Christmas is a wonderful time for all of us and even better for buyers because cheap cars become even more affordable. It’s cold, so no one wants to hang around a draughty forecourt kicking tyres. Everyone else is off spending their money getting fancy slippers for their mums. No one is buying cars for fun – except us.
The market is wide open for Bangernomicists to bag a car that can cope with all the important errands, adventures and tasks that go with the holiday season. So here’s what you should be looking at to make your Christmas even better.
Pack in all the presents: Mitsubishi L200
Years built: 1996–2006
Price: £2399
You could get a commercial vehicle like a van, but they are always clapped out. If we are going to pack all the pressies on board, then it has to be a pick-up. It’s even more useful when you can get some helpful elves on board in a crew cab and the L200 has always got on with the job.
VAT may be an issue if you’re buying from a dealer, but what you must avoid are the worn-out farm hacks and builders’ beasts of burden, which take their toll on the suspension and the engine. The bodywork also seems quite susceptible to picking up random dents. The 2.5 engine is muscular and can haul considerable loads and the L200 can be bought as a proper 4x4 with a high- and low-range option, but the two-wheel-drive high ratio is fine for general work.
In one word: invincible.
It’s worth checking: Damage to unlined service area. Worn suspension. Turbocharged diesel issues.
One we found: 2001 2.5 TD Animal crew cab, 150k miles
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T5 Volvo cheap!
I was thinking the same about the Volvo T5 estate being overlooked and cheap as chips for now.
Fun Article
Merry Christmas to all!
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S-Max sunroofs are fixed
S-Max sunroofs are fixed panoramic glass which do not open, so cannot get stuck, and are highly unlikely to leak.
Once I read this inaccuracy I lost faith and didn't bother reading the rest.