Still have a rubbish car aged 29

[Ant]

Good car. Get it mapped!

 

Oh, and check out Briskoda.net Brilliant website for skoda owners.

 

Was going to say pretty much exactly the same, word for word!

[Ryno]

Passed my driving test when i was 17 and im now 19

My car list is

1998 Vauxhall Astra 1.6 (Replaced Engine once and the next one i bought had been ran with no oil so thought it was time to get rid)

2007 Vauxhall 1.7 CDTI Diesel (After having it 6 months it had been back the garage many times for new turbo, new intercooler, new radiator, new alternator, Paint work peeling that they painted and much more so i gave it back under the sales of goods act)

Now i currently Drive a Vauxhall Signum 1.9 CDTI ( Which again i am having problems with because of the same garage and may also be on its way back if its not fixed this week)

[webman]

Oh, and check out Briskoda.net Brilliant website for skoda owners.

 

Cheers - already got that site bookmarked! Came across it while doing research on the car before buying - pretty decent site

[aerospacemango]

I think one of the biggest problems with cars is the mistaken belief that a car is a symbol of your stature in life/community.

 

It's pretty obvious that anyone under, say, 35, looks on a car as a status symbol. Form and function tend to take a back seat to top speed and spoilers!

 

When I was looking to replace my Saab, in April, the most important thing to me was mpg and comfort! Being in my early 40's may explain that decision!

 

Just as a side point, and slightly off topic.... Does anyone else believe that new drivers should not be allowed to drive a car bigger than 1000cc for the first 2 years after they pass their test? Would be interested to read comments on that....but that may be for another thread!!

[crc-ict]

Just as a side point, and slightly off topic.... Does anyone else believe that new drivers should not be allowed to drive a car bigger than 1000cc for the first 2 years after they pass their test? Would be interested to read comments on that....but that may be for another thread!!

 

I think some sort of limit for new drivers is a good idea, but I'd suggest that 1000cc is a bit too low. Cars with engines that small tend to be horribly unresponsive and although you don't want a new driver having too much power, they would probably benefit from having a bit of 'grunt' available to hopefully get themselves out of some of the inevitable bad decisions. For example, pulling out into a gap that's a little bit too small, if you have some power available you can get on the move and out of the way quickly, but in a 1l car, you'll be sitting there waiting for something to happen while the car behind careers towards you.

 

Perhaps 1400 would be a better compromise, and a bit bigger (maybe 1700) for diesel.

[Ryno]

Just as a side point, and slightly off topic.... Does anyone else believe that new drivers should not be allowed to drive a car bigger than 1000cc for the first 2 years after they pass their test? Would be interested to read comments on that....but that may be for another thread!!

 

I dont think this should be the case as not every new driver goes out and drives like a idiot and end up crashing at the end of the day if they can afford the insurance then why cant they drive what they want to drive? If that would be the case then maybe older people also should not be able to drive faster cars as they may also have an accident.

[tech_guy]

I'm pushing 49 and most men my age tend to go for something a bit sporty once the mortgage is paid off and the bratlings have left home. Me? I've just gone and purchased something I've wanted for a long time. A brand new Peugeot Partner 1.6 Diesel Van. I've always wanted a van. I don't care what people think. It's an ace bit of kit and for someone with a bit of an outdoor lifestyle at weekends and during the holidays it's perfect. All the gear gets stowed in the back and I can even fit my kayak inside along with a bike. Best vehicle I've ever purchased and Mrs.Tech_Guy loves it too.

[Chris_in_notts]

I passed my test 6 years ago and my list of cars is

 

1969 Landrover lightwight

1974 Jago Jeep

1993 Kia pride

1995 Renault 5

1994 Punto GT Turbo 1.4

1995 Punto GT Turbo 1.4

1996 Range Rover 4.6

1979 Chevrolet Montecarlo lowrider

1999 Mk4 Golf 1.8 Turbo

1994 Mk3 Golf

1996 VW Polo

1971 VW Beetle

1972 VW Beetle

1990 Suzuki SJ 413

1989 Ford Escort RS Turbo

1981 Buick Regal

2001 VW Beetle

 

Cars I currently own

 

1996 Dodge Ram 5.9 V8

1981 AC Cobra Replica

1991 Lincoln Towncar 5.0 V8

2007 Beetle 1.8 Turbo

 

and I have a car being built/restored in the US a 1982 Chevrolet montecarlo that has been having work done to it for the past 2 years and very nearly ready to be shipped

 

Bound to be some cars ive missed lol

[pcstru]

I dont think this should be the case as not every new driver goes out and drives like a idiot and end up crashing at the end of the day if they can afford the insurance then why cant they drive what they want to drive? If that would be the case then maybe older people also should not be able to drive faster cars as they may also have an accident.

