Daughter's 106 is about on it's last legs, it's done well considering the merciless thrashing she gives it, she's covered around 60K in two years in it with various jobs needed so it doesn't owe her a penny.
So i've got the job of finding a car for her, as well as local driving she makes long journeys to her company head office and to various airports when she's out of the country which is regularly so reliable is absolute.
I'd like to get her in something more substantial obviously, she doesn't really want a Diesel as they are 'boring'....yes we know but she's 24 and a she so make allowances..;)
She wanted a Honda Integra DC5 but good ones are still out of her price range thankfully, but she does like Honda's so i've suggested Accord which to my amazement has been met with reasonable enthusiasm, bearing in mind she averages 30mpg in a 1.1 106 at her idea of cruising speeds, (i'm saying nothing), she may well get better consumption from a petrol Accord which will be much happier on the motorway
I've listed a few possibles, any thoughts?
Budget around 3500.
Oh and boys and girls what other cars would fit the bill that look really nice...subjective i know but be honest there are some boring looking cars out there.
Focus Leon Civic and similar have all been dismissed, she's not too keen on Golf's and hates Scoobies.
A few to ponder over.
tinyurl.com/33l4fwp
tinyurl.com/326xtzd
tinyurl.com/33pj5np
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Nice old, once well looked after but now cast aside like a worn out pair of shoes Merc coupe ? If only you could find one...Difficult because the owners of these things tend to treasure them.
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Mazda 6 might be worth a look, thanks AV...good job she doesn't want Diesel i'd be explaining for a week.;)
The MB did cross my mind Hump, but first RWD car without TC an auto 3.2 24v might not be a good idea...plus the way she drives 23 mpg would be tops and i doubt she'd insure it at group 18.
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I tinx the Accord looks boring but - that's not wot Honda's are aboout, are they.
Out of those 3, I likes the grey one, but I'm not your daughter, am I :)
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>> Out of those 3, I likes the grey one,
So do i, but this is a careful game to play, showing too much enthusiasm could well result in a stubborn heels dug in...gets it from her mother..;)
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Check the insurance cost of the sort of cars you're looking at - at 24 it might still be very expensive compared to a 106.
£3500 is a funny amount for a car and 60K over 2yrs is a lot, especially if she's a bit hard on the car. It's going to be down to sheer luck to get one that's reliable.
If she's got the sort of job where she's driving to head office and jetting about all over the place then couldn't she put a bit more into the car?
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Couldn't be blag a company car GB
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How's about, something like, ... This ~ tinyurl.com/39w76xe
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2002 HYUNDAI COUPE 1599 cc 1.6 S NEWER SHAPE CAR, ONLY 45000 MILES AND SERVICE HISTO…
3 Doors, Manual, Coupe, Petrol, 45,000 miles, Metalic Silver, 2 Registered Keepers, Service History, HPI Checked, Car Data Checked, Power Steering, Remote Central Locking, Front Electric Windows, Electric Mirrors, ABS, Air Conditioning, Drivers Airbag, Passenger Airbag, Side Airbags, Alarm, Immobiliser, Alloy Wheels, stereo and c d system, rear head rests, front fog lights, colour coded bumpers and mirrors, rear boot spoiler, NON SMOKERS CAR, carpet mats, TWO LADY OWNERS FROM NEW WITH ONLY 45000 MILES AND SERVICE HISTORY, AND THE NEWER SHAPE CAR, finance and part exchange is avalible to all customers, open 7 days a week, all major credit and debit cards accepted, e-mail to mwcarsales@btconnect.com tele 01923 250220 anytime, M W CAR SALES, WIGGENHALL RO. AD, WATFORD, HERTS, WD18 OFN. £3,200
Blimey - tempted myself. Thats a good looking wagon.
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>> 2002 HYUNDAI COUPE 1599 cc 1.6 S NEWER SHAPE CAR, ONLY 45000 MILES AND SERVICE
>> HISTO…
>> WD18 OFN. £3,200
>>
>>
>> Blimey - tempted myself. Thats a good looking wagon.
