Cheap Dailys??

Started by V AR 164, May 16, 2018, 03:21:10 PM

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V AR 164

Hi all,

Hopefully going to sell a few of my 'spare' 164's, and buy a cheap runaround.

I mostly use public transport anyway, but when I'm travelling to work and such, I don't want to rely on my father's 4x4 which goes through A LOT of petrol.

I was thinking something like a 2000s golf or Corolla.

Just wondering if anyone has had any experience and would like to provide some guidance.

Cheers, Andrew.
Present:
-1992 164Q
-1993 Hilux Surf

Past:
-2006 159 2.4 Ti

poohbah

#1
If you have a high boredom threshold, anything with a Toyota badge should do (bullet proof - almost impossible to kill even if you completely neglect maintenance). I'd steer clear of a +10yo Golf - pretty awful reputation for reliability.  Plus, the advantage of a 2000s Corolla - you'll never have to worry about someone nicking it, or scratching it.
Now:    2002 156 GTA
            1981 GTV
Before: 1999 156 V6 Q-auto
            2001 156 V6 (sadly cremated)

V AR 164

I definitely agree, I'm tired of always parking 1km away from every other car to avoid door dings!!

Toyotas seem the most logical choice, but I think I'll get bored of one pretty quickly, especially after coming from an Alfa.
Present:
-1992 164Q
-1993 Hilux Surf

Past:
-2006 159 2.4 Ti

poohbah

Getting cheap, reliable AND interesting is a pretty tough ask. You can usually only get two out of three in any combination. All the Japanese makes meet the reliable and cheap requirements.

Though I guess you could try a series 1 Volvo S40 T4. They are pretty rorty and being 18-20yo should be cheap enough. I looked at getting one for my son to learn to drive in 18 months ago for about $3k.
Now:    2002 156 GTA
            1981 GTV
Before: 1999 156 V6 Q-auto
            2001 156 V6 (sadly cremated)

Paul Gulliver

Over the last 20 years with the need for a family car we have always had at least one non Alfa in the family for the Boss & Billy Lids , a couple of Subaru's to name a few . I would highly something from the  Liberty / Impreza range from 10 - 15 years ago.
Andrew having read a lot of your posts displaying doggedness & persistence with the 164 I'm sure you would enjoy Subi's engineering & quirkiness. A lot more entertaining than comparable Toyota and just as bullet proof.   
Paul Gulliver
Present
2017 Silver Giulia Veloce
1979 Silver Alfa 116 GTV Twin Spark
1973 Red Alfa 105 2.0 GTV

Past
2013 Giulietta QV
2006 Black 159 2.2 J
1970 Dutch Blue Series 2 1750
1975 Blue Alfetta Sedan 1.8
1981 Piper Yellow Alfetta GTV 2000
1985 Red Alfetta GTV2.0
1989 White Alfa 164
2000 156

poohbah

I can attest to the quality of Subaru engineering. Our first Forrester took a high speed T-bone from a red-light runner - we rolled and spun, and both cars were written off - but all four of us in the Subi walked away with only minor cuts and bruises.
Now:    2002 156 GTA
            1981 GTV
Before: 1999 156 V6 Q-auto
            2001 156 V6 (sadly cremated)

Craig_m67

whilst i agree mostly agree with the Golf comment based on the amount of internet verbaige.. we still have a 1.6 MK4 Golf bought new, now on close to 236K, which has had the odd window reg., and nothing else but petrol.  I can't remember when it last had an oil change to be honest, but then the ex took it three years ago - so, perhaps three years ago.

MK4 Golfs on are okay in my book

Toyota anything is better (although boring as batshit)
'66 Duetto (lacework of doom)
'73 1600 GT Junior (ensconced)
'03 156 1.9JTD Sportwagon (daily driver)

Citroënbender

Buy a $500 147. Maintain it with internet parts. If the paint is faded, DIY wrap it.

Far nicer car than a Tojo or Forrie, and it's an Alfa.

Most of these "looking for a cheaper car... fuel costs so much... worried about stuff..." type threads are actually people looking for a way to justify their desire for a change. There's nowt to be ashamed of in standing up and saying "I feel like a change" - but dollars to donuts I can prove the actual saving is not much. Other lifestyle choices that don't come in for scrutiny are often better places to extract a saving.

kaleuclint

Suzuki Swift.  Had two (actually Barinas) and nothing ever went wrong with either.  An SX5 hatch should be practical and reliable. 
2011 159ti 1750TBi

poohbah

#9
this may be a dumb question CB - what's a Forrie? Doh - just realised you meant a Forrester....

Actually the beige-boredom of my last runabout is what convinced me to buy my first Alfa. Embarrassed to say I had a near-new 2006 Toyota Yaris for 4 years (with the "manly" 1.5L VVTI motor) as a reliable city commuter. It was actually a good little car with more go than the ageing EA Fairmont it replaced, cost nothing to run and absolutely bullet proof - I think I lifted the bonnet once: to clean it prior to sale, and only had it serviced twice. Never skipped a beat. But it just didn't have any character. So I swung 180 degrees and bought my first Busso-powered 156...

I completely understand why Andrew might want a "park and forget" type car for commuter duties - he'll still have all the fun of Alfa ownership and maintenance with his remaining 164 Qs ;D
Now:    2002 156 GTA
            1981 GTV
Before: 1999 156 V6 Q-auto
            2001 156 V6 (sadly cremated)

Bourney

From left field, if you want something fun and cheap what about a Renaultsport Clio 172? Like some Alfa's, they need belts every 4-5 years and give a lot of bang for your buck. Not as reliable as a Toyota but not bad either and parts and good specialists are plentiful.


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________________________
83 Alfasud Ti QV (restored project car)
12 Renault Clio RS 200 Cup

Citroënbender

#11
Good call; another budget rocket with nice exhaust note and excellent online parts support.

Edit: https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/mornington/cars-vans-utes/alfa-romao-car/1184047138

Ti pack 147 facelift. Throw an accumulator, pump brushes and pump relay at it for an $800 budget daily.

poohbah

Cripes. Don't tell Tony those GTA rims are probably worth as much as he wants for the whole car!
Now:    2002 156 GTA
            1981 GTV
Before: 1999 156 V6 Q-auto
            2001 156 V6 (sadly cremated)

ItalCarGuy

Quote from: poohbah on May 16, 2018, 07:06:29 PM
Embarrassed to say I had a near-new 2006 Toyota Yaris for 4 years (with the "manly" 1.5L VVTI motor) as a reliable city commuter.

Ha, I got given a 2007 Yaris for free by my work and as beige as it is, for a peakhour commuter its been bulletproof. Added extra is with the back seats down it has carried a helluva lot of Alfa parts. Lots of complete engines including a V8. Its nice having one beater car in the fleet.

Colin Edwards

Mazda 3 or possibly Mazda 2 if on a tight budget?  The SP25 is marginly less boring than a Corolla!  Or an NB or NC MX5 for some RWD involvement?!?
Present
2023 Tonale Veloce
2018 Abarth 124 Spider
1987 75 3.0

Past
2020 Giulietta Veloce
2015 Giulietta QV
2009 159 3.2 Ti Q4
2012 Giulietta TCT Veloce
2006 147 Ti 2 door Selespeed
1979 Alfasud Ti 1.5