Car advice - £5000 budget
Discussion
Having a bit of trouble narrowing this down. I'm looking for something fun/enjoyable to drive, but practical (so small Clio's and the like are out really as I need more space than that). Seems LOADS out there, and I'm getting all kinds of mixed advice from old estates to sleek BMW's to family hatchbacks! Up to £5k there's quite a lot to choose from. I'm not so bothered about age as long as it's reliable and befitting my 32 years lol! All input welcome. Thanks in advance...
Edited by macdougle on Friday 12th October 15:19
My initial advice would be to say you need to outline what you need:-
Often in the car yourself? then is there a need for 4drs/estate?
Acceptable MPG/servicing costs?
What will it be used for?
your driving style? (e.g., do you like waves of torque, or something that revs to 9krpm?)
if you work that out, it should narrow the field considerably
Often in the car yourself? then is there a need for 4drs/estate?
Acceptable MPG/servicing costs?
What will it be used for?
your driving style? (e.g., do you like waves of torque, or something that revs to 9krpm?)
if you work that out, it should narrow the field considerably
320touring said:
My initial advice would be to say you need to outline what you need:-
Often in the car yourself? then is there a need for 4drs/estate?
Acceptable MPG/servicing costs?
What will it be used for?
your driving style? (e.g., do you like waves of torque, or something that revs to 9krpm?)
if you work that out, it should narrow the field considerably
Outline the above first and then we can all suggest an MX5... (more sensible and appropriate suggestions will follow once these vital bits of info have been shared).Often in the car yourself? then is there a need for 4drs/estate?
Acceptable MPG/servicing costs?
What will it be used for?
your driving style? (e.g., do you like waves of torque, or something that revs to 9krpm?)
if you work that out, it should narrow the field considerably
Ha, I physically LOL'd at the MX5, but fair point. 
Not a particular need for 4 doors, although as I intend on doing up a property soon I need something that has a bit of space. I certainly don't want a van though as I need rear seats. I will likely do the occasional long distance journey as I have family up in Scotland and live down south. MPG I'm flexible as long as it's not a guzzler, diesel or petrol I'm fine either way. Servicing costs again, as long as not ridiculous. I'd say more torque than revs. I used to be a driving instructor so consider myself a sensible and considerate driver.
Not a particular need for 4 doors, although as I intend on doing up a property soon I need something that has a bit of space. I certainly don't want a van though as I need rear seats. I will likely do the occasional long distance journey as I have family up in Scotland and live down south. MPG I'm flexible as long as it's not a guzzler, diesel or petrol I'm fine either way. Servicing costs again, as long as not ridiculous. I'd say more torque than revs. I used to be a driving instructor so consider myself a sensible and considerate driver.
TheVole said:
Are Mk5 Golf GTIs down to this kind of money yet?
Sadly not. They're not that far off, but an Octavia vRS is probably more realistic as the VAG selection goes for that money.Can't go too far wrong with a warm 3-Series either. Although, that said, the lowish rear deck on the 3-Series saloon and coupé doesn't give you a huge aperture when you fold the seats down. You might find that Clio isn't so impractical if you plan on transporting bikes or something.
Oh, and as a leftfield(ish) suggestion, what about a Porsche 944 of some description? They don't get all the PH-love without reason.
ETA Suggested the 944 before I saw the comment on doing up the house. They are deceptively practical, but maybe not that practical. My suggestion would be Mk2 Octavia vRS or E46 BMW Touring.
Edited by MrFrodo on Friday 12th October 16:03
macdougle said:
Ha, I physically LOL'd at the MX5, but fair point.
Not a particular need for 4 doors, although as I intend on doing up a property soon I need something that has a bit of space. I certainly don't want a van though as I need rear seats. I will likely do the occasional long distance journey as I have family up in Scotland and live down south. MPG I'm flexible as long as it's not a guzzler, diesel or petrol I'm fine either way. Servicing costs again, as long as not ridiculous. I'd say more torque than revs. I used to be a driving instructor so consider myself a sensible and considerate driver.