>>
They're a really good car, quick, comfortable, excellent luggage capacity, will hold four adults provided you don't sit six-footers in the back; also well made and extremely reliable. Only downside is that the CO2 rating makes them a bit expensive to tax, hence the low resale value and the reason why my 2001 model is still sitting on my yard awaiting spring weather and a better chance of selling it for more than peanuts. Given the mileage she's doing though the VED is virtually irrelevant as a percentage of running costs.
Personally I'd go for a 2-litre model though, same VED band IIRC, same if not better fuel economy and more grunt. Get the SE model too, leather seats as standard.
Last edited by: Harleyman on Sun 19 Dec 10 at 10:37
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>> If she's got the sort of job where she's driving to head office and jetting
>> about all over the place then couldn't she put a bit more into the car?
>>
She doesn't want to finance a car which i agree with.
Insurance she's looking into at the moment, but she's realistic and knows there's likely to be a hefty increase.
Reliability..all i can do is try and point her at the most likely cars.
Martin, she wouldn't want one, she dislikes 99% of modern cars...gets that from me..;)
Primera is not an option D, that was about the first model she mentioned as not liking.
Girls are very fickle creatures chaps.
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Having helped my sister find cars in the past, for your own sanity, id just make sure she doesnt buy something stolen/knackered an leave the choice of make/model to her - I just walked my sister onto various forecourts and let her run, like a police dog. They usually find what they are looking for :-)
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>> Primera is not an option D, that was about the first model she mentioned as
>> not liking.
>>
>> Girls are very fickle creatures chaps.
Not at all, that is one ugly SOB. They should all be taken off the roads as a visual offence.
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>> Focus Leon Civic and similar have all been dismissed, she's not too keen on Golf's
>> and hates Scoobies.
So not a family size hatchback then? I know she doesn't like diesels but what about an Audi A3 1.9tdi? Nice car for a 24 year old. I like Accords, I may well end up with one myself, but I'm surprised she likes them at her age, although I have seen a few young women drive them. They are supremely comfortable on motorways, supposed to have seats as good if not better than Volvo's, Saab's.
The grey Accord is a 2.4. Thats going to be higher insurance(group 15 I think) and higher road tax, and they average around 31mpg. Powerful though. The 2.0 is the best compromise, ultra reliable, around 38mpg and no expensive diesel problems at higher mileage.
Mazda 3? I suppose Audi A4 and BMW 3 series too high on insurance?
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In the past several people have asked me to suggest cars for them and most have then bought cars totally unsuited to them and their driving style-one, in particular bought a car totally unsuitable and when I asked her "why?"- the milkman told her they were good.
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Whem my sister told me she wanted something 'different' and 'cool', both of which are entirely subjective ( a V8 Lada was apparently not on ), I knew there and then that she would know what she wanted when she saw it and it was all about how it looked.
She discounted a car because the headlights were the wrong shape...!
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Audi A3, hmm could be a possibility though usually high used prices...She Who Must is taking her for a spin in the C2 VTS later to prove that Diesels can be far from boring.
Hyundai Coupe, hadn't crossed my mind which is odd cos i'd have suggested one for anyone else, i thought of Hyundai/Kia and couldn't recollect a model, thanks chaps.
She'll probably want something that makes us all chorus 'oh no'.
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HarleyM,
We've discussed the big pita of Hyundai Coupe's before, the front discs being fitted from behind the hub on earlier incarnations (horrible job that becomes expensive when 4 wheel bearings disintegrate and have to be pressed in and out in a workshop) ...is that still the case on the models we are looking at do you know?
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I no longer suggest cars for my daughters. They expect me to do all the legwork and then not like the day of the week or some such nonsense.
I tell them that if they find one I'll look over it, if they want me to.
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I really don't know. Had my wheel bearings done on mine not long before I parked it up, and it wasn't too much of a job, thankfully caught the offending one before it exploded. Think it cost about £100 including labour. The discs were well within limits so I left them on.
FWIW mine's still for sale, appreciate it might be a bit older than she's looking for but if you're interested let me know and I'll send pics.
