Jelp my

[Waterhond]

Hi Guys,

Could I state a hypothetical situation ?

I am someone that just lost my only vehicle to theft. Now I have a small amount that the insurance payed me out. But it is just enough to buy something at the very low end of the market. So, I have just a few alternatives..
1 - I can buy me a old small car like a Golf (run of the mill something)
2 - I can buy me an Escort Sport (getting nearer to interesting)
3 - I can buy me a v8 like an El Camino or such (what I actually really would like)

I am a car fan, and the ordinary ones do not speak to my hart and soul. However, I have to keep economics and reality in mind. I drive around 2 000 ks per month.

May I know your thoughts on what would you do in the same situation ?

[C-Body Barge]

Hi this is very sad to hear you lost your only vehicle to theft.. My heart is saying get the El Camino and enjoy those 2000km a month but in reality I have tried doing that many kms in a car from the 60s and she did not like me, in theory my 383 will go all day long but the start stop of todays traffic played havoc on the cooling and braking systems, never mind the fuel bill, wear and tear also became a problem, when a starter motor goes or brake shoes need replacing repairs can take up to a week, unless you know exactly where to take your car or you have the spares already. I do drive my 383 alot I see my clients with it and do a delivery in it if needed. The 383 has never left me at the side of the road but I have had to make running repairs a couple times (my tools and plenty spares reside in the boot)

Good luck with witch ever route you decide to take.

[Waterhond]

Thank you C-Body Barge, for such an honest and helpfull answer. This is what I need as I have a lot of difficulty in remaining objective..

Thank you kindly

[drgfinger]

In my humble opinion , It really doesnt matter what you buy , all of the options will probably cost you the same in the long run what with repairs and depreciation and insurance and running costs , However its almost 100% certain a v8 elky will use 2x the petrol as the other options , you prolly looking at 5-6km/l so 2000 km gonna cost you 400 litres (R4000) or aprox R2000 a month more than the others. Depends on your cash flow if you can absorb this... You would most likely lose nothing on the older v8 when selling , will get enjoyment , have a unique (but 2-3 seater) car that can tow and haul stuff , you can write off expenses to your business if you have one (delivery vehicle), unlikely you will be hijacked with an Elky too... and its an ubercool ride...
Reality is , a well sorted Elky will most likely cost R50-80k , nearer the top end if you want it "as new" , I believe in driving what I like rather than a "sensible" choice , but if funds are REAL tight , and you are married with kids , the sensible more reliable choice might be better
Only you can decide ...

[Waterhond]

drgfinger, this is so cool ! I have a knop in my keel, with the real help i'm getting here. I know I sound very soppy, but the situation is very important to me. Nobody, but nobody im my circle of friend heer has tried to approach my decision making in the way you huys thus far did.

THANKS

[gordini]

Forget the run of the mill type stront you refer to. You'll never be happy with a car that everybody drives. The Fordjie is nice and there is many other nice, cheap and reliable cars on Gumtree and elsewhere that go for a song.
The Elky will also be my choice here, but with economics in the back of the head, i will go the other classic way
My 2c..............

Just keep it classic..

[Waterhond]

Thanks Gordini (whish I had one).. ou speak to my heart of hearts

[Graeme]

Think Logic, What happens if you buy old escort or elcamino that was cheap and cool but always gives you problems and ends up costing you more to fix all the time.
If you travel around for business then the Golf would be a good deal as long as it is realible, cheap on gas and
parts are availible. Rather buy something that is modern uncool but lasts a long time and doesn't become a money pit. Then you can save for a nice old car aswell. Never buy an old cheap v8 or v6 or some exotic car as your only car cause its just not the way to go.

[Waterhond]

Man, this is getting difficult ! Thank you Graeme. What is difficult for me is the fact that I used to have some nice cars way back, which I still remember the joy of having them. Now that I am in a situation where I need transport, and only a little money, I am constantly tempted to get something exciting. But then at the same time I know in my head that I have to take responsibilities in account. I live on my own, but am not that young that I would want to spend night on my back under a car. I most certainly do not know what I am going to do !!

[Johann65]

Hullo Waterhond!!
I have a 65 Malibu with a 4100 engine gives close to 10Km/L,
A 75 Kommando with a 5000 Camaro engine gives close to 7Km/l
A 2000 Peugeot 406 with a 2000 engine gives close to 11Km/l
and a 1996 Citi Golf with a three speed 1300 engine gives close to 13Km/l.
Like the Kommando to smoke my tires!
Like the Malibu to take the scenic routes
Like the Peugeot for its Air-con
and the Citi Golf to keep the son off my back!
Difficult choice to make when you are limited!!
Hope you can make some compremise!!!