BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 03 Jun 08 - 04:37 AM

That's lovely but i'm not sure i can pull my trailer with that one!

Sal
(name change for a while, back soon)

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: bobad
Date: 01 Jun 08 - 10:49 AM

Volkswagon's 235 MPG car

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 29 May 08 - 01:30 PM

I presume that's how they make money. You claim and they benefit somehow?

Sal

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: Black belt caterpillar wrestler
Date: 29 May 08 - 07:54 AM

A friend in work here has a problem after washing his new car. The polishing cloth he had used for years scratched the windscreen on his new car. Apparently they are using softer glass now and it can scratch quite easily.

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 28 May 08 - 12:16 PM

And the Range Rover Guest?


G ¦¬]

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: GUEST
Date: 28 May 08 - 11:56 AM

Grab yep have to admit it the Rangie had a new engine and gearbox 4 years ago. But still not a bad record. The back end (top and bottom tail gate) could do with replacing before too long and wifie reversing into my tractor didnt help the bumper (didnt she see it?), but all that said its still a star.
The very best moment of all was a couple of years ago she turned up at a show and parked next to a rather smart lady with a brand new BMW 4x4 and a matching new trailer. Mrs BMW spent the day looking down her nose at the old Rangie, the old Rice trailer and wifies horse known as the fat hairy pony. You'd think Mrs BMW thought she'd catch something from them.
Well it rained all day as it does and when we came to leave we loaded fat hairy pony, at the same time as Mrs BMW was loading her rather smart horse. Mrs BMW drove away all of about 10 feet and stopped dead wheels spinning going nowhere. Wifie poped the Rangie into first and warned it if it got stuck it was going straight to the scrap yard. You've guessed she gently pulled away through the mud no problem, and she couldnt resist a sweet smile and a wave to Mrs BMW.
Reason enough to keep the old heap I think.

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: Grab
Date: 28 May 08 - 11:07 AM

Guest, I guess if you *are* going to buy an old car, then a tank is a good move. :-)

To be fair, there are quite a few older 4x4s around. But they were always built with heavier metalwork, which would naturally take the rustworms longer to get through. Bodywork was usually the killer on old cars (although engines do wear out too - I bet you've had at least one new engine and gearbox over that time?).

The rustworm problem is why there's precisely one old car that I'd buy - Reliant Scimitar. Doesn't look too bad, in a 70s sort of way, and the fibreglass body is immune to rust. Shame Reliant self-destructed by deciding to make invalid carriages instead of proper cars, really.

Graham.

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: HuwG
Date: 27 May 08 - 05:48 PM

My 1990 Rover 420 just passed its MOT, with only minor faults recorded. There are 98460 miles on the clock. Another two years, and I won't really have to worry about depreciation any more ... <g> It is still a very sprightly machine, and remarkably economical, as it will just about do 30mph (the legal limit in built-up areas) on tickoever in third gear.

However, major spare parts for such machines will soon come from scrapyards only. It is rather heavy, so stop-go traffic jams ruin the previously boasted economy, as it takes a lot of petrol to heave itself into motion from a standing start, only to stop again ten yards later.

Above all, it is British, tainted with '70s industrial unrest, '80s management incompetence and '90s shameless profit-taking.

...

I recently visited my little brother, who does various architectural and building contract work. He proudly showed me a slightly foxed Toyota Land Cruiser. He told me he had to pick the vehicle carefully. He needs a 4x4 to go on site, but if he turned up in a wreck of a Land Rover, the clients would think he was a cowboy, whereas if he turned up in a "Chelsea Tractor", they would think he was ripping them off.

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: danensis
Date: 27 May 08 - 04:08 PM

At the other extreme, my ten year old Polo is reaching that stage where its bits are dropping off. Its just cost me over £100 for two new tyres and to realign the tracking, and another £117 for new exhaust bits.

When I'm being silly I fancy a Series III Landie, and when I'm being sensible I look at a Honda Jazz.

However I have also been looking at an LPG Disco......

John

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 27 May 08 - 12:47 PM

Ah now I understand.

8)

Sal

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 27 May 08 - 04:19 AM

What I meant Sal, was that car washes also use brushes, which I think are too coarse for the purpose, and they can leave similar scratches in car paintwork.

G

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 27 May 08 - 04:11 AM

It wasn't a car wash Giok, it was my son! I did T cut and it is now fine.

