Two I have seen so far the octavia, apart from being a horrible colour, looks in good nick temped to ring and ask a few questions. Let me know what you think.

 

'orrble colours and being deeply unfashionable are good things at this price point. Keeps the young 'uns away from them

I had a look last night

Found a 91k miler (standard) for £1250

 

There are still a few about that are unmolested then

 

Or wonder what PH's 'Shed of the Week' is this week?

 

EDIT: I think this must be a sign!!!  :clap: http://www.pistonheads.com/news/default.asp?storyId=31528

 

I paid £1000 for mine a year and a half ago, was on 160k but full service history from day 1. Cosmetically challenged but solid motor, until now all I've done is replace the brakes. 

There are still a few about that are unmolested then

Likewise with any 10 year old plus car. If it was boy racered up then would you buy it in the first place....?

Look for standard models.

My next car (september) will be in the £1000-1500 price range. Im basically sick of monthly payments.

So far i've looked at

Golf mk4 gti

Skoda octavia vrs

Seat leon cupra

Basically i want mid 30's mpg and a bit of oomph. Needs to do 0-60 in 8s or there abouts. Golf gti is what im planning though.

My bloody 320d doesnt get any more than 35mpg combined on the journeys i do so might aswell have a nice sounding decent rev band for a change

Toyota Yaris is worth a look. I got myself one for £400 to get me to work and back so my wife can use the Octavia for the kids and it's been faultless and returns 50mpg, yes it's a bit rattly (trim etc.) but what do you expect for the price.

Yes you take a risk buying a car for that kind of price but at the end of the day if it needs something expensive I'll just get rid and buy another one.

A class? Seen loads about for *******s money

Reading this, more and more I keep getting tempted by the Octavia Vrs again still one of my favourite cars I have owned

Plenty of stuff around check flea bay or your local facebook cars for sale pages.

I took a punt last year on an Octavia 1.8t 4x4 Elegance estate on flea bay in Skegness.

I live in Sheffield so didn't get over to look at it but turn out ok.

51 plate in Met green, bit scabby in places but with 6 months MOT and 122k on the clock.

Came with decent history and I paid £900.

 

I had the belt and pump done and still running fine.

Edited 25 January, 201511 yr by ruffday

I'd avoid ebay - had too many problems buying on there and it's difficult to inspect, plus people can easily cheat the "system".  And go for something with good history - had a 1.6 8v Astra estate (mk4) for £650 before my fabia - was excellent, cheap on parts and massive space in the boot - full main dealer history (at 110k).  I'd rather go older and well maintained than the newest but no or little history.

 

Gumtree or Autotrader for me if I'm buying old.  If you've got experience check all the obvious - water in oil, oil in water, rust on sills etc. If not then take someone that has.

For the sake of completeness I will add to this thread that today I got the Mrs a blue mk1 fabia in very good condition, 2003 reg with only 83000 miles with 2 previous owners for £950. Had a 20 mile drive home (after a decent test drive) and I am very pleased that the engine and gearbox are as smooth as silk. Pictures to follow in the daylight tomorrow.

Get the most mechanically simple vehicle you can. The best way to buy a £1000 car is to buy a £500 car and spend £500 putting it right.

Yep that's what I did got a mechanically simple car. A 1.2 classic so no aircon, electric windows,central locking or turbo to go wrong .

Shabby chic Porsche 944?

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Porsche-944-2-5-lux-Track-and-Drift-/281595156835?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item4190611963

Yep that's what I did got a mechanically simple car. A 1.2 classic so no aircon, electric windows,central locking or turbo to go wrong .

Good choice. Bought similar for my son. Great little car.

I agree with Cznski.. I had five Yarises (or is the plural of Yaris Yari?!) and have to say, especially the original ones, were driver very hard and had no probs at all.

The 1.0 ltr engine is as near bulletproof as you'll find. Very economical and cheap insurance.

Regarding space they are amazing... I'm 6'7" and had loads of room... With the back seats down there's room for a wheelie bin!

Picture after a wash and the paintwork is looking very good for the age of the vehicle. The Mrs seems happy with the little Fabia.

Good looking car, I do like that blue.

image.jpg

Very nice. Happy motoring. Good choice too.

My van was 700quid. Bought it in July 2011 and used daily as my principal form of transport.. 

Passed last MOT no advisories so that was a surprise tbh.

Looks okay but not as well as it did back then. It's had a fair bit of use and I don't

mollycoddle (look after) it at all. I fix it when it breaks but I reckon I will probably get my 700 back when

I sell it on. It would be ideal for a window cleaner or similar.

It's still going okay and reliable enough for me to use it for a run to Heathrow for my hols

last year, but a replacement will be on the cards this year. 

Need room in the back for a motorcycle or two although I haven't ruled out another 

small van with a towbar and trailer yet.