(20-06-23, 09:56 PM)Grahamm link Wrote: I tried to get a test drive in the "Boy Racer" one last week, but just got voicemail and left them a message.
I called them again yesterday, only to find they'd sold it on the weekend.
So I called the other showroom...
... and they'd sold theirs on the weekend too..!!
Oh well, I'm not in a rush, so I'll keep looking.
That size car is in short supply - ideal first car, ideal runabout etc etc. I know it's not helpful due to costs, but have you tried looking at what is called a "Luxobarge". I picked up a Chrysler 300CRD Touring on a 56 plate for less than 2k. Any change left over went towards the insurance costs. For a 3.0l V6 diesel automatic, I can get approx 45mpg on the motorway, 500 mile tank range. Massive inside. 
I’d agree on the “luxobarge” suggestion, although as more towns and cities adopt “compliancy” eg ULEZ, perfectly good cars like your Chrysler and my diesel Vectra will have to be sold, or pay through the nose every day your car is used. It would seem diesels are a big no-no now :'(
Whizz kid sitting pretty on his two wheeled stallion.
(22-06-23, 08:02 AM)robbo link Wrote: I’d agree on the “luxobarge” suggestion, although as more towns and cities adopt “compliancy” eg ULEZ, perfectly good cars like your Chrysler and my diesel Vectra will have to be sold, or pay through the nose every day your car is used. It would seem diesels are a big no-no now :'(
It's simple - especially if you don't live in a ULEZ environment. Don't go there! I've now taken London, Bristol & Birmingham off my wife's list of shopping haunts lol, whether we're on the bikes or in the car.
Diesels are not as bad for the environment as the media make out.
#1. It's cheaper to produce (from a carbon footprint point).
#2. It's one of the first products from the refining process.
#3. Diesel engines tend to last longer, therefore requiring less maintenance per mile and the associated carbon footprint thereof.
#4. When I "recharge" my tank, I know that I have a definite 500 mile range and that there are generally fuel sources along the way. Oh, and it takes 10 minutes max to recharge at the end of that 500 mile sector :lol :lol .
Don't go there. Great advice unless you live within the catchment area, then what. Either £12.50 every day you use it, sell it, move or have moody plates made up. :'(
Whizz kid sitting pretty on his two wheeled stallion.
(21-06-23, 08:13 PM)fazerscotty link Wrote: have you tried looking at what is called a "Luxobarge".
Thanks for the suggestion, but I'll pass...
(22-06-23, 04:38 PM)robbo link Wrote: Don't go there. Great advice unless you live within the catchment area, then what. Either £12.50 every day you use it, sell it, move or have moody plates made up. :'(
I admit that introducing an unfair form of taxation based on location is a bit much, however, the local economy will suffer when the punters vote with their feet. Those that cannot move, will inevitably face higher prices/taxes, as the revenue stream dries up.
I had a customer at Bristol Airport - I don't go there anymore as the easiest route to the airport from the M5, now takes you into the ULEZ zone and subsequent charges. I feel sorry for people going on summer holiday and just following the signs (not :lol :lol ).
Still looking for a car, but I've widened my search to include the Volkswagen Polo and Seat Ibiza because they're effectively the same car, although the VW costs more because of the name and the Seat because it tends to have higher spec...!
(30-06-23, 09:44 PM)Grahamm link Wrote: Still looking for a car, but I've widened my search to include the Volkswagen Polo and Seat Ibiza because they're effectively the same car, although the VW costs more because of the name and the Seat because it tends to have higher spec...!
That's not a bad shout - I looked at Mondeo's and then found the X-Type Jags were cheaper and higher spec.
