Hi guys

The wife would like a change of car. She's decided her ultra reliable Renault (no really) has to go in part-ex for something else. Budget is tight: 1k plus whatever she gets in part-ex for her current Steed:

54 reg Renault Megane ii 1.9Dci convertible

I guess we're talking £300 - £400 from it in part ex realistically. Absolute max would be £1500. Here's the brief, and you can tell it's from a female because only females could come up with this:


"Five door, something small (but not a Peugeot) or something big. Ideally Diesel"

So quite a few options then! I was thinking a Vectra if she goes big, as you can get something like an 06 reg SRI diesel which is roomy and cheap. Any suggestions for smaller cars? Or bigger!

The megane must be worth 1k or more if you sell privately which would give you more budget.

A Volvo S60 D5 or BMW 525d could be decent for 2k. Or even an A6/Passat tdi.

Looks like we could perhaps get £600-£800 privately. This would be my route but she isn't interested. The budget will likely still be 1.5k max.

At the other end of the scale there is the Panda, Fiesta or Polo

Mrs Nello loved her old Fiat Sedici - as they are jacked up for 4x4 gives an elevated driving position. I think they are going for around that price now. Decent enough room - built by Suzuki and the Diesel is Fiats own Multijet unit (Petrol is the Suzuki camchain 1.6). Good little cars.

Can you get an 06 plate Yaris for this cash yet? Bullet proof reliability and cheap to run.

Good shout Nello. Gunzi I can't be seen in a Yaris

Fiat Bravo's can be picked up within your budget, I rate ours highly.

She won't have Fiats. Dislikes my Coupe! No taste

Go for the SX4 then - same car as the Sedici without the badge

If you can stomach the fuel bill mk4 golf V6 4motions are available for under and around £2k.

It's a similar cost for E46 325i or 330i and you could take your pick from the bucket of X type Jags in that bracket.

there's a new car just been released within your budget. Its a cross between a clio and a Taurus

She's already got one Clint. Apparently I've never found it

Well after all that, she's decided on: Her current car and a mini break to Krakow. Women!

glad to hear all is well matt!
I do miss the pictures of your little willy

All is well thanks, Whatmo! I miss my willy too. No updates about him since my mate divorced his wife (she took Willy!) last I heard he was happy with her uncle and had a labrador for a bestie!

I have pip now as my furry chum. Yes, I wear earplugs in bed, no it's my wife that snores not the dog