Cheap, fun runaround... ideas?

AdyDurn

Ok, guys, now, don't flame me for asking this, as I love my cars, hence why I am asking on here, but at the moment I don't have an awful lot of money (put simply I'm almost flat broke, but am in need of a runnable motor).

What I am looking for is a cheap runaround, I don't mind getting my hands dirty so was planning on getting one that requires a bit of work. I am English, hence my post, so need to find a car with as little by way of hidden costs as I can.

A few suggestions of what I am looking for

Austin/Rover Metro/100 - They are dirt cheap to fill up with petrol, run for years and are as complex as a 4 piece jigsaw puzzle.
Puegeot 205 - Although a complete bar-steward to work on, they are again quite cheap to run and look after.
Honda Civic - I just threw this one in because I happen to love these dearly, and they are normally quite cheap.
Ford Fiesta - Less fun unless the Zetec model, but certainly cheap and cheerful.
Nissan Micra
Fiat Punto - Although I never liked the look, beggars and chosers...
Fiat Seicento/Cinquecento
Vauxhall Astra
Vauxhall Cavalier
Vauxhall Corsa
Vauxhall Calibra - I love these cars, but I assume they might be a bit pricey in insurance?


At this very moment in time I am struggling to think of other options. Age and Mileage are not a major concern for me, as long the car has at least 6months life left in it. This is just until I can afford a more appropriate car.

What survives well here (IE what's had the habit of being looked after but selling cheap due to age)? What should I avoid and what cars are more likely to experience mechanical (not body or chassis if preferable) damage and be thrown early to heap?

robtri

i would throw in a fiesta.... if you can get a cheap 1.25zetec... you be smiling every day.. good small cheap reliable car

AdyDurn

Yea, I'd forgotten about the little Zetecs, I'll add that to it thanks...

biggus

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1087029

€500

bladespin

Micra - awful but last forever, run on fumes too.
Punto - easy to work on, a 10 year old could maintain one, cheap to run and can be nippy, seem to last ok too.
Starlet - last forever, bit like the micra but not as fugly.
Fiesta as mentioned above too.
Astras too seem to keep going.

biggus

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1093502

€500

01 rover 45 tested for 2years needs a cluch fork other then that its grand 500 .....

AdyDurn

biggus wrote: »

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1093502

€500

01 rover 45 tested for 2years needs a cluch fork other then that its grand 500 .....

Actually, call me an old-fashioned type if I am, but I always liked the 45... only a clutch fork needed? Great find..

I knew I missing a few, shouldn't have forgotten the Micra, I learnt to drive in one...

Cheers guys, and idea on hidden costs? age-based Tax/tests etc?

corsa. they run on the smell of petrol. have a corsa champion myself. youd pick em up for very little these times

AdyDurn

Speaking of Astras, I always liked bothe the Cavalier and the Calibra too... thanks.

RobAMerc

would a cinquecento or seicento be no use - could be fun

of the others the fiesta is head and shoulders the nicest to drive if you can get the right engine in it.

AdyDurn

RobAMerc wrote: »

of the others the fiesta is head and shoulders the nicest to drive if you can get the right engine in it.

I don't really want to spend a huge amount on it... after a few months I'll be looking for an Accord or maybe another CR-X

The smaller Fiats might do, though, even if they're quite ugly.

E39MSport

Hi,

This has been done loads of times on here.

For high ratio of reliability to low cost you can't beat Toyota Starlet or Nissan Micra.

I drive a Starlet as a runabout and it's a dream to drive. 1997 with 58k miles on the clock. Cost a bag of sand. Cheap insurance, cheapish tax. Can't go wrong. Keeps on going. Easy to service. Done in 20 mins. 45 mpg from a 1.3 petrol legendary bombproof engine.

edit: missed the fun bit in your title!! It can be fun though depending on your definition. there'll be no whiplash from the acceleration.

Here's a great sample if overpriced.
http://www.autotrader.ie/search/Toyota/Starlet/200953196357424/advert?channel=CARS

AdyDurn

Well, for the moment fun just means good cornering speed.

I'm not fussed in the slightest by top speed, and slightly interested in acceleration, but in general road hold and cornering are to be much more fun.

stimpson

AdyDurn wrote: »

I don't really want to spend a huge amount on it... after a few months I'll be looking for an Accord or maybe another CR-X

The smaller Fiats might do, though, even if they're quite ugly.

Heh. Was going to suggest a CRX. If you're looking for one sign up here - http://www.cr-x.org/crxorg/forum/

We'd be glad to help!

joeperry

MX5 1.6

spurious

Micra - the Honda 50 of cars - goes forever and takes terrible abuse.

kermitpwee

Suzuki Swift.

alias no.9

For cheap fun, you can't beat the Ford Ka, fantastic through the bends as long as you can live with the teletubby styling.

Edit: it is a bit of a pain in the ass to service without a ramp due to the oil filter location. Changing headlight bulbs can also be an ordeal if you have big hands.

Doubt if you will find a Rover 100 / Metro over here, they are a rare site. Loads of cheap cars about, if I was you I'd get a Prelude or a Celica. I sold an SS2 1995 Celica for close to €5000 two years ago, similar can be bought for less than €2000 now, also Preludes can be picked up cheaply now. Both great cars and a good one will be reliable.

alias no.9

alias no.9 wrote: »

Edit: it is a bit of a pain in the ass to service without a ramp due to the oil filter location. Changing headlight bulbs can also be an ordeal if you have big hands.

Quite do able with a trolley jack and axle stands though, first time I serviced the sister's Ka I was like where the f is the oil filter

alias no.9

RoverJames wrote: »

Quite do able with a trolley jack and axle stands though, first time I serviced the sister's Ka I was like where the f is the oil filter

Still a pain in the ass though and uncomfortably close to the exhaust if you're reaching back from under the front bumper and had warmed the engine up to change the oil.