(30-06-23, 09:44 PM)Grahamm link Wrote: Still looking for a car, but I've widened my search to include the Volkswagen Polo and Seat Ibiza because they're effectively the same car, although the VW costs more because of the name and the Seat because it tends to have higher spec...! A pal has just sold his Seat Leon estate as now needs 4 wheel drive capability. Great car, excellent on diesel. Had three different conversations recently regarding the purchase of new cars, and each had ordered a Seat Arona. In the 60’s it seemed that Seat were the Spanish version of Fiat, but of course are now part of the VAG group of companies.
Whizz kid sitting pretty on his two wheeled stallion.
(05-07-23, 01:41 PM)robbo link Wrote: [quote author=Grahamm link=topic=25540.msg332175#msg332175 date=1688157873]
Still looking for a car, but I've widened my search to include the Volkswagen Polo and Seat Ibiza because they're effectively the same car, although the VW costs more because of the name and the Seat because it tends to have higher spec...! A pal has just sold his Seat Leon estate as now needs 4 wheel drive capability. Great car, excellent on diesel. Had three different conversations recently regarding the purchase of new cars, and each had ordered a Seat Arona. In the 60’s it seemed that Seat were the Spanish version of Fiat, but of course are now part of the VAG group of companies.
[/quote]
If you think about it, the Volkswagen/Audi group have managed to do what Hitler didn't :lol :lol :lol
Well I did my first test drive today, which was a bit of a nerve wracking experience
The lady at the dealers was friendly and helpful, which was a good thing, because I had pretty much no idea what I was doing, so she suggested I sit in it, then have a look under the bonnet, although there was some insulation material by the firewall that looked like it had been pulled about (by rats or something, I don't know).
There was also a problem because she said that when they serviced the car (they'd only had it a week) some water must have got into the electric window switches, so they wouldn't go down. That meant that I had to get her to adjust the wing mirrors because the controls for them were a bit dodgy too!
She said they'd get all this fixed, but it wasn't a great beginning.
I was probably almost more nervous than when I did my driving test, but fortunately I wasn't too bad with the clutch control when I went for a little pootle around some local back streets (although there's barely enough room to get down them with cars parked either side!), fortunately I managed to avoid hitting anything and got us back to the show room safely.
I've decided to have a think about it and if the car is still there in a few days I might give it another try and go out on the A27 to get a better feel for it, also I can check if they've fixed the problems with it.
Oh, and I was so out of sorts that I managed to leave my driving licence there, so I'm going to have to pop round and pick it up on Monday... :o
Just a thought.....depending on the type of driving you will be doing... local,narrow streets,parking issues,with longer distance journeys?
My money is on the Fiat Panda. I previously had 59 reg via the scrappage scheme -these were built inFiats Polish factory.I traded this in for a 2015 new style 1.2 litre popular model(built in Fiat's state of the art Turin robotic factory 2012 onwards). Build quality far better. Have done approx 60000 miles with change of timing belt kit/water pump(based on age rather than mileage). VED on the2015 model is £35. Mpg sometimes approaching 55/60 on longer runs, Light steering,good visibility,easy to get in and out. Amazingly good inside space with compact external dimensions. No wonder this is the second hand car with highest price retention at present.
The Panda is not perfect but extremely good at most things. Who needs a 2ton behemoth SUV in everyday conditions? A bit like local commuting on a 150bhp superbike!
I am sure you are aware of the issues concerning warping of cylinder head on certain3 cylinder Skodas and my friend had the same electric door/window issues that you mention.
Good luck & take your time.
There is a useful Fiat Panda UK owners group on Facebook.
The Panda doesn't seem to score well in the reliability or safety charts that I've looked at. Mostly I'm going to be using the car to drive to East Wittering or similar places so I'll need room inside to put the surf board I'm not riding as I wouldn't want to risk leaving it on the roof.
In any case, I'm probably not going to go for the Fabia I test drove. To start with, the extra cost (including the insurance) is pushing my budget and I'm a little iffy about the faulty windows too, because that could be indicative of other possible issues.
