Jayne   10 #13 Posted January 26, 2004 I can recommend french cars too - I have a peugeot 106, and although pretty small it goes pretty well, and I've known people to have them years and still going. fairly economical too (though sometimes when it's full and I have to drive up hills I wish I had a bigger engine! - no danger of speeding I suppose) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Skatiechik   10 #14 Posted January 26, 2004 Personally I wouldn't touch a french car. I don't think I will be owning any car other than a British one.  Plus MG-Rover have produced some very good cars in the last few years, post BMW era.  I would love the MG-ZT Diesel, if only I could afford it  Skatie Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
fnkysknky   10 #15 Posted January 26, 2004 Originally posted by Skatiechik Personally I wouldn't touch a french car. I don't think I will be owning any car other than a British one.  Plus MG-Rover have produced some very good cars in the last few years, post BMW era.  I would love the MG-ZT Diesel, if only I could afford it  Skatie  A mate has one at the moment, came in last week, think it's horrible. Each to their own tho  As for French cars I'm not exactly a fan either - the old Peugeots weren't bad but the styling of the new ones along with the entire Renault (minus the Clio V6) and Citreon ranges are unbelievably nasty. They are pretty reliable though and Renaults stand up particularly well in crash tests. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
jackthedog   10 #16 Posted January 26, 2004 French cars do fall to bits. Wing mirrors fall off, door handles snap, seats disintegrate, they leak, the windows stop winding etc, but they just keep on going, due to simple mechanics and basic construction.  You'll not be driving a pretty car, or a cool car, but it'll stay faithful longer than just about anything else IMO.  If you buy an old motor with all the electric goodies etc, you've got loads of stuff to break and cause expense.  Buy a simple, humble French car and you cant go wrong. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
jackthedog   10 #17 Posted January 26, 2004 Of course, if your buying a new car, then dont buy French. Only go for a Frog if your buying old and cheap. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
fnkysknky   10 #18 Posted January 26, 2004 Originally posted by jackthedog Of course, if your buying a new car, then dont buy French. Only go for a Frog if your buying old and cheap.  Aye, unless someone offers you a Clio V6 and then buy it just for a laugh Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
jackthedog   10 #19 Posted January 26, 2004 Yeah, if you wanna end up backwards in a ditch! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Squirrel   10 #20 Posted January 26, 2004 If reliability is important to you, go for something Japanese. I'd be looking for a Nissan Micra, ideally one owner, with lots of evidence that it's been serviced regularly. KAs are pretty good too. The chances of something going wrong are higher if you buy French. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
fnkysknky   10 #21 Posted January 26, 2004 As jack stated the old Peugeots may fall to bits inside but the engine will pretty much stay together for a hell of a long time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
mega_monty   10 #22 Posted January 26, 2004 Originally posted by Skatiechik Plus MG-Rover have produced some very good cars in the last few years, post BMW era.  I would love the MG-ZT Diesel, if only I could afford it  Skatie  Cool an MG-Rover fan.... I would like an MG-ZT Diesel too, but due to house purchase I had to settle for a late escort turbo diesel and wished I hadnt bothered now, at least Rovers start on cold mornings 1st time. I think at lot of people are anti Rover because of bad motoring press e.g twits like Quentin Wilson mouthing off. Basically BMW have ripped off Rover and stripped it of its assets.  I do a lot of motorway miles and see loads of older Rover 200's thundering up and down, and its always newer cars that I see broken down on the hard shoulder. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
t020   11 #23 Posted January 26, 2004 A quick search on Autotraders website and I found this:  1997 FORD Ka 1.3, 1997, P reg. 19000 miles, purple, tax March, MOT July, CD player, good condition,. £1,995  Very low mileage, and the photo looks good (can't post pics on here). Its in a rather fetching purple!  Have a search on Autotrader - there are many bargains on it.   Edit - also consider Fiat Seicentos. They are small and economical, not sure about reliability though. As for prices, I found a 1998 model with 36000 miles for £1695 on autotrader.  If you want to look at performance figures, reviews, fuel economy, etc, try http://www.parkers.co.uk . The magazine they sell for £3ish in shops is in its entirety for free online! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Skatiechik   10 #24 Posted January 27, 2004 Originally posted by mega_monty Cool an MG-Rover fan.... I would like an MG-ZT Diesel too, but due to house purchase I had to settle for a late escort turbo diesel and wished I hadnt bothered now, at least Rovers start on cold mornings 1st time. I think at lot of people are anti Rover because of bad motoring press e.g twits like Quentin Wilson mouthing off. Basically BMW have ripped off Rover and stripped it of its assets.  I do a lot of motorway miles and see loads of older Rover 200's thundering up and down, and its always newer cars that I see broken down on the hard shoulder.   Yes unfortunately i do feel it is the motoring press that gives MG-Rover a bad name, but least I am in the knowledge I own a reliable, cheap economical car that is BRITISH.  I purchased a Rover 200 Mk 2 last year, L reg. It has now done 35,000 miles since I bought it. All it has needed is some HT Leads, and a new thermostat, (and some tyres of course )  Skatie Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...