Find Moglet a new car! [Surprised by a Pooma]

[JCE]

Something I've noticed (not to thread-jack, but a legitimate question):

Why is it that UK Fords seem to rust badly, while US ones don't? As an example, my 13 year old Escort has nothing more than a little surface rust on the hood, but from what I've heard, the same car in England would be falling apart by now. What gives?

I'd imagine that cars in Seattle would rust faster than ones here in Dallas.

 

[TheBook]

This is true, but with the winters we get here (plus the amount of salt the road crews dump around here), I figured that the amount of moisture is at least comparable. Maybe the UK gets a bit more, but I didn't think it'd be that drastic.

 

[GilesGuthrie]

1.6 Focus is quite asthmatic, the 1.8 is usefully quicker, and more economical as a result. Check your insurance issue though.

We ran a 1999 Focus for three years. 1.8 Zetec hatch with the heated front screen & mirrors. An absolutely excellent car. Cost us about £300 in unscheduled maintenance (aircon fix & broken headlamp switch). If you can find one in good condition, they're great cars.

Also, have a sniff around for Renault Meganes. A base model with a 1.4 engine that's in good nick should be pretty sweet. We ran a Renault 19 1.4 GTS-X for 18 months. Paid £500 for it, no unscheduled maintenance, sold it for £260. Insurance was cheap too, which was important as I still had a ban on my record at the time.

 

[Moglet]

1.6 Focus is quite asthmatic, the 1.8 is usefully quicker, and more economical as a result. Check your insurance issue though.

We ran a 1999 Focus for three years. 1.8 Zetec hatch with the heated front screen & mirrors. An absolutely excellent car. Cost us about £300 in unscheduled maintenance (aircon fix & broken headlamp switch). If you can find one in good condition, they're great cars.

Also, have a sniff around for Renault Meganes. A base model with a 1.4 engine that's in good nick should be pretty sweet. We ran a Renault 19 1.4 GTS-X for 18 months. Paid £500 for it, no unscheduled maintenance, sold it for £260. Insurance was cheap too, which was important as I still had a ban on my record at the time.

I've heard from various sources that there is very little difference between the 1.6 and the 1.8 in terms of economy, the only worry I have there is the insurance. There are a lot more 1.8s on the market though!

 

[GilesGuthrie]

I've driven both the 1.6 (hire cars) and 1.8 (as an owner) extensively, and the 1.8 is much the more practical engine, for overtaking, joining motorways etc. The extra 200cc basically transforms the car into a much more desirable ownership proposition.

 

[homeforsummer]

It's the difference between about 90bhp and 115bhp if I recall correctly, so there should be a useful extra hit of power.

Meganes are nice enough, both my grandpa and dad had one at one stage (both pre-facelift). Old tech engines at the time but pretty solid. My dad's 1.4 got through a gearbox at only 25k miles though which was pretty bad, but the rest of the car was great. He'd previously owned two Renault 19s, both of which went on forever with absolutely no problems, so we think the Megane was just a Friday night special.

Post-facelift Meganes had nicer engines, most were 16v and pretty smooth with good performance, so they may be worth a look. The only problem I see with Meganes is that many seem to be absolutely driven into the ground by either skin-headed family men or, for reasons beyond my comprehension, Polish people, who absolutely love them. If you could find one that hasn't been mistreated it'd probably do the typical French thing of being a bit rattly, but generally mechanically sound.

And French cars rust far less than Fords. And they did a saloon version too which I always found quite a nice looking car.

For reference, post-facelift Megane:

 

[Famine]

I wrote one of those off.

 

[Rotary Junkie]

I wrote one of those off.

Without even doing anything if memory serves...

 

[homeforsummer]

I wrote one of those off.

The one that ran into your MX3 and came off much worse, yes?

That'll be Renault crumple zones for you, great in a big smash for absorbing energy, pants in a low speed one as they do their job too well...

 

[Moglet]

Thanks for the help guys, I've added the Megane to my list. I've been able to afford a little more than I originally thought which is nice

 

[ExigeEvan]

Keeping track of every car I try now, for my own reference to put into a spreadsheet eventually:

1999 Nissan Almera 1.4i £500 £519

Glad this gets a mention. Here's mine, and my mate's experience, we have practically identical cars!


Pros-
Reliable. I've had mine 3 1/2 years, done about 20,000 miles on it. Most expensive fix was rear dampers. That cost £330 when including an MOT and service. Power steering leaks are common, but £7 bottle will fill it up throughout the year. Apart from that, starter motor, new CV joint gasket. Friend has had no major mechanical issues, but he's ridden bikes the last 2 years.

Space. It's not a small car either, but room in the back for 2 six-foot plus, or 3 normal people. Always getting told it's surprisingly comfy back there, and enough space to fit 5 people and weekend of clothes/food.

Feel. Can't claim to have driven alot, but it's favourable compared to a Renault Modus, Renault Clio (53 plate) and P-reg Polo!

Cons-
Economy - Old-ish engine, bigger body, struggles for great economy.
Looks - Dull as dishwater. Nicknamed "The Shoe".

