Go on then... What first car?

[ballscript]

First car for a 24 year old who hasn't needed to drive until pretty recently. I seem to be in a position where insurance is ~£1200 whether I choose a MX-5, Golf or Landrover Tdi...

I'm in the military, so it's looking at being a runabout during leave periods, the very, very occasional drive during the week and then 500 mile round trips every few weekends.

Fuel economy would be nice, as would the ability to lug a reasonable amount of kit, thinking two or three people with 60l duffel bags as a standard load. 4/5 doors would be preferable. Looking at diesel simply because of the distances, but I've read horror stories about buying older diesels with huge repair bills.

Budget... Torn between >£1000 on something I'll be shot of within a couple of years, >£5000 on something I'll keep until it's not economical to or something in between.

So I'm looking for something cheap, reliable, economical and spacious. Yeah... If it came with free cash in the boot or something that would be nice too.

[essexplumber]

Remapped 330d?

[ballscript]

essexplumber said:

Remapped 330d?

Been looking in that vicinity, but anything around the age I'll be looking at doesn't smack of reliability/affordable servicing.

[barky]

well if a recent survey is to be believed --- how about an astra

[richie barry]

SOTW?

[Zad]

Mk.1 Focus 1.8

Do the maths on fuel before you buy. As you say, old diesels have some expensive bills. DMF, injectors, turbo etc.