Some people elsewhere have suggested buying private, but I'd much prefer paying a bit more to buy from a dealer with a good reputation and a 3 month warranty, rather than a private sale where I'd have no comeback. Not only can I get Section 75 protection, I'm also going to do some finessing with credit cards and 0% deals which I can't do privately!
I've also looked at reviews of local dealers and made a list of those which have positive reviews and have replied well to customers' comments. Some of the others had zero customer service or posted less than constructive responses...
Still, at least I know I can drive the thing 
Good to see that you're looking at reviews. So many of todays new drivers (young ones) seem to only want to buy whatever looks good in the Maccy D's carpark irrespective of long term issues.
(08-07-23, 08:34 PM)Grahamm link Wrote: Well I did my first test drive today, which was a bit of a nerve wracking experience
The lady at the dealers was friendly and helpful, which was a good thing, because I had pretty much no idea what I was doing, so she suggested I sit in it, then have a look under the bonnet, although there was some insulation material by the firewall that looked like it had been pulled about (by rats or something, I don't know).
There was also a problem because she said that when they serviced the car (they'd only had it a week) some water must have got into the electric window switches, so they wouldn't go down. That meant that I had to get her to adjust the wing mirrors because the controls for them were a bit dodgy too!
She said they'd get all this fixed, but it wasn't a great beginning.
I was probably almost more nervous than when I did my driving test, but fortunately I wasn't too bad with the clutch control when I went for a little pootle around some local back streets (although there's barely enough room to get down them with cars parked either side!), fortunately I managed to avoid hitting anything and got us back to the show room safely.
I've decided to have a think about it and if the car is still there in a few days I might give it another try and go out on the A27 to get a better feel for it, also I can check if they've fixed the problems with it.
Oh, and I was so out of sorts that I managed to leave my driving licence there, so I'm going to have to pop round and pick it up on Monday... :o
Walk away from this one Graham. I'm not sure how you can water into the door panels giving a service (garage service is just an oil change these days), and I'm surprised a reputable dealer would let anyone test drive a car knowing it has faults
Well, I've put down a deposit on a 2010 Fabia 1.2 2 HTP which has done 118,000 miles and is priced at £2245.
I rode to the dealership (pretty much just a gravel area on a farm that is next to another dealers/ workshop) although it wasn't until I was halfway there that I realised I'd not brought my driving shoes :o but I found that if I just undid the zips and velcro on my riding boots, I had enough freedom of movement to control the car.
I had a bit of a chat with the dealer first, then took it for a test drive (he didn't even ask for my driving licence, but I was hardly likely to leave my bike there and vamoose with the car!)
It was a little tricky to drive to start with as the height of the brake pedal was much greater than what I'd got used to in the Corsa I'd learned on and, of course, the clutch feel was different, but I drove it around (mostly on 30 and 40 mph roads) for several miles.
The only real problem I had was on a single lane hump backed bridge with traffic lights at the top. I had to stop, so I figured I'd be able to practice a hill start, unfortunately I got the clutch/ accelerator balance wrong the first time and stalled it, much to the annoyance of the BMW driver behind me who decided beeping his horn was the correct way to help...
Anyway, the second time I got it right and then I tried some reversing in a car park which went pretty well and on the way back I got onto a 50mph road and tried out 5th gear.
From my (very limited!) experience, there weren't any nasty noises, although the Check Engine light was on, however I was told that it was an issue with a filter that they were going to fix. There was also a "clunk" when I tried a hot start, but (supposedly) that was a loose exhaust bracket which, again, would be fixed.
Once they say they've sort those out, I'm going to pay for an RAC inspection and the dealer has signed up to the AA Car Standards code. It will come with free AA cover that actually makes no difference to me as I have Any Vehicle RAC cover, but WTH! Also the MOT runs out in September, so they're going to do a new one for me.
The tyres are only about a year old and barely worn, so that's ok.
