Fiat Coupe Club UK

Bangernomics

Posted By: ScouseCoupe

Bangernomics - 09/08/2017 16:53

Is there anybody who participates in bangernomics with their daily commuter hack. Just interested if it can work, as i am very likely after a house move, going down from 16,000 commuter miles to barely 2500 miles a year, and doubt i will need a fuel hungry american 4x4 SUV anymore and pot around to / from the train station in a cheap banger.
Posted By: MCMike

Re: Bangernomics - 09/08/2017 18:35

My oldest son ran a lovely Focus Ghia for 2 years...cost £450, and it's still good now, he's upgraded to a BMW CS now but cheap as chips & reliable cool
Posted By: barnacle

Re: Bangernomics - 09/08/2017 19:53

You could always get yourself a nice cheap non-turbo coupe...
Posted By: Boosted7

Re: Bangernomics - 09/08/2017 20:03

I'm currently rolling in a 2001 Skoda Fabia Tdi Estate. Cheap and cheerful, never let me down. Does about 50mpg too. If you're interested I'll be getting rid of it in about a month from now.
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Bangernomics - 10/08/2017 09:34

Originally Posted By barnacle
You could always get yourself a nice cheap non-turbo coupe...
.............yeah,mine !
Posted By: Trappy

Re: Bangernomics - 10/08/2017 13:00

I must confess, I had to look this up because I'd never heard of it, but I think my 2004 Saab 9-3 Aero qualifies.

A £750 purchase a few months ago, but with a £250 bill for new discs and pads and one caliper on the rear soon after grr

Hasn't cost anything since but that doesn't mean it doesn't need it! I love it smile There's something about walking out of a car and not looking back because you honestly couldn't care less if you forgot to shut the windows rofl

25,000 miles a year and 30mpg average (60 on the motorway at 56mph!). Goes a bit too - it smashes the german diesel mob and has even taken care of a Corsa VXR and a Mini Cooper S cool All this with a blowing exhaust laugh
Posted By: Nigel

Re: Bangernomics - 10/08/2017 13:04

When my annual mileage (30,000 a year) became too much for a modified Coupe, I bought a diesel Alfa GT. It was already leggy when I bought it (150k), the paintwork was a bit flat and dull and the wheels were shabby.

It has now done 230,000 miles and has been extremely reliable (only real failure was a fractured engine earth strap, causing a failure to start). I've mopped it a few times and its pretty shiny now. A refurb for the wheels and it now looks like a car with less than 100k on the clock (bar the usual Alfa problem of faded badges)

Its near worthless now (who would buy a nine year old Alfa with mileage heading for a quarter of a million?)

However, it looks decent, drives well, handles neatly, is exceptionally comfortable and is spectacularly cheap to run (compared with the Coupe, at least)

Nowt wrong with bangernomics...
Posted By: Gripped

Re: Bangernomics - 10/08/2017 14:10

Yep. I've been running my 20 year old Bongo and 17 year old Coupe as daily hacks for a while now.

What I like about old cars is you can cruise around in something which cost maybe £20 - £30+k when new, for under £1000. Very satisfying feeling.

Depends on the cost of parts and how easy they are to work on. I recently replaced two complete exhaust sections on the Bongo for £118, for a good quality one too !!

The Coupe has been fine. It's less robust than the van, but it's only needed the usual consumables, and a few age related issues like bushes, springs and paintwork.

Considering the depreciation of newer vehicles, it's a no brainer.. the only major issue being something catastrophic happening. But then the car was cheap anyway.

I must admit, I fancy a sleeper.... old, a bit rough round the edges, but with silly power.... laugh
Posted By: MeanRedSpider

Re: Bangernomics - 10/08/2017 14:11

We're selling the Grande Punto that Hughie was driving - it only has 72,000 on the clock despite being 11 years old and sailed through its MOT like last year. I'm loathed to sell it because it's such a good little car but we don't need it.
Posted By: mikndo69

Re: Bangernomics - 10/08/2017 14:49

I was given a horrible Seat Ibiza for free (Yes Free)

73K on the clock, faded red paint and not a straight panel on it.

With a polish and some hubcaps doubling the value, it sailed through the MOT. The examiner said "Its as tight as a nut under there" - I think that means its ok.

