I just got rid of a 306 for my Fabia... nice to drive but you can't rely on the electrics (as anything French/Italian these days!). But apart from niggles mine was pretty good.

306 has fragile electrics and flimsy bodywork, I'd avoid tbh.

http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/www/CARS_popup.jsp?nU=0&make=NISSAN&model=ALMERA&min_pr=&max_pr=2000&postcode=PE15%200TN&miles=40&max_records=200&modelexact=1&photo=1&hassearched=Y&start=8&distance=16&adcategory=CARS&channel=CARS&id=200715279910502

This proves durability!!! Autotrader - NISSAN ALMERA 1.5 E 3dr (NEW SHAPE)

NISSAN ALMERA 1.5 E 3dr Hatchback - Auto Trader UK

NISSAN ALMERA 1.5 E 3dr Hatchback - Auto Trader UK

I have found a couple of Fabias

One 1.4 classic with air con x plate 75k -

Both would be needing a cambelt if not already done. The classic is a bit "poverty", the 1.4 16v comfort would be much nicer imho.

I'd go for Yaris - 'my' mechanic and his partner really rate them

Just check out (few) potential faults on Honest John's site

Honest John

Almeiras are dead reliable (was about to get one, SXE TD etc)

Yaris was to be for daughter - but we got given a motor for her

Some very interesting suggestions put forward (or not)

If you are looking for good value for money & not worried about street cred then I would agree on the Almera, they dont seem to hold there value due I believe to the less than pretty looks but you get the legendary Nissan reliability. Always worth considering if you intend to run it on a budget, also reosnably roomy inside

looking for car for wife eh??

right you can have my fabia!!!!

when can i expect delivery of your wife??

looking for car for wife eh??

right you can have my fabia!!!!

when can i expect delivery of your wife??

A fabias a lot cheaper to run than a wife

volvo s40

other halfs got one and it seems pretty tidy, no problems in over 18 months of ownership.

Fiat Stilo????

In all honesty no, seriously no. Not at this price bracket as you are after reliable i would guess.

306 has fragile electrics and flimsy bodywork, I'd avoid tbh.

I strongly disagree with this.

On the dervs we didn't have a single electronic problem with the exception of one duff indicator relay.

As for the bodywork, what are you basing that fact on? Ours was a lot more solid than most cars of that age. That plus they handle like a dream from stock and are mechanically pretty sound.

Would you get a Mk1 Focus for that kind of money? Very reliable, excellent choice of engines and parts and servicing are cheap as chips

Chris

Both would be needing a cambelt if not already done. The classic is a bit "poverty", the 1.4 16v comfort would be much nicer imho.

Phoned my local dealer today who assured me that the 1.4 8v in the Classic has a chain and not a belt. The Classic i am off to look at has air con and PAS which are two things the wife would like.

Anyway i made some enguiries today about the fabias.

The 1.4 16v apparently has the engine managment light on. And is idling unevenly.

Any suggestions as to what this could be?? If it was something simple for me to fix i could perhaps use it to knock him down a bit???

I got an Almera 1.8 Sport when I sold my vRS to save a few quid. Had loads of extras and cost to buy was fair, but it was gutless, cheap feeling, flimsy and only gave about 37mpg. Not a good move but I traded it for my Superb so all ended well.

Not sure about the Fabia problem, but yes the 1.4 8V is chain driven...

The 1.4 16v suffers from piston ring problems, so steer clear if its not running right.

Forgot the 1.4 8v was a chain, I did know that, sorry.

Would you get a Mk1 Focus for that kind of money? Very reliable, excellent choice of engines and parts and servicing are cheap as chips

Chris

Without going for something with 80k+ on it, no - it doesn't look like it. They're close, but you'd be looking at more like 3k. Was looking at 5dr 1.6s in this case, upto 60 miles round Hull, and it would be preferably in Zetec trim.

Steve

LX trim would be cheaper and you can get a 1.4 focus if there are any of them out there.

Of car hunting again today.

Not sure if we will go and see the Fabia 1.4 8v now.

Going to scunthorpe and doncaster.

The cars seem to be a bit better priced round there.

Will let you know if we get anything.

Thanks for the advice and suggestions, keep them coming.

go for a yaris/106/206/clio/ maybe a fiesta!

2000 FORD Fiesta 1.25 Zetec

Price:

Don't think you are allowed adverts mate, unless a)it is in the correct section and b)you are a Freedom member.

soz bud!! its just off autotrader,chilli

I have bought a car !

Got the missus a 2000 x-reg Renault Scenic 1.6 16v RXE

Full service history, one local owner, 93k miles.

The dealer wanted 2.6k

Ended up getting the car for 2.2k plus the wifes micra (which is a proper banger)

Going to have full MOT, 6 months tax, cam belt, service and the exhaust was blowing by the sound of it but that is going to be sorted out too.

I know its not everyones taste but it will be good for lugging the kids around in

It drove ok and has loads of storage etc for when we all go out. Plus it saves the tribe clambering all over my octy:thumbup:

Hopefully picking it up on saturday.

Sounds like you and her are both happy enough.

Eurocarparts and GSF are pretty cheap for spare on Renaults too which are usually a bit cheaper than the VAG equivalents.

My Mrs had a Scenic before her current Picasso - do the job of lugging kids and associated crap around quite nicely.

And as you say, keeps them away from the Octy!