Last edited by: Harleyman on Sun 19 Dec 10 at 12:17
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Thanks HM, i seem to recall by the time we'd put new discs and pads on with 4 new bearings there was no change from £350 possibly more, and that was us doing the donkey work just getting the bearings pressed in and out at a workshop (£20ish).
Understand where you are coming from Tom, she's good really in a girl sort of way..;)
Last edited by: gordonbennet on Sun 19 Dec 10 at 12:21
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>> HarleyM,
>>
>> We've discussed the big pita of Hyundai Coupe's before, the front discs being fitted from
>> behind the hub on earlier incarnations
ISTRC that was a feature of Accords of a certain vintage too, although when, or even if this changed, I have no idea.
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>> Audi A3, hmm could be a possibility though usually high used prices...She Who Must is
>> taking her for a spin in the C2 VTS later to prove that Diesels can
>> be far from boring.
Yeah, forget the Audi A3's gb, everything high mileage unless you push the budget up.
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>> She wanted a Honda Integra DC5
Whoa! You can't just gloss over a DC5, possibly the finest FWD sports car of all time, ever, anywhere!
What an engine!!!
Rubbish for today though (not enough torque). Justice done. As you were.
:-)
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>> Whoa! You can't just gloss over a DC5,
Indeed Sk and i wouldn't have minded one meself, another one to add to my imaginary fleet.
However needing a car that must be on the road at all times does lead her down a slightly different path, it's the parts situation mostly.
By the way her mileage shouldn't be as high for the next 2 years anyway as she's on a European contract, so airport runs at all hours, the very high mileage she racked up last 2 years was long daily commute to her UK contract site.
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Anything wrong with an Avensis?
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Nothing at all wrong with an Avensis Stu and a very good car to boot, trouble is even i find them incredibly boring to look at and the colour choice of bland or extra bland or even super bland pale wishwash didn't help.
I'm a big fan of Toyota's and even i cringe at some of their designs, you'd find it hard to beat the Auris for dreadful looks in the hatch market whcih is a pity cos again they are competent cars.
Even the latest Avensis which is lovely looks peculiar from many angles especially the back, plus it's ruled out for ever for me because of the electric handbrake that works backwards.
I wonder if like Skoda, Toyota's larger designs are deliberately beaten with the ugly stick so as not to encroach on the more lucrative (Lexus) badges for the European market.
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Volvo S40? Based on the Focus but a classier car, not too big. Upping the budget to £4500 would get a 1.8 petrol with around 70000 miles. You said you'd like to get her in something more substantial - they are extremely strong and safe.
Last edited by: corax on Sun 19 Dec 10 at 17:49
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>> Volvo S40? You said you'd
>> like to get her in something more substantial -
I can only suggest and see what reaction there is, thought i'd done well to get her to consider an Accord.
I don't think you fully appreciate what strange creatures daughters can be C, have you got any of the beasts at home?..:-)
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She into 4x4s at all, like a Rav 4 or a Honda or some description?
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like a Rav 4 or a Honda or some description?
>>
or Hilux...hmm now that's a good idea.;)
Again i can only ask but she didn't like the new Corsa she had as a hire car, apart from she hated the look (good taste see) and drive of it found it had too many blind spots and was too high.
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>> I don't think you fully appreciate what strange creatures daughters can be C, have you
>> got any of the beasts at home?..:-)
Luckily I havn't, but she sure does sound strange, shunning the typical young persons trendy cars for what is considered to be an old man's motor. I think you'll just have to wait until she points at something, then take it from there.
:-)
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>> Luckily I haven't, but she sure does sound strange, shunning the typical young persons
>> trendy cars for what is considered to be an old man's motor. I think you'll
>> just have to wait until she points at something, then take it from there.
>>
>> :-)
>>
If she is anything like my pair of daughters that is just when she will change her mind. :-)
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Still not decided, Accord/Mazda 6 not too sure about, she goes to test drive a Civic 2.0 S (one owner fsh jobbie nice car) today, and if open a MG ZS 2.5 V6 saloon...yes i know.
