Narrowed down my search, would like some opinions
Discussion
I'm in the market for a new to me (used) car. Budget is around 13k.
Currently I've narrowed down my search to these vehicles, all around 2017/2018 reg however I'm fine going with an older car as long as it's got Bluetooth and Android connectivity as well as some up to date features such as cruise control. Looking at diesels as well as my journey to work is a 60 mile round trip however I'm open to petrol also if the fuel cost won't make much of a difference. Ideally I want something reliable, with a solid mpg and that won't cost me a fortune to maintain ie service and MOT costs.
The new shape Honda Civic - I like the look of these and they seem reliable solid cars. Looks like I could get an 18 plate for around 12k. Look quiet nice inside too with a touch screen.
Ford Focus ST line - I do like these however I prefer the newer updated shape however they're out of my budget at around 16k. The older shape is still nice looking and the diesel engine seems to return a solid mpg. Again looks like I can get a 17/18 plate for around 12k.
Volkswagen Golf (unsure on what trim there seems to be that many!) - always liked the look of a Golf and again they seem solid reliable cars. Only thing is they seem expensive and I'm not sure if servicing and MOT costs would also be higher than usual. Looks like you can get one a few years old for around 12k.
BMW 1 series. Would have to get one around a 17 reg to be able to fit in my budget. I think they are arguably the best looking car on my list and look like they return a really solid mpg however I'm worried they'd be expensive to maintain if things start to to wrong with them as I'd likely only be able to afford one with 40k plus miles on them.
Last but not least, Seat Leon. Currently own a Seat Ibiza and can't really complain about the time I've had with it as it's been a solid car but I need something bigger now. I do like the look of a Leon and it looks like you can get more for your money however after having an Ibiza for 4 years I might fancy a change of brand.
Thoughts on the above and your votes would be great. Any other suggestions welcome also!
Currently I've narrowed down my search to these vehicles, all around 2017/2018 reg however I'm fine going with an older car as long as it's got Bluetooth and Android connectivity as well as some up to date features such as cruise control. Looking at diesels as well as my journey to work is a 60 mile round trip however I'm open to petrol also if the fuel cost won't make much of a difference. Ideally I want something reliable, with a solid mpg and that won't cost me a fortune to maintain ie service and MOT costs.
The new shape Honda Civic - I like the look of these and they seem reliable solid cars. Looks like I could get an 18 plate for around 12k. Look quiet nice inside too with a touch screen.
Ford Focus ST line - I do like these however I prefer the newer updated shape however they're out of my budget at around 16k. The older shape is still nice looking and the diesel engine seems to return a solid mpg. Again looks like I can get a 17/18 plate for around 12k.
Volkswagen Golf (unsure on what trim there seems to be that many!) - always liked the look of a Golf and again they seem solid reliable cars. Only thing is they seem expensive and I'm not sure if servicing and MOT costs would also be higher than usual. Looks like you can get one a few years old for around 12k.
BMW 1 series. Would have to get one around a 17 reg to be able to fit in my budget. I think they are arguably the best looking car on my list and look like they return a really solid mpg however I'm worried they'd be expensive to maintain if things start to to wrong with them as I'd likely only be able to afford one with 40k plus miles on them.
Last but not least, Seat Leon. Currently own a Seat Ibiza and can't really complain about the time I've had with it as it's been a solid car but I need something bigger now. I do like the look of a Leon and it looks like you can get more for your money however after having an Ibiza for 4 years I might fancy a change of brand.
Thoughts on the above and your votes would be great. Any other suggestions welcome also!
All good choices.
Personally it also boils down to the engine of choice.
Honda diesels are meant to be really economic and punchy
Seat offers in some shapes a good blend of performance, handling
BMW probably best driving experience(?) but very engine dependant how fun that will be. Servicing/tyres etc probs a bit more.
I would divide it into seat/hondat and maybe BMW/VW
BMW/VW may hold value a bit better - but some more cost to maintain for the BMW possibly. VW you are paying more for branding where a leon is near enough same car underneath.
A Octavia VRS, could that sneak in?
Personally it also boils down to the engine of choice.
Honda diesels are meant to be really economic and punchy
Seat offers in some shapes a good blend of performance, handling
BMW probably best driving experience(?) but very engine dependant how fun that will be. Servicing/tyres etc probs a bit more.
I would divide it into seat/hondat and maybe BMW/VW
BMW/VW may hold value a bit better - but some more cost to maintain for the BMW possibly. VW you are paying more for branding where a leon is near enough same car underneath.
A Octavia VRS, could that sneak in?
halo34 said:
All good choices.
Personally it also boils down to the engine of choice.
Honda diesels are meant to be really economic and punchy
Seat offers in some shapes a good blend of performance, handling
BMW probably best driving experience(?) but very engine dependant how fun that will be. Servicing/tyres etc probs a bit more.
