Second car choice and/or motorbike

AMGeed

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A small economical run about huh?

I'd get a Fiesta or Focus 1.1 ecoboost petrol if I were in the market for a small vehicle.
Fortunately, work is a thing of the past for me, and I'm happy burning fuel in a V8 for the forseeable future:D
 
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NBurns

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A small economical run about huh?

I'd get a Fiesta or Focus 1.1 ecoboost petrol if I were in the market for a small vehicle.
Fortunately, work is a thing of the past for me, and I'm happy burning fuel in a V8 for the forseeable future:D

I detest Fords with a passion!!! I’ve just had an old one that lasted 6 months and it was diabolical.
I think either a scooter or smart model.



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alexanderfoti

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I detest Fords with a passion!!! I’ve just had an old one that lasted 6 months and it was diabolical.
I think either a scooter or smart model.


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A scooter will be less stressful when it goes wrong compared to a smart car. Buy a Honda.
 
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AMGeed

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I detest Fords with a passion!!! I’ve just had an old one that lasted 6 months and it was diabolical.
I think either a scooter or smart model.



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Haha. Either you are a Ford man or not I think.
I've had plenty and have found them a brilliant car for the money.
I'd sooner crawl than go back to a scooter:D I had a few in the 60's and they are so unstable in the wind.
 

keefysher

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Haha. Either you are a Ford man or not I think.
I've had plenty and have found them a brilliant car for the money.
I'd sooner crawl than go back to a scooter:D I had a few in the 60's and they are so unstable in the wind.

Was that the number of mirrors?? :D
 

Moocow

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Personally have a car and two motorbikes. Wouldn't be without any of them.
The second bike was bought as "backup" because I do silly miles and inevitably one will need something done at some point and as I do the work myself on them, it's just a lot less messing about.
Can't beat it for summer time commutes, I get an extra hour in bed for a start and also didn't have to pay Severn Crossing any money on the bike.
Now that I have a diesel car and there is no bridge toll any more, the choice is a lot less clear. The car turns 45-50MPG which is similar to one of my bikes (the KTM on the other hand can be emptied in 90 miles easily but then it's not built for economy!), only the parking adds to the bill and time sat in traffic on way home.
I used to ride the bike all year round when I worked closer to home, but 60 miles each way in cold/wet conditions is no fun no matter how well you wrap up.
 

LostKiwi

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'93 500SL-32, '01 W210 Estate E240 (RIP), 02 R230 SL500, 04 Smart Roadster Coupe, 11 R350CDi
I ran a Smart Roadster as a daily commuter for 5 years. Eventually using only in summer and for winter commuting in an E class estate.
With 700cc putting out 102hp the Roadster was guaranteed to make you smile. I did 40 miles each way down mainly country lanes and loved it. The only reason I stopped using it in winter is that with such a low slung car on wet roads you were forever getting dazzled by incoming cars - especially when fitted with Chinese Eyemelter 10000 lumen conversion kits.
Seven years on still have the Smart even though I'm not using it any longer. Just can't bring myself to sell it.

In seven years it's had a clutch, a gearbox it didn't need, a wiring fix (chafed), intercooler (see chafing previously), a boost valve, crank sensor, wheel bearing, water pump and a couple of thermostats. It's now got 145k miles.
 
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NBurns

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I ran a Smart Roadster as a daily commuter for 5 years. Eventually using only in summer and for winter commuting in an E class estate.
With 700cc putting out 102hp the Roadster was guaranteed to make you smile. I did 40 miles each way down mainly country lanes and loved it. The only reason I stopped using it in winter is that with such a low slung car on wet roads you were forever getting dazzled by incoming cars - especially when fitted with Chinese Eyemelter 10000 lumen conversion kits.
Seven years on still have the Smart even though I'm not using it any longer. Just can't bring myself to sell it.

In seven years it's had a clutch, a gearbox it didn't need, a wiring fix (chafed), intercooler (see chafing previously), a boost valve, crank sensor, wheel bearing, water pump and a couple of thermostats. It's now got 145k miles.

I must admit there is something about the smart roadster that is so appealing. I’ve not owned one yet but would have one once I get finances in order.



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LostKiwi

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'93 500SL-32, '01 W210 Estate E240 (RIP), 02 R230 SL500, 04 Smart Roadster Coupe, 11 R350CDi
I must admit there is something about the smart roadster that is so appealing. I’ve not owned one yet but would have one once I get finances in order.

I fell in love with them when I first saw one at the release at the NEC Motor Show. Said right then I was going to get one. It only took 8 years... and an impulse purchase on eBay after the newly met MrsLK said she fancied a holiday round France in an open top car - which we did several times taking in Chamonix, Narbonne and the Haute Vienne on separate trips.
IMG_20150908_161036.jpg
 

EmilysDad

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Smart Roadsters are great fun .... they're (almost) impossible to drive through a bend too fast though in practice they're not really that fast ..... they just feel it cos your bum is only inches from the ground.
 
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NBurns

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I fell in love with them when I first saw one at the release at the NEC Motor Show. Said right then I was going to get one. It only took 8 years... and an impulse purchase on eBay after the newly met MrsLK said she fancied a holiday round France in an open top car - which we did several times taking in Chamonix, Narbonne and the Haute Vienne on separate trips.
View attachment 53090

Wow. Awesome!!!!!



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DSK

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Oh she doesn't look happy in that photo LOL!

OP - i may have missed it but, I read your post as wanting a cheap runaround. Did you have any budget in mind so that you can receive some more accurate suggestions?
 

davidsl500

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For a cheap sub £1500 purchase I'd go for something un-eco. An S430 / S500, 4 Litre XJ, LS400, 7 Series BMW or Audi A8. Put it on classic insurance. Probably end up driving it more than the primary car..:) It wouldn't be cheaper on fuel but if its only short journeys does it matter?
 
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forrester

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I am retired & have an MGZR160 as a 2cd car. Used to work at Rover as a test driver & found this model a hoot to drive. A big difference to my E type for comfort but not performance. IMG_0242.JPG
 

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