You know I traded in a Kangoo? Well guess what? This is the very one! I bought it for £4,800 (from a dreadful garage) I part exchanged it for £3,500 and here it is now. A jinxed car not to be touched by anyone not even with a pole to push barges!

Sal

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 26 May 08 - 05:24 AM

That's why I never use a car wash Sal, too harsh on the paintwork.

G

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: GUEST
Date: 26 May 08 - 05:13 AM

GRAB - Sorry have to disagree when you say you dont buy a classic car as a means of transport. Wifie uses her Rangie everyday to and from work, all shopping and other journeys and tows a trailer with two big horses in to shows almost every weekend from May to September. The Rangie is 34 years old. The only thing which failed the MOT last year was some corrosion around the anchor bolts for the rear seatbelts. Maybe she's just lucky and got a good 'un. My 12 month old top of the range over expensive Peugeot is back in the garage again (7th time in 12 months) - the steering wheel fell apart yesterday.
Give me the old 'tank' anyday.

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: GUEST,Chief Chaos
Date: 25 May 08 - 05:52 PM

Were you here and not across the pond I'd cheerfully recommend a Mazda 3. I just got a hatchback and I'm already very fond of it.
Good mileage, decent performance and room, good safety marks and appeal and great resale value. Very good on my insurance as well and very little problem getting into parking spaces!

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 25 May 08 - 03:47 AM

Don't forget you need to wax again after t-cutting

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 24 May 08 - 11:09 AM

Free bus travel at 60 for both genders in Scotland: I believe it doesn't cut in till 65 in N Ireland.
Love your Scenic, Sal, don't be put off by my experience: it IS a nice car! Try a little gentle T-cut?

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: Riginslinger
Date: 21 May 08 - 10:02 PM

I think they make some after-market products that are pretty effective at taking out those kinds of blemishes.

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 21 May 08 - 05:25 PM

sniff sniff, my lovely new car... my 15yr old son washed it for me last weekend. He used an old dust pan brush that we've always used to wash cars, but he scrubbed too hard. Now I have circular surface markes all over the thing, already the jinx is setting in! It went for a service (its first) and they said it would cost £40 just to buff the one side. It's ok, i'll do it myself.   Dear me, what ever next!

Sal

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 21 May 08 - 04:21 PM

I heard today that I can pick up my new car next Wednesday - but I live in London without off-street parking, so it will just be a newer Micra and I won't be towing anything!

Kitty

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: fumblefingers
Date: 17 May 08 - 11:15 PM

Fred Flintstone's car.

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: Amos
Date: 17 May 08 - 08:23 PM

Ms L, it sounds like you got yourself a deal. I am still voting for the Toyota, though! :D


A

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 17 May 08 - 08:16 PM

I'm not quite old enough for the buss pass yet. 8 yrs to go!

The car, so far, is ok. Having the tow bar fitted on Monday. Must remember to get a number plate as well. Yes I know I have to take registration docs etc!

Sal

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 17 May 08 - 08:06 PM

Sadly free travel in Ireland doesn't apply to visitors from Great Britain.

Indeed, while so far as free travel for oldies applies to people living anywhere in Ireland, regardless of the border, there's no equivalent within the island of Great Britain - English passholders can't use their passes in Scotland or Wales, and vice versa.

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: Grab
Date: 17 May 08 - 04:22 PM

Enjoy the Scenic, Sal. A friend has one, and it's served him fairly well - no significant problems I've heard about.

Re classic cars...

Parts will be uncomplicated and so very cheap

However, parts will be required on a much more regular basis than most modern cars...

A good friend at my last job is a classic-car fan, particularly Triumphs, and takes part in the Round-Britain Rally every year. Over the 7 years I was there, there wasn't a single year he did that trip without some significant mechanical malfunction. One year the entire rear subframe came apart from the rest of the car! To his credit he finished more often than not, but that was usually by virtue of bloody-mindedness, quick bodges by the roadside, and carrying on with a car that was only just driveable. It wasn't just him either - from his experience, he reckoned 50% of the field finishing was a good result.

Also these days, you'd better consider fuel costs. Most modern cars with medium-sized engines can get 40mpg whilst cruising at 80mph down the motorway, and without too much noise for the occupants. If a classic car can even reach 80mph, and the occupants can stand the noise, you'd better believe you won't be getting 40mpg from it!