I would divide it into seat/hondat and maybe BMW/VW
BMW/VW may hold value a bit better - but some more cost to maintain for the BMW possibly. VW you are paying more for branding where a leon is near enough same car underneath.
A Octavia VRS, could that sneak in?
Thanks for the help and your thoughts! Personally it also boils down to the engine of choice.
Honda diesels are meant to be really economic and punchy
Seat offers in some shapes a good blend of performance, handling
BMW probably best driving experience(?) but very engine dependant how fun that will be. Servicing/tyres etc probs a bit more.
I would divide it into seat/hondat and maybe BMW/VW
BMW/VW may hold value a bit better - but some more cost to maintain for the BMW possibly. VW you are paying more for branding where a leon is near enough same car underneath.
A Octavia VRS, could that sneak in?
What do you think about the Focus?
I do like the look of an Octavia VRS, do you know how the diesel engine is meant to be for fuel economy? I'll take a look at them and see how much they're coming up at.
Jasandjules said:
30 miles each way, what kind of roads? Mainly motorway or A/B? Are you looking at a "smaller" type of car or would a medium size be ok? I'd be considering a Mercedes C class or somesuch myself, gadgets galore (for the right trim) and a nice comfy run in A/B or motorways.
A large chunk of the journey is motorway miles. I'm looking at 5 door cars with a bit of room in the boot/back seats. My current car is 3 door and there's hardly any room in the back which makes it a pain! I'll take a look at Mercedes, the only thing that worries me about them is maintenance costs on them, are they known to be more expensive than other brands? Tsh93 said:
A large chunk of the journey is motorway miles. I'm looking at 5 door cars with a bit of room in the boot/back seats. My current car is 3 door and there's hardly any room in the back which makes it a pain! I'll take a look at Mercedes, the only thing that worries me about them is maintenance costs on them, are they known to be more expensive than other brands?
I take mine to an indie, generally not too bad in terms of prices but so far not much has actually gone wrong. Servicing etc is not bad at all IMHO... You could look at an E Class for motorway mile munching and a reasonable amount of rear room... My E Class is like a sofa on the motorway. The C Class is a bit more of an animal but more fun down A/B Roads.... But on both you can switch the engine and suspension into comfort or sport at leisure....Tsh93 said:
Thanks for the help and your thoughts!
What do you think about the Focus?
I do like the look of an Octavia VRS, do you know how the diesel engine is meant to be for fuel economy? I'll take a look at them and see how much they're coming up at.
I think the focus is a decent car but it depends what engine combo your looking at. I prefer the feel of german brands, but have had a few fords and largely been a good experience.What do you think about the Focus?
I do like the look of an Octavia VRS, do you know how the diesel engine is meant to be for fuel economy? I'll take a look at them and see how much they're coming up at.
I had a 2013 VRS estate (diesel) for a while. Pressing on about 42mpg - taking it easy north of 50 was possible, tho I found eco mode frustrating. Good car, well put together and didn't feel any less solid than my current VW.
Mo28 said:
Bit of a boring option but have you considered the Lexus CT.
Reliable, cheap to run and generally hold value pretty well.
I ran a CT200h for 18 months or so. A high-quality, well-equipped and low hassle car - but also an acquired taste. For me, the Toyota hybrid drivetrain with a VW Golf Mk7 interior / touch points would be ideal for a boring car.Reliable, cheap to run and generally hold value pretty well.
Tsh93 said:
I'm in the market for a new to me (used) car. Budget is around 13k.
Currently I've narrowed down my search to these vehicles, all around 2017/2018 reg however I'm fine going with an older car as long as it's got Bluetooth and Android connectivity as well as some up to date features such as cruise control. Looking at diesels as well as my journey to work is a 60 mile round trip however I'm open to petrol also if the fuel cost won't make much of a difference. Ideally I want something reliable, with a solid mpg and that won't cost me a fortune to maintain ie service and MOT costs.
The new shape Honda Civic - I like the look of these and they seem reliable solid cars. Looks like I could get an 18 plate for around 12k. Look quiet nice inside too with a touch screen.
Ford Focus ST line - I do like these however I prefer the newer updated shape however they're out of my budget at around 16k. The older shape is still nice looking and the diesel engine seems to return a solid mpg. Again looks like I can get a 17/18 plate for around 12k.
Volkswagen Golf (unsure on what trim there seems to be that many!) - always liked the look of a Golf and again they seem solid reliable cars. Only thing is they seem expensive and I'm not sure if servicing and MOT costs would also be higher than usual. Looks like you can get one a few years old for around 12k.
BMW 1 series. Would have to get one around a 17 reg to be able to fit in my budget. I think they are arguably the best looking car on my list and look like they return a really solid mpg however I'm worried they'd be expensive to maintain if things start to to wrong with them as I'd likely only be able to afford one with 40k plus miles on them.