There's a sporty Saxo with low mileage not far away and i wouldn't be at all surprised if she plumps for that, she has great affection for these little motors despite their shortcomings.
A driving instructor family friend was discussing daughters car with her and us yesterday, seems she's not alone in really loving 106/Saxo's and being underwhelmed by modern hatchbacks with their ridiculous roof pillars, massive dashboards and all round blind spots
General agreement that design flaws accepted and forgiven they'd be selling 106's in shedloads if Pug still made them, being old fashioned making not a jot of difference to a nice nimble easy driving and to my eyes pretty car with good all round visibility.
Daughters got a brand new hire Corsa at the moment and hasn't got a good word for it, nothing wrong with it as such, it's lifeless and remote like driving a simulator, it's also the inabilty to see out of modern cars she hates...can't argue with her on those points.
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Update, just got back from checking the Civic out, she's bought it.
She test drove it earlier and despite not liking it when she first sat in it found driving it really nice, which it is, helped by the lovely slick short throw gearbox and typically Japanese light and positive switches and controls.
I think she really wanted to like the MG and did, but found the ride a bit crashing and the car creaking and rough so talked herself out of it (thankfully and better than me trying to do so), though to be fair the V6 sounded wonderful to her.
Lets hope the Honda 2.0 VTEC turns out to be a good un.
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Good engines allegedly. Tough as they come.
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Hope so Hump, it's always a bit of a gamble, i've been all over it and short of needing a pair of front tyres soon it seems good, it's got good service history having been BT fleet so as well as service book stamped it comes with BT records too.
Getting her trained up, she's asking for the same or similar tyres for the front that served her so well on the Pug...Vred all seasons which i haven't a hope of finding, but there's Kumho KH21 all seasons in the very sensible sizes available...that'll be dads unasked for gift..;)
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I know the tooth suckers say you shouldn't put winter tyres on one axle only but is there the same threat of impending doom if the new ones are "all season" do you think?
Only ask, 'cos "her" Squashy could do with some front tyres soonish. Well, they're not bad at 3mm but I'll change them before long.
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I believe Honda have still to record an in service failure of a VTEC system, which is staggering given the production numbers.
Probably the most robust and best engineered four pot engines out there.
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>> I believe Honda have still to record an in service failure of a VTEC system,
>> which is staggering given the production numbers.
>> Probably the most robust and best engineered four pot engines out there.
Thats an oft quoted urban myth and one that Honda wont substantiate
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>> Thats an oft quoted urban myth and one that Honda wont substantiate
The other argument of course, is that there isn't a fat lot to go wrong with the VTEC system either. A few solenoids, a bit of wiring and some ECU firmware.
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Is that the current shape one GB?
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>> Is that the current shape one GB?
>>
No MT it's a 53 plate so a 5 door S type of the previous model.
In black so it looks quite nice, half leather, few parking marks on it which no one has tried to disguise, wheels are clean, not mashed and not refurbed as far as i can see, everything seems to work though stabilty control etc i obviously couldn't test...here's hoping.
Reassuring opinions about the VTEC system chaps, whether there has been the odd failure or not they don't seem to be waiting in rows for recovery on the hard shoulder.
S'funny daughters cock a hoop about the car and it's me worrying meself into a sleepless night that i've dropped a big clanger for her.
Tyre wise Hump, she was on 'all seasons' (Vred Quatrac 2, snowflake marked) on the Piggy and they have been good for her and given spectacular mileage considering how she drove the poor little blighter.
I'm of the same opinion as you regarding mixing, we'll see how she goes.
A workmate has his first investment in winter's this year, he's put a pair on the front of his C2 Diesel, he's mighty impressed by the ice and snow grip and doesn't report any undue imbalance..having said that he uses his loaf and drives to the conditions using the winters for traction without assuming he's running a track laying vehicle.
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>> No MT it's a 53 plate so a 5 door S type of the previous
>> model.
