I've got £2k to spend on an estate car or a small hatch back. The car will be solely for bike / dog duties. Don't get a van as I need to be able to take the kids in it so need 5 seats. Any recommendations?
Also, anyone ever bought an ex-police car? You can pick up Volvo's and Mondeo Estates for decent money. They have high mileage but I'm guessing they'll have been well serviced etc.
I used to have a Focus estate and it was great for chucking bikes in the back.
Old shape V70 which has been loved and looked after is good for 500k+. Great cars to drive, mahooooooosive boot. Spares and servicing not at all bad. Main dealers even offer a "High mileage special price" on parts and service.
Friend had an ex police training car. Omega MV6.
Went like stink, not standard cams or suspension.
He was once asked by a traffic cop if the diff still whine'd over 135mph ?
"Ahem, I would have no idea officer, I, Ahem, never drive that fast."
Traffic cars are well maintained, serviced every 4-5 k miles. Beat cars are usually total sheds !
Passat diesel or Mondeo diesel both have good torque and if you get the right model are quick whilst giving 50mpg
Skoda Octavia 1.9TDI......Been doing 500 miles a week commuting in mine with no trouble at all.
Bought it at 70k, now on 94k. Does 50 mpg and cheap to insure too.
Not sure what kind of mileage you'd get for £2k though.
I am looking for similar at the moment ,missed out on a Passat with 140k on an s plate £1150 missed it by an hour ...
Volvo 7 or 900 series. Pre-FWD, and will last forever. For £2000, you should find one in superb condition too.
Merc E-Class
98 onwards Astra estate. I had one for 7 years with no problems! Take the front wheels out, flip the bikes upside down and chuck in back - sorted and no scratched bikes!
subaru impreza turbo estate. F*ck the mpg, goes like stink and handles like a mutha's brutha
But 740 Volvo's are horrible they really are not a drivers car and very thirsty too.Those Impreza's are a bit small in the back and driven by chav's usually!1
want to buy my 1998 V40?
Nowt wrong with it, in fact thats the problem (not really, in case its listening in a Christine type way). I want an XC90 and the **** V40 just keeps on going. 160k at the moment with regular synthetic oil changes keeping it all sweet.
I've had a trouble-free year and eight thousand miles in a 2001 Passat (with 68K). It's good for 40mpg+ on long runs - though I'm not a heavy-footed driver - it's quiet and it's comfortable. Coming from an LWB LDV Convoy, it's small but exceedingly luxurious, if a little less comfy to sleep in!! With just one wheel off each bike and the seat-pins removed, we 've had three people and three bikes in without hassle. I looked at several alternatives and one of the things I like about the VW is that there is no lip to get into the rear - making it easy to get bikes and gear in and out and also more comfortable for sitting in when getting changed.
Pug 306 2.0 HDI
hatch/estate
cam belt @96
gusamc - MemberThat would be my suggestion.
Pug 306 2.0 HDI
hatch/estate
cam belt @96
CHB - MemberWe have just got one of these and with the bike rack you could easily get 5 people and there bikes in/on the car and still have room for luggage.
I want an XC90
Toyota Carrina
Toyota Avensis
Focus Estate TDci, best car I ever had. With the rear seats folded flat you can lie 2 bikes in the boots with both wheels on.
Cheers chaps. The problem with estates is most of them are fugly. Passat is ok though so that could be the one. nyhimg to watch out for?
Does it have to be an estate? My car can carry a 6ft long piece of wood etc and probably two bikes/2 topless models and me.
And they are bullet proof loads around that have done well over 200k so paying 2 grand for one with 120/130k on should get you a car that will last a while basic 90hp one is a bit slow the 110 hp looks a good bet ,(these are diesels by the way)
And they are bullet proof loads
ALL cars longevity depends on regurlar servicing on the button every year with all parts replaced on time.
You CAN NOT call any marque or model bullet-proof. Sorry. That is misleading. some models are better than others- true but you should always look for regular servicing first and foremost before a potential myth. No car is bullet-proof.
An example, my previous car (Subaru) had many parts replaced and you'd think they were 'bullet proof' no?
In before nuttysquirrel has his twopenneth, but I suppose I owe him seeing as I'm now driving around in one of his Legnum VR4s, a bit like this one:
It's mahoosive, will take two bike racks - one on the roof and one hanging off the arse - is fairly handsome as far as estates go, and fun me is it fast. Fuel isn't too good around town (22 mpg), but on a run it'll break 30 mpg.
I bought a 1996 Honda Accord Aerodeck 2.2i ES with an LPG kit for just over £2k. It only had one owner and 57k miles when I got it last year.
Manual, enough power to comfortably haul a fully loaded car with 4 people plus bikes. Can get 3 bikes in it without any dissassembly. and with the LPG kit can get equivilent of 60mpg. Win win.
Seriously though, its a damn good car, and you can get them for £500 upwards. Mine was more due to the LPG kit, but if you are doing a few miles it will more than pay for itself.
This topic has been closed to new replies.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
