You are reading a single comment by @Bagheera and its replies.
Click here to read the full conversation.
London Fixed Gear and Single-Speed is a community of predominantly fixed gear and single-speed cyclists in and around London, UK.
This site is supported almost exclusively by donations. Please consider donating a small amount regularly.
@Bagheera
Budget for car + insurance + running costs are going to be fierce for new drivers (esp. if you based in London), and esp. if your girlf. is also going to use the car for work (increased insurance as a result).
Of suggestions above Vauxhall Astra diesel has a lot going for it - these are standard issue police cars for a reason... they move, they can take lots of stuff, they're a good price, and bits don't keep falling off them.
An older Zafira will give you greater flexibility than an Astra however - and would fit within budget.
If you're worried about the brand thing... don't forget that Vauxhall's are produced down the same production lines that roll Opels, Cadillac's and SAAB's, all built to the same manufacturing standards, often from virtually identical parts. It's the brand you pay more for. And with a Vauxhall you can also find 1,000 places to get it fixed when it does breakdown.
In your situation, I'd check out the Zafira.
p.s. Though in my situation I'd go for a 2.8i Capri in two-tone blue grey and drive round thinking I was... oh, bodieanddoyle :-)