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

[vulgalour]

It's a shame you want rust resistance and reliability, I was going to suggest a Princess/Ambastador because they really are fantastic on motorways and can be fixed with the smallest array of tools. They can also be got for small change, even good ones, but perhaps suggesting a 30+ year old car with a Reputation isn't the answer here.

 

I'll second the old Toyota vote though, they do pretty much everything. I'd avoid something like a Lexus (which is essentially a big Toyota) as they're not so easy to service yourself.

[Albert Ross]

We all know that Vauxhalls are shit, but I had to test and service a Signum 2.0 Turbo petrol today.... Need three tyres, we fitted a full set of Firestone SZ90..... Nice to drive for one of these.. I "think" the 2.0 petrol Turbo is Saab derived. Wonder if they float your boat?

[Skizzer]

Signum, eh? One day they will be solid shiter gold I reckon, but a bit new for me at the moment. Late-ish Carlton would be more the thing if I were feeling Vauxhally.

ZX: can see the appeal but I think I'm after something a bit more barge like.

Legacy's a good idea as well, and now added to the shortlist: challenge is finding one that isn't weeping too horribly from the rocker cover seals, leaking rainwater or OMG SCOOTERS YUR TRYING TO KILL ME

 

I turned up at the client's site in the Skoda today, and while there's nowt wrong with the car I do feel as though I've copped out. Team are slightly relieved but also a bit disappointed I haven't fixed the Rover of Love yet.

[dieselnutjob]

 

 

 

[Spiny Norman]

Aah, my old 618, as seen on the 'dull cars' thread.

Actually a Honda engined Rover 600 wouldn't be a bad idea. Pretty simple cars and quite good cruisers too, though strangely not that economical for some reason. That 618 was in perfect health and it used to do a few mpg less than the 2 litre Alfa 156 I had a year or two previously, despite being driven like a Rover and the 156 being driven like an Alfa.

Rust and indifference will have finished most of them off by now, I'd imagine.

 

All things being equal I'd probably have a 406 first though, particularly if Diesel is high up on the list of priorities.

[purplebargeken]

I've had a povvo spec 9000 a few years ago, bought for peanuts on ebay. Loved it! Nice to drive and very comfy. I seem to recall that there is a rubber hose that causes a rough idle if it is leaking and is uber cheap to fix (can't recall what it was exactly - sorry). I've also had a few Ovlov Big Barges - the best one was a K reg 940 2.0 Wentworth Turbo estate. I loved that car and it could happily shift its arse when needed. It was as tough as a tank. I got hit in the rear O/S 1/4 by a small Pug. The Volvo had a chip of paint the size of a match head missing on the rear wheelarch. The Pug looked like it needed a new bonnet, bumper, wing and headlight. No contest.

 

Ovlov first and foremost, Saab next.

 

Ken

[scooters]

What about the Autoshite Scooters-Glover- Hillman 740 GLE?

 

150 quids of awesomeness and it is in Jewish racing gold.

 

2.3 auto

 

 

Btw 75 fault sounds like an easy fix

[scruff]

Late 405 turbo diesel in a nice colour if you can find one. That'd be my pick. Like this but maybe a bit tidier

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1994-PEUGEOT-405-GTX-TURBO-DIESEL-GREEN-/160796307576?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item257034f078

[willswitchengage]

Late 405 turbo diesel in a nice colour if you can find one. That'd be my pick. Like this but maybe a bit tidier

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1994-PEUGEOT-405-GTX-TURBO-DIESEL-GREEN-/160796307576?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item257034f078

 

Seller information

ars_motors ( 170)

 

I wonder how that's pronounced?

[hhhugues]

I'd agree on the 405. Really comfy car, great trouble free economical motoring in diesel flavour, and as it happens they're almost all diesel. Would quite like to find a one for myself...

 

Or have the less reasonable option:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1989-ALFA-ROMEO-164-V6-SUPER-GREEN-/130695599893?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item1e6e109715#ht_500wt_1287

 

I know, Mot is almost out and it clearly won't sail through next one...

[garethj]

I've had a 740 and it was lovely, mine was a 2.3 manual with overdrive and it did 35mpg+ on motorways, even at very illegal speeds. Lucky to get 24mpg around town, mind.

 

Get one before their lambda sond (lambda sensor, or catalytic converter) and you won't have the engine management light of doom either. I think mine had about 170k miles on it and was rattle free, they're also very roomy and wafty on a long run.

 

A big Toyota from the early '90s is a good call, purely because of the type of previous owner and it was reliable to start with.

[danthecapriman]

I was going to suggest a mk2 granada, 2.8 auto as they do this job superbly and I love using mine! They can do high mileages (mines nearly done 200K), are very comfy and nice to drive, and can be fixed easily with a hammer or gaffer tape by anyone. However, the fuel economy is not good so thats probably not such a good suggestion.

 

So another vote for the big Volvos, particularly the 740. Its got to be a 2.3, early type with the K jet injection for reliability and strength with a decent amount of grunt too. (something I find the 2.0 lacks) and an auto is a must because a big barge has to be an auto!

I have a 2.3 auto GLE saloon and its a brilliant car, its old enough to be a bit differant/interesting but can also be used everyday for any job with no fear of it breaking (it wont!) or getting ruined. They are a pleasure to drive and to be sat inside of, for hours on end if need be. The big leather seats are the best ive ever sat in, in any car! The GLE or GLT have plenty of luxery bits in too. The engine is totally reliable and can be maintained by any idiot for pennys and the auto box is nice and smooth. MPG isnt too bad either. And you can pick a good one up for sod all. They seem to be almost worthless at the moment especially saloons and autos - which in my opinion are the best ones! so a bargain should be easy to find.

Also they are solid old things. Mine was rear ended by some dumb turd in a pug 607. The ovlov suffered a scuffed bumper, bent tail pipe and cracked light lense. The pug was totally screwed, almost written off if it wasnt as new as it was!

[Albert Ross]

Just been offered this for 900 sheets. Location Chepstow. More details if you likee!

 

98k on the clock... 2 litre, 2WD I believe, and I reckon the plate would stay on it, as he's bought a Mk1 Golf 'Vert, therefore it's too old for that shizzle.