To be fair, there are some beautifully restored classics out there - lovely cars, reliable and everything. Every one represents hundreds of hours of work and thousands of pounds worth of parts, materials and labour to restore it, and you won't buy one for under £4k (you'd be lucky to find one under £8k). I bought my pristine 4-year-old 30k-miles Berlingo for £4k.

If you buy a classic, you're buying it for its looks and style. You're not buying it as a means of transport - that's strictly a secondary concern. Which is fair enough if that's what you want - if you happen to be like my mate, who loves the look of old Triumphs and loves tinkering with oily bits of metal - but it's not really the answer to the question of "what do I buy that'll get me from place to place cheaply?" :-/

Graham.

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: ard mhacha
Date: 17 May 08 - 12:19 PM

MS Lemon A pensioners travel pass entitles all AOP`s to free travel by bus or train anywhere in Ireland, I don`t know if this applies to UK visitors.

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 16 May 08 - 06:20 PM

I had a Scenic 1.6 petrol, kept it till 94,000 miles. Main problems (as confirmed by Which car guide) - it ate through brake pads and tyres(not heavy on brakes in previous cars)- persistent binding problems. And poor servicing (fractured a spark plug, mis-diagnosed it as much more expensive ignition coil problem), oil leak after replacing timing belt as they screwed things back in too tight. But it was a conmfortable drive, loads of storage space, and the original exhaust lasted till I got rid of it.
Now have a slightly smaller, less cubby-holes but very flexible boot space Nissan Note 1.5 diesel, 63mpg, great torque, up steep hills in 4th gear, nae bother. £120 pa road tax. Which "Best Buy". So far, so good.
No experience of towing however.

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: Rog Peek
Date: 16 May 08 - 12:33 PM

mslemon
You get a free bus or train anywhere in Ireland if you are old enough!

Rog

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: GUEST,Edthefolkie
Date: 16 May 08 - 12:11 PM

My experience of Citroens over 30 years is that the newer models e.g. the C5 have a LOT fewer faults than older ones.

For instance the Hydractive II suspension on the C5 is good for 100k+ miles without work whereas the old setup using an engine driven pump which powered the brakes and the suspension did demand new spheres and fluid at intervals. Just look how many taxi drivers use HDi diesel C5s - cheap and reliable. Mind you they are a bit plug ugly (the cars, not the taxi drivers).

A couple of chaps who have owned recent new Renault Scenics, Meganes and Moduses have had all sorts of problems with coils, gearboxes and other things.

A slightly surreal discussion this morning between myself and another Francophile suggested a Panhard PL17 decapotable, a Citroen Ami 8 or a Dyane (the 1970s Berlingo!) And how about a Tatra? Big as Buckingham Palace, rear engined V8 power and swing axles, give yourself the fright of your life in the wet!

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: kendall
Date: 16 May 08 - 08:14 AM

We have many pre 1973 cars. They are called "Rust buckets".

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: Black belt caterpillar wrestler
Date: 16 May 08 - 07:29 AM

My friendly local (non-car-manufaturer) garage says that the newer Peugeots and Citroens have a lot more electrical faults. They get a lot of electrical work on Renaults as well. I've got one of the last 306 estates and I won't be replacing it with a 307. They reckon VW is the way to go at the moment. Skoda have a lot of parts the same, but its the ones that are Skoda's own that break down.

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 16 May 08 - 04:29 AM

how do you get a free bus? I see we can fly to ireland for £20 so that would be brilliant if i didn't bring the new car!

Sal

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: ard mhacha
Date: 15 May 08 - 01:34 PM

Free bus or train to anywhere in Ireland, luxury.

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 15 May 08 - 01:06 PM

Well I have a 2yr warranty and i will extend for another year after that.

What year was the Scenic you are talking about?

Sal

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: bubblyrat
Date: 15 May 08 - 12:25 PM

In my / Anniecat's experience, Renault Scenic equals blown head-gasket,rust,faulty software,duff heater, and other problems. Also, a French friend of mine recently acquired a new Renault Clio, and reckons it is not a PATCH on her old Clio !!----And she's FRENCH ( and very loyal to the marque ).But I hope yours will be OK, Lemmy !!

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: Seaking
Date: 15 May 08 - 09:58 AM

I've got a 10 year old Peugeot 406,2.0 ltr petrol, 110,000 miles, has never let me down and runs as sweet as the day it was new.