 

It is true that anyone can have an accident, but the probability of being involved in an accident is significantly increased by being young and/or inexperienced. That tends to be reflected in insurance premiums which make it almost impossible for young people to drive silly cars.

[Chris_in_notts]

I think its virtually impossible for a young person to drive at all silly money for even the smallest of motors! and I feel a young person who takes time to learn and gain experience in a fast car is more safe as an idiot in a small car so theres no point in putting a limit on things because any car in the wrong hands is a killing machine! if that makes any sense lol

[Earthling]

|

 

Cars I currently own

 

1996 Dodge Ram 5.9 V8

1981 AC Cobra Replica

1991 Lincoln Towncar 5.0 V8

2007 Beetle 1.8 Turbo

 

and I have a car being built/restored in the US a 1982 Chevrolet montecarlo that has been having work done to it for the past 2 years and very nearly ready to be shipped

 

Bound to be some cars ive missed lol

 

1982, I was loooking at a Cobra replica kit car, that ran on an XJ6 chassis (I think), engine and gearbox.......is that the one you have?

 

I never bought it.....for some reason, I inexplicably got married and started a family instead.

[flyinghaggis]

It is true that anyone can have an accident, but the probability of being involved in an accident is significantly increased by being young and/or inexperienced. That tends to be reflected in insurance premiums which make it almost impossible for young people to drive silly cars.

 

It must be near impossible for anyone under 21 to afford to drive at all these days regardless of the car. I've heard several friends say their sons have had annual quotes of around £2000 just to insure relatively modest cars (Ford Ka's/etc)!

[zag]

Yeh I'd love to hear the history of the Cobra replica.

 

I've always wanted a DAX 427 but all the engine combinations has so far put me off.

[pcstru]

It must be near impossible for anyone under 21 to afford to drive at all these days regardless of the car. I've heard several friends say their sons have had annual quotes of around £2000 just to insure relatively modest cars (Ford Ka's/etc)!

 

If it is near impossible, then there are a remarkable number of young people who are able to do the near impossible. But yes, premiums are very high for young, inexperienced drivers. It's a reflection of the risk they pose.

[flyinghaggis]

If it is near impossible, then there are a remarkable number of young people who are able to do the near impossible.

 

Likewise there seem to be plenty where I live but I often wonder just how many of them actually have valid insurance!

[Sirbendy]

I'm 36, and currently thrash about in my trusty X reg 1.6 8 valver Astra MK4. Cost me £2000 3 years ago, Full Motability History, 1 owner from new, 50000 miles.

 

It's not glamorous, it's not pristine, it's dented, it rattles a bit (although I know what that is, it's just tracking down a repair bit that's tricky), and it has 2 baby seats in it. It doesn't get the care it deserves, but it has yet to disgrace itself, and despite being a Club Spec and the "worst" 1.6 engine out there, it's comfy, it's happy to roll at 70 all day long, gets there nice and quick, and with the autobox in sports mode, it loves to rev..heh. Some people would call it naff, indeed I get several people saying "time to replace it".

 

I don't care, TBH. It does it's job, day in, day out. Carries me and the sprogs, provides me and DD with entertainment, handles beautifully (Astras handle best when pressing on, as witnessed by 40mph Roundabouts), is extremely predictable and stable in bad weather, and has paid for itself over and over again. Flies well, too.

 

I also own a 1.4 Auto on an M plate, that really does qualify for "naff", but it was only an emergency stopgap and now it's being broken for spares (most of the injection/cooling systems, ancillaries etc are common to MK3 and MK4). Before that I had a P reg MK3 1.6 Auto, that was a stunner but got written off. As I need autos, I'm limited to 1.4/1.61.8/2.0 in the older cars, but that's a nonissue...heh. New cars..nah, no fun. Older ones I can buy outright without worrying, and drive them without fear of dings.

 

When this Astra dies, I think I might go Zafira MK1, 1.6 or 1.8 auto..same chassis, 90%+ common parts, cheap as chips. My brother drives an SLK - nice, but it won't drive in bad conditions..TC on, power gets killed, barely moves. TC off, goes sideways. Makes me chuckle. I had no issues at all. Looks over practicality - you can keep it.

