Thetownend.com

Seeing as there is a cycling thread I thought we could do with a petrolhead one.

I am looking to buy a couple of new tyres and have read good things about Vredestein Ultrac Vorti. Need them on a 225/40/18 but can't find them anywhere unless you have them delivered. Hoping someone can suggest a local fitter.

What the hell are you driving to need tyres that wide and low?!

4D being an accountant I am guessing at BMW, or at a push an Audi.

Quite a normal size  ???
Same as my ST I had before.

Never owned a beemer or audi  ;)

 :car:

I miss my Audi A3 :(

Corking V6 engine!

I thought a beemer was the car all accountants dreamt of :) I must admit I have 50 series 18 inch tyres on my Astra and they give too hard a ride for my liking can't imagine 40 profiles. Like elastic bands on a wheel.

The ride is very firm!

Mercedes were more common in the firms I worked at. I reckon it's a Saab though.

Guess the car 4D drives is more fun than obscure tyre reviews :)

Austin Allegro Vanden Plas.

With the square steering wheel, beige crushed velour seats and painted in hearing aid brown? classy little number.

Very few left, you can get a fair few quid for a decent one nowadays.

Mine's lowered and on 18" rims  ::)

Kall Fit on Kembrey Park will fit customers' tyres, they charged me £12 for fitting per tyre inc. balance.

Ta

So nearly £50 to fit 4 tyres?

Just turn up on a Saturday afternoon and bung the fitter £20 in cash.

Anyone tried BG44K before? Need to decoke the motor.

I've got those tyres, lovely and grippy, better than the slippery Pirelli Cinturato I had before. Brought them on eBay then got them fitted by DiaLynx in Lydiard when I had some work done.

Edit: Doh, missed the date.

Cheers Bazza   :)

Anyone got any tips for an engine decoke, much appreciated.

What petrol do you use?

Unleaded.
Would super unleaded help?

What car is it.

Mine is recommended 98ron, so use vpower or momentum99, which helps. It will run on normal unleaded but the additives in super help the engine.

Turbo MCS

Has anyone driven an Audi R8 or supercharged Ariel Atom? Looking to drive both soon  :nod:

The R8's a bit of a Wankpanzer isn't it?

My son has.  I watched him in the Ariel Atom and it looked like it was great fun.  I would look forward to that rather than the R8.

I have driven an R8 and a lambo gallardo (both the same underneath) and if i had the choice if either, it would be the R8. The gallardo was fast but a terrible drive.

Had a spin in the atom before. God but the thing is brilliant. Never felt anything like it. I've driven Caterhams as well and they have a similar 'feel' of it just being you and a pair of wheels.

 :eek:  :D https://youtu.be/EJBPHDo29ao

Both part of the VAG group

A mate drove a Supercharged Atom (amongst about 7 others) on some company thing at Palmer Motorsport and said it was fucking immense.

https://youtu.be/73rKQXCRHeA

he's not wrong.

I did the two seater & single seater caterham at Palmer sports a few years ago. I'm not a petrol head by any stretch but fuck me it was fun.

4D can be seen doing Donuts in the bug and spider car park...

Anyone know anyone that might be looking to buy a Kia Picanto??

On the subject of buying cars, my mate's just bought himself an '88 TVR S2. In white. I nearly cried with laughter when he turned up in it the other day.

1) Now seen as a Modern classic... when it doesn't break down...

2) My mate was killed driving one...

No one ever?

haha. I was tempted to reply something similar but bit my tongue/finger

well clearly somebody did ;)

Come on surely someone's nan might need a new car??

My nan wouldn't be seen dead in that.

Actually, yes she would, she is dead.

1) I do actually really like the styling. One of those things that will get better with age unlike the post-russian ones that just became over-designed messes. In my eyes anyway. Engine/gearbox is a cracker too (quite literally - the sound on the overrun is exquisite)

2) I'm sorry to hear that. My mate has said it can be a bit of a handful and is very careful when driving it about. He's always been one with a digital right foot (on or off) but he is actually driving it carefully.

Lost out yesterday at a raffle at a fête in Hasselbury Plucknett by one number on the raffle for a tour of the (very small) Ariel factory and test drive of their 3.5R supercharged Atom. (They are made in Hasselbury just outside of Crewkerne).

Disappointed.

