Need new M-way shite: what's user-serviceable?

[Skizzer]

Several months ago I mentioned on here that I run a modern Skoda as a daily driver because I often do project work a long way from home and it would be bad for my business if I got a reputation for pitching up hours late on the back of an AA truck. (A fair amount of opprobrium followed from some quarters.) Anyway, since then I bought Wuvvum's Rover 75 off him to use as a tow car (since it was cheaper than fitting a tow bar to my daily), and liked it so much I've kept it. At the time, Scooters went so far as to suggest it would become my motorway cruiser of choice. So for my latest work job, I thought I'd commit fully to the Autoshite way and see how it went.

 

I've been working in Kent for the last few weeks, 230 miles from home, and commuting every week in the Rover of Love. It's been interesting. It's very comfortable, and arrival at the other end of each journey is a pleasant sensation of not having backache mixed with relief at the head gasket having held out. My project team like it too, even though one of the rear doors won't open from the outside so they have to shuffle over when it's being used as the team bus. I've explained that the brakes do work in spite of the ABS light being on.

 

Trouble is, on Friday morning it refused to start. Just a click and a fuel pump whirr instead of the usual first time firing on the starter motor. I had to abandon it in the hotel car park and cancel a meeting in London; I went back to try again in the afternoon and eventually it did turn and fire, so I had to drive all the way home without stopping. (Luckily I'd already filled it up with fuel earlier in the week, and had a pee before I left.) I'm assuming it's a dodgy connection to the starter motor or a duff solenoid or something, so fixable, but the starter motor is deeply buried in the cramped engine bay so it looks like some hours' work to dismantle much of the front of the car, like every other bloody job on the 75 (headlamp bulb, oil filter - I'm looking at you). Arsebiscuits.

 

So the Rover stays at home this week and I'll have to use the modern Skoda. Experiment over? Well, maybe; or maybe I just need something a bit older than the 75, that doesn't have so many electronics and was designed to be maintainable rather than to keep main dealer servicing income high. So here's my question: What shite should I get that will meet these criteria:

• Comfy cruising on the motorway, sometimes in heavy traffic

• Not so rare I'd feel bad about putting 10-15k miles a year on it

• Won't go wrong very much

• When it does, it can be fixed by a non-expert using tools from a box in the boot

• Costs shite money - say around £1k, £1500 tops.

 

Oh, and I can't weld at all so it should be fairly rust resistant.

 

Sadly Pete's Peugeot 604 is probably out on the grounds that most of the service parts seem to be buried in the bulkhead.

Thoughts? A Merc 190 quite appeals, or some sort of Volvo maybe; what do you reckon?

 

Oh and Billy - no I don't want a Corsa automatic. Thanks though.

[dollywobbler]

Vauxhall Carlton gets my vote, though the rear arches can rot. My Saab 9000i was also a great comfort/distance car, and about perfect in terms of DIY fixing and being robust enough in the first place that it never even threatened to go wrong at any point. Volvo 740 also worth a shout.

 

Mustard mitt that with my Rover, there was always that feeling of 'what's about to go wrong?' It never did, apart from random clutch failure at times. My neighbour just flogged his identical 75 diesel because the same thing was happening and it had a few other 'worrying' symptoms. They're a great car, but speak to people and they do seem to throw an awful lot of money at them...

 

That said, even the best car can have an off day. You could buy a Toyota Camry (there's an idea...) and some random glitch could occur. Luck of the draw. Even moderns break occasionally. Hence the AA and RAC haven't exactly gone out of business.

[willswitchengage]

Diesels: 405, Xantia 1.9/2.1, 740/940 (rare though). Cavalier 1.7td.

 

Ideally I'd go for an Octavia SDI for ultimate minicab levels of durability but they're still pretty dear.

[Craig the Princess]

Rover R8, either 1.4 16-valve K-Series or even better 2 litre T series.

[Albert Ross]

Mk1 Focus 4 door 1.8Td Ghia. I bet you'd pick up an 04 plater for a grand these days.... Better still a W plater for £500 seems the norm.

[Mr Lobster]

Theres loads of possibilities really. Depends on your preference although I would add that if you are putting big miles on anything older then you are bound to get one or two issues.

 

If it was me though, I reckon I'd probably go for a Focus TD but if you want something less complex and older then how about Citroen ZX or Renault 19 diesel, Mk2 Golf, Mk3 Cavalier but the list is endless

[Spiny Norman]

Another vote for the Volvo 700/900 series, although the 850s and even the first couple of years production of the S/V70 aren't too computer-y.

[skattrd]

I don't particularly like my VW bora tdi (110 non-pd) but I've done 27k in it since September with just standard servicing. It's a reliable economical workhorse.

 

If its just one run up and down each week then I'd look for something random with lpg ... or a Citroen XM

[R9UKE]

If you decide to eliminate the "reliable", "few electronics" and "won't go wrong much" from your criteria, then it's hard to beat a Renault Vel Satis for mile munching...