Totally believe in Bangernomics.
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Bangernomics - 10/08/2017 15:58

We've got a Honda Jazz (56-plate) for local tootling about - it doesn't do anymore than 4k a year. Never goes wrong. In the seven years we've had it, its had an exhaust back box, a set of tyres and front brake pads, that's it. I don't check oil, I don't check water, I've only lifted the bonnet twice and that was just to have a look.
Posted By: came2dance

Re: Bangernomics - 10/08/2017 16:23

I've got a 12 year old Smart for two smile
Posted By: barnacle

Re: Bangernomics - 10/08/2017 18:50

My diesel Bravo is, like Nigel's Alfa with the same engine, pushing a quarter million and therefore worthless in spite of still returning mid fifties on the commute and higher on a run... even more worthless since I lost a fight with the 4" steel gatepost on the flying field car park last week and bent two doors... aye well, if it was worth something I might care!
Posted By: Gripped

Re: Bangernomics - 10/08/2017 19:18

It's funny isn't it. Modern cars engines are designed to do 500,000 miles (probably) the bodywork lasts for 20+ years and yet the majority (probably) get slung onto the second hand market after 3 years.... or when the warranty runs out.

It's the throw away world we live in. Luckily for us, we get to snap up the bargains. driving
Posted By: AnnieMac

Re: Bangernomics - 10/08/2017 23:08

I have a 2000 Alfa 1.6 sportwagon which I paid £430 for, on eBay. I got the cambelt done straight away which cost a further £300. It has passed two MOTs since without too much bother, and it is supremely reliable, has never broken down, always starts first time, and the air conditioning works! I chose it because the miles were low at 72,000. I have done the 500 mile trip to Scotland in it and it's really comfy for long distances. There are lots of cheap Alfas around and I think they are amazing cars, just the little touches like the way the dash curves towards the driver so all the dials can be seen, and the interior light that comes on when you kill the engine so you can see what you're doing.
Posted By: coupedummy

Re: Bangernomics - 12/08/2017 06:10

I bought a stilo estate for £300 and has been relatable as hell and passing its next mot with one small advisory.
Was hoping to upgrade and bought a Volvo S60 d5. So far been a dog, runs but needed a new intercooler, since found the tank pump has died and the now the tank leak fuel from the sender. Proberbly not the last of the issue. Very much look of the draw
Posted By: magooagain

Re: Bangernomics - 12/08/2017 16:16

Originally Posted By coupedummy
I bought a stilo estate for £300 and has been relatable as hell and passing its next mot with one small advisory.
Was hoping to upgrade and bought a Volvo S60 d5. So far been a dog, runs but needed a new intercooler, since found the tank pump has died and the now the tank leak fuel from the sender. Proberbly not the last of the issue. Very much look of the draw






Do you predicktive text mate?
Posted By: barnacle

Re: Bangernomics - 13/08/2017 05:13

Originally Posted By magooagain


Do you predicktive text mate?


laugh
Posted By: ScouseCoupe

Re: Bangernomics - 14/08/2017 10:32

Originally Posted By barnacle
You could always get yourself a nice cheap non-turbo coupe...


I could, but I am more than happy with by Turbo Coupe for weekends for the time being.
Posted By: ScouseCoupe

Re: Bangernomics - 14/08/2017 10:33

Originally Posted By Boosted7
I'm currently rolling in a 2001 Skoda Fabia Tdi Estate. Cheap and cheerful, never let me down. Does about 50mpg too. If you're interested I'll be getting rid of it in about a month from now.


Thanks, but likely I will be in a petrol as its only going to be 4 miles to the train station. In winter here a petrol warms up the interior far quicker.
Posted By: ScouseCoupe

Re: Bangernomics - 14/08/2017 10:37

Originally Posted By barnacle
My diesel Bravo is, like Nigel's Alfa with the same engine, pushing a quarter million and therefore worthless in spite of still returning mid fifties on the commute and higher on a run... even more worthless since I lost a fight with the 4" steel gatepost on the flying field car park last week and bent two doors... aye well, if it was worth something I might care!


