steelblade   10 #1 Posted January 26, 2004 I am looking to get a car soon and am going to get a bank loan to purchase one (far cheaper than finance). I am looking at borrowing up to 2k.  I really want a ford KA but if I can I would rather purchase something a bit cheaper.  I looked at clios because I can get a nice one for 1k-1.5k However after speaking to a few people I'm not too sure.  I have been told that the upkeep of a Clio will work out far more expensive than a KA and that I should splash out that bit extra and get a KA.  Anyone have any ideas about a car that is nice looking, small, economical and cheap to run? All this for less than 2k? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
DaBouncer   13 #2 Posted January 26, 2004 Get a scooter:D  VW Polo's are quite good in that respect! Not sure on the cost though.... or there is always a Saxo! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
steelblade   10 #3 Posted January 26, 2004 Looked at saxo's but they are a bit boy racerish I think.  My heart is set on a KA but at a minimum of 2k I'm a bit worried about taking on that much debt and would rather get something a tad cheaper.  I did fancy the idea of a clio, wish I'd not mentioned it to anyone now!  I like scooters and If the wether was sunny all the time I'd have one but I really don't fancy driving about in snow and rain! I'm such a girl! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Skatiechik   10 #4 Posted January 26, 2004 In that price range for a small car I would be considering  Rover 200 Mk2/Mk3, Very reliable, don't rust and economical.  Skoda Felicia, Built by volkswagon so definitely reliable, but are still associated with the old skoda brand, so prices don't reflect the reliability.  Mini, just because they are fun to drive, small and can be easily fixed if anything goes wrong. Unfortunately they suffer from the dreaded tin worms.  If you are looking for economy, I would also be considering looking at Diesels.  Skatie Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
jackthedog   10 #5 Posted January 26, 2004 I can't recommend small french cars enough. Myself and all my friends have them. Find a mechanic that you can trust, and it'll be kept running for ages. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Skatiechik   10 #6 Posted January 26, 2004 French  Whats wrong with british cars nowadays? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
chri5 Â Â 10 #7 Posted January 26, 2004 Have a look at a VW Polo 94 - 98 very reliable cars when looked after. The 1.4 is economical and nippy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
jackthedog   10 #8 Posted January 26, 2004 British cars are rubbish at that sort of price bracket. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
fnkysknky   10 #9 Posted January 26, 2004 Originally posted by Skatiechik French  Whats wrong with british cars nowadays?  There aren't any left... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Skatiechik   10 #10 Posted January 26, 2004 Originally posted by fnkysknky There aren't any left...   Which world do you live in? In my world there is MG-Rover, who are doing quite well, quite suprisingly seeing as most people have forgotten they exist.   How are British Cars rubbish at that sort of price bracket?  I dont know many other cars, where you can get a luxury low mileage motorway car with all the toys in (600/800)  Also take a look around when you drive home from work tonight and see how many Rover 200 Mk2's you see around you. These cars are very good value for money, and reliable. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
jackthedog   10 #11 Posted January 26, 2004 There are few truly British cars left.  MG Rover are rubbish on the whole.  Land Rover, Jaguar, Aston Martin - All owned by Ford Bentley - owned by VW Rolls Royce - owned by BMW  That leaves us with Noble - built in South Africa, using a ford mondeo engine,  Lotus - Honda Engine, cant remmber who currently owns them, if anyone  Morgan - very british except for the BMW engine  And then we're left with TVR, Invicta, LCC, Caterham, Westfield, Ariel, Marcos and a few other also-rans.  TVR are, in my opinion, the only true British Motor company left, making all their own parts.   And you cant get them for 2 grand. (a reliable one anyway!) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
fnkysknky   10 #12 Posted January 26, 2004 It was meant as a joke Skatiechik, personally I think MG Rover are past it, they basically make hairdressers cars now. They haven't been much cop since before the Germans got hold of them.  Jackthedog summed the rest up very nicely saving me some typing Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...