 

[Famine]

Without even doing anything if memory serves...

The one that ran into your MX3 and came off much worse, yes?

Correct.

Oddly, the apparently uber-stiff MX-3 unibody gave me a couple of days of whiplash. The crumple-zoned-for-your-protection Megane broke the occupants' shoulder and foot. Probably because I was in my early thirties and they were in their late eighties...

 

[Sniffs]

too bad I can't give small car advice. the last one i had was in 98, and it was a first gen Camry (corolla sized?) that decided to jam it's own drivers door shut. i racked my back up trying to get out, Dukes of Hazzard style (bucket seats and a center console and Hand/Parking break, plus the cozy size of the thing, made it impossible to just slip out the passenger door). I didn't think to open the window (the cause of the jam) and use the outside handle

 

[Moglet]

After brushing off the Puma earlier, I did some calculating and some research.

The car would cost £1,000 flat out. My girlfriend would be paying this. The insurance would cost me £130 up front and then £66 a month after that which would be easily affordable having got rid of my £200 a month car. So I went on Fuelly and looked at a 1.7 Zetec Puma that has recorded 307 fuel ups. His best MPG? Exactly the same as my 500

It's looking VERY tempting now

I also discovered that I can insure a 1.9TDi Toledo crammed with goodies for fairly cheap. Not bad looking cars either, and have had very good reviews. But the Puma is a stand out choice at the minute!

 

[Jondot]

The Puma will be more fun for sure, provided you're happy for it to be practically worthless by the time you're done with it. I'm only guessing here, but I reckon a Toledo would probably fall apart/rust a fair bit slower. And get more to the gallon.

Naturally then, I'd go with the Puma

 

[Moglet]

My last 2 cars have become absolutely worthless when I've been done with them so that's not a problem. The Toledo is definitely the sensible choice, but the Puma would be more fun. Then there's the old Rover diesels coming up and they all look pretty good too and can get higher MPG than both cars while still getting decent performance, but I've read that the engines aren't very refined at all.

Nnnnngggg.

I know if I went for a Toledo I'd end up slamming it over some nice wheels though

 

[Jondot]

Well I've wanted a Puma since forever so I'm a bit biased on that front, buuuut...

I think it depends what age Rover diesel we're talking. If it's post-1999 it should be a nice 2.0 from ze Germans. Well I say 'nice', I don't know much about it other than that we had a Freelander fitted with it and it wasn't dreadful.

 

[Keef]

Think you could get away with a Corvette?

 

[niky]

Think you could get away with a Corvette?

I smell the ban hammer coming...

A Puma sounds wonderful... Tiny car, decent sized motor... Those are Fiesta-based, right?

 

[Sniffs]

Aspire based, I believe, bummed from Korea, maybe? (we only got a 3 door, then Ford US dropped them till they recreated the Fiesta)

 

[Famine]

Aspire based, I believe, bummed from Korea, maybe?

Heavens, no. The Festiva/Aspire have nothing to do with it - it's Fiesta-based.

Pumas were great. If there's any left on the road by 2015, it'll be a miracle - and by "on the road" I mean "driving about, in their original form", rather than "spread as a fine layer of iron oxide dust".

 

[Sniffs]

well, i heard the Aspire was a rebadged Hyundai over here. too bad the Pumas are so thin. i turned into a fan because of their appearance in GT2.

 

[Moglet]

Heavens, no. The Festiva/Aspire have nothing to do with it - it's Fiesta-based.

Pumas were great. If there's any left on the road by 2015, it'll be a miracle - and by "on the road" I mean "driving about, in their original form", rather than "spread as a fine layer of iron oxide dust".

A lot of the cars I've been looking at in my price range are similar though. The Puma isn't a sensible enough choice to be realistically do-able though, I think I'll end up going for a Rover 25 or 200 diesel or a 1.4 Clio in the end. I like the looks of both of them, the reviews and engines both seem good in terms of speed (obviously they're not going to be fast) and fuel consumption, but the main thing is that I really like both of the interiors. Interior design and space is a big thing for me, and the interior of the Focus looks a bit awkward IMO.

Not to mention that finding parts for the Rover will be a doddle (Leather interior upgrade is first on my list) and there are hundreds of good ones to be had in the Midlands, too.

Something like this can be had for £650, would remove that hideous boost pod though

 

[ExigeEvan]

A lot of the cars I've been looking at in my price range are similar though. The Puma isn't a sensible enough choice to be realistically do-able though, I think I'll end up going for a Rover 25 or 200 diesel or a 1.4 Clio in the end. I like the looks of both of them, the reviews and engines both seem good in terms of speed (obviously they're not going to be fast) and fuel consumption, but the main thing is that I really like both of the interiors. Interior design and space is a big thing for me, and the interior of the Focus looks a bit awkward IMO.

Not to mention that finding parts for the Rover will be a doddle (Leather interior upgrade is first on my list) and there are hundreds of good ones to be had in the Midlands, too.

