What do you think of Elon Musk? Have your say | No thanks
Fun, cheap to run, practical car for £8k?
I am currently looking for something cheap to run that fits in the fun good-looking category. I drive around 10,000 miles a year, so for the outlay and lack of DPF problems I'd rather stick with petrol.
I really like the look of the Renault Megane Coupe and for my £8k budget could get a 30k-mile 10-plate 1.6. I am concerned, however about Renault long-term reliability and electrics that have always plagued Meganes?
The other option is my Dad's BMW 1-series which is worth similar money - 08 116i SE 5dr. What do you think of this car? I actually really like driving it, but as it is 5 years old now, and has done 50k miles, is it likely to cost me a lot to keep going from now on?
I really like the look of the Renault Megane Coupe and for my £8k budget could get a 30k-mile 10-plate 1.6. I am concerned, however about Renault long-term reliability and electrics that have always plagued Meganes?
The other option is my Dad's BMW 1-series which is worth similar money - 08 116i SE 5dr. What do you think of this car? I actually really like driving it, but as it is 5 years old now, and has done 50k miles, is it likely to cost me a lot to keep going from now on?
Asked on 30 May 2013 by confusedbuyer

Though I share your admiration for the looks of the Megane coupe, the BMW is better to drive and will probably hold its value better.
Similar questions

I'm looking to change my 2009 Suzuki Swift Sport for something more robust, slightly larger, with fewer rattles and a more composed and forgiving ride quality.
I have been looking at the Audi A3 1.9tdi,...

I'm looking for a car for an elderly friend of mine. She currently drives a Hyundai i10 but it's old and rusty. She does not do a lot of distance driving so ideally something that is good around town,...

We have a Ukrainian guest who would like to buy an automatic car for around £5000. We are worried about all the extra costs so a good start would be something likely to be reliable. Where to start?
Related models
.jpg?width=115&height=75&rmode=crop)
Great to drive and superbly built. Wide choice of models, improved from 2007 with Efficient Dynamics. 118d is super economical.
.jpg?width=115&height=75&rmode=crop)
Impressive glass-panelled folding roof. Comfortable and relaxing to drive. Useable boot space. Refined even with the roof down.