Bangernomics/Mechanic Help

doopa

Hi,

I'm in the market for a new banger after getting rear-ended last week totalling the previous banger which was working fine (15 years old!). Have about a grand to spend and would appreciate advice. Previous car was a 1.9 Diesel Citroen ZX. Nothing special, looking for something in the same size category. Been driving a 1.6 TDi Octavia as a replacement and impressed by the TDi-ness of it. What kind of car would people have recommended 10years ago that would now be in bangernomics territory? Around 10,000 miles per year, almost exclusively motorway, weekends kind of thing. Should I stick with Diesel?

Also - since I'm not from Dublin I need help with looking at any potential car. How much would a mechanic charge for coming out to look at the car? Or would I bring it to him? Do most mechanics do this? Would the seller be alright with that?

Appreciate any help/thoughts.

colm_mcm

The xsara would be based on the ZX, they usually go for small money. Tbh you just see what's out there and get the nicest car within budget, don't limit yourself to particular models.

unkel

doopa wrote: »

Around 10,000 miles per year, almost exclusively motorway, weekends kind of thing. Should I stick with Diesel?

No.

For a grand you'd get a banger of a diesel, but quite a nice petrol car. On a motorway at a constant speed of 120km/h, a (10 year old) large 2 litre petrol car would do about 40-45MPG, a small diesel of the same age about 50-55MPG

Fuel savings would be minimal, you'd get a much nicer / bigger / more comfortable petrol car. Have a good look in the bangernomics thread to give you some ideas of what you could get for a grand

I got myself a great condition, low mileage, service history 10 year old Saab 9-5 for a bit over a grand last year

Good look hunting and keep us posted

doopa

Cheers for the tips/reassurance.

Any idea what a mechanic would cost to look at prospective cars?