New car decisions - Page 1 - Car Buying

Original Poster

4 posts

88 months

Tuesday 28th May 2019

Hello all,

Firstly, I am a driver with an auto License.
I currently drive a civic 1.6 from 2003 with around 87k miles and am looking to upgrade.

I have recently moved to the Highlands of Scotland. Would be commuting around 12 miles a day in single track lanes and maybe 150 ish miles a weekend if I go to parents. I am unsure if I need 4wd or not with the wet/cold winter weather.

Cars I am looking at:
Audi a3 3.2 quattro from around 2007
Audi a3 2.0 quattro
Mitsubishi lancer ralliart sportback 2.0

Or a golf tfsi gti, seat leon fr, or even a skoda f fabia vrs.

Budget of around 5k. Looking for a hatchback, auto restricted and something fun to drive but not too bad mpg - lancer still catches my eye even though this badly fails the mpg.

Any suggestions?

Cheers, Sam

Edited by Itfcsam on Tuesday 28th May 20:00

Gez79

244 posts

212 months

Tuesday 28th May 2019

BMW 130i, although the autos are pretty rare.

If it doesn't have to be 5dr then you could also look at seat Ibiza cupra, essentially same car as the Fabia Vrs. Or maybe Volvo C30 T5? Same engine and chassis as a focus ST but available with an auto and nicer interior.

I've driven a lot of miles in a Fabia vrs estate. It's quick and handles well but the ride is pretty hard and it drinks oil. I'd be worried about reliability with the complicated engine. The dsg is also jerky when manoeuvring. Interior feels well built but hard plastics and a bit spartan.

I'd probably go for the Audi 2.0t Quattro or Golf GTi though

Gez79

244 posts

212 months

Tuesday 28th May 2019

Also don't forget if you get anything newer than 2006 and bad mpg it's 550 a year to tax. That includes the a3 3.2 and probably the Lancer off the top of my head

Pica-Pica

16,542 posts

113 months

Tuesday 28th May 2019

Gez79 said:

Also don't forget if you get anything newer than 2006 and bad mpg it's 550 a year to tax. That includes the a3 3.2 and probably the Lancer off the top of my head

Not really correct. See

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/governmen...

Pica-Pica

16,542 posts

113 months

Tuesday 28th May 2019

OP. Whatever car you get, I would suggest getting winter tyres for winter, or perhaps all season tyres. Depending on the expected climate where you are, all-seasons may be best.
Conti AllSeasons
Michelin cross climate
Vredestein Quatrac5

http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Article/7-of-the-best...

Gez79

244 posts

212 months

Wednesday 29th May 2019

Pica-Pica said:

Gez79 said:

Also don't forget if you get anything newer than 2006 and bad mpg it's 550 a year to tax. That includes the a3 3.2 and probably the Lancer off the top of my head

Not really correct. See

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/governmen...

The OP is looking at used cars circa 2007 for 5k. The car tax laws charged around 27th March 2006 and remained largely the same until recently with anything spewing out more than 225g/km attracting VED at £550 a year. Not sure his 5k budget will include many 2018 or newer cars with a list price of over 40k but thanks for the input.

ZX10R NIN

30,528 posts

154 months

Wednesday 29th May 2019

Original Poster

4 posts

88 months

Wednesday 29th May 2019

Many thanks everyone for your input.
The bmw 130i is intriguing, not really looked at bmws yet, as is the volvo.
Have always been a fan of the 350z, didn't even realise they did them in AUTO! - good spot.
I think 4wd is probably ott and more complex than I need. The civic copes alright with Nokia winter tyres

ZX10R NIN

30,528 posts

154 months

Wednesday 29th May 2019

You won't find a sensible mileage 130i (it's the same for the R32) for your budget & imo they're not that great a car until you add some mods I'd buy the 3 series over the 1 series.

Scottchester

1,671 posts

90 months

Wednesday 29th May 2019

I'd personally avoid the BMW, the Highlands will get snow and front and 4wd will always be better than rear wheel drive in bad conditions.

Original Poster

4 posts

88 months

Wednesday 29th May 2019

Yeah thinking 4wd / fwd. Just undecided as to how long the fun with the lancer would last until the mpg awareness takes over. Hearing it struggles to get 20 from other users.

stedaley

669 posts

153 months

Wednesday 29th May 2019

ZX10R NIN said:

Nissan 350GT

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Nissan-350GT-SKYLINE-3-...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Nissan-Skyline-350-GT/2...

All the above are decent/good steers & have character, the 350/350GT would just edge it for me.

What about these would sway it for you?
A lot seem to be auto, guessing you take that over the manual?

Edited by stedaley on Wednesday 29th May 15:47

Original Poster

4 posts

88 months

Wednesday 29th May 2019

I have an auto license. So restricted in that sense

ZX10R NIN

30,528 posts

154 months