They test drive each Atom they have built between the factory and Chard and then to Yeovil and back to the factory on the A30 usually about one every couple of weeks, saw 3 in one day last week though.

Can anyone recommend a car valuation website that doesn't require your inside leg measurement?   ::)

Ta.

Confused.com car valuation

They had no information on my 1981 Mini. :P

It wants an email address. I'm after one that just pops the valuation up with all my details.

You don't get badgered by putting in an email address

You don't get stuff for free these days. Sign up, it doesn't cost money, just your email address.

And a deluge of spam when they sell the address on....

Parkers?

I sold my Picanto today! Yay!
 :banana: :banana:

Just had the Vee Belt go on my BMW -  anyone got any idea on likely repair cost?

Cant find a garage open

Nice to see Ford has taken the crown of Best Hot Hatch away from VW.
http://www.topgear.com/car-news/big-reads/ford-focus-rs-vs-rivals
The past 5-10 years has seen Ford really take the car market by storm. They have always made decent cars but they really have upped their game of late
I love my ST and it would be a dream to upgrade it to the RS if i had the money.

I'm seriously tempted to trade up to the RS when my lease is up later this year.

Although cars are a bit of a sore point right now, Allen Ford messed me about with my service and as a result offered a full valet. The driver picked the car up to take it for the valet today and scraped the front bumper on a kerb as he pulled away from my drive. He didn't even stop, so I don't know what the damage is yet!

My lease isn't up for another year but come the summer i might pop in and and see what they can offer me. If i can get an RS for around the same monthly payments of the ST i'll go for it. (if the wife agrees)

Do you guys just get a private lease or do you do PCP from a garage ?

If you do a private lease what company did you use and how did you find it ?

Just asking as I've just upgraded the family bus and was considering my options.

Mine's a personal lease, I used a broker called Tilsun.

Any problems/issues or has it all be quite straight forward ?

No problems with the leasing side of things at all, that was very straightforward. The car was in stock and delivered within weeks.

Just had bad luck with (other people) pranging it.

Cheers Sam

I've considered a lot of options recently and personal leasing seems to be a good way to go. Just need to get my head around "not owning" the car.  ;D

I went direct with ford, very straight forward, walked in to have a browse and walked out withing an hour or so buying a car. Its almost too easy.

You'll always get people saying that buying a 3-5 year old car and running it into the ground is more cost effective.

I considered that, but would've still needed to finance it. For the same monthly outlay, I can drive a brand new car, no MOT or tax to pay for and haven't got to worry about mechanical problems because of the warranty. I even get free roadside assistance.

This is what sold it to me - which means that hopefully you'll never get any big maintenance/repair bills.

As we have two cars we have just bought a new family car replacing the old CRV we've had for 10 years and hopefully we'll lease the other one.

PCP on used cars just doesn't add up as you are financing the whole finance part at a higher interest rate after putting down a more significant initial payment.  New car deals at garages seem to offer better terms.

Dont get a ford. :-)
Sods law, i've been bigging up Ford recently and i've not had a problem with mine, until now, my wife just rang me at work saying the cars dead. I nip home and low and behold its dead as a dodo. Its not 2 years old yet.

My other car is a Focus and the build/paint quality is appalling in comparison to the Honda. I have mate in the car business who once told me that each individual layer of the paint Volvo use is thicker than all the coats of paint Ford put on. It shows.

However the Focus drives superbly, it is just let down in other areas.

Fords are famous for their rust. Especially through the 80's and 90's. They always seem 'plasticy' to me.

All a matter of opinions...

My old Ford Sierra was the best car I've ever owned.
Take as you find innit. See a lot of prestige cars on the hard shoulder. Big money beemers and mercs seem as likely to break down as a 6 grand dacia

I've driven two Fords, a Mondeo and a Focus and on both the alternator failed so not a fan. That said they were work pool cars so probably had a rough life, I'm not a fan of Fords in general though.

When I got my car I maxed the deposit on my RR (30% I think it was) and got a good deal on the finance that way including the servicing so other than the cost of the car and tyres I've spent nothing which has worked for me. Having the piece of mind that a warranty provides can't be understated.
That said I'm probably not the best to listen to for advice as I'm about to do something very stupid and upgrade to a Sport SVR as with the fuel prices at a reasonable level now seems as good a time for a petrol V8 as there ever will be.

Pick up my spanking new 1 Series in 3 weeks! Lovely.

