Recommendations for an old banger?

[FanjoForTheMusic]

Need to buy a car in a bit of a hurry (other one about to fall to bits), and can't afford more than a grand.

Must have 4 doors and be reasonably economical to run (1.4 or under if petrol, 1.9 or under if diesel).

Suggestions gratefully received!

Have you looked on Autotrader? Plus would recommend getting someone who knows about cars to get anything checked out before you buy....

Yep, am looking on Autotrader, Gumtree etc. Hoping someone will be able to recommend reliable models that last forever and run on fresh air...

my dh is a mechanic and says that fords are more reliable than most.

Fords are pretty reliable....loads of private hire drivers seem to own one, so they must be good! And they're pretty cheap too! My mum had a Mondeo for ever!!

Thanks kahlua, wish my chap was as useful as yours!

Thanks. He is very handy to have around!!

Hope you find a car

The most reliable cars I have had were all Fords. Current Galaxy is 11 years old, has 212k miles on the clock and still going strong. It's a 1.9TD. Worth probably about £1k on a good day!

Other one was a Mondeo. Was 1.8 petrol, 12 years old when it died (snapped cam belt) and had done 120K.

Have also had 2 Fiestas - both were 14-15 years old when I had them. Lost one to a crash and the other I sold on to a very willing buyer.

Have had a Vauxhall and a Renault but both were shite.
Good luck with your hunt (my last 3 cars were all via Autotrader).