Looking for a reliable, 2nd hand family car....

[twain]

i quite fancy Volvo V70s - for the space and sheer low street cred that i wont care for chucking muddy bikes/kids in the boot...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/ ... &logcode=p

my kind of price too.....
EDIT: this one seems pretty trouble free (as far as MOT is concerned).MOT history checker is handy - use it for every car ad that shows the number plate.

 

[mattr]

Haven't ever worked directly for BMW or the FIAT group. Though i have spent time fixing them....
.

 

[Adruzzz]

i quite fancy Volvo V70s - for the space and sheer low street cred that i wont care for chucking muddy bikes/kids in the boot...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/ ... &logcode=p

my kind of price too.....
EDIT: this one seems pretty trouble free (as far as MOT is concerned).MOT history checker is handy - use it for every car ad that shows the number plate.

I like the older Volvo's, that one looks nice

 

[twain]

im almost spoilt for choice really but at the same time feel like its a minefield.
been stung recently by a 307 HDI that decided to stop working (no prior signs, just gave up and 3 garages including a diesel specialist couldnt figure it the issue).
anyways, thats been scrapped...

hows about Rover 75s? i hear their engines are good for long stretches...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/ ... &logcode=p

or how about a jag...same engines no???

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/ ... &logcode=p

 

[Adruzzz]

Re:

Jaguar and Rover engines were different, the engine in that Rover was a BMW unit, quite good by all accounts, steer clear of the V6 engined 75's though. The early one's were better as they weren't affected by 'project drive' though

http://www.aronline.co.uk/blogs/facts-a ... ect-drive/

I've driven an S-Type Jag, 3.0 V6, it was very very nice

 

[The History Man]

Loving theV70. Had a 760 when my two were small. The previous Mrs loved driving it. I had a Saab 900 turbo.

 

[Captain Stupido]

I just bought a Merc C250 diesel estate for £550. It's a bit rusty, 168000 miles, but a fantastic car, a joy to drive, and feels like it will run forever. My first merc and I'm a convert now. Had Nissans Saabs VWs BMWs and french/english tat before... Would buy another c class in a heartbeat. Good combination of a bit of cred with a bit of "don't care" too.

 

[legrandefromage]

Re: Re:

Jaguar and Rover engines were different, the engine in that Rover was a BMW unit, quite good by all accounts, steer clear of the V6 engined 75's though. The early one's were better as they weren't affected by 'project drive' though

http://www.aronline.co.uk/blogs/facts-a ... ect-drive/

I've driven an S-Type Jag, 3.0 V6, it was very very nice

They are an often awkward mating of Ford electrics, BMW giblets and Rover build quality.

 

[Adruzzz]

Re:

Not forgetting the K-Series headgasket problems, although with the correct headgasket kit it can be solved apparently, see Mike Humble at http://www.aronline.co.uk

 

[66 triumph daytona]

Re:

Again I reiterate buy Jap,unless you want to get your hands dirty.Ive got a petrol Toyota Verso for 10 years with zero issues,never went wrong,other than routine servicing and consumables.It has 220k and still as tight as a drum.My wife has a petrol Honda FRV for 7 years with intergalactic mileage and is the same.Head gasket problems/timing belt changes/particle filters/engine issues etc etc are for those that buy European cars.Look at reliability surveys for hard facts.If I had a choice I would go petrol(stay away from their boxer diesel) Subaru Legacy/Outback but the fuel consumption is startling.