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Now, I'm considering (though not set upon) a replacement for my Focus, partially because it's driving me mental with problems, partially because the a/c is temperamental (works when I'm trying to show it doesn't work, yet doesn't work when I'm alone), and partially because I could do with gaining about a £1k. So, Focus 1.6 LX, 108,000 miles 51-reg facelift I reckon I could get about £3,000 for it. So for £2,000 I found 1.4 Puma (98S), 1.5 Civic 3dr (97R), Mazda 323F 1.5 Gxi (98R) and 406 Coupe 2.0 (98S). Now the latter is a bit out there (running costs, ins, fuel), and has covered more miles than the rest (100,000 vs. 50,000 for the rest)...but the beauty and practicality draw me to it... what do other backroomer's think? Keep in mind, I could use space to move my stuff to/from uni, and I like driving.
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Based on your criteria I would rule out the Puma for being too small, the Civic and Mazda for being a duller drive and the 406 for being a expensive to insure and a potential money pit.
Given the budget you have, for driving enjoyment and cost to run it would be pretty much impossible to beat a Ford Focus. Are you sure it's worth your while changing? Could you not survive until the next student loan? You could end up with somthing worth considerably less but with just as many niggles as your Focus.
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Can't see that the Focus will make £3k - this is from HJ's most recent auction report:
"Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec auto no a/c, 03 reg, 38k miles £4,400p"
A 2k car is a potential money pit, and so you might as well spend £1k. You can ditch a £1k car if you get a mega-bill, whereas you won't be able to write off £2k, so you'll be forced to put money into it.
Find something boring for £999 - eg Primera - lasts forever, takes the punishment.
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Having previously owned a Puma I can highly recommend it - it's a very underestimated car, great drivers car although the 1.4 will perhaps not have quite the "oomph" of the 1.7 I ownspace ed
Space wise, the backseats are pretty much short journeys only - not much space. However because of this the boot space is quite generous - especially for a coupe
reliability wise it should be quite good too - wheel bearings tend to go & it sometimes has a little rust spot at the bottom of the A-pillars but everything else should be o.k
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Sigh. It was really a more long-term consideration, mainly because doing sums for the next few years, it becomes clear that there will be a shortfall. So it occured to me that if I recover £1000 from the car now (whilst it's worth enough for it to be feasible to do this) and got a car (probably the Civic, realistically the Puma is too small, the 406 too expensive and the 323 less economical than the Civic) that wasn't too bad and would survive for the next few years with the minimum of costs (as the Focus seems to just drink petrol, eat tyres and possesses insane a/c) then I could get it that way, but it seems obvious that maybe it just won't be possible.
Alas, I shall find another way...
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>Alas, I shall find another way...
It's called bangernomics. Go for the retro look how about a 205 STDT - trim from a GTi, but 60 mpg....
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But would this really be any bigger than a Puma? I mean I already have to do 2/3 trips in my Focus with stuff now...I don't really want to go even smaller. Which is the problem, otherwise I'd look to superminis and the like.
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I think your reasoning on the focus is spot on and i too would be looking to bail out at 100,000 51 plate and tempermental a/c
Why dont you consider a decent fiesta with aircon maybe a 1.4 si?
a/c electric windows fun to drive and economical ,the wife runs a 1.2 freestyle with aircon and apart from big hills (not big bills ) its a good car
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If you think you can get £3k for the focus.
Sell it, then come and buy my 01 x plate Civic only 52k 5 door, half leather, ac (working) yours for the £3k!
You wont be saving any money but it wont cost you a penny on repairs (very reliable)
Having said all that I'd be very suprised if you achive £3k for the Focus.
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Mk2 Mondeo. Get a really nice one for this sort of money and it'll rarely let you down.
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Well I had a mosey on autotrader for our local one's, and there's a 103,000miles one on an 02-plate that's same model/spec and the guy's after £3,595. He's one I've seen regularly on my browsing (as a seller of high-mileage cars) and he must sell them for something.close to the asking price.
Which model Civic is it, btw?
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I mean which Civic the 400-one or the cavernous one?
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The Civic and 323 are overpriced at 2 grand.
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What about Astras (1.6 LS/CD, 98S) or Almera 1.8 Sport (00 X)? Would they be better optinos?
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The Civic is a really nice car (and would be my choice in smart 3 door guise) but seems overpriced. On ebay, £1500 seems more realistic, and there is a few on there.
These have great economy, and even have dash mounted econo-lights, but still nippy as approx 115 bhp and fall into the cheap road tax band as 1.5 litre.
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I've got a 99T 2.0 406 Coupe and manage to run it on a fairly tight budget. I've owned it for one year so far with very few problems (*touches wood). As you say, i'd be hard pressed to think of a more beautiful and good looking car that is practical and in your price range. There is a very active 406 Coupe forum (peugeot406coupe.com) where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and discuss any problems you may come across. At lot of people there who have bought a new car have gone on to buy another newer 406 Coupe - that must say something!
In HJ's C-b-C guide, it does mention the 406's aircon. The air-recirculator flap went on mine, making a clicking noise behind the glovebox. This was solved simply by unplugging the air recirculator motor in the open position.
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Ok - make it or break it for the 406 in one question - what kind of mpg could I expect from it?
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I'm averaging about 30mpg in mine - on a mix of town driving and fast A roads
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Thenthe 406 is out. Nothing worse than 35mpg (which is what I get on average now, from a-roads/town/country) - just can't afford it. Interestingly, the 406 insurance was actually a £100 cheaper than that of the Honda, and £150 cheaper than the Mazda. Both are written off cause of this (Mazda - £1250) All would prove a false economy, somewhat therefore because they'd actually not return the £100, as I only pay £750 on my Focus. I guess it'll either soldier on, or I'll look to other things...why does this have to be so difficult???
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Fair enough. Look out for 406 HDi Coupes in the future that might come into your (and my) price range
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Lol. I do adore the idea of those! Pretty, frugal, diesel oomph. Sigh...
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Are VAG cars not a possiblity?
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For £2k? They'd be quite old, surely?
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VW/Audi would be but Skoda and SEAT would be affordable I'm sure. Although Passats and Boras are pretty cheap now too...
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Maybe the Civic has high insurance costs because it is a Japan built model. Get a quote for a UK built 5 door version, it will probably be cheaper, but comes with the same economical (over 50mpg with sensible foot) 1.5 VTEC engine.
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But then wouldn't I just be better off by buying a Rover 400 and pocketing another £1k?
I was looking in my area on autotrader, and the cheapest SEAT Toledo TDi is 3,795, with 80,000miles I think. Skodas are similar. I'm quite surprised at how expensive these cars are - a Golf can be had for pretty much the same value.
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You wont get the VTEC engines in a Rover (or Honda reliability), and resale will also be worse. Skoda usually a lot cheaper than VW equivalent.
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If you like Mazdas then got for 323 but the newer one (T reg onwards) for practicality. I bought V plate 1.5 with only 38k miles on it for £2.5k. You should be able to pick one up for around £2k. Its a very nice car to drive and they're mean to be bomb proof so reliability won't be an issue. I've got air/con in mine and it WORKS.
Best of luck mate.
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