Another What Car

[Toathus]

A friend of mine is searching for a car to replace his ropey old Almera. He's not much of a petrol head so we're after something sensible, reliable and needs to feel like a step up from the noble Almera.

Budget circa £3500. I've suggested a Focus but he's not too keen.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated

[Killer2005]

I have a lovely Alfa 147 for sale for a bit less than that.

Anyone who questions the reliability factor will be frowned upon

[VR46]

Vw golf gti, accord, mondeo st220.

[V88Dicky]

Corolla.

Avensis mkII (really quite plush)

Civic.

[mike9009]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/search/used/cars/postc...

Here is a list of cars priced between 3k and 4k.

Any other requirements?

Mike

[PH lurker]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3937918.htm

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...

[BorkFactor]

PH lurker said:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3937918.htm

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...

[P I Staker]

mike9009 said:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/search/used/cars/postc...

Here is a list of cars priced between 3k and 4k.

Any other requirements?

Mike

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...

Sorted.

[PH lurker]

BorkFactor said:

PH lurker said:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3937918.htm

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...

Toathus said:

... He's not much of a petrol head so we're after something sensible, reliable and needs to feel like a step up from the noble Almera...

Not my personal favourites really, but he does say not a petrol head.

[BorkFactor]

PH lurker said:

Not my personal favourites really, but he does say not a petrol head.

Even still, always go for a Mondeo over a Vectra. Better in every conceivable way

[Animal101]

MX5

[PH lurker]

BorkFactor said:

Even still, always go for a Mondeo over a Vectra. Better in every conceivable way

Fair enough.

[P I Staker]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...


These may or may not be sensible choices.

[Toathus]

Killer2005 said:

I have a lovely Alfa 147 for sale for a bit less than that.

Anyone who questions the reliability factor will be frowned upon

I showed him the 147's and even though he understands the appeal of them the reliability niggles are a bit of a concern. Are they still unreliable or are they just tarnished from the past issues and Clarkson comments?

Golf MK5 seems a good suggestion but with £3000 to spend would he better off with a immaculate MK4 or perhaps an A3?

ST220 is a great call. Is 30mpg really achievable with this engine? He'll be doing approx 200 miles a week on country lanes and B roads.

[Toathus]

Animal101 said:

MX5

[SystemParanoia]

jeep grand cherokee 4.7

he'll get lots of wafty goodness

[VX Foxy]

BorkFactor said:

PH lurker said:

Not my personal favourites really, but he does say not a petrol head.

Even still, always go for a Mondeo over a Vectra. Better in every conceivable way

Bullst.

[BorkFactor]

VX Foxy said:

Bullst.

Do explain?!

[VX Foxy]

BorkFactor said:

Do explain?!

You first

[BorkFactor]

VX Foxy said:

You first

Driven both, owned 2 Mondeos, the Mondeo is much nicer to drive, much more reliable, nicer interior, better engines, more comfortable, and generally better specced.

In fairness, the Vectra does look quite good in SRI spec, the SRI seats are good, and the cabin is definitely quieter at motorway speeds. I would still pick a Mondeo every time, much better car.