Tank Slap - Motorcycle Forum

Right then folks. I've managed to kill my trusty old 1996 Mazda 323f. I paid £1,000 for it and it's given me 7 years faithful service, so I've had good value for money. But it needs some work doing to it and there's an MOT coming up so it's time to scrap it.

I need a car for occasional use when it's too cold to use the bike for work.

Work is 35 miles away and it's mostly A roads and motorways.

Max to spend is £2,000

Nothing too big because parking at home is a PITA.

Not too worried about age.

I just need something that's going to be reliable.

Something like this:-

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified ... had=Nearly" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; New&onesearchad=New&radius=1500&postcode=b32as&page=1

Just avoid French and Vauxhall and you should be ok.

There's a few mk8 civics within your price range which are generally reliable but the pre 2009 facelift diesels can have clutch issues which are not cheap to replace because of the dual mass flywheel.

I have one and its fun to drive, 50+mpg on a run and surprisingly roomy inside. Not as much fun as my old E46 325i though, but that gobbled fuel so a 320d might be worth a look too.

That Volvo looks like it'd be perfectly decent all things considered. Price seems more than fair....I've no idea about Volvo reliability though.

As you've already found, the Mazdas are a good solid reliable car. The ex had a Mazda 3 (2L) from new and we had it for 8 yrs with no issues at all (apart from a f**kstick crashing into me) I used it to commute to the refinery for about 4 years after I binned the D600 and thrashed the ar$e off it and it just kept asking for more. Economical, handles, comfy and plenty of go.

Had a look on UK auto trader, but seems you guys got the Mazda 3 as a 1.6 variant, but honestly that's big enough for your requirements I say.

Couple of examples

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified ... DA3&page=1

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified ... ars&page=1

Civics are good cars fk EPs . Should engines.
Volvos my mates are big into them and seen a few poor ones. V40s are cheap and seem to be decent. The newer models I've seen some problems.
Depending on the milage you do stay away from diesels dpf filters cats and ergs can clog and be expensive to fix if they have not been maintained well and done decent milage diving styles. BMW's I'd stay away from if you just want a car for a to b they can be a bit thirsty. I've had few and although decent cars and fun to drive there not the most reliable and you pay a bit more for the name.

I'd go for that Volvo, be quick that won't hang around.

Can't go wrong with volvo's, Hondas, or Mazda IMO.

We've got a v70 and have only had 2 faults in 6 years 1 is the aircon compressor the other was the front shocks (wear and tear)

My parents had an 02 plate civic until recently, bought from new and never once caused any hassle. One of these:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/ ... obcid=soc3" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Solved.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified ... 500&page=1

600 Supersports. Cheap motoring, easy parking.

my mate Simon has an S40 we have run it for over 50k in the last couple of years the only problems have been a worn suspension bush and a blown bulb on the dash its fairly economical we get to Anglesey and back including some running around on anglesey for £60 thats with all our camping and photo gear so the car is fully loaded

If your looking at a volvo have a look at this guy thats pretty much what all he trades in. Has a goof knowledge of them https://www.facebook.com/slrmotorcompany/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

C00kiemonster wrote:Solved.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified ... 500&page=1

600 Supersports. Cheap motoring, easy parking.

That was NOT what I was expecting to see!

Volvo are bloody expensive for parts buy something jap or a Ford focus

I have had a couple of Volvo's V40 and S40 were both reliable. But then I never paid for the servicing and parts.
Never seems to need more than service items and tyres.
When I went down the buy my own car route I went VW golf. Small nippy.
But to be honest, buying another Mazda should a good bet, you had already proved it with yours.
Or if you can find a good priced Kia, worth a look, I have done a lot of miles in mine and it's loaded to the hilt of goodies, in relation to others very well priced for what you get. You might get a much newer car for your money, and they have 7 year warranty. I mention it as it's not a name people would look at in the main.

If a Volvo goes wrong mate its expensive to repair. I personally would stick with Honda, Toyota, Ford - never had a problem with any of my Ford's and VW. Wouldnt go for Beemers or Mercs as these are expensive to service, repair etc plus you pay for the name which is a waste of money in my opinion

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

I had an s60 it was unreliable and very expensive to repair ,in .fact it was a pile of Swedish crap

I'd be inclined to get the 1.9TDI PD engine in a Seat Leon/Ibiza. Very good engine and the rest of the car is VAGso reliable and parts aren't too bad either

My wife is now talking about getting a new car.

I think I'll stay out of it until she's close to making her mind up

Kwacky, I'm going to put a new head on my Fiesta and get it MOT'd (we are thinking there's a crack letting water into the combustion chamber currently).. 1.4 Petrol, surprisingly spritely and very big car inside for the size. I'm going to be looking for £800 if you want it

Cheers for the offer but with the potential house move and my wife's decision making process being measured in seasons not seconds I'll pass.

If you're going brand new then the Leon is still a good shout, basically a better looking Golf with a better laid out dash for less money. Or Skodas...