Pick up my brand new Astra Elite Nav on Monday, can't wait.

Plastic doesn"t  rust,it falls off.
Did 90s Mondeos,come with a gratis roll of gaffa tape,to hold the rear bumper on ?

My first car was a Ford Orion Ghia 1.6. I fucking loved it.
The engine and everything was sound, but it failed the MOT due to the state of the body work and sadly went to the big car park in the sky.

I've owned about 9 Fords over the years, the 1.6 ghia orion was a good car. My Sierra was like this inside.......

http://youtu.be/2YN0QA_h9Tk

Put a deposit down on a 320i xDrive M Sport yesterday (pending a test drive). Only went to have a look to get an idea of size as the ST is just a bit too small with 2 boys in child-seats.

Very nice... what plate is that on? Manual or Auto?

It's 13 plate but only has 9000 miles on the clock, had no intention of buying but when he did the sums and it worked out we'd pay almost 50 quid a moth less than currently. It was a no brainier.

Yep. Nice one.

*thread bump*

Considering dropping the boring family wagon Renault Grand Scenic for a Civic Type R. 3 doors with 2 boys aged 6 and 3? What could go wrong...  :nod: :no:

No. Go for a vrs. Seriously.

As you've said 3 doors I'm guessing you're looking at the old EP3 that's a bit dated now or the FN2 that was disappointing, I wouldn't really bother. The new one on the other hand is nice bit of kit...

Get an Ariel Atom.

Or a Caterham 7..

EP3, low mileage, really well looked after. Tempted. Very, very tempted.

I swapped the mk4 golf gti for an ep3 a few months back and i have 2 boys aged 2 and 9 months. :-). It's rare i take the boys in it mind, its definitely not a family car.
Great car to drive once you get used to the harsh ride. Let me know if you have any questions.

Reckon you could use it as a daily with the boys? Eldest can strap himself in (he came on the test drive with me :D ) but Littlest will need to be strapped into his car seat, which would be on the passenger side rear seat which rolls forward a lot further. Other half not convinced by my proposal...  ::)

My fall back option is a 5 door mk4 Golf GTi, as it happens!

Yeah you should be fine is the child seat is behind the passenger. The doors are huge with plenty of space once all the way forward.

Drive wise I'd go for a mk4 golf gti. But they have their issues once they start to hit 15 years and 100k plus miles. Happy to go though what to look for if you get one.

I keep thinking about getting something a bit sporty for my next lease, maybe a Golf R or Focus RS.

But then I think about the steady 50+ mpg I can get from a sensible mid-size diesel.

Sigh, I'm getting old.

Just a bit sporty then. I'd love either one of those.

There is something to be said about economy. I've gone from a BMW 2.0 that did a combined 68mpg, to an Audi 2.4 V6 that does about 23 mpg combined. I spend more time on the forecourt than I do in the car.

I'm getting 30ish from my Grand Scenic, so it's not that big a drop to a CTR, as long as I behave myself for a bit of the time I'm in it, haha!

(and Thanks Seb, may pick your brain at some point!)

I test drove a Range Rover Sport SVR the other, a ridiculous bit of kit. Nearly 3 tonnes of car that gets to 60 in 4.5 seconds. I'll probably end up getting the V6 diesel but I'm very tempted by the speed and noise of the SVR, the sub 20 mpg not so much.

Ridiculous car, nothing that big should be that quick. Very comfortable.

I know it says cars but I'm picking up my VW T5 Transporter soon. Can't fucking wait.

We'll let you as, as VW T5 Transporters are ace

Indeedy, there's a very shiny spanking new one down the road from me, its looooovely.

Project or good to go? I'd love one of them

Sorry to interrupt the love-in boys, but this is what you're creaming yourselves over? This?

(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTqkqpRECbv4ugL5QOxj5Mc_0Gy9Ho2-YS885ePAwLFdn4uxZKZAg)

https://goo.gl/photos/fa2k8uHNfKd6GbKX7

First photo is what it looked like when I bought it, 2nd photo is what it looked like 5 weeks ago.

It's been in the shop since then and now has:

T5.1 facelift including mirrors
Body coloured bumpers
Pop top roof with built in bed, colour matched on outside
Windows installed in middle third
Window in talegate
All rear windows blacked out
new clutch
new DMF
Timing belt
full service
Oil
Sound-proofing
Heat insulation
Full carpet in back

Just need to save up now to put the rear seats/bed and split charge system/solar panels, fridge, sink etc. Reckon it's going to cost another £4k or so but I'm moving soon so can bang the cost on the mortgage.

