Am looking for a cheap, reliable runabout that can handle my regular motorway jaunts (250 miles) and carry a ton of junk around. High on the short list has been a Pug 405/406 diesel estate, been keeping an eye out, but just not made the jump yet. However, Karen has seen a 1992 VW Passat diesel estate this evening and it could be a contender. 77,000 miles and looking for around £750. Any thoughts, horrror stories etc of this model, as I know nothing about them.

 

Of course if anyone here has something appropriate for sale then I might be interested.

 

Cheers

Hello Andy,

 

I was in the same boat, looking for an estate car to do all the carryying about. I asked my mechanic on opinions and he recomended sticking to a Ford as they're easy to get parts/wrok on. In the end I bought a 92 Ford Sierra estate Ghia for £500. Had it for about 6 months now and not a problem with it.

 

Vijay

I have heard that the Ford diesel engine are very good, probably the best powered and economical engine for that price range.

Cant beat a Mk1 Mondeo for the money :cool: £750 will get you a 60-80k miler no probs.

 

Can carry a huuuge amount of stuff, can keep up with most on the motorway and they just run and run.

 

Pete

Until the TDCi range of diesel engines Ford were about the worst you could buy. IMHO.

VW passat would be good, they are still using an engine based on this one, all the qualitites of a golf, also consider Xantia, suspension is no where near as unreliable as people say, and its cheap to fix anyway, and if you are carrying lots they are self leveling, same engine as a 405.

Andy,

 

How about one of these :D Economical to run, plenty of load space, and a nice little earner, you know it makes sense :rofl: :rofl:

 

 

 

 

Dave

LOL at the Robin !

 

Yeah, both Pug and Xantia are on my shopping list. Never thought much of Ford diesel engines and wouldn't go near a Vaux diesel (having driven one once!). Gotta be impressed with the Pugs though - look at the stella mileage people get out of them. Frequently see them going strong with 180K+ on them ...

I have got a Xantia I might sell, 1996 TD SX 5door hatch though. Let me know if its any good.

I have got a Xantia I might sell, 1996 TD SX 5door hatch though. Let me know if its any good.

 

It's a definite possiblity, wanted an estate but a hatch may swing it if the price is right. Post or PM me with what you may want for it, and further details.

 

Cheers

OK, 1996 "N" 125k miles, white, elec windows, locks and roof, tyres are all ok, will have 12 months mot, tow bar, inside is very good, if a bit grubby. ABS, clean and tidy but not immaculate, not taxed as I have not used it since Xmas.

 

I used it for about a year+, never let me down etc, new spheres on the rear. Clutch will need replaceing at some time, but I thought that when I got it and its still ok, just judders a bit sometimes, nothing bad. Have changed the oil about every 5k miles, cam belt was done 10k ago.

 

I can send some pics but it will be a few days. want about £800, so its not dear.

Andy

I have owned Audi & VW passat 17 years. I would say VW estate is a good solid German workhorse & easy to work on with spares available.

Just my two penny worth!

Arthur

OK, 1996 "N" 125k miles, white, elec windows, locks and roof, tyres are all ok, will have 12 months mot, tow bar, inside is very good, if a bit grubby. ABS, clean and tidy but not immaculate, not taxed as I have not used it since Xmas.

 

I used it for about a year+, never let me down etc, new spheres on the rear. Clutch will need replaceing at some time, but I thought that when I got it and its still ok, just judders a bit sometimes, nothing bad. Have changed the oil about every 5k miles, cam belt was done 10k ago.

 

I can send some pics but it will be a few days. want about £800, so its not dear.

 

 

OK, thanks. Will consult with the boss as this is a joint project - we will have two Zeds and need a practical car as well !

Andy PPS kindly loaned me a Mondeo,while my Z was having a rebuild,But I have to say it is now here to stay :o

 

Cant beat a second car banger:D;)