I'm hoping my Octavia will be sold soon, so I'm gonna need to get a new car.

I want something cheap to buy (circa £750), relatively cheap to insure, relatively cheap to run, not necessarily fast, but fun to drive, with character

Any ideas?

Previous shape nissan micra.

As cheap to run as you'll get and they handle surprisingly well

Last-shape Micra, like Dr Z says, or a Punto. Bags of Micras on AT for that sort of money, however you might have to settle for a MK1 Punto... ISTR the Micra has independent rear suspension, so should be the better drive, whereas the Punto is bigger inside and out...

I think an R/S reg 2.0 Mondeo. You could get a sub 100k mile Ghia X with all the toys for that money. One of the most reliable cars money can buy, and can be run on a shoestring. Independant suspension too, and a generally lovely car to drive. As for character though... unfortunately not.

How about a VW Vento? Not the most economical of engines, but its a but unusual. Any other VW from that era would serve you well I'm sure, Passat/Golf/Polo...

If not a Micra is a good reliable hack for sure.

Well providing it's as advertised......... I've just bought/won this "dog-mobile" 1993 AUDI 80 E RED on eBay, also, Audi, Cars, Cars, Parts Vehicles (end time 10-Dec-08 13:44:02 GMT)

Just check over ebay..... for the money your looking to spend, buy something based on condition rather than make/model

306 Diesel?

I know a few people who are running these with very big mileages with few problems.

Audi 80 TDi or 306 diesel would be my choice.

306 derv (without a turbo) will easily see 250k miles from the engine if looked after.

How about a Skoda Felicia? IMO meets your requirements. If VAG is your thing there's the 1.6 AEE lump. £750 would probably even get you an old Mk1 octavia.

Early 80's 944 Lux

Mk2 Golf if you wanted some fun and stay in VAG, there are a few GTi's around in that price range.

but as others have said, the Peugot 306 ticks the box's and is a great drive, the Citroen ZX shared the 306's Chassis iirc so that could be a good buy (I had a ZX Volcane years ago which was reliable)

Peugeot : PEUGEOT 306 LD DIESEL 1999 FULL SERVICE HISTORY

www.ashwood-autos.co.uk : CITROEN ZX AVANTAGE 1.9D Automatic

Citroen : Citroen ZX 1.9 Turbo Diesel

These look tidy

Actually, My mum's Felicia will be up for sale after Chrimbo ..... it's a tidy motor, she is going for a Roomster.

How about a VW Vento? Not the most economical of engines, but its a but unusual. Any other VW from that era would serve you well I'm sure, Passat/Golf/Polo...

.

Been there, done that...

Had a quick look at some of the suggestions...

I don't really want a derv monster, nor do I want something as big as a Mondeo, I can't get comfortable in Micra's of that vintage, not driven a Felly but it's an idea, usual VW stuff is a good bet, and I've considered the Porka, doesn't meet the "cheap to insure" part though (£2300!).

Keep it coming guys!

As already mentioned, mark 2 Golf Gti.

Fabia? :confused: They are quite cheap and cheerful - and reliable.

A Felicia or Favorit for good cheap motoring.

I would also recommmend the Micra as my sister has one but they are girly looking!!!!

A half decent Ford Ka can be had for that.

Cheap to run, reliable, and fun when thrashed. I know they are crap inside, and made from bean tins, but...

an alternative to the 306 is the citroen xsara, th 1.6petrol is OK and offers the same drivin fun as the 306 as they are just different bodies, they also do a 1.4 westcoast which usually has a few external and iknternal sporty looking goodies, these are strong reliable engines although are more suited to driving round town than motorway work as they doo take a bit of getting upto speed.

saxo ftw:D

:cool:For proper character and real fun buy a Skoda Estelle or Rapid. You'll either be hooked or horrified!

Some little Fiat with a nice little revvy engine

I vote MkII/MkIII Golf

Been looking at some Felicia's on eBay, as well as some Mk2 and 3 GTI's.

I'm liking the idea of a 1.3 Felly though... £300 to insure, compared with the £850 for the Octavia!

My uncle told me someone was selling a Golf Mk3 round his way offered it to me before I bought the Favorit.

120k miles, blue, 1.6 for about £750

Can get full details on request

I'm likeing the Fav 1.3 though. It might be motoring on a budget but it keeps the fun factor without looking girly