Replacement auto for my dear ol' Dad.

[Lankytim]

Hi all.

 

My Dad's LPG powered Volvo 740 died last week, the engine has a knocking big end and has suffered OMGHGF (I'm sure the latter was responsible for the former, it's been unwittingly driven to it's doom) On top of that the MOT expired the following day. My Dad was interested in getting it back on the road and I was tracking down a new lump to stick in but on reflection has decided to get something smaller with an auto box. He's 71 so maybe a clunky old Volvo isn't the best mode of transport for him. He paid £100 for the 740 7 years ago so he's had his moneys worth.

 

Anyway, he was looking at a 57 reg Honda Jazz for 5 grand from a local overpriced tyre shine merchant, which I think I've managed to dissuade him from buying. He's unclear on whether he wants to buy a late motor for a few £0000's or an old motor for a few £000. Either way, it needs to be in good shape and not in any imminent danger of collapse or disintegration. 

 

Cavettes 1.4 auto Astra seems a good candidate. Cheap tax, autobox and basic technology for added reliability, plus it's warrantied against any defects for 12 months. I'll mention it to him tomorrow and see what he says, He was even making good noises about that Charade too, but as I read the sale thread to him I got to the end to see it had just sold. To be fair though, I don't think he's looking for anything that's going to need constant attention to keep on the road, something that he can just turn the key and drive would be ideal.

 

I was looking at Citroen Xsaras but the road tax on the petrol autos is pretty steep, but anything along that size would be acceptable.

 

Anybody know of any cheap autos for sale? 

[dollywobbler]

Think you can get Xsaras with diesel autos. Or ZXs with non-turbo diesel autos. BRISK. Really, I have to say that a Ronda 416 auto seems the way to go though. 

[AnthonyG]

If he's not bothered about style then that 1995 Astra automatic sounds ideal. At 60k it's nicely run in.

 

If he is bothered about style, I'm sure Cavcraft can get it polished and furnished with the correct wheel trims. An Astra Mk3 is going to be a lot more reliable than a Xsara - the youngest of which is at least 10 years old now.

 

A petrol auto Focus Mk1 also a thought, a nice one-giffer from new example. Go for a Ghia saloon for extra shite* bonus points.

 

BTW when Honda Jazz CVT boxes go wrong, they go very wrong indeed.

[Ghosty]

CVT is just bad news in general if you want an auto.

[wuvvum]

wuvvum, on 03 Feb 2015 - 9:18 PM, said:

This is cheap.

 

[Lankytim]

That looks OK... just too far away!

[The Old Bloke Next Door]

Volvo 940 GLE auto.

 

 

 

 

 

Mot expires soon, owned by me for about 8 years, genuine factory replacement engine about a year before I bought it. Mileage since then about 20,000, guestimate because the milometer doesn't work.

Five new Firestone tyres shortly after I bought it.

The shell is near mint and it drives very well apart from a misfire on tick over which is getting worse.

Cracked rear screen which doesn't leak and still demists, just about.

Numerous  other non terminal defects, which I'll list if you're interested.

 

£300, no bids, Lord Sterling may offer an un-biased opinion on how it  looks and drives.

[Lankytim]

Looks nice, but it's too big and thirsty.

[Angrydicky]

Acclaim Triomatic.

[castros_bro]

Don't don't don't and don't get a Foad or Mazda  with a Durashift automatic box as your nightmare will look like this and your bits will be held to ransom xpertz.

 

 

 

 

 

[cort16]

I think the Cavcraft Astra is the best option. There's not much out there in small sub 500 quid automatic department. It'll probably even look reasonably smart with 12 litres of mop juice applied.

When I was looking at Jazz's for my sister all the stuff I read was they're excellent cars and very little goes wrong with them except the CVT box that's will break and seems to be mainly constructed out of Cadbury's Fredo's.

[oldcars]

Volvo 940 GLE auto.

 

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Mot expires soon, owned by me for about 8 years, genuine factory replacement engine about a year before I bought it. Mileage since then about 20,000, guestimate because the milometer doesn't work.

Five new Firestone tyres shortly after I bought it.

The shell is near mint and it drives very well apart from a misfire on tick over which is getting worse.

Cracked rear screen which doesn't leak and still demists, just about.

Numerous  other non terminal defects, which I'll list if you're interested.

 

£300, no bids, Lord Sterling may offer an un-biased opinion on how it  looks and drives.

Do you have to get in it "Dukes of Hazzard" styleee, its so close to the wall. YeeeeeHaaaaa

[Cavcraft]

Cavcraft are running a scrappage scheme this week and a great* price for your old Volvo is guaranteed against any of our red Vauxhall automatics.

[oldcars]

Cavcraft are running a scrappage scheme this week and a great* price for your old Volvo is guaranteed against any of our red Vauxhall automatics.

You need to make up some Stickers - Cavcraft  Autos,  I did'nt survive the scrapage scheme and stick them on stuff before you bridge it 

[Lankytim]

I think the banger vultures are already circling the Volvo corpse so disposal won't be an issue, plus it's not drivable.

 

The inlaws have a Fusion durashift and its been great. When it does die I've read they can be converted to manual easily enough.

[Tetleysmooth]

Why not stick with Volvo and get the old lad an S/V 40.

Nice little cars. I'm loving my V40 2.0 auto.

[Pillock]

 

 

Cavettes 1.4 auto Astra

warrantied against any defects for 12 months. I

Did autocorrect change "minutes" to "months" or has Cavcraft come over all soft??!

[MrDuke]

[thread hijack] If the dead 740 has one of those 'chin spoilers' under the front bumper, is there any chance of removing it before bangerage occurs? Beer tokens would be forthcoming. [/thread hijack]

[jonathan_dyane]

I'd be interested in the heater blower fan and resistor from the 740 (together with a length of the wires and connector block). The 760 I hope to buy on Saturday has a non functioning (and part dismantled) heater blower. Being a pre 88 car I understand it has a different (and unavailable) resistor but the later resistor will fit with a bit of rewiring...

[Cavcraft]

Did I mention Frag Free February?

Cash discounts for no part-exchange!

[Lankytim]

Guess what? He's going to buy that 5grand Jazz!

 

Probably for the best, as if it goes wrong it will be his fault, not mine.

 

I'll find out what's happening with the Vol, but it's likely going to die as I don't have any time/room/money for projects. Easily repairable with a new lump, plus it runs on LPG!

[The Old Bloke Next Door]

Do you have to get in it "Dukes of Hazzard" styleee, its so close to the wall. YeeeeeHaaaaa

No, I get out/in via the passenger door, its parked close to the wall to leave plenty of room to load/unload my T4 when parked next to it.