I have recently inherited a Nissan Bluebird Executive 1.8 turbo petrol from my grandad who passed away and had been driving it for 3 months. Got the interior touched up, got a new windscreen as the sill was going and t-cut the whole exterior by hand. It was running beautifully until I took it last weekend to Bristol.
It loved motorway driving and was just 1.5k from 100,000 miles. On the way home it started pluming smoke out the back and the temperature went through the roof.
The head gasket has gone and at least one of the poston rings is smashed. The car has big sentimental value and I was hoping to keep it for a while. All anyone had told me was that these cars just run and run. Apparently my options are to rebuild the engine or to get a 2nd hand engine put in, both of which are expensive.
I do want to keep the car, and could scrape together about £1000 or so, but I know I could buy a half decent car with this money.
Any ideas? Advice greatly appreciated. Also, if I am to replace it, I would want something similar but seemingly more reliable. I have been thinking about maybe a saloon Subaru Legacy, but any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Aaron
Answer
Hi Aaron,
I'm afraid that your options are exactly as the garages have set out. Although £1,000 should be enough to get that sorted.
With only £1,000 to spend on a new car, you are taking a bit of a gamble, especially if you want a big saloon.
I am huge fan of the Subaru Legacy, and they are very reliable. But when they breakdown, they do it with style and a big bill usually follows.
Your best bet is to buy something very main stream, like an Astra, Focus or Peugeto 307. Buy a well looked after petrol car and you will get the best value for your £1,000.
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