Can't fucking wait.

That'll do pig, that'll do!

A fair way to go but it's a decent start.

http://www.thedailymash.co.uk/news/society/camper-van-gives-illusion-of-freedom-2012061430501

FWIW I love the idea, but just cannot make the maths add up unless I was going to use it every weekend.

I do like the look of a well kitted out Transporter.

I quite fancy getting a double cab Hilux or similar, room for the kids and space to chuck the camping gear and bikes on the back.

I don't get it. Drive to hotel. Unpack. Job done.

That's it, its a lovely idea but £10-15k (plus c.£500 a year maintaining it) buys a lot of nights in hotels/weeks in holiday cottages.

I used to work in the trade years ago and it shocked me how much people would spend year on year maintaining the things, don't get me wrong my mate has a lovely T4 and we had a great weekend in Belgium watching the Tour of Flanders earlier this year (it was a little like Max and Paddy!) plus it was dead handy to move stuff when we moved house.

Different strokes for different folks. We (the wife and I) just like the idea of being able to pack up the car/van and decide to go somewhere for a weekend.

Although I am off for two weeks all inclusive from Thursday :)

I was joking Sam, but it's fair to say family camping trips and scouts as kid put me off somewhat! maybe we'll do camping in the south of France sometime.

going anywhere nice? we are doing a week in Tenerife over half term, can't wait..

There's nothing better than a decent French campsite, and there are 100's of them. I've recently bought a transit van, and fully intend chucking an airbed, sleeping bag, and calor grill in the back, and heading over there 3 or 4 times this year.

I believe I have turned myself into a snob.  I can't stand the thought of a holiday involving me staying in facilities worse than my own home.  I even turn my nose up at B&B's without en-suite (in this day and age!), in fact, B&B's for a holiday repulse me now.  It even annoys me that 2 star is an option on expedia.

I've got a very young child and I'm not one of those infuriating cunts that thinks it's ok to take a baby on a plane. I like camping, I like going mountain biking, I want a vehicle that I can fit my whole family and kit in and just piss off somewhere at a moment's notice.

On top of all that, the wish to own a camper van was one of the last coherent things my old man said to me before he died and I'm using some of the inheritance he left me to complete his dream and make new memories with my own son.

Soppy shit, maybe. But we all choose to honour the memories of our loved ones in our way, and this is one of mine.

Nothing wrong with taking a baby on a short haul flight.

Unless you're one of the other 150 passengers.

Nice one..

 :nod:

Had ep3 and fn2. Fn2 better for family. Good to mod too  ;)

Also bump, need a small car for the Mrs, probably £3K to £3.5K. Doesn't have to be exciting, just functional A->B stuff. Bare in mind she drives a knackered 2001 Hyundai Accent right now so most things will be an improvement!

On the list in no particular order: Kia C'eed, Suzuki Swift, Seat Ibiza, Fiesta, Mazda 2 (or 3), Toyota Yaris (or Auris), Honda Jazz. Maybe even a Focus or Astra.

Any others/avoids/recommended from that list.


Reckon we are looking at 2008/2009 for most of the low mileage example of those. Bit pot luck whether we get a good one or not I suppose (low owners/fsh and hope for best).

My other half has a 2008 Suzuki Swift and its pretty decent tbf. Think it cost her about £3K at the end of last year.

Fiat Punto's are also not too bad if you're not going that far. You can get them with "City Mode" which makes the steering ridiculously light. In fact I think that comes as standard.

I am not sure what sort of money they are but I had a Fiat Panda for a while in Italy and it was a hoot to drive?

Thanks both!

My wife had a Punto from new until it fell to bits after 10 years or so - she was well pleased with it.

Went for a Corsa after that which she adored.

my sister picked up a 3 yr old micra with 9k miles for something like 6-7k. I know its above your budget but fwiw its a decent drive

Dave got one even cheaper http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-36359921

Check the mot history online for any advisories before you view the car

Thanks guys, forgot corsa from the list. Will take a look at micra/punto..


Thanks, have been - really useful that its online now! Will also pay for HPI/history check if we zoom in on a purchase.

this is a godsend when buying 2nd hand cars.

the more I look at it the more the panda is making sense - of she can live with the size.

sure is fugly though

I hope your missus doesn't read this forum Batch.

