Another car question: good car for student

[Northern Tim]

Tim,
I drive a Vauxhall Astra Estate 1.7dti, X-reg, year 2000. Although it's only 73hp (according to Parkers car guide) it packs some punch. There can be a little turbo lag at low revs, but it soon shifts. Plenty of torque, and towing a small rib, it doesn't make any noticable difference to the car's performance. I only wish I'd bought it a few years ago! One of my friends like it so much, he went and bought an identical one. It has a great load space which swallows loads, especially with the seats folded down.

My dad (and me when I can get my hands on it) drives a 52 reg Octavia estate, 1.9TDi. It's noticably nippier than the astra, but the astra isn't slow. The octavia is VW engineering, as has already been said, and Audi are also part of the same group. You'll get more car for your money if you go for a skoda over a VW or Audi.

Both the octavia and the astra are pretty good on fuel economy. I'm quite heavy footed and still manage about 48mpg, although my mate has squeezed the 55mpg out that it states in the manual in his.

Good luck Tim M,

from Tim M
(you got the username first!)

[Dino]

You need a Smart Cabrio,with the roof off you'll fit in and it does loads to the gallon,perfect for a trendy student

[Tim M]

It's funny you should say that because I was with DaveH this afternoon commenting on how I liked the Smart. He told me it was a gay womans car....

[Hugh Jardon]

Originally Posted by codprawn

I still say though how underated the Rover 400 is - just as nice to drive and nearly as fast but a lot cheaper to buy - only drawback - not much room in the back compared to a passat/octavia.

are you on some sort of commission or something for shifting old rovers?

my father had a rover 400 for around a year or two, then sold it and purchased one in an identical colour and make with nearly the same reg! he made money on the first one as it was such good condition and purchased the second quite cheap. the colour was similar to your rib toobs. i always called it an old farts car, especially when he was driving it! to be fair it was quite "ok" inside and seemed sweet enough and would be a good cheap car for someone i suspect. not sure how much japanese influence on it made it any more reliable then the old rovers, but it seemed fine for him.

[codprawn]

Originally Posted by Hugh Jardon

are you on some sort of commission or something for shifting old rovers?

my father had a rover 400 for around a year or two, then sold it and purchased one in an identical colour and make with nearly the same reg! he made money on the first one as it was such good condition and purchased the second quite cheap. the colour was similar to your rib toobs. i always called it an old farts car, especially when he was driving it! to be fair it was quite "ok" inside and seemed sweet enough and would be a good cheap car for someone i suspect. not sure how much japanese influence on it made it any more reliable then the old rovers, but it seemed fine for him.

No I just get so pissed off that people's unfair prejudices have caused Rover to go bust. A mate of mine was looking at buying a Rover 25 and his wife said "no way they break down" so they bought a Fiesta instead - which has been nothing but trouble.

Same with Alfas - you STILL get people saying "they rust like hell" despite the fact they haven't done so for a very long time.

As to the 400 being an old man's car I really wouldn't say so - having driven all sorts of nice brand new cars i thought stepping back into the Rover would be a let down - far from it - just as nice to drive as a Passat - not like an Alfa though!!!

[codprawn]

Originally Posted by Tim M

It's funny you should say that because I was with DaveH this afternoon commenting on how I liked the Smart. He told me it was a gay womans car....

My girlfriend would kill him for that!!! She loves her Smart - cabrio Brabus thing - it is FUN if nothing else. She is now selling it to get a bright yellow Megane or Punto convertible - mad.

And talking of Smarts try changing a headlight bulb - whole front has to come off - they quote 2 hrs labour for it!!!

[allegria]

2hrs labour!!!!!!!!!, thats a joke!. Considering and MOT is 1.3 hours and a major service is about 1.7 hours. I don't know what they're charging rate per hour is.

[George8910]

What about a cabbies favourite? I bought a 4 year old ex fleet full history 100k for £2k - 2.0s 16valve petrol with climate etc - if you can cope with the looks they compare very favourably in price and longevity