My first "what car thread"

[PottyMouth]

Evening all.

Having contributed to this forum for a while, it's time for me to ask my first real car-related question.

23, 6 years' no claims, RoSPA Gold

Basically, I have 12,000 to spend, and am looking to buy a hatchback with a bit more power than my current car, a 1.6 petrol hatchback.

The cars I have tested so far are:

Astra 1.9 SRI 150bhp

Skoda Fabia 3 1.6 CDTI

I'm also looking at the Volvo C30, and of course one of the bigger-engined Golfs.

I must admit I am a total dunce with regard to this kind of thing, and feel quite bewildered with all the choices.

I would welcome and advice/wisdom.

Thanks!

[Tonberry]

Why a hatchback?

[OnTheOverrun]

Your examples seem to suggest you're not really much of a car enthusiast - I don't mean to be rude but do you just want some reliable transport or do you want it to drive well and be a bit PH?

[PottyMouth]

The reason for a hatchback is simply the fact that my very restricted parking arrangements in France don't allow for anything bigger.

I am not an out-and-out car enthusiast, but I am certainly a keen driver and no stranger to a bit of speed....

[Willy Nilly]

OnTheOverrun said:

Your examples seem to suggest you're not really much of a car enthusiast - I don't mean to be rude but do you just want some reliable transport or do you want it to drive well and be a bit PH?

???

So you need rear drive and too much power to be a car enthusiast do you?

I have hum drum wheels, you lot on here won't like it. But it doesn't cost me much and never goes wrong. I'd sooner put more miles on a cheaper car, than have an expensive car I was either frightened to run, or could not afford to. There are plenty on here that worry about parking their cars. I don't

[jonnydm]

BMW 120d