Mrs Dugong has a 1.6 auto. I've just spent the first money on repairs after 8 years (new battery, preemptive after having to charge it last week). Does the 2.0 have the same electrically assisted steering?
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Just had a shufty at some on AT. Good looking cars which I had previously managed not to notice. Hope your daughter enjoys owning it.
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Does the 2.0 have the same electrically assisted steering?
>>
Don't have the foggiest to be honest.
Is there something i should know or look out for?
{{Good looking cars which I had previously managed not to notice.}}
Nor me, mind you i used to deliver C2 VTS's and never knew they were available with the 1.6 Diesel, so just shows what i know, bog all.
Last edited by: gordonbennet on Mon 27 Dec 10 at 22:06
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>> Does the 2.0 have the same electrically assisted steering?
>> >>
>>
>> Don't have the foggiest to be honest.
>>
>> Is there something i should know or look out for?
Not that I'm aware of. Ours has been no bother. It has its own feel though, which following your daughter's reaction to the Corsa I thought she might pick up on. I tend to notice it when I haven't driven it for a while, but I get used to it after a few miles.
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>> Reassuring opinions about the VTEC system chaps, whether there has been the odd failure or not they don't seem to be waiting in rows for recovery on the hard shoulder.
The VTEC system needs clean oil (but I'm sure you don't need advice about regular oil changes), other than that they are bombproof - that model is chain cam as well.
This website is based on american cars, but still makes interesting reading.
www.hondabeat.com/highmiles.php
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>> she's not alone in really loving 106/Saxo's and being underwhelmed by modern hatchbacks with their
>> ridiculous roof pillars
Which will probably save your life in a crash, as opposed to a flimsy 106 caving in all around and crusing you to death.
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it makes me feel really uneasy when i see parents buying their children there first car and its a 106 type thing.
the safety aspect is very worrying. as a parent you've spent all those years trying to minimise the danger you put your children in and then go and buy a tiny tin box with no crash protection.
id raather stump the extra money up and get a focus for them.
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>> it makes me feel really uneasy when i see parents buying their children there first
>> car and its a 106 type thing.
Nyx2k and Alanovic, i understand your unease at the risk to our youngsters, unfortunately not being a footballer banker or politician means i have limited funds to help my offspring, not only that but there's far too many spoiled brats already without adding to the country's already plague numbers...i bought the 106 for her from one of my regular (previous job) dealers, she'd secured a good job by grabbing a head hunt offer with both hands and needed transport.
I don't believe the current fashion of cradle onwards over indulgence of their every whim is good for youngsters, they end up having no idea of value or worth, and even less apreciation of themselves or others.
Pleading mitigating circumstances for a moment, my daughter wouldn't want a Focus if her life depended on it (boring to her), and as a first car her insurance bill (again being a tight wad i wasn't paying that) was quite enough with a 1.1 106, having a little banger like this means she's had to learn to drive overtake etc with a bit of forethought and no ABS (don't faint) means she knows all about grip and appreciates tyre spec.
She driven bigger hire cars in various European (some Eastern) countries but it's been a hell of a struggle to get her into something more substantial, the only reason she'll tolerate the Civic is cos it's black, the 2.0 litre engine helped.
She's paid for this car and the increased insurance and VED, she won't take out a loan and i applaud that, she really wanted a Integra DC5 or even worse an Evo of some sort, i daresay at some point she'll want more power and i might be able to cajole her into a Type R instead.
Last edited by: gordonbennet on Fri 31 Dec 10 at 22:23
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>>
she really wanted a Integra DC5 or even worse
>> an Evo of some sort, i daresay at some point she'll want more power and
>> i might be able to cajole her into a Type R instead.
Sounds like she takes after her mum then :)
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>> Sounds like she takes after her mum then :)
>>
Fortunately not C her mum isn't a natural driver.
Stepmum...hell yes.
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>> Nyx2k and Alanovic, i understand your unease at the risk to our youngsters
Didn't mean any offence GB, know where you're coming from. I'm hoping my Volvo 360 will still be running and in good nick when my children learn to drive - proper driving experience that, without PAS or any of that. Thereafter, they can choose their own vehicle (provided they can afford to run it).