Last but not least, Seat Leon. Currently own a Seat Ibiza and can't really complain about the time I've had with it as it's been a solid car but I need something bigger now. I do like the look of a Leon and it looks like you can get more for your money however after having an Ibiza for 4 years I might fancy a change of brand.
Thoughts on the above and your votes would be great. Any other suggestions welcome also!
Out of your list it would be the Focus in 2.0d (the reason I say a 2.0d is because they're a nice mix of go & economy) form preferably in Titanium X Spec:Currently I've narrowed down my search to these vehicles, all around 2017/2018 reg however I'm fine going with an older car as long as it's got Bluetooth and Android connectivity as well as some up to date features such as cruise control. Looking at diesels as well as my journey to work is a 60 mile round trip however I'm open to petrol also if the fuel cost won't make much of a difference. Ideally I want something reliable, with a solid mpg and that won't cost me a fortune to maintain ie service and MOT costs.
The new shape Honda Civic - I like the look of these and they seem reliable solid cars. Looks like I could get an 18 plate for around 12k. Look quiet nice inside too with a touch screen.
Ford Focus ST line - I do like these however I prefer the newer updated shape however they're out of my budget at around 16k. The older shape is still nice looking and the diesel engine seems to return a solid mpg. Again looks like I can get a 17/18 plate for around 12k.
Volkswagen Golf (unsure on what trim there seems to be that many!) - always liked the look of a Golf and again they seem solid reliable cars. Only thing is they seem expensive and I'm not sure if servicing and MOT costs would also be higher than usual. Looks like you can get one a few years old for around 12k.
BMW 1 series. Would have to get one around a 17 reg to be able to fit in my budget. I think they are arguably the best looking car on my list and look like they return a really solid mpg however I'm worried they'd be expensive to maintain if things start to to wrong with them as I'd likely only be able to afford one with 40k plus miles on them.
Last but not least, Seat Leon. Currently own a Seat Ibiza and can't really complain about the time I've had with it as it's been a solid car but I need something bigger now. I do like the look of a Leon and it looks like you can get more for your money however after having an Ibiza for 4 years I might fancy a change of brand.
Thoughts on the above and your votes would be great. Any other suggestions welcome also!
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107285...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107084...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106043...
Or if you can live with a 2016 then the Focus in ST-2d 185 is also a good pick:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107114...
There are also some cracking alternates at your price point:
The Q30 Premium In Touch 170 (it's the same car as an A220d apart from the sheet metal) the most premium car on the list running costs are still sensible Nissan or any Indy can service them:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106013...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108055...
Volvo V40 R Design Pro 190 nice smart looking car with a nice amount of go too
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107064...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107225...
R Design Nav
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106153...
308 GT 180 a very good steer with a nice interior & you'll get a nice low mileage one under budget:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106193...
GT Line 150
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105052...
Astra BiTurbo SRI VX Line Nav 150
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104151...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108025...
The Leon is a decent car but I wouldn't have one over the cars listed above, the 1 series is decent but finding on with decent spec will be the hard part (but I'd take the Q30 over one of these) the Golf is good but I'd buy a Leon.
I had a Civic diesel and it’s fine at most things but the engine isn’t responsive at low revs which leads to situations where you pull out on a junction/roundabout and find it’s unwilling to get going for 10+ seconds which can lead to trouble. In all fairness you do learn to drive around those issues however and other than a couple of faulty infotainment screens I had no other issues in the 44k I covered.
I personally think the Golf/Leon’s are better cars to spend time in especially the 150/184 versions.
I personally think the Golf/Leon’s are better cars to spend time in especially the 150/184 versions.
Out of thr suggestions above I'd take the civic or a volvo v40. The focus does absolutely nothing for me.
However - what about a Mazda 3 sport nav 2.2d? They seem very good value, good choice of engines, almost as reliable as the civic and have very good spec as standard.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2021072253...
However - what about a Mazda 3 sport nav 2.2d? They seem very good value, good choice of engines, almost as reliable as the civic and have very good spec as standard.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2021072253...
Edited by Torquey on Saturday 7th August 21:13
Bought a 3 yr old Golf 1.4 TSI in March, v happy so far. Comfy ride/smooth, punchy engine around town and deceptively roomy in the back. Loving the DSG though very aware these need to be serviced/maintained properly to avoid borkage and big bills later down the line.
Just to add, my preference when I was searching for a new car was a V40 T3 as the interior and extra shove would of been nice and I prefer how they look but at last min for reasons unknown plumped for the Golf..still have a soft spot for the V40.
Just to add, my preference when I was searching for a new car was a V40 T3 as the interior and extra shove would of been nice and I prefer how they look but at last min for reasons unknown plumped for the Golf..still have a soft spot for the V40.
Edited by VR99 on Sunday 8th August 10:04
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