they put all the service items, such as airfilter in retarded places, which bumps up the labour cost.
But if you look after the alfas they look after you my ex has a 146, we regualr maintained it and checked it and it ran sweet as you like. so in essence alfas= land rover defenders only become expensive if you dont take the time to look after the buggers
 
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 :)
 
You change your mind like the wind chap :P

It won't be long before your looking for something else ;)

Focus is a nice car, it was what i was looking for before i ended up with the 206!
 
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