[Sirbendy]

It must be near impossible for anyone under 21 to afford to drive at all these days regardless of the car. I've heard several friends say their sons have had annual quotes of around £2000 just to insure relatively modest cars (Ford Ka's/etc)!

 

The missus only passed her test early this year - no experience. Went out car shopping, picked up a Skoda Fabia 1.4 Classic (no Electric windows, but PAS and aircon, trip computer) with 102k miles on it and an MOT, and got her insured on her own policy to drive it, all for less than £2000 including the purchase of the motor. Nice little runaround too - forget the Skoda badge, all the internals are marked either VW or Audi, and it feels VERY solid and well screwed together. Basic, simple, more than quick enough to break the limit, no rust. Timing chain needs a change - not worried, just rattling a bit. Needs 4 new tyres too, but I can sort that out. Loving it..heh

[glennda]

My insurance for my 1.6 C4 Coupe is less then £500 (for 10 months) including business cover and i'm only just 21 - my first years cover in my Fiesta was £185 per month but after the first year it dropped to 900 and now less the 500 so its not true the 17 years olds that go out and buy stupid cars are the ones that complain or modify it with massive wheels etc.

[nicholab]

I always thought anything over 100K was a no no when buying a new car.

[aerospacemango]

I always thought anything over 100K was a no no when buying a new car.

 

That is a fallacy. As long as the bodywork is in good shape, modern engines are easily capable of hitting 250K.

 

It is ALWAYS worth checking the bodywork extra carefully on a car that old though.

[pcstru]

That is a fallacy. As long as the bodywork is in good shape, modern engines are easily capable of hitting 250K.

 

This is possibly true provided they have been reasonably well maintained/serviced. Smaller engines tend to become knackered quicker than larger engines.

[SYNACK]

That is a fallacy. As long as the bodywork is in good shape, modern engines are easily capable of hitting 250K.

 

It is ALWAYS worth checking the bodywork extra carefully on a car that old though.

 

Well, you have to be a lot more careful if it has a turbo or supercharger in it as things wear out a bunch faster and break more spectacularly.

[projector1]

I've just had to sell my motorbike because my eyesight is too poor to legally drive it anymore.

Now THAT is £$%^&*" annoying

 

well said

my view on life was materialistic until my nephew was diagnosed with blodd cancer back in march. I have Y reg clio that get me from A to B.

[jinnantonnixx]

I'm pushing 49 and most men my age tend to go for something a bit sporty once the mortgage is paid off and the bratlings have left home. Me? I've just gone and purchased something I've wanted for a long time. A brand new Peugeot Partner 1.6 Diesel Van. I've always wanted a van. I don't care what people think. It's an ace bit of kit and for someone with a bit of an outdoor lifestyle at weekends and during the holidays it's perfect. All the gear gets stowed in the back and I can even fit my kayak inside along with a bike. Best vehicle I've ever purchased and Mrs.Tech_Guy loves it too.

 

I've got a van, too. Likewise, I don't care much about vehicles - I take a very functional view of them. Picked up a Kangoo a couple of years ago for the modest sum of £800. Still going strong. Handy old things, vans. I too have a two kayaks plus mountain bikes and vans are perfect for this. I've even camped in it.

Edited July 2, 2012 by jinnantonnixx

[Sirbendy]

Mileage doesn't worry me. I've had everything from this 50k Astra, to the 88K on the P reg, to 350K on a Renault. All ran well, none needed anything major. Mileage is only 1 factor..Motorway hacks may cover that mileage easily, yet due to longer runs and constant speeds, still be in fine shape. A (say) Fiesta with, say, 30k on, only used for trips to the shops may be far worse.

 

The Astra covers..max of 8000 miles a year. The Fabia will be much less, as the Astra is the main family lugger, being automatic, and me being more experienced especially when it comes to driving with the kiddies. Even so, the Fabia's 102k is worn well...body is tidy...tiny bit of rust on the tailgate in the light fitting, and the missus has added a few dings (first car, expected)...but on the whole, for a W reg..it's still spot on. Metallic silver, in need of a good polishing.

 

Mechanically, it has a belting oil leak in the crank seal on the timing chain side (bothered, as the chain kit contains a whole new seal set and it has to be "de-sumped" to fit it anyway), a new trackrod boot is needed on one side, and it needs new tyres. Everything else checks out beautifully. Even the OBD2 readouts show clear, with 3 stored historic fault codes that I've now cleared. Emissions are very, very low...no smoke or anything either.

 

It''s not a VAG engine - it is an old Skoda 1.3MPi, bored out to 1.4..but they're renowned for being quite hard units..heh. Seems to ring true, too!