Stuffed the car - need suggestions for replacement

[IainB]

Ive managed to stick a rather large ^ into the front of my low mileage and rather good condition Primera

Im now on a VERY limited budget, so need suggestions for something capable of taking a family 4 adults / 2 kids, prefer 4 door, UBER reliable (have a 50 mile round trip every day), big load space (I have a habit of sticking sticking V8 engines and boxes in the back! and isnt a huge capacity CC wise (prefer under 2 litre) ooh and easy to maintain!!

So - given that list (im probably looking around the 1995 - 1998 mark), does anyone have any suggestions...and if anyone is in the trade and has a cheapie that matches the above just sitting around, let me know

[Zak33]

Mitsu Charisma 1.8 GDI petrol

for the win, second AND third place...all together

[99Flake]

Another Primera? Toyota Avensis estate, older Merc 300D Estate (ie of the age when they were called TE's as well).

If I recall the older Vauxhall Vectra (I know) diesels had an Izuzu lump in the front and were very reliable engine wise, wouldn't know about the rest of the car.

Outside chance, Citroen C5 estate, huge load, self levelling (for the big engines etc) and well equipped. No idea on reliability though.

Skoda Octavia TDi estate or hatch? Higher mileage well looked after one will be cheap now.

[headbrace]

Volvo 850 Estate? Mile munchers and pretty reliable (although my gearbox has just eaten itself!)

Avoid the T5 for optimal running costs.

[Vimeous]

Accord Hatch
Sub-2k, many half-that. Reliable and decent drive.

Subaru Legacy
Zak knows the basic ones are boring but that sounds like your lowest priority.

Toyota Camry
Bland and big and likes a drink.

Nissan Maxima QX
4 peeps in comfort. 2l for you but 3l is a sub-800-quid motor these days if fuel is less of a concern.

Exactly how many saloons have eve managed to fit a V8 in the boot?
Most struggle with a 21" CRT!

[IainB]

Much appreciated

In all honesty I will drive anything!! A couple of years ago I borrowed next doors Panda and everyone thought it was hilarious when I turned up at work surrounded by the more 'executive' cars it just needs to be uber reliable, not bothered about star ship mileages either

The Primera was a hatch - managed to fit in a block, 2 cranks and 4 heads a box of bits and my 2 boys!!

Shame this didnt happen a few months back as I wouldnt have spent muchos money on a stonking big turbo for the drag car

[Behemoth]

Another vote for the Vectra, cheap to get bits for, very common on the roads and fairly big in the boot (I own a Vectra myself, have been very pleased with it since I've had it)

[IainB]

Where have all the cheap cars gone??
Ive been like ' ' this close to some lovely Volvos on E-Bay but get pipped to the post in the last seconds (I refuse to go over my limited budget).
The other cars Ive been to look at, described as VGC have been quite frankly, heaps the one today must have had a dodgy MOT as it was recent, but the wipers were stuffed, the rear doors didnt open and it just didnt feel right....and the boot was full of water!! wasted a 140 mile round trip on that.
There just isnt anything local and decent to Dunstable anymore, unless im looking in the wrong places? E-Bag, Autotrader (the decent stuff is gone as soon as it goes up) and gumtree....
Gah....my borrowed car (Audi A6 1.8t) goes back next weekend, now Ive finished doing the work I said I would.
Wonder if tomorrows trip through Aylsebury will be better (Mondeo diesel tomorrow!!)

[Behemoth]

Harsh mate, sorry to hear you nothaving much luck

[IainB]

Harsh mate, sorry to hear you nothaving much luck

Thanks....off to see the next one now!!
If only I had the money Ive spent on the 'toy' to spend on the daily driver, I would be looking on the Forecourts
Hey Ho - drag racing is expensive, even when your still building LOL

[IainB]

Another wasted trip, why do people put cars up for sale that a) have a lot wrong with them that they havent mentioned, b) are filthy inside and c) change the story throughout the time that im there looking at the car......
Im getting SO fed up with this at the minute its untrue!!!

[Zak33]

Ring some traders (NOT main retailers) and see what they've part exxed in recently.

[Vimeous]

Friend picked up a tidy ebay-tasic bargain recently.
T-plate Impreza wagon 2.0 non-turbo 4wd to £1k.
Bargains can be found!