warrenpfo said:Perhaps that is why I am finding this decision so hard. Not that I don’t want an 04 or later because I do but rather because spending that kind of money when I can spend half that and get just as capable a car is what my brain is telling me to do.
So with this in mind I have taken the decision to widen the search and find that great base model and rather than be constrained on budget rather hold out for a vehicle that is in good condition, does not have satnav controlled AC may even be a manual and pocket the extra £8k or there abouts for that time next year in SA when I wake up 6 months down the road still not having found a job but wanting to go on a week’s trip with the family and be able to do so because I made the smart decision when back in the UK.
I think that's the right choice. The 4sp and 5sp aren't that far apart - and for where you are going and what you are doing I'd reckon the fewer electrics the better. I've just been to see one near Manchester that you've probably spotted - an 04 at £15k with 63k miles. Black. Looks nice until you spot it's been keyed down the drivers side, the wing (although it's the original wing) has been painted with blackboard paint, the drop links need doing, the sat nav (and climate etc) doesn't work and the steering motor is fubar. So - it's over £2k to get it right - assuming that no-one knows how to fix these units and it has to be replaced. I'm also thinking of a nice 4sp example if I can find one and bugger the gear change. It doesn't matter when you're on the motorway anyway...!