Choose me a hatchback

Rob, why a hatchback? Why specific engine size?
Just trying to understand you line of thinking!

Originally Posted by robchester

I...french oil burning stuf......

Interestingly, I keep stumbling upon Puma's and they seem to fit most of the criteria that Im looking for. Under ?3k, cheap to run (40mpg avg) look and drive really well, only downside is the Fiesta interior.

Anyone got any experiences with one?

So am I correct in thinking that you're contemplating going from a hairdresser's car with a small amount of petrolhead cred to a hairdresser's car?

I believe you can fit MESH to a puma too.

[ogden]

Of the two on the original list, my last car was a 306 XSI and my current one's a SEAT Leon (Audi A3 in Spanish clothing).

The 306 was a thirsty bone-shaking go-kart. Phenomenal fun to drive but with a crap engine (123bhp, really, why bother?) it was like a go-kart right down to the heavy-as-a-sack-of-granite steering. If you go that way, get a 97-on post-facelift one and make sure it has the 16v engine (S16/GTI-6 if pre-facelift). They're all dirt cheap - I paid 2k a few years ago for a near mint low-mileage P-reg - and they won't really depreciate much.

The Leon is a hoot. 1.8T engine gives it 180bhp and it pulls like a train as soon as the turbo kicks in not far above tickover. Possibly a bit beyond the budget though.

Rob I just got an Alfa 147 - black red leather its fabby ..

but I know you discounted them

(it drives nicer than my BMW ) ..






anyway ..


dont know much about cars.
but I got this you can buy for 3K.. I will chance being bit-- no MOT though but I am sure it will fly through .. and tax exempt.!!




HTH

Originally Posted by Tim in Belgium

So am I correct in thinking that you're contemplating going from a hairdresser's car with a small amount of petrolhead cred to a hairdresser's car?

I believe you can fit MESH to a puma too.

nowt wrong with mesh ..

My vote would be for a Toyota for the reliability. No idea what model fits yer requirements.

The downside to owning is that 'tis easy to forget what model you have / what it looks like in the carpark.

he needs a hatchback for his tall cone shaped head..

Originally Posted by Quiff Wichard

dont know much about cars.
but I got this you can buy for 3K.. I will chance being bit-- no MOT though but I am sure it will fly through .. and tax exempt.!!




HTH

Austin 7 Opal tourer, just as long as it's pre'37 it'll have the two bearing engine that is ripe for tuning.

Had a '35 Lwb Ulster Rep (with earlier '34 engine) at one stage, phoenix crank, renault 4 rods and pistons, 1 1/4 in SU pushing out about 40 bhp, super sweet, especially as you couldfeel the chassis flex.

Tim you are a sad man, unless it was a turbo'd pop style motor...

Ill be honest, I dont really care about the hairdresser image, I clearly dont have hair with my "Cone head" so all Im bothered about is the fact that I can pick one up for £3k, Its cheap on servicing & parts and it isnt the worst car in the world to drive.

Quiffy, on the subject of Alfa's, I really like them and would go for a 156 or 147 but theyre renowned for their problems. I know a guy who has a 147 and has had no end of trouble with it.

Camel, the reason I am after a hatch is that I want something i can lug stuff around in but isnt an estate (notably mountain bike and camping stuff). We have been just lucky to get the stuff in wor lass' Fiesta. Ive always liked hatchbacks and specifically I am looking at something with a relatively small engine but not small enough to be flogging it all the time, hence the 1.4-1.6 sort of range.

Originally Posted by robchester

Tim you are a sad man, unless it was a turbo'd pop style motor...

Yes I'm sad, it wasn't turbo'd and had leather bonnet straps.

I'll scan a photo in for a laugh next week at work some time.