[Richard]

A vote against diesel RWD Volvos. They are nice cars, easy to work on and tough, but they are not suitable motorway cruisers. They are hopelessly undergeared for a start, much lower geared than the petrol equivalents. They aren't that economical either, I got low thirties in mine, I think mid thirties would be as good as it gets.

[dollywobbler]

A vote against diesel RWD Volvos. They are nice cars, easy to work on and tough, but they are not suitable motorway cruisers. They are hopelessly undergeared for a start, much lower geared than the petrol equivalents. They aren't that economical either, I got low thirties in mine, I think mid thirties would be as good as it gets.

 

Sounds odd, but the 2.3 auto is a good bet. Mine did about 2300rpm at motorway speeds and could top 30mpg. Waft-tastic. (I may have mentioned this already about eleventy six times. Sorry).

[6ettinold]

Sorry - but Saab 9000 all day every day. I've had 4 9000's. The 3 with manual boxes were faultless, the 4th was a 2.3 turbo with an auto box and managed a lowly 13mpg around town so had to go. The best one? I spotted one on fleabay about 3 years ago. An old boy had made a hash of the listing and I managed to bag it for £250. It was a lovely met green 'K' reg'd CSE 2.3 non turbo with the most amazing cream leather seats, climate and that great stereo... It was almost in as new condition.

Took a punt and travelled 180-odd miles to collect it - still remember that feeling on the M5 driving it back!!!... Grinning in my pocket money minter at all those twats in their black Audi's / Passats...

 

The chap said it had a tendancy to overheat in traffic. We never had a problem with her and it was by far the nicest , most comfortable and reliable car we've had. We had a family illness, I had our 3 bin lids to care for full-time for a while and missed the MoT. In a fit of panic I bought a 9-3 with 12 months MoT and had to flog the 9000.

 

We've had 34 cars and this particular 9000 was the only car I've regretted selling on. We had a Volvo 740 turbo for a while - this was a hoot, as was the chipped 900 turbo BUT I wish we'd kept that 9000. I'd avoid later Vectra derived 900's and 9-3's - ours later suffered with the splitting bulkhead. Though if a nice Turbo came along at a good price....

 

As for DIYing on - the 9000's are brilliant. I ferking want another one. Now.

[Skizzer]

Mmm, liking the Saab 9000 idea a lot, and possibly Carlton also. Focus Mk1 sounds very sensible and good value, but doesn't light really light my fire and I don't mind sacrificing some mpgs for a bit of waftiness.

 

Nice try with the Vel Satis R9UKE - an Avantime was on my own-one-day wish list until you joined the site and provided a reality check!

 

Thanks for the advice chaps - more suggestions always welcome...

[RoadworkUK]

Another thumbs-up for the 9000 from here. My 2.0 N/A Auto was slow and thirsty, and quite shit when I think about it, but I'd definitely have another. Strange times.

 

There's always the 800, of course. Shhh, Pete.

[Lacquer Peel]

Plus one.

 

My mum's 1996 9000 n/a 2.0 has been extremely reliable. I had to replace the starter on it (due to a sticking ignition switch), which is buried but relatively easy to replace. Nothing else has gone wrong, and it's just needed consumables for the MOT. It is quite rusty (not structural) now though.

[Skizzer]

if you are putting big miles on anything older then you are bound to get one or two issues

 

Agreed - not expecting miracles at this price.

 

Anyone got any views on Merc 190Es?

[willswitchengage]

 

1986 VOLVO 740 TURBO DIESEL AUTO Auto

5 Door Estate RED 995GBP

 

 

1995 ROVER 218 SLD TURBO SILVER

Everything working as it should, Only 63,700 miles, 12 months MOT. £600

 

I was reading peak oil videos earlier so I reckon a bicycle or a season ticket for the train would be in better order although seriously just type in diesel, nearby into autotrader and there'll be some L-reg Mondeo floating around nearby.

[eddyramrod]

Anyone got any views on Merc 190Es?

 

Yes: avoid at all costs. No doubt others will disagree.

 

My choice for this kind of job, first and every time, would be a Volvo 240/740/940. Make absolutely sure you get a 2.3 petrol engine with automatic! It'll do exactly what you want it to, every time, and if you drive confidently in an old, square-cut Volvo people will move out of the way, or at least avoid getting in your way.

 

Good luck.

[Cavcraft]

Late well looked after Cavalier, 190s are ok but make sure you get a long test drive if a manual because the clutch pedal arrangement isn't nice for us long leggers and the steering wheels is about the same size as the London Eye.

Perhaps something like a 200E (but not the sloping bonnet/twin headlight pile of shit model) would be worth a bash as they're pretty reliable and capable of big mileages. Just expect the front wings to dissolve in front of your eyes.

[freebird]

I will throw a wild card in here by suggesting you find yourself a good MK3 Cavalier SRI.