Im going to trade up my Scirroco R line for a full on R later this year. 300 BHP baby !!   

I had an old Panda back in the day and whilst it was funny to drive (it had tyres the width of motorbike tyres) and was sturdy (I got heavily rear-ended by a Sierra which completely caved in at the front, I just reattached the rubber bumper on the Panda and drove away!) it was a big of a comedy motor.

The new Panda we had for a fortnight in Italy was nippy and good to drive, I imagine they are cheap and if I wanted a little nip about I would be tempted.

I hate you

I remember going to spain with the family 20 odd years ago and our hire car was a fiat panda. Me and my sister were piled with the luggage on our laps.

:-)

Which is funny, cos I hate the next two letters in the alphabet.

Emailed a guy about his Type R, full service history, 82k, all the usual good signs, asked him whether it'd had the 75k service and any advisories on the last MOT (There were a couple listed on the MOT history check, I wanted to test his honesty!) His reply? It had its 75k service at honda but they didn't stamp the log book and he doesn't have receipts, and no advisories either. Swiftly onto the next one...

whats your budget by the way? for the same price as my 54 plate CTR i could have had a 58 plate fiesta ST with less miles, i just kept missing out on them when they showed up.

I think they're just a bit too small, the Civic is just that bit bigger... there's a few Focus ST's on Autotrader, but they're all 100k+.

They are not as small as you think, i was surprised. You can pick a 58 plate up with a lot less than 100k miles for around 4 grand.

Still hits the issue of 3 door cars as the family hack unfortunately...

Just bought a Seat Leon Cupra R 03/04. 225bhp standard, mapped and running at 250bhp, nippy but sure drinks the petrol (25mpg in comparison to my diesel 1.5 Clio that gave me 47mpg).

Great cars the cupra r

I'm picking up an Alfa Gt tomorrow. Already trying to budget for repairs etc

Alfa's are quite solid cars these days, what age is yours? I've has a drive in a Mito and Giulietta and though they were both great.

2007 Blackline version. I'm hoping it lasts a couple of years really that's all

They're gorgeous cars, when they first came out it was top of my potentially realistic dream car list.

I do have a bit of thing for Alfas. The 8C is still my favourite non-Ferrari of all time. And the new Giulia QV is a car I want more than a penis enlargement.

If you are looking at one above the 70k mileage mark, check whether the valve clearances have been done and the sparks changed. Great reliability btw.

Horlock, consider yourself off the Christmas card list, the Mrs got a 2011 panda. In beige.

The problem is that I found it hard to put a convincing argument against it, she rarely goes further than the occasional trip to Cirencester and mostly does town driving. 'unfortunately' we found the more economical base models were hard to find with luxuries like rear head rests - fairly important for the kids. so we ended up with a better spec with climate control.. and less mpg + higher tax..

fingers crossed it's not a turkey now... I'm useless with cars ... FSH, history of bills looks OK other than exhaust deteriorating (but not an mot  advisory in April). time will tell..

not overly impressed with Evans hawshall (was reg vardy) mind. they've gone all car supermarket with compulsary 'admin fee' and the like

Notice there are some Alfa lovers on here, my mate has this for sale;

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/used-cars/alfa-romeo/147/used-alfa-romeo-147-1-9-jtdm-16v-cloverleaf-ducati-corse-q2-5dr-sutton-fpa-201606054637516?atcido=soc-cars-fbk001

All I can comment is that the one in Italy was good to zip around towns in, if we were looking for something like that it would be high on the list, happy motoring.

They don't call me honest Horlock for nothing!

Who calls you that you lying prick?!

 :-[

(http://i.imgur.com/oDaLYdK.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/apScE9s.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/96zOkQk.jpg)

Links don't work jayo

Fixed (by not being a retard the second time I tried)

Nice.

What's the roof extension bit on top for?

Roof terrace for drinks.....

Extra sleeping space I suspect really...

Built in bed to make it into 4 berth

Yeah 2 berths up there.

mastabatorium

Got the Panda Sunday just gone. Drove it today and (I hate myself) am impressed. OK it wouldn't be my choice, but it does what it does and drives surprisingly nicely/smoothly. Did a bit on the motorway and it'll hold 70-80 without issue.

