Page 10 - link magazine

10 ON THE ROAD

IS YOUR BIKE SICK? Secondhand Cars
From a cable to a complete overhaul, we'll What makes a good buy?
collect and deliver your bike at no extra cost. If you couldn't go for an 'L, Peter Swinyard of Hollyard Motors
4 Call the Bike Doctor now for a prompt, professional suggests some used models and offers some rules when buying
service on (0793) 874873 or (0850) 650956
Small Cars Astras are pleasant enough but the
BIKE Whole range of accessories available. 10% discount Despite the Fiesta'senduringpopu- Peugeot 205 is the pickof the cheaper
DOCTOR card after first order or repair larity, I don't rate older ones as de- ragtops with a good hood and prac-
mand keeps prices too high. Metros tical interior.
older than a D will have rust some- 4 wheel drives
FIRST 3 HRS: £7 EACH where. Go for a Polo or Uno, fun to THE Image machines of the mid-
drive until it crumbles into rust. 90's. But beware the value bubble
Normal Price £1 2 • YTS & Students £11
Lower Medium will burst in about 3 years when
4 The Golf is king. Not the insurance- over-supply meets changing fash-
490769 maimed GTi, but the sensible 1600 ion and they will be about as sale-
A2Z - Your Local West Swindon School and 1800 hatches. Go for a service able as a furry-dice encrusted Fiesta
Experienced, Patient Instructor history and a careful private owner. RS Turbo is now.
Parts not cheap but seldom needed.
Escorts and Astras are poorer value, Whatever you choose,
Maestros have to be VERY cheap to however much money you
be considered -the trade hates them. have to spend, remember
IMPORT Upper Medium the golden ground rules.
Here, the Sierra rules. Simple me- 1. Never spend more than you can
chanically, fairly pleasant to drive afford - and check insurance costs
Where can you get a FAIR M.o.T.? and roomy. Spares everywhere. before you buy.
cheap to run and insure. 2. Honest people sell honest cars.
At Nostalgia, a new concept in M.o.T.'s Executive If you don't like the vendor, you're
totally unbiased and independent. If your annual mileage is modest, a probably being sold a dog.
No repairs carried out. All re-tests free with no time limit. used Senator,Rover 800 orGranada 3. There is always another car.
makes a lot of sense. Ferocious de-
Classic and Modified cars our speciality. Walk away if the deal seems fishy.
predation in the first 3 years makes
Please ring or call in them affordable. The Senator wins 4. If buying privately or from a
NOSTALGIA for bulletproof quality and cheap small trader, go to their house.
runningcosts -a good CD13.0 comes Never, ever, buy in a car park etc.
Dellers Garages, Ripley Road, between E2000 and £8000. 5. Unless you know what you're
Old Town, Swindon. Tel: (0793) 522801 doing, buy from a dealer. It may be
Specialist
Here are the BMW's etc. The old- a little more expensive but you have
shape 5-series is looking seriously more come-back if there are prob-
dated now, but there is a steady lems. If you buy privately, check
demand for 518's and 520's. The with 1-IPI - a £15 service which
520i is the one to go for, with a super- checks outstanding credit, write-offs
smooth 6-cylinder engine and rea- and stolen cars.
sonable economy. Go to a good, 6. If you are still worried, get an
small garage such as Bells in engineers report from the AA/RAC
Wanborough for competent and af- etc. £100-200 buys a lot of reassur-
fordable services. The 3-series lasts ance. For cheaper cars, get a new
for ever, seemingly, but there are a MOT as a condition of sale. Go to a
lot of cars with dodgy histories reliable garage like Titcombe's in
Need a car? Afraid of being around. Buy with great care. Westmead. There are still some
Mercedes-Benz 190's are just start- dodgy MOT's around in this area,
ripped off by shady dealers or ing to lose value with the new C- but I won't say where.
class coming this autumn, but a Dor 7. Don't get carried away. And
sold a 'pup' by a private seller? E platerlooks likea good buy -check never, ever, pay the asking price.
your children fit in the back first! The trader may think you're a very
We offer: Summertime is over nice person, but every dealer builds
Convertible prices soften drastically in some margin for negotiation. Just
i in mid-winter. The Escorts and ask nicely.
home visits to discuss what car will best suit YOU
cars bought to order - you name the car, we find it
r your car taken in part exchange
Whether It's a boat, caravan or trailer
your new car will have a full year's MOT (if over BRITANNIA TOWING CENTRE
3 years old) Unit 16, Station Industrial Estate, Swindon
parts/labour warranty up to 24 months available CAN HELP!
* Towbars for Cars, Vans & Light Vehicles
r competitive prices * Seat Belts (Kangol & Britax Approved)
* quick, personal and expert service * Child Safety Seats
Tel: (0793) 613147 or 488622
For further information, contact:
Peter Swinyard on 870060
Chris Holden on 790578