Something like this can be had for £650, would remove that hideous boost pod though

Urgh, my dad drove a 200 inbetween cars and said it was horrible car to drive, and he'd only driven a Citroen AX, Toyota Previa and a Vauxhall Cavalier previous! Not upto all that much inside either.

 

[Keef]

I'm intrigued by the crop of old, crappy, tiny cars you guys get over there in the UK. I'd really like to take a trip over there to drive about and see what it's like. Our wide, long, straight roads get really boring after a while

 

[R1ch85]

I smell the ban hammer coming...

A Puma sounds wonderful... Tiny car, decent sized motor... Those are Fiesta-based, right?

Yeah, Fiesta based but much better looking. My girlfriend has a 1.7 Puma, '98 and it still runs perfectly. Pretty nippy too with (originally) 125bhp, and handles well too. Much better than my Seat Ibiza anyhow.

Things to look out for..

Rusty rear arches, left hand side electric mirrors prone to failure.

Probably more but thats what we saw when looking for one for her.

As for the "practically worthless when your done" comment, they're practically worthless already! My other half was looking for something else and could only get £650 trade in, so I'm sure you could pick up a good one for around £1k or so.

 

[Sniffs]

I'm intrigued by the crop of old, crappy, tiny cars you guys get over there in the UK. I'd really like to take a trip over there to drive about and see what it's like. Our wide, long, straight roads get really boring after a while

dude, the only "long wide straight" roads around here are out west. even the interstate (motorway) is twitchy like a snake. try boonie crawling, you'll REALLY get some twisties

i ever get some good batteries, you guys are gonna get a rural ridethrough from around here.

 

[homeforsummer]

Re: The Puma and SEAT.

Probably not entirely wise deciding the Puma does the same MPG as your 500 as a factor in wanting one. They aren't uneconomical but the fact one guy is getting what you're getting from the 500 means one of three things:

a) He's driving like a hypermiler and you're getting respectable economy
b) He's getting roughly what a top percentile of Puma owners get and you have a bit of a leaden foot in your 1.2 Fiat.
c) A combination of the above.

I don't know what either of you are getting but picking a figure out of the air I'd expect a Puma to average around 35mpg in the hands of most people, perhaps a bit less if you use the performance. I'd expect that Seat TDI you're also looking at not to get less than 40mpg unless you drive it like an utter prat (which, let's face it, is how most people drive VAG diesels).

The Puma really is a cracking car though if you find one that's been looked after. Some earlier ones can use a fair bit of oil as the Nikasil bore liners wear away (just like they do on Jag XJ8s and Porsche Boxsters) if they've not had regular oil changes and they've done lots of short journeys.

The SEAT would probably be a more pleasant car to own but not as good to drive. More space, more economical, more relaxed on longer journeys, and probably a smidgen more reliable.

Keef - some of our small, crappy cars would probably surprise you a great deal. There's a reason why we love them over here (some of them are great) and there's a reason America doesn't like small cars that much (you rarely ever get any of them which aren't utter crap).

 

[Moglet]

Re: The Puma and SEAT.

Probably not entirely wise deciding the Puma does the same MPG as your 500 as a factor in wanting one. They aren't uneconomical but the fact one guy is getting what you're getting from the 500 means one of three things:

a) He's driving like a hypermiler and you're getting respectable economy
b) He's getting roughly what a top percentile of Puma owners get and you have a bit of a leaden foot in your 1.2 Fiat.
c) A combination of the above.

I don't know what either of you are getting but picking a figure out of the air I'd expect a Puma to average around 35mpg in the hands of most people, perhaps a bit less if you use the performance. I'd expect that Seat TDI you're also looking at not to get less than 40mpg unless you drive it like an utter prat (which, let's face it, is how most people drive VAG diesels).

The Puma really is a cracking car though if you find one that's been looked after. Some earlier ones can use a fair bit of oil as the Nikasil bore liners wear away (just like they do on Jag XJ8s and Porsche Boxsters) if they've not had regular oil changes and they've done lots of short journeys.

The SEAT would probably be a more pleasant car to own but not as good to drive. More space, more economical, more relaxed on longer journeys, and probably a smidgen more reliable.

Keef - some of our small, crappy cars would probably surprise you a great deal. There's a reason why we love them over here (some of them are great) and there's a reason America doesn't like small cars that much (you rarely ever get any of them which aren't utter crap).

Yeah, like I said the Puma was an "OMG look at dat!!" sort of moment, it's not a sensible enough choice to be worthy at the minute. The Seat is more sensible but is a fair bit bigger so might be a problem to fit in my garage.

I've also looked at Kas since everyone is recommending them to me and they've grown on me a fair bit, but according to Fuelly the MPG figures people are getting are terrible! But it's the same with most small petrol engines of that age, so maybe diesel is the only way to go after all? I'm sure it would be better for what I do which is mainly motorway miles. I'm also after a comfortable cruiser as I get pain in my shoulder when driving long distances.

 

[Sniffs]

at least you can GET a small diesel over there. one of the bits I was eyeballing is a typical american pickup diesel; 6 liters and up.