Not the best of starts though, totally soaked drivers side footwells the first time it rained. Found and sorted the issue ourselves very quickly - totally blocked up drainage holes in the water scuttle. Dry now, so next hot day out with the vax and shake n vac. Grrrr.

Appears the dealer has sold me a car with a lot of problems so trying to negotiate that they are looked at and fixed next week, else I am going to need have to take the dealer to court as he has flat out refused to refund me. Fun!

sorry to hear that. what a PITA. Are you prepared to name and shame so we can avoid? Guess you might want to wait until after resolving things..

I certainly won't go near Evans Halshaw again....

I'll wait until it's sorted but it's a Bristol dealer which makes it even more of a pain.

Yeah, sensible. That is a pain indeed. Hope its sorted soon.

So after a lot of twatting about on the phone back and forth and the dealer saying they would arrange this and that etc but didn't deliver on their promises, so
I just paid for a fresh MOT test and to check on non-mot items and got better news than expected.
One new exhaust section and a driveshaft gaiter later and it's through the MOT. I'll be asking the dealer to foot the bill but it'll probably be a small claims court job but clearly if it failed the MOT it wasn't roadworthy.

Don't buy a car from here if you want any sort of after sales service or to actually buy a car which is roadworthy
http://www.highburymotors.co.uk/

Spent a week on a farm in north Devon in the beemer. It took a hell of a beating down the pot hole ridden farm lanes, but it survived and came out unscathed. 4 wheel drive was a godsend after a few days rain.
I think I have found my favourite road in the UK. The a39 (Atlantic Highway). When clear of cars it is the most fun I have ever had driving. Again the 4WD was fantastic on the corners.

Who drives a Panda  :gay:

Panda's are honest. Nowt wrong with them. The 4wd ones are a hoot. If I see a bloke anyone in a Fiat 500 I just sigh and go 'should have bought a Panda'.

As I got a new job recently I am looking at getting myself a new car over the next year or so to replace my 2001 Vectra, what I really want is a 2.4JTD Alfa 159 estate as I drove a couple a while back whilst looking for cars and fell in love with them. Anyone have any experience?

Have a read of this

http://www.alfaworkshop.co.uk/alfa_159_guide.shtml

I'd definitely recommend an independent inspection. Really wish I had with my GT.

the panda is Mrs batch, I've been suggesting she go. :gay: for years, but no.

If I see anyone driving a fiat 500 xl, I just look bemused.

horrible cars, to look at and to drive.

The Citroen C4 Cactus - what the fuck is that all about?

(http://media.citroen.co.uk/image/63/5/citroen-c4-cactus.9635.152.png)

On the subject of strange looking cars, i parked up next to one of these the other day
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a3/Nissan_Cube_Z11_003.JPG)

I like that.

I just looks stupid.

They are very popular in Japan but you don't see many around on these shores.

I've seen a few out here. They look fucking ridiculous.

The arse end of the C4 Cactus looks like a sloth. Horrid cars!

Who chooses a Fiat 500 in the colour of surgical stockings? Some do, no idea why.

Looking for a medium sized car as a second car, 5 doors, cheap to run (Just to occasionally get to work and back, picking up little lad from nursery, etc) Any reputable garages in Swindon where I might try?

Budget approx £1500

Get something like a 1.6 petrol focus.

Love the Nissan Cube, great design.

Which tef-er drives a white Kia Sportage with a private 5TFC plate? Own up! :-)

I've just bought a Kia Pro Ceed. Took it for a test drive this morning and pick it up on Thursday. It's not a prestige marque,  but it's a lovely little car with an impressive spec.

Only a total cunt would have that plate. My money is on Sippo

This cunt drives a skoda

My initial thought :-)

Not the cunt part though.

Got 5K to spend on a used family car...

Current options of examples I've found include:

2011 Octavia S 1.4ts
2010 Hyundai I30 1.6
2010 Kia Cee'd 1.6
2009 Focus 1.6 Zetec
2008 Mazda 3 1.6 Sport

All petrol with around 55k on the clock. Expected more options really, not a major car geek but felt there would be more choice somehow!

Opinions welcome on this most exciting selection of vehicles (or any other suggestions).

I'm also looking for a family petrol car, slightly higher budget. Part of the issue seems to be the rise (and now fall) of the diesel. Loads of them around but the government have a hard on for them. The likely outcome of that outside London is unclear.