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>> Didn't mean any offence GB,
Good heavens AV, none taken.
Nothing i'd like better then to have shoved my little girl in an S80 or 7 series when she passed her test, and i'm glad she got through her first 2 and a half years without any serious mishaps, but plenty of learning mistakes no doubt.
EDIT, had there been a serious prang no one would have kicked themselves more than me.
A good friend had a 360 GLT? few years ago with IIRC the 2.0 litre engine from the 240, a very capable car though i only co piloted it.
The 3 series Volvo is probably one of the very few cars from my era that i haven't driven.
Last edited by: gordonbennet on Sat 1 Jan 11 at 13:12
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Mine's a 360 GLEi saloon. Same engine you're talking about - the "redblock" which was used in the 240s. 300s with the Renault engines (1.4 and 1.7) are usually poo-pooed by Volvo purists, but the 360s with the proper Volvo engines are a little more accepted.
RWD also, of course, which I'm sure you'd appreciate!
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> 300s with the Renault engines (1.4 and 1.7) are usually poo-pooed
>> by Volvo purists,
Do they disown S40's that were i believe also made in Holland, a car i always liked but never owned.
I remember when Daf's turned into Volvo's, what i can't remember is if the 3 series kept the variomatic transmission in the smaller engined models.
Your car has a rear gearbox/transaxle unit IIRC, did they offer a proper automatic box or was there no auto option.
Last edited by: gordonbennet on Sat 1 Jan 11 at 14:33
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Yes, the variomatic came into the early 300 series model, but I don't know if later models got a proper auto box. I'm sure my pals on the 300mania forum will enlighten me....
I think S40s are a bit persona non grata also, due to being non-Swedes. But the younger generation of enthusiasts is generally less snobby.
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my parents had a new 360 when i learned to drive and was my daily driver when i passed.
was a great car and if i was to buy a used retro car i'd get one of those like a shot
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As I read down this thread I thought 'if she likes Hondas why not go for an old-shape Civic?' - so good news that she has.
SWMBO had a Type S a few years ago - apart from a poor turning circle (caused I suspect by the fatter tyres fitted to the S rather than the ones on the 1.6 that the car was originally designed for) it was a great car: totally reliable as Honda petrols normally are, and quite a good turn of speed. SWMBO got rid only because she wanted something smaller: three Minis since then.
Last edited by: Avant on Tue 28 Dec 10 at 00:16
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>> SWMBO got rid only because she wanted something smaller: three Minis since then.
Was this a genuine reduction in car dimensions and by how much. Or in reality a reduction in interior space available? i.e. the outside dimensions were closer than you think.
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Being honest, Rob, she wanted a Mini. I think a lot of people buy Minis and don't want anything else. No regrets: Minis are great as long as you also have a big wagon in the family as well - not much good as an only car. And the first two did us proud - worth 80 % of cost when nearly 2 years old.
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I am genuinely interested David. My wife liked the minis a lot and then travelled in one and found them compromised. So we didn't replace her car. It's currently a Seicento. We'd like a FIAT 500 and could get one but she works local and goes to the gym a couple of times a week in her car (and the others with me in mine). In the colder weather then she might do 20 miles per week. In the warmer weather it will be closer to 10 miles per week.
But I'd like an Abarth 500 too ;-)
Last edited by: rtj70 on Tue 28 Dec 10 at 00:59
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Had a Type S for nearly 8 years now. There isn't much in the Honda range I'd like and certainly not the current Civic. Maybe the CR-Z, but I rather like the 2.0 litre engine in the old shape Civic. Maybe just get the suspension/bushes refreshed and keep it for now. BTW, it is electrically assisted steering.
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Thanks for the follow up posts chaps, and the link Corax.
It now at her flat in her parking space, taxing it from the 1st.
I'll be champing at the bit to get it jacked up checked over and some proper Millers synthetic flowing through it's veins before the following week is out.
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New car for daughter - Alanovich