I had one of the last made on an N plate ( IIRC) about five years back and, in all fairness, it was hard to beat. Extremely comfortable, a great motorway mile muncher, fast ( very, as i found out) very decent fuel consumption and pretty bullet proof and,I think, its old enough to be classed as shite....its anything but shite tho.

If you get one, replace the cam and crank sensor as they seem to be the weakest points with them and away you go. My old one had nearly 140,000 on the clock, could pull indecent speeds and ran like a swiss watch using no oil or water and drove like a car that had done less than half the mileage it had.

Highly recommended.

[dieselnutjob]

What shite should I get that will meet these criteria:

 

Comfy cruising on the motorway, sometimes in heavy traffic

French and large, or Swedish

Not so rare I'd feel bad about putting 10-15k miles a year on it

An old Toyota

Won't go wrong very much

An old Toyota

When it does, it can be fixed by a non-expert using tools from a box in the boot

An old Toyota

Costs shite money - say around £1k, £1500 tops.

An old Toyota or anything French

 

Seriously, I just finished servicing a friends 1998 1.3 Corolla with 113000 miles on it and I was amazed. Nothing is worn out, seized or rusty. It was dead simple to work on and drives very nicely.

[ruffgeezer]

You can have my Xantia 1.9td for £600

[warren t claim]

[freebird]

I just finished servicing a friends 1998 1.3 Corolla with 113000 miles on it and I was amazed. Nothing is worn out, seized or rusty. It was dead simple to work on and drives very nicely.

I finally get the "Toyota thing".

My daughters 92 1.0ltr Starlet went through a recent MOT only needing a wiper blade and a bit of velcro to hold up the sun visor. A bit of surface corrosion underneath here and there but she is as sound as a pound and runs like a dream. Not bad for a £370, 136,000 mile car me thinks.

Probably a big ( ish) Toyota from that era may be a good idea?

The chances are it would have been owned for years by old farts in flat caps or summat.That means it would have been looked after and driven with care ( even if it was driven in the wrong gears) Thats undoubtedly why my girls car is still going. If it had been a Nova or something, it would have been fucked over by boy racers and weighed in years ago.

[Cavcraft]

 

But where on earth could such a supercar like that be found for sale?

[Skizzer]

Erm, what am I missing with that W124? Are you flogging it then Warren? Forgive me, I've been away all week and dipping only very lightly into AS...

 

This helps, thanks. Currently a W124 could be on the shortlist along with Volvo 7/940 and Saab 9000. Still quite fancy a 190 but have been warned and won't come crying to you if it doesn't work out. Don't especially fancy an R8, for no good reason.

 

With the blacked out back windows, would it be very wrong of me to write 'CORONER' on the doors of that 740?

 

I found a sweetie giffer-spec flat front 9000i on the Bay - on the salty side at £1k for a 23 year old car with no MOT, mind, but I could always try and sell the number plate on to Luke Skywalker, Lynyrd Skynyrd or even our own Lord Sterling:

 

An old Toyota

An old Toyota

An old Toyota

Not sure a 1.3 Corolla ticks the motorway box but there is a wide choice of tidy looking late 90s Camrys for beans. Added to the list of possibles. Freebird, just seen your reply - we speak with one voice.

 

RG - I had a Xantia on loan for a week several years ago and loved it, but it would prolly have to be a V6 or an Activa to get my juices flowing (which would then not qualify as user-serviceable by a fuckwit on his drive).

 

I should say I'll have to fix the Rover and move it on before I replace it, so anyone selling anything shouldn't be holding their breath on my account. It'll be a few weeks at least before I get my arse in gear; be good to have something sorted for Shitefest though.

[Six-cylinder]

The description fits the Citroen ZX Diesel so well it must be the one!

 

Comfortable, 45mpg, reliable and perfect for the job, your only problem is finding a good one. I have decided to sell one of mind to reduce the size of my fleet and the queue is already three deep.

 

Chris

 

[willswitchengage]

+1 for W124

 

Or council estate-spec running on LPG? Great for OMG SNOW KAOS

 

[dollywobbler]

Good grief. That Saab seller is dreaming a bit! Given that you can buy them for about half that WITH an MOT. Rare doesn't yet mean valuable in povo-spec Saab land.

[wuvvum]

I have to say I do like the 9000 idea. Wonderfully comfortable seats, although I find the footwells a bit cramped on long journeys. They're a great motorway cruiser though, not the most economical cars ever but not too bad, and they don't go wrong that much.

 

I am going to go +1 on the Camry though. I ran an N-reg Camry estate (bought from Spottedlaurel of this parish) as a daily for quite a while, and it was brilliant. I found it just as comfy on a run as any other car I'd owned, it was good on fuel, surprisingly torquey for a modern Japanese car, and with a four-pot engine lost in the middle of a vast engine bay access to pretty much everything is superb - changing an alternator or starter would be a matter of minutes rather than hours. Plus it's a Toyota so it doesn't go wrong much anyway. And the estates have twin rear wipers - what more could you want?