It tows well (I'd probably recommend the diesel if you tow regularly)and I sometimes put a roof box on it. Lots of boot space and comfortable. 4 speaker system - I just put my MP3s through an FM transmitter.

Chris

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: GUEST,John from Kemsing
Date: 15 May 08 - 09:04 AM

There is definitely only one car to drive and that is SOMEBODY ELSES.
It makes it even more pleasurable if they put the petrol in!.

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 14 May 08 - 09:21 AM

Rangie -

Drinks more than I do
Gearbox probs
Transfer box probs
Front hub probs
Steering stabiliser probs
Easy to invert
Chassis rust
Parts of bodypanels too
Tyre costs horrifying

But a huge grin factor! I was very sad not to be able to take up an offer of a 110V8 at one stage in my life... but 10mpg with the wardo on the back was going to kill me.

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: theleveller
Date: 14 May 08 - 08:30 AM

I'd never recommend a car to anyone. Kiss of death!

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 14 May 08 - 03:52 AM

Hope it does well for you and gives plenty of good service, ms lemon

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: Sooz
Date: 14 May 08 - 02:43 AM

Mike had a Renault Laguna from new which was lovely and I had a Clio which I bought as an ex courtesy car at 3months old. Both were 100% reliable, although the Clio started to cost money at MOT time after 10 years. We only changed make because our local dealer went out of business, not out of any dissatisfaction. Enjoy your new car, Sal.

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: Gulliver
Date: 13 May 08 - 06:40 PM

You bared what in mind, Sal???

Don

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 13 May 08 - 03:24 PM

Rog, thanks for that. You are right, I'm sure.

I have to say that I don't believe in 'green' and saving the planet. But that's another story.

Thanks for everyone's help. I did bare it all in mind when looking for a car. This one is absolutely wonderful and will last me for a very long time. Well 3 years at least!

x Sal

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: Rog Peek
Date: 13 May 08 - 12:32 PM

Oh well, looks like I'm too late. But here's my advice anyway.

Any car manufactured before Jan 1st 1973 will have no road tax to pay, irrespective of engine size. Fully comprehensive, agreed value insurance at very low rates. Little or no depreciation. Parts will be uncomplicated and so very cheap. No on board computer means no crashes.....well not that sort anyway. And the added bonus that the manufacturing costs to the environment are spread over 35+ years and so means in the long run, your car will be far 'greener' than any modern hybrid.

So there!

Rog

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 12 May 08 - 02:29 PM

Enjoy it Sal

G

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 12 May 08 - 02:13 PM

I wish you every success, but my stepson's other half had a series one Laguna and twice it ate the central locking and antitheft, and it cost a grand to fix eack time, and generally it spent a lot of time not working. Another good friend had one of the more recent Laguna estates, 6 speed turbo-diesel, electronic locking, sexy female voice telling you things, every boy's toy in the book. For a year it was his price and joy - and then the warranty expired and all the gadgets started going wrong and until his then company would let him terminate the lease it was a total albatross around his neck.

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 12 May 08 - 01:44 PM

Ladies and Gentlemen, I am now the proud owner of a bargain of the year (I hope).

I took my old cow to market and asked for a test drive in a Renault Scenic. "We don't have a brand new one", he said, "but we do have one that belongs to the garage for you to try". Well, this has 7,000 on the clock, 12 months old and has been driven by the Service Manager.   150bhp, 2.0 ltr,6 gears, Sunroof, not sure about mpg yet. It's lovely to drive and some space age gismo's to boot! I have 2yrs manufacturer's warrenty and I can extend that for another year.

So went into the garage today, saw it, drove it, bought it, and drove away in it. Just got to get a tow bar fitted now.


It's a nice greeny grey metalic ... how much? £3,500 on my car so £9,000 paid. Dynamique
S dCi 150 6 Speed £20,555.00 brand new. What do you think?

Sal

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: Phot
Date: 12 May 08 - 12:25 PM

Secretly this is the Solihull lovers thread! *g*

19 year old Disco, V8 and still looks as good as the day it rolled off the production line.

Wassail!! Chris

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 12 May 08 - 12:08 PM

You only want that woman for her vehicular transport!

Subject: RE: BS: What car would you recommend? (UK)
From: GUEST
Date: 12 May 08 - 11:42 AM

Re disco fans, whole heartedly agree. Wifes Range Rover 34 years old, starts first time, never gets stuck, never lets us down, tows anything. Sails through MOT. God, I want that car. Anyone want a Peugot ?