Those Fiat Bravo's used are a bargain. £1k buys high mileage 07-08/09 plate. Lots of them about.
Posted By: ScouseCoupe

Re: Bangernomics - 14/08/2017 10:39

Originally Posted By Gripped
It's funny isn't it. Modern cars engines are designed to do 500,000 miles (probably) the bodywork lasts for 20+ years and yet the majority (probably) get slung onto the second hand market after 3 years.... or when the warranty runs out.

It's the throw away world we live in. Luckily for us, we get to snap up the bargains. driving


Very true, its quite interesting when you scan around on autotrader on cars despite their age / mileage that are over 10-15 years old, what they can be picked up for if they have no following.
Posted By: ScouseCoupe

Re: Bangernomics - 14/08/2017 10:41

Originally Posted By AnnieMac
I have a 2000 Alfa 1.6 sportwagon which I paid £430 for, on eBay. I got the cambelt done straight away which cost a further £300. It has passed two MOTs since without too much bother, and it is supremely reliable, has never broken down, always starts first time, and the air conditioning works! I chose it because the miles were low at 72,000. I have done the 500 mile trip to Scotland in it and it's really comfy for long distances. There are lots of cheap Alfas around and I think they are amazing cars, just the little touches like the way the dash curves towards the driver so all the dials can be seen, and the interior light that comes on when you kill the engine so you can see what you're doing.


A good example of Bangernomics. I would have a 156 SW again, did so between 2003 - 2007, but not at banger prices.
Posted By: ScouseCoupe

Re: Bangernomics - 14/08/2017 10:43

Originally Posted By coupedummy
I bought a stilo estate for £300 and has been relatable as hell and passing its next mot with one small advisory.
Was hoping to upgrade and bought a Volvo S60 d5. So far been a dog, runs but needed a new intercooler, since found the tank pump has died and the now the tank leak fuel from the sender. Proberbly not the last of the issue. Very much look of the draw


Good point, it is the luck of the draw, though those who participate in bangernomics always look for that gem with zero risk.
Posted By: MeanRedSpider

Re: Bangernomics - 14/08/2017 10:48

My 156 wagon started to cost me a fortune especially when the stupid flywheel gave up. It was actually what tipped me into running Mercs on PCP (albeit used Mercs) because it was cheaper over the year than the 2.4 JTD was costing me to fix.

It maybe that the 1.6 156 is like the 164 TS - infinitely more reliable than the more powerful V6. I ran both 164s together and the TS was bulletproof whereas the V6 was a money-pit
Posted By: Gripped

Re: Bangernomics - 14/08/2017 11:27

It is luck of the draw as you say. But with Bangers the whole point is they are cheap, so if it is uneconomic to repair, you have the option scrap* it without losing thousands. So the risk is pretty low overall.

The problem comes when you become attached to the car !

Anything spring to mind?
wink

[* I do not endorse the scrapping of Coupes]
Posted By: ScouseCoupe

Re: Bangernomics - 15/08/2017 10:29

Originally Posted By MeanRedSpider
My 156 wagon started to cost me a fortune especially when the stupid flywheel gave up. It was actually what tipped me into running Mercs on PCP (albeit used Mercs) because it was cheaper over the year than the 2.4 JTD was costing me to fix.

It maybe that the 1.6 156 is like the 164 TS - infinitely more reliable than the more powerful V6. I ran both 164s together and the TS was bulletproof whereas the V6 was a money-pit


My former 156 SW was a 2.0 litre twinnie in veloce trim. Point taken on the 164, though I see that a 166 Twin-Spark is good value.
Posted By: coupedummy

Re: Bangernomics - 15/08/2017 21:22

I think the other thing with this is being handy with spanners to a point. If buying a banger there's no point throwing lots of money at it.
The Volvo has royally annoyed me but I managed to replace the intercooler and sort the fuel leak for £95 in total so far by doing the work myself.
Both items that a dealer would be not far off £500
Posted By: oxfordSteve

Re: Bangernomics - 18/08/2017 11:00

I am currently smoking a (don't laugh) MG ZT 160+

Waffly 2.5 V6, 90,000miles, big comfy leather seats, spoiler on the back, 18" alloys.

Cost me £650. I have just had to spend £6 on some exhaust rubbers though as the back box started dangling off the other day!
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