Talk to me about reliable interesting commutershite

[urpert]

I'm thinking about "investing" in some interesting shite to commute ~10 miles through suburban London traffic to work. It needs to be something that actually starts in the morning and has working heating in the winter, so nothing too old or povo. I'd also like something a bit quirky (I like French and Italian cars far more than I should, given the terrible ones I've owned). Budget is probably up to a couple of grand.

 

I've always liked the idea of an Alfa 156, which is of course a ridiculous idea given the above criteria. So I'll probably end up with one of those. Other ideas include Renault 5 Monaco or (Mk1) Saab 900. I'm not wild about either Fords or VAGshite.

 

What have I missed, dear Shiters?

[Micrashed]

So reliable and frugal you will die of boredom

[urpert]

Other thoughts: 205 in a nice colour (black, ideally)

[skattrd]

Small fun car means Daihatsu to me.

YRV turbo with semi auto gearbox & 130bhp sounds ideal for commuting.

I used a couple of Kei cars when I was doing localish commuting a few years ago. Kei cars are gr9.3

[urpert]

Stop the presses, I've found the answer (thanks to Junkman):

 

[Jim Bell]

205 Diesel Turbot is a good car. The heater fans all squeek or squeal though. All the ones I've owned did anyway. Didnt bother me but drove Mrs SP mental in winter.

[londonm]

Get an MX5, cheap this time of year, then sell it on at a profit in the spring.

[Skizzer]

Stop the presses, I've found the answer (thanks to Junkman):

 

$_57.JPG

 

DO IT

DO IT

DO IT

DO IT

[phil_lihp]

Admittedly this is pushing the boundaries of 'interesting' but popup headlights and frameless windows win the day, plus it'll always start and they drive exceedingly well.

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1992-Mazda-323F-Long-MOT-Great-Condition-Drives-Well-/131327590894?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item1e93bc01ee

 

[urpert]

Funnily enough I've always liked both versions of the 323. On the list, thanks.

[Mr_Bo11ox]

for 10 miles of non-motorway use you could use pretty much any car from the last 75 years or so. I suggest a BMC 11/1300

[Matt]

What have I missed, dear Shiters?

 

That the Alfa would be wonderful should it not go wrong. While something like a Micra would be frugal I wouldn't want to be inside one sitting in traffic which I imagine you do a lot of around London. On the open road it wouldn't be too bad because your attention is on the road but sitting in traffic a grey plastic interior would be depressing.

[beko1987]

1.4 ZX. Warms up quicker than the 1.9td in my experience, especially if you thrash the tits off it for the first half a mile!

[urpert]

A 3-door ZX is a very interesting prospect.

[chaseracer]

1.4 ZX. Warms up quicker than the 1.9td in my experience, especially if you thrash the tits off it for the first half a mile!

A 3-door ZX is a very interesting prospect.

 

OOH!! LOOK!!

 

http://autoshite.com/topic/18394-feeling-depressed-what-car-can-i-buy-to-cheer-myself-up/?p=647253

 

[cort16]

Avantime, Sinclair c5 or Bedford rascal

 

I wouldn't worry about a 156 they're not really any more or less shit than any other car that age they just look better . Just be sure to stay away from

Sele speeds and diesels . I think post 2002 thave a nicer interior .

[Partridge]

I will be shot, burned and stoned for saying this, but the '05 Polo PARTRIDGE_BACK_UP_CAR has been great. You can pick them up for almost shitist money now.

[Cavcraft]

Yes, yes you can. Because they're fucking rubbish, that's why.

[Partridge]

FIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGHT!

[rml2345]

It has to be that GSA. It fits none of the other criteria other than being interesting.

You know you want it...

[eddyramrod]

Old Volvo 740 estate, auto, 2.3 injection.  Trust me.  I used mine to commute through Preston.  In traffic, you're invincible unless you meet a (proper) Land Rover.  Bonus: if you manage to get a bit of open road, it can pick up its skirts and go quite satisfyingly.  Also, not only is the heater excellent but the seats have very efficient bumwarmers built in.  If possible, get one that looks like one step up from the Council Estate, a few scars will add to the charm.

[Partridge]

My mate had one and we used to entertain ourselves on roadtrips playing naughts and crosses on the backing foam after the roof lining had come off.

[Asimo]

Smart.

 

It's what the're for.

[Cavcraft]

Smart.

 

It's what the're for.

 

Y do you say that?

[Bren]

For the mileage you cover it needs to be a petrol.

 

156 is a nice car but a bad one will break you.

[Honey Badger]

Accord Coupe, fast, quiet and bloody comfortable. Commuting is a bloody doddle in one of these.

 

Really comfortable seats, A/C and it's really quiet in traffic, plus it's quite rare and a decent looker, V6 will have an epic thirst if your only driving it round town though.

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2000-Honda-Accord-3-0i-V6-2dr-Auto-/251686568909?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3a99b043cd

 

 

[HillmanImp]

Yes, yes you can. Because they're fucking rubbish, that's why.

Can 2nd that opinion. They are poorly built and drive like a car 20yrs older than they are. One of the worst cars I have ever had the missfortune to be in. You would expect that to be GR8 for people on here as its exactly like the cars ee do drive but I expect a modern to drive like its peers. Its like having a flatscreen HD SmartTV but getting it home to find its only a B&W with a analogue aerial.

 

In the same vein, I wouldn't be happy if I bought a vintage turntable and it only played MP3s.

 

I am happy using any old car as a commuter. Was doing 150 miles a week in the Visa until recently. I can't fault it. I say, like a car? Buy it, use it. All cars were commuter cars at some point and can still be used as such with proper maintenance. (watch me break down today after saying this).

[Hertz]

Interesting under 2k and Italian/french you say....

 

[oldcars]

A Reliant three wheeler, ticks all the boxes. Crap heater & hard to start. Win win 

[castros_bro]

AX 1.5 D  keeps up with traffic, 11 billion miles a pint,  made of plastic, good for hooning at the weekend, buy my 1.5D Bosch injector pump and pipes to make it more of a vegatable vegetable. .

 

Edited October 23, 2014 by castros_bro