Pretty Much Decided But What Have I Missed?

[anotheruser]

Had my Ford Focus for 10 years now so time for a change. I've pretty much decided on a BMW 1 series but here's some info about my car:

1.6, 56 plate, petrol, 154,000 miles. It has some damage to the rear passenger door (a small dent and some scrape marks). Mot due in September but I don't expect anything huge that needs doing. I'll probably buy a new car in late August / early September

Just started a new job.
May mean travelling up to 60/80miles round trip, mainly motorway.

Decided on a BMW 1 series because they're fairly popular so parts are still good and our other car is a Golf. The build quality is quite different although the Golf is a 11 plate so a good few years younger.

My budget is up to £7,000 but really I want to be spending closer to £6k. However, I really want a 2012 plate and up as that seems to be a slight turning point in the interior. Seen a couple that look okay but they're at the top of my budget. Perhaps the gap between now and when I come to buy will mean a few hundred off the price. I barely expect to get £250 for the focus, if that.

Someone else suggested a Volvo v40, which is a possible but not sure and the price differences aren't that bad.

It's also been suggested a Seat Leon but I don't like the instant chav look of them.

I know I'm going to pay extra for the BMW name but I'm hoping this will, like the Focus, last 10 or so years, hence why I don't particularly look at lease or PCP deals.

Is there any other car I've missed or something I haven't thought of?

Edited by anotheruser on Thursday 2nd July 20:33

[ZX10R NIN]

If you're buying a diesel 1 Series I'd do your resaearch as the 2.0d's have significant issues that would make me look elsewhere also they're not the most roomy, the 2.0i's have some issues too.

Personally I'd be taking a proper a look at these options all are good reliable options that have sensible running costs & are reliable.

I'd also say that if you want to keep it a long time then ignore the long service intervals & get it serviced every 10k with non long life oil be it petrol or diesel.

Alfa Giulietta 1.4T or 2.0d Veloce 170

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

2.0d

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

Citroen DS5 DStyle 160 very nice interior

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

Astra BiTurbo 190

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

Kia Ceed 4

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

1.4T Astra Elite

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

In terms of build quality I'd say all are a close match as all are top spec & compared to a 1 series they're easily on par.

Also don't discount looking at another Focus:

1.6T Titanium X 150

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

2.0d 160

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...