Another what car - £2k auto

[JulianHJ]

My sister's Focus is beyond economic repair (or so she says). She's set me the challenge of finding her a replacement that meets the following requirements:

- £2k budget, probably a bit of flexibility
- Auto
- No bigger than a Vectra/Mondeo (though she like the look of a Signum she's seen advertised)
- under 60k (I know, I know, I've tried explaining it to her. The initial request was under 45k!)
- No more than ten years old

Is the above asking a bit much? I'm thinking maybe an auto Mondeo or Vectra - are there any better alternatives? She's been sending me ads for 206s, Almeras, and the aformentioned Signum. She wants it within two weeks (when the MOT of her Focus expires).

Any experience or suggestions?

[randomman]

I've really heard good things about the Signum. They are a little bit of a bargain at this range I think. the fact the Mrs likes the look of it is even better, they aren't the prettiest of motors!

[VolvoT5]

That is a big wish list for 2k. Probably have to compromise on the age, mileage or price. I briefly had a Signum and they are huge - it feels like you are driving a boat! Very comfortable though but avoid the 3.0 diesel.

[Herbs]

Mazda 6 falls within budget and a good steer as well by all accounts.

[JulianHJ]

VolvoT5 said:

That is a big wish list for 2k. Probably have to compromise on the age, mileage or price. I briefly had a Signum and they are huge - it feels like you are driving a boat! Very comfortable though but avoid the 3.0 diesel.

I've told her 100k+ is nothing providing condition and history are sound, and explained the compromise. I don't think she realises how big the Signum is.

[JulianHJ]

Herbs said:

Mazda 6 falls within budget and a good steer as well by all accounts.

Cheers, will take a look. She would be happy with something smaller if necessary.

[kippax]

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...

[JulianHJ]

kippax said:

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...

OK, that could be a winner. Certainly more interesting than an Almera! Thank you.

[B17NNS]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2013...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2013...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2013...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2013...

[Fleckers]

rover 75 or MG ZT

[wiliferus]

My money would go here...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2013...

Nice size, still a looker IMHO, unstressed engine, and a sturdy safe familymobile.

[Eski1991]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2005-05-PROTON-2-GLS-5-D...

Proton's really aren't that terrible (Granted I would never drive one).

[Jim the Sunderer]

kippax said:

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...

Acceleration: 0 to 62 in 6.2 seconds
Fuel consumption (MPG): 55
Engine power (BHP): 193

Why not bloody likely!

[JulianHJ]

wiliferus said:

My money would go here...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2013...

Nice size, still a looker IMHO, unstressed engine, and a sturdy safe familymobile.

Of all the cars so far, this is my favourite. I'll send her all the suggestions and see where we go from there.

[VolvoT5]

Eski1991 said:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2005-05-PROTON-2-GLS-5-D...

Proton's really aren't that terrible (Granted I would never drive one).

Not sure I would buy a car from that seller - just google their name.

[eltax91]

JulianHJ said:

OK, that could be a winner. Certainly more interesting than an Almera! Thank you.

It's 11 yrs old.

That's more than ten

[DervVW]

wiliferus said:

My money would go here...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2013...

Nice size, still a looker IMHO, unstressed engine, and a sturdy safe familymobile.

First thing I thought when I read the OP, I wonder if a SAAB will fit that bill... miles might be the only thing to check

[wiliferus]

DervVW said:

wiliferus said:

My money would go here...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2013...

Nice size, still a looker IMHO, unstressed engine, and a sturdy safe familymobile.

First thing I thought when I read the OP, I wonder if a SAAB will fit that bill... miles might be the only thing to check

Indeed, and the back drop doesn't look amazing, but who's to say its not a gem.

I'm sure better examples can be found but they'll be higher mileage as generally the SAABs natural territory is the motorway. If the OP can get her to relax about mileage a bit she'll get a cracking SAAB for her money.

[Eski1991]

eltax91 said:

It's 11 yrs old.

That's more than ten

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQ_u3mjqB9I

Brilliant.

[RoverP6B]

I would be concerned about transitioning straight from a Focus to a 9-5, which is flippin' enormous. Nice car, but needs something else in the middle. Umm... Saab 9-3? Skoda Octavia? Rover 75? BMW E46 3-series? That ad for a 318ci looks dodgy - 193hp? Not bloody likely, that was the 325i. 6.2 seconds to 60? More like the 330i. 55mpg? Not from any petrol 3er!