I don’t want a VW Golf, but....

[markizok]

So I don’t want a golf, but all roads lead back to one so please help me be creative!

I do 8k per year and want a fun’ish car which is reliable. I am toying with the new Jimny on a PCP, or just spending £5-£10k on a car cash, my concern is the possible repair bills after the amount my recent 2009 A5 cost me. Really want an auto.... what do you think?

[Terzo123]

Seat Leon 1.8 tsi

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2018...

Or for better economy and not much less performance go for the 1.4

[Jag_NE]

it has to be the Jimny!

are golfs and leons etc really considered to be fun? the Jimny wont be as fast but I think it would be great to own one. Its the sort of thing you could use as a daily driver for a few years to get your worth out of it, then keep in the garage as a snow use only car, it will probably outlive you!

[pb8g09]

If you get a Jimny, would you mind getting a black one with every option ticked, preferably auto but manual if needs be and then hand it back in 3 years time?

My other half and I plan to buy one but we've just bought 2 new cars so have to wait....

Thanks

In all seriousness, if you've considering a Golf but also a Jimny for fun, what sort of fun are you looking for? The latter won't be refined and will be fun off-road, a Golf isn't fun in any way at all except blasting in a straight line in an R...

[pb8g09]

What about an Abarth? That's fun and can pick up a 595 in your budget?

[ZX10R NIN]

Why do they all lead back to the Golf, firstly the Golf is not a fun steer in GTI form let alone the standard versions.
That's not to say they're bad cars they're just bland at which point I normally point people in the Seat Leon if it has to be a VAG product.

Cars are very reliable these days so don't be discouraged also if you get yourself a 2015 model car you can extend the Manufacturer's Warranty so you can have the same peace of mind if that's a concern & it'll also save you a fair chunk of money if you're considering buying a new Golf.

Here are my suggestions of cars I'd be looking at before looking at a Golf not because I dislike them (I don't) but when you consider spec mileage & age etc the cars below IMO are better cars overall.

Kia Pro Cee'd GT (this will still have 4 Years worth of warranty left) Tech

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Ford Focus Titanium X (I'd buy one of these every time before buying a Golf but like the Golf you pay a premium)

Alfa Romeo Giulietta

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Vauxhall Astra Elite Nav (sit in one of these as the fit & finish is good)

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Mazda3 Sport Nav

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

If it has to be VAG then the Seat would be my pick.

Seat Leon FR

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...


If you want to go for a new fun hatch then look no further than the i30N.

[markizok]

Some great shouts there, especially the Kia. By fun I means something that I don’t mind driving (like a basic focus or Astra - just not my bag).

The jimny will be green and an auto. It’s the car that gets me most excited, I’m just not sure how great it will be hopping up the A59 all week..... ideally I’ll love it when I try it, but if not i need a plan!

Sorry, just to add, I have weekend toys in the garrage which is why I just want something for the commute 😀

[robinh73]

I love the new Jimny and actually do at times need a 4x4. But, I am 3 months into a 3 year affair with a Seat Leon 1.4FR TSi. Really good car and it does everything really. It is reasonably nippy, doesn't drink fuel, is well made, handles quite nicely, has a good spec, has room for 4 adults, looks good and is a nice place to be. Can't fault it.

[ZX10R NIN]

markizok said:

Some great shouts there, especially the Kia. By fun I means something that I don’t mind driving (like a basic focus or Astra - just not my bag).

The jimny will be green and an auto. It’s the car that gets me most excited, I’m just not sure how great it will be hopping up the A59 all week..... ideally I’ll love it when I try it, but if not i need a plan!

Sorry, just to add, I have weekend toys in the garrage which is why I just want something for the commute ??

The Focus is a better steer than a Golf even in it's most base spec & as you can see the Focus's I linked to are far from base spec, go for the Kia it's different a decent steer comes loaded with kit, it'll do your commute with ease go & take a look at one, they also come in 5 door form too.

Edited by ZX10R NIN on Monday 8th October 16:24

[Lazermilk]

I'm currently trying to decide what to get here in Austria, cars are unfortunately very expensive here, especially for anything remotely fun!
After friends and family, the UK used car market and insurance/tax costs are the thing I miss the most!

I test drove a Volvo V40 the other day and really liked it, sure its not the most fun car but I liked the styling and the interior felt nice too with very comfy leather seats, dual climate, city safe and reverse camera with auto park etc, its far better equipped and cheaper than an equivalent golf I looked at recently so is currently my first choice for now.
Maybe worth checking what you can get there, I tested just the D3 which had enough power for what I need, but the T5 also comes with 4wd and plenty power if that's what your after!

ETA, something like this:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Edited by Lazermilk on Monday 8th October 16:19

[stevekoz]

If it doesn't necessarily have to be a manual i'd consider a Fiesta ST

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Can pick them up for about £8/9k with reasonable mileage. Good on fuel. Lots of fun to drive. And remarkably roomy inside, enough for 4 people. Took one for a few work trips this year and it was more than adequate for four adult and backpacks. Was really surprising how good it went and handled.

[Porridge GTI]

Get the GTI.