Mind you Oxford were wobbling on about possibly banning petrol cars as well from some roads from 2020!

Anyway started out at 6-7K budget before a PPI claim came in, I looked at the C'eed, seems OK but the engine is a bit weedy in torque terms.

Focus 1.6 seems reliable if not that frugal in MPG. Recently looking at the 2013/14 1.0 ecoboost engine but that has a tendency to ingest its coolant resulting in total engine replacement!

Octavia 1.4 - is that the twincharge? A few common faults on this (oil consumption) and the standard 1.4 (EA111) had a few cam chain failures. Google it.

Can't comment on the others.  And have no further suggestions (Civic, Mondeo and Auris were on my list, but Modeo petrol hard to find non eco-boost, Auris didn't seem as good as Mazda 3 (was looking at 2.0) and Civic still an option but not preferred).

Thankfully in no rush so may leave until Jan Feb time. My current favorite is the 138 BHP Octavia 1.4 tsi , but that's why I'm saving-its unlikely to be giving much change out of 10K so well outside budget :(

Yep avoid the ecoboost focus Batch, my mates car died due to that fault. The engine was replaced but he got shot of it soon after

Golf 1.4TSI 2008

Yup! There is a facebook group with about 300 people on it with mostly 30-50K engines, 2013/14 plates. Fords "service" has been disgusting.

I'm sure you knew all this..

Cheers Batch...silly question but how would I know if the Octavia is Twincharged?  Doesnt say so in the engine spec...

http://www.motors.co.uk/car-45576843/?i=5&m=srs

Edit; just read the dodgy twincharged version is 158 BHP? If so this one isn't!

Supercharged and turbocharged

I think it is the 158. I moved on to the newer engine so didn't do too much research.

Ask here https://www.briskoda.net/forums/

Not sure of that particular model but quite a few of my colleagues drive Skoda's. These fellas know their cars and they are the most popular brand in our car park by quite a margin. Make of that what you will.

Truckers have shit taste in cars?

;)

Shit, I'm in the wrong job. Gone for a Skoda Octavia. Not the top spec I really wanted. On the mileage limit I set (40K) and with a scuff on the rear bumper.

But full dealer history, otherwise well looked after and at 7.5k its 2-3.5k cheaper than the top spec garage prices.

Er, not actually seen it yet, sent the AA to kick the tires :)

Pick it up Sunday.

Not the most interesting post in the world, but my first "new" car in just over 9 years so I'm excited :)

Just need to get shot of Avensis. 10.5 years old, a few things up with it now and 155K on the clock. Think I'm flogging it to WBAC.com. Will get virtually nothing (may pay for £115 tax on Octavia) but I'd rather do that to shift it quickly.

 :no:

 I expect better from you Batch.

What's under the hood Batch?  :)

A trunk  :hmmm:

(http://media.tenor.co/images/5a04381cda2c3efe2773a6328dc88772/raw)

I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I'm not a morning person. I'm far too tyred.

Best of luck with it. The estate version will be on my shortlist when I replace my current motor. Everyone I know who owns one, rates the Octavia.

If anyone wants to buy one, they can buy mine.

You had issues with it?

Nope. None whatsoever. I have a 2006 model. Hatchback. Want to upgrade to probably an Octavia Estate or the Kodiaq.

Ta. Most complaints (other than the odd fault here and there) I've found found are:
  - the base level speakers are a bit shit.
  - the headlights are a bit shit (saying that, unless they are two candles in a jam jar its hard to see how they can be worse than the Avensis).

Time will tell!

I see. Fair play

There are plenty of options for headlights...

Swapped in my Mazda 2 for a new CX3 today - don't seem the most popular cars but never had an issue with the 2 and the CX3 is the perfect size and spec for the money.

Maybe would have gone for a Mazda 3, but bit size was a bit small.

sounds good Panda. Popular is overrated

I certainly preferred the original Popular...

(http://motorbase.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2008/03/11/fs_popular_008.jpg)

to the later version

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3f/Ford_Popular_1959_photo_2008_Castle_Hedingham.JPG/280px-Ford_Popular_1959_photo_2008_Castle_Hedingham.JPG)

If anyone wants to buy a 2006 Skoda Octavia let me know. 240bhp. Black. 105000 miles. Petrol. FSH. Just past MOT with no advisories.

Currently looking for a small van if any one can help.

This one's quite small:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CORGI-AUSTIN-MINI-POST-OFFICE-TELEPHONES-GREEN-VAN-/292404625257

No, don't thank me :)

I won’t.

https://www.gumtree.com/p/skoda/skoda-octavia-2.0-t-fsi-vrs-5dr/1283567722

That number plate is tragic

£2.5k for a 12 year old 100k mileage Skoda , bloody hell the market is changing.

I would actually agree.


And that is cheap. Go for £3k at traders. Good reliable cars though.

Sold it within 24 hours. Got £2200 for it. Not bad considering in needed cambelt change and major service. Now buying an A4 avant.

I have an A6 avant, wonderful car, very quick and comfortable. I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

Wow. Good going. I’ve just had a major service and a cam belt change on my car prior to sale. What a mug I am!

Do you mind telling me where you sold it please? PistonHeads has always been good to me, but may need to spread my sale across more places.

Of all places - Gumtree. I genuinely couldn't believe it. Wasn't expecting to sell it so quickly and easily would have taken £2000.

I recently sold my 54 plate civic type r with minimal service history, 100k miles, broken aircon and a few other issues for 2 grand.

Was it a black one with white wheels?  :sherlock:

Nope...It was grey.

To be honest, i hated it. Yes it was quick, but my word was it a hard ride. It was loud, clunky, bumpy.

Would have my MK4 GTI back over that any day.

well Sippo, they didn't get you on this then..

http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/15890531.Police_warning_after_Gumtree_gang_target_BMW_owner/?ref=rss&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

Great cars, I've had two and the later FN2 model. The FN2 was an even harder ride, the ep3 is perfect for a hot hatch  ;)

What idiot let's someone look at their car at 1am?! I had someone ask to see it at 7pm, and told them no as it was dark and was pointless.

I know, don't care how plausible their 'delay' excuses were screw that.

And stuck in traffic at that time of night?! I'm sorry but the seller has to take some responsibility. You have a set limit with anything you are trying to sell. If it doesn't meet that amount you don't sell. Simples.

I was gonna say, having driven an EP3 before I got my FN2, the ride was much smoother in the EP! FN2 made more sense as a family car though (as much as a hot hatch can, ha!) but now if I do end up getting a sensible mileage muncher as a second car, I could go a little sillier on my now not-so-family car... >:D

Anyone used Dingmasters to get an alloy repaired?

Broke the new car already? :P

Do they do wheels?

No, just some of the wheels need a refurb.

I'm on the lookout for a new (second hand) car. Currently have a Zafira but it's destined for the scrapheap.

What you do recommend for:

7 seats (5+2 is ok)
Room for 2 dogs and 2 kids
Cheap to run
Somewhat reliable
Up to £5k

Been looking at an S-Max or Galaxy. Also the Espace/Grand Espace. Probably as reliable as a chocolate teapot but there's just something about them I like.

Alternatively, a crew van but most in that budget have sky high mileage and have seen better days.

:shrug:

Find the vw passat 2.0l diesel estate excellent value for money, + still only £30 a year to tax.  Should be able to get one 8-9 years old for that sort of money (possibly later if you're lucky).
Probably find most have a fair bit of mileage on them, but as long as they have been serviced and maintained correctly should be ok.
I was lucky,  managed to get one just 3 years old, which meant it had been dealer maintained from new, and they don't fuck about,  if it needs doing, it's done regardless of cost. Managed to get all paperwork with mine so I know exactly what has been done.   Was able to then contact previous owner who confirmed vehicle was trouble free and he didn't really want to get rid of it but it was company policy as warranty was about to run out and the company always released vehicls once they got to that age.   And before you ask,  have now had it 18 months and only put a cambelt and water pump on,  mileage today is 140k and still drives and looks like new. Only 5 seats though,  but still room for 2 dogs in the boot. Put 2 golden retrievers in mine comfortably.

Galaxy or S Max is a good choice. Scenic will be as cheap as chips but the electrics look like a common issue.

I would go for a S Max or a Peugeot 5008

Decided to give the BMW back as it was costing too much and it was due a major service and needed 2 new run flats which is money i didnt want to spend.

With the help of bank of mum i picked up a MK5 VW Golf GT TDI. For a 10 year old car it has been looked after well. A few stone chips on the body work but the interior is immaculate.

Driving it back from Newbury yesterday it was so smooth and reminded me why i loved my MK4 GTI so much.