BS: I need a new (old) car

Subject: BS: I need a new (old) car
From: Paul Burke
Date: 15 Mar 10 - 04:36 PM

The ancient and battered Clio has gone to meet its Breaker. I'd like to do without a car altogether, but the distances, hills, and heavy traffic make cycling an unattractive option in this area, and the weather makes a motorbike a summer- only option. So a car it is.

Well, I have thought about alternatives- what I'd REALLY like is a big red fire engine, but they are a bit expensive to run. And the same is true for ancient cars like Ford V8 Pilots, although the idea of hurtling over the Cat and Fiddle road with its winding bends and sheer precipices, in a hugely powerful, massively heavy car without power steering or brakes could be exciting.

But let's keep our feet on the ground. Specification: cheap, reliable, economic, capable of carrying a reasonable quantity of camping gear, wood or breeze blocks. Right- hand drive of course.

What would you suggest?

Subject: RE: BS: I need a new (old) car
From: kendall
Date: 15 Mar 10 - 04:44 PM

How about a 1948 Chevrolet? It's old and like new at the same time.

Subject: RE: BS: I need a new (old) car
From: akenaton
Date: 15 Mar 10 - 05:18 PM

Cant beat Astra Estate indestructible

Subject: RE: BS: I need a new (old) car
From: Rasener
Date: 15 Mar 10 - 05:31 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngDbt_PFyzU

Subject: RE: BS: I need a new (old) car
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 15 Mar 10 - 08:18 PM

Volvo, 2 or 7 series. No contest. They even have street cred too.

And the turbos and 16Vs can be made to go like shit off a shovel.

If you want MPG there are diesels - no acceleration but still 110/115 at the top end.

Subject: RE: BS: I need a new (old) car
From: Gurney
Date: 16 Mar 10 - 12:16 AM

1. Toyota.
2. Something with no rust, not smoking, not making funny noises.

Subject: RE: BS: I need a new (old) car
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 16 Mar 10 - 02:03 AM

Do you really live near winding bends and sheer precipices? Then I suggest a Suburu Forester.

Recently we had snow and ice, and I had to pick up the pianist for church service. She was worried about the steep hill on her street, a hill that had caused problems for many. The Suburu glanced at it, said "What hill?" and surged right up.

Yes, cheap is nice, but you have only one life...

Subject: RE: BS: I need a new (old) car
From: GUEST,Jon Dudley
Date: 16 Mar 10 - 07:47 AM

I suggest the 1960s Volvo Amazon or 120 series as it's known over here. We had several in the family and they were wonderful. Virtually indestructable, they are available in good nick for around £4grand...I would recommend an inspection though as even with their legendary anti-corrosive qualities they can rust. All spares are easily available and they have a loyal following worldwide. Sweden's answer to the Morris Minor - just as much character, more powerful, bigger and with no half-timbering to replace!

Subject: RE: BS: I need a new (old) car
From: Mr Happy
Date: 16 Mar 10 - 11:57 AM

Paul,

Check out this site http://www.buysell.co.uk/vehicles/

Subject: RE: BS: I need a new (old) car
From: kendall
Date: 16 Mar 10 - 05:26 PM

No rust, no smoking no funny noises, sounds like my ex wife.

Subject: RE: BS: I need a new (old) car
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 16 Mar 10 - 10:24 PM

Do they still make Volvos? Haven't seen one for a long time.

Subject: RE: BS: I need a new (old) car
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 16 Mar 10 - 11:11 PM

The brand is now owned by FOrd

Subject: RE: BS: I need a new (old) car
From: theleveller
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 04:46 AM

There's a lot to be said for a Ford Mondeo Estate - loads of room, very comfy, plenty around, reasonably cheap and a lot of engine options.

Subject: RE: BS: I need a new (old) car
From: Wolfhound person
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 06:02 AM

A 2nd vote for a Subaru Forester (if you can find one).
Winter conditions? No problem......
Trailer? No problem!
Dogs?   No problem.....

Only snag we've found is they're seemingly built for the desert and ours at least has occasional damp start issues if its been left several days in the rain. There again, you might have space in a garage....our garage is full of....oh don't go there.

Paws

Subject: RE: BS: I need a new (old) car
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 06:05 AM

The early Foresters and the Legends rusted like wossname. The 2 litre engine is turboed to hell and back to give Scoobies their performance, and IMHO they are unlikely to outlast the redblock volvo which is widely assumed often to do 300,000 miles before needing a major rebuild.

Subject: RE: BS: I need a new (old) car
From: Mr Happy
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 06:09 AM

Volvo estate?

Subject: RE: BS: I need a new (old) car
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 10:11 AM

Precisely. I have three.

Subject: RE: BS: I need a new (old) car
From: Gurney
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 03:14 PM

There you go, Paul! Richard has a couple of spares.....

Subject: RE: BS: I need a new (old) car
From: Paul Burke
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 03:30 PM

Volvo's probably a bit too thirsty for me, though built like the proverbial masonry convenience. I enjoyed the Saab 9000 I had ten years ago, though, but you can't get them any more, and the quality of newer models has reputedly fallen drastically.

I'm looking for more like 40mpg (UK) mixed. So forget performance.

Subject: RE: BS: I need a new (old) car
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 03:39 PM

Volvo 9 series diesel estate.

Subject: RE: BS: I need a new (old) car
From: 3refs
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 05:34 PM

You pay for the shipping and I'll give you a Mazda 626 Cronos that's just sitting in my back yard. I was going to build a "4 banger" stock-car out of it, but I'm going to use a Toyota I have instead. I figure if I have a car where the gas peddle sticks to the floor and the brakes don't work should give me the checkered flag more often!

Subject: RE: BS: I need a new (old) car
From: EBarnacle
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 06:49 PM

Get a Toyota. They are going cheap right now.

Subject: RE: BS: I need a new (old) car
From: GUEST,Scorpio
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 07:20 PM

Do they still make Volvos? Who cares, buy an old one. But forget economy. A 120, 140 or 240 will last longer than you, and drink more too.

Subject: RE: BS: I need a new (old) car
From: GUEST,Jon Dudley
Date: 18 Mar 10 - 08:20 AM

"A 120, 140 or 240 will last longer than you, and drink more too."

You could convert it to LPG...there's a 120 estate for sale on the net at the moment thus equipped...in Holland...fun drive back though.

Subject: RE: BS: I need a new (old) car
From: Gurney
Date: 18 Mar 10 - 05:31 PM

How about a van? Something like my Mitzi Delica parks in a car space, has visibility like a bus, and is extra practical and economical enough in town, stays with the traffic, tows like a truck. You get respect from 4WDs.
Simple commercial mechanics, no fancy electrics, every garage fixes them, spares are comparatively cheap. Sleep indoors at festivals, too.

Disadvantages. 'Sleeping Policemen' loosen your teeth, not so economical at speed, and worrying in front-end accidents. Friends want to borrow it.