One thing I have discovered is that the Fabia needs the Timing Chain, Tensioner and Water Pump replaced every 60k miles, so I guess someone decided to flog it off before they needed to pay for between £500 and £800 of work, however, on further reflection, even including that, it still bring the car in at a maximum of £3,100 so that's well in budget for me.
It comes with a 3 month guarantee, so fingers crossed everything goes smoothly...
(10-07-23, 09:33 PM)Grahamm link Wrote: Well, I've put down a deposit on a 2010 Fabia 1.2 2 HTP which has done 118,000 miles and is priced at £2245.
I rode to the dealership (pretty much just a gravel area on a farm that is next to another dealers/ workshop) although it wasn't until I was halfway there that I realised I'd not brought my driving shoes :o but I found that if I just undid the zips and velcro on my riding boots, I had enough freedom of movement to control the car.
I had a bit of a chat with the dealer first, then took it for a test drive (he didn't even ask for my driving licence, but I was hardly likely to leave my bike there and vamoose with the car!)
It was a little tricky to drive to start with as the height of the brake pedal was much greater than what I'd got used to in the Corsa I'd learned on and, of course, the clutch feel was different, but I drove it around (mostly on 30 and 40 mph roads) for several miles.
The only real problem I had was on a single lane hump backed bridge with traffic lights at the top. I had to stop, so I figured I'd be able to practice a hill start, unfortunately I got the clutch/ accelerator balance wrong the first time and stalled it, much to the annoyance of the BMW driver behind me who decided beeping his horn was the correct way to help...
Anyway, the second time I got it right and then I tried some reversing in a car park which went pretty well and on the way back I got onto a 50mph road and tried out 5th gear.
From my (very limited!) experience, there weren't any nasty noises, although the Check Engine light was on, however I was told that it was an issue with a filter that they were going to fix. There was also a "clunk" when I tried a hot start, but (supposedly) that was a loose exhaust bracket which, again, would be fixed.
Once they say they've sort those out, I'm going to pay for an RAC inspection and the dealer has signed up to the AA Car Standards code. It will come with free AA cover that actually makes no difference to me as I have Any Vehicle RAC cover, but WTH! Also the MOT runs out in September, so they're going to do a new one for me.
The tyres are only about a year old and barely worn, so that's ok.
One thing I have discovered is that the Fabia needs the Timing Chain, Tensioner and Water Pump replaced every 60k miles, so I guess someone decided to flog it off before they needed to pay for between £500 and £800 of work, however, on further reflection, even including that, it still bring the car in at a maximum of £3,100 so that's well in budget for me.
It comes with a 3 month guarantee, so fingers crossed everything goes smoothly...
I hope you'll search for the list of possible cause for the check light to come on.
(10-07-23, 09:40 PM)agricola link Wrote: I hope you'll search for the list of possible cause for the check light to come on.
As far as I can see, it's usually something to do with the emissions system, but (unlike my FZ6 which puts the fault codes on the display), you've got to plug in a diagnostic reader to find out what the cause is... :rolleyes
The timing chain (or belt on other makes) change is a normal service requirement, and to not change the water pump would be a very false economy. I'd explore the cost of this, when you want it done, of using a home visit mechanic, whose rates would be far less than a traditional garage. Hope they sort the check engine light, because this, I'm fairly sure, is an MOT failure. Good luck, enjoy your cage .
Whizz kid sitting pretty on his two wheeled stallion.
I've looked at one Home Mechanic site that says they can do it for £500, £800 was in a garage, but I'll do some more checking if and when that becomes necessary.
I've been through the MOT records and it's had a few fails, usually for tyres at or below the minimum tread depth (and one with a nail in it!).
Also I found this from September 2020:
Repair immediately (major defects):
Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction (8.2.1.2 (h))
Repair as soon as possible (minor defects):
Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources (4.7.1 (b) (i))
Both of those were fixed immediately as the car then passed the same day, although why on earth someone would not check and get these basic things fixed *before* the MOT, rather than getting a Fail first, beats me... :rolleyes
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