When I post on these threads, I usually suggest the car I want at that time. So go get a VW Corrado...Not a particular need for 4 doors, although as I intend on doing up a property soon I need something that has a bit of space. I certainly don't want a van though as I need rear seats. I will likely do the occasional long distance journey as I have family up in Scotland and live down south. MPG I'm flexible as long as it's not a guzzler, diesel or petrol I'm fine either way. Servicing costs again, as long as not ridiculous. I'd say more torque than revs. I used to be a driving instructor so consider myself a sensible and considerate driver.
I would LOVE a Porsche, and I have a definite soft spot for the 944, but probably is stretching it in terms of practicality. I'd love to be wrong on that though! The 3-series BMW's I know from my dad having had one some years ago that the boot aperture isn't great, and the seats don't go flat. I assume the touring is much better in this regard? Hadn't considered a Skoda but the Octavia VRs seems quite a lot of car for the money.
Another vote for the Octavia VRS here - unless your doing stellar miles look for a petrol - they do tend to be cheaper like for like.
Ran one for about 18 months - didnt put a foot wrong traded it for a diesel Octavia Scout as I needed the economy (on 20K+ a year) & estate space even tho the normal hatch is huge the estate fitted better and SWMBO is still living up in the lake district so the 4WD and extra clearance (and winter tyres) comes in really useful. Had the scout now for 15 months and again servicing so far is the only cost.
Simes.
Ran one for about 18 months - didnt put a foot wrong traded it for a diesel Octavia Scout as I needed the economy (on 20K+ a year) & estate space even tho the normal hatch is huge the estate fitted better and SWMBO is still living up in the lake district so the 4WD and extra clearance (and winter tyres) comes in really useful. Had the scout now for 15 months and again servicing so far is the only cost.
Simes.
I have recently had the same requirements as the OP. I got a last of the line 156 and kept the 2k change. I'm sure some bits will need sorting but you get a lot for the money. The Octavia was on the list but they get a bit ropy at this price point plus my 5 cylinder diesel sounds much nicer than either Octavia variant.
Another Octavia vRS vote here from an owner. Briskoda is a good resource if you're looking. It's a lot of car for the money. It's not exactly hardcore but a great balance between a fun drive, a dependable car, and something with a bloody huge load space. 35mpg on a long run is achievable with the petrol version.
Not sure about the "ropy" comments- my 56 plate hatch with 70,000 miles has sailed through its MOT this week and is well looked after. Mine isn't for sale but I'd be looking for about £4,500-£4,800 for it if it were.
From a slightly different perspective, I've worked with an out of hours doctor's service that ran different estates. The Octavias with 100,000 miles looked in better nick than the Meganes that were half as old.
If you're buying one, make sure the cambelt was changed- it's due every 4 years or 80,000 miles. It's preferable if the water pump was changed at the same time.
Downsides... well, you won't win fashion contests but sometimes that's a good thing- I don't get a lot of unwanted attention. The ride is a bit crashy over poor surfaces but it's a bit better on 17 inch wheels instead of the 18 inchers you often see.
Not sure about the "ropy" comments- my 56 plate hatch with 70,000 miles has sailed through its MOT this week and is well looked after. Mine isn't for sale but I'd be looking for about £4,500-£4,800 for it if it were.
From a slightly different perspective, I've worked with an out of hours doctor's service that ran different estates. The Octavias with 100,000 miles looked in better nick than the Meganes that were half as old.
If you're buying one, make sure the cambelt was changed- it's due every 4 years or 80,000 miles. It's preferable if the water pump was changed at the same time.
Downsides... well, you won't win fashion contests but sometimes that's a good thing- I don't get a lot of unwanted attention. The ride is a bit crashy over poor surfaces but it's a bit better on 17 inch wheels instead of the 18 inchers you often see.
Edited by blearyeyedboy on Saturday 13th October 10:01
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff