James Ruppert: which used motors do car dealers spend their own cash on?

“The second Bangernomics buy was a toy for me, a 2006 Mini Cooper S with 120,000 miles and in a pretty sad state,” he says. “Got it in the trade through a Vauxhall dealer in Bristol. It hadn’t been serviced in 50,000 miles and hadn’t had much, if any, love. It did, however, have an unusually high spec, including heated leather Recaro seats, sat-nav and a limited-slip diff. I’ve had the engine uprated to 230-240bhp and all the paintwork and wheels done, plus four new Avon tyres. So after buying it for £1500, it owes me £2800. That’s two great cars for £8500.” 

He’s right, of course. That’s the whole point of used cars: they deliver value for money. There is a bit of effort required on your part usually to sort them out, but I am continually pointing out Bangernomics isn’t just buying cars for pennies: it is also finding ones that work for you. Be like Bradley.

What we almost bought this week

Maserati 3200GT: Almost bought? That’s right: we chickened out. After all, it’s a thirsty old 1999-reg GT but at least it’s the original and sought-after banana-tail-lights version. It’s the four-speed automatic, too, which suits the 3.2 V8 better than the manual. It has done 72,000 miles and has full main dealer service history (cambelt changed last April). 

Tales from Ruppert’s garage

Land Rover Series 3, 29,392 miles: The Lorry really needed its MOT and eventually it passed. A long time ago, I may have mentioned that the nearside indicators were on the blink. I investigated, of course, but nothing seemed to work. Instead, I used hand signals. 

The garage had to do an awful lot of digging into what must be one of the simplest electrical circuits in automotive history. They also rebuilt the carburettor. I had spoken to a specialist a while back and they said don’t bother with it. So-called specialists are often wrong. It has never run better.

Reader’s ride:

It is nice to catch up again with Jake Belder, who has bought a rather wonderful Subaru Outback. 

“It looked great on paper, with a full history, new MOT and good photos,” he says. “It has the 3.0-litre flat six and auto gearbox. The mileage was just under 140,000. I put in a low bid and the seller accepted. 

“I gave it a service and have replaced the inner CV gaiters, anti-roll bar links, ball joints, tie rod ends and a rear wheel bearing. Other than that, it’s been 4000 miles of effortless (if slightly thirsty) cruising.” 

Readers’ questions

Question: Is there a good family saloon for £8000 or have SUVs killed them off? Darren Nuttall, Folkstone

Answer: Sadly, the new Peugeot 508 is out of your price range but a low-mileage 2013/13-reg Skoda Superb 1.8 TSI SE should do nicely. You won’t believe the interior space, equipment level or the performance from that sweet-revving 157bhp motor. John Evans

Question: Why have I been sent a road tax reminder for my zero-rated car? Sally Kirkup, Bodmin

Answer: A car can attract no road tax but is not exempt from it. So no car can be driven on the road without it being taxed, whether it costs £800 or zilch. The alternative, a £1000 fine, should clear up any confusion. John Evans