Alternatives to Focus 1.8tdci, super budget (2k)

[dweeble]

Hi! My Focus is telling me it's time to retire, at 212K miles. I need a replacement on a super tight budget, less than £2000
What I love about the current one:

Tough DPF-free Duratorq, engaging and fluent but compliant ride and handling, real world 40-50mpg, relaxed and stable Mwy cruise at 85/90, performance perfect for me (I don't need any more but also don't want any less if that makes sense). Certainly don't need more space but would find a super-mini too restricting for loads.

The search would be easier with more options beyond a straight like for like but lower miles swap.

Inspire me!

PS Driving is over a mixture of rural roads, farm track run 3 times a day and motorway runs, not much urban.

[Raymond Reddington]

Maybe the same again, just with lower mileage? They're great cars.

[gman88667733]

As boring as it seems, I think the same again would be a good shout. For £2k you should fine a really decent one with a good few years in it at least.
£2k gets you a decent car if you shop around well, so don't be too put off by that budget! My current Honda CRV was a smidge over £2k and I love it.

[Olivergt]

Can I ask why you think it's time to retire it?

212k miles is not that high.

You might be better off keeping the devil you know, even if it needs a few hundred spent on it.

[dweeble]

Keeping them going is my usual MO, but I think it's time to take a different approach.....intermittent start-and-die, intermittent flat spots, bumper tied on with bailer twine, creeping rust (already patched twice)...she's given me 90/- hard miles....I'll tax her as light ag and use her for the farm run on red, which saves bumps and rust inducing cow muck on the new one!

In fact probably going to deal on an 09 one, 121/-, new timing belt and new MoT, £1550 delivered (which also gives me extra protection under distance selling regs)....seems OK to me.

Edited by dweeble on Friday 27th November 12:54

[gman88667733]

dweeble said:

Keeping them going is my usual MO, but I think it's time to take a different approach.....intermittent start-and-die, intermittent flat spots, bumper tied on with bailer twine, creeping rust (already patched twice)...she's given me 90/- hard miles....I'll tax her as light ag and use her for the farm run on red, which saves bumps and rust inducing cow muck on the new one!

In fact probably going to deal on an 09 one, 121/-, new timing belt and new MoT, £1550 delivered (which also gives me extra protection under distance selling regs)....seems OK to me.

Edited by dweeble on Friday 27th November 12:54

Sounds ideal. Should give a good few years of service before becoming a problem

[Jamescrs]

I'd say go for a Mk2 Focus as they are tough and reliable cars in my experience.

[ZX10R NIN]

Sounds like you've got a good deal but here are a couple of alternatives:

C220 C Coupe

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202007091...

Alfa 147 Collezione

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010195...

Astra SRI

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011116...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010014...

[dweeble]

Must admit I like the styling of the Vauxhall, but probably no....my heart is pure Alfa (I had only Suds for years) but a 147 would last 5 minutes on the farm track.....one day I'll get a 4C or a Giulia (new or old) for pure pleasure. One day.