What would you buy? 9k Budget - Baby friendly

[Flex44662]

Hi all,

I currently have a Civic FN2 which isn’t too working well with a 1 year old.

I have a budget of around 9-10k and need a ULEZ compliant, 5 door for the baby. Auto isn’t a requirement but I did enjoy my DSG Golf GTI so open to it. Open to hatchback, saloon, estates.

I’ve considered a Golf GTI but Mk6 has never appealed and Mk5 is getting on a bit. I had a Mk7 and it would feel like a downgrade.

Originally set on 1.8 TFSI S-Tronic Audi A3 or Leon 1.8 TSI DSG but I’ve heard the gearbox is the fairly unreliable DQ200. Manuals are cheaper but part of the justification of spending 10k on a Leon was the DSG.

I then moved on to Mk3 Octavia VRs but prices seem to be an issue for a a good one (manual or auto).

Have landed on Audi A4 1.8 TFSI Black Editions which seem to be around the 9-10k mark for a 80kish mileage one. This would be a 2012+ one with the revised engines where the oil consumption issue should be sorted.

So that’s where I’m currently at but I wanted to open up the question to see if there’s anything else I should consider.

9-10k is ideal.

[ZX10R NIN]

Mondeo Titanium X Sport 240 a better steer than the A4 nearly half the mileage more space not as nice inside but still a nice place to be.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109067...

Insignia VXR underrated but a good steer with great performance it'll cost a bit more to run but you'll be smiling.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102088...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108196...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105313...

If you want to keep the running costs down a bit from the VXR, then lookout for the 2.0T Insignia's in Elite or SRI spec they're 250bhp, the Elite is the softer nicer spec while the SRI is a bit sharper:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108176...



335i a better car than the A4 & only 10k more on the clock

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108136...

528i

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109077...

328i SE

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108065...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109016...

DS5 DStyle 200 (basically the same engine found in the 208 GTI) smart swift steer with a very nice interior

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108015...

[edc]

Why isn't the Civic working? I have 2 under 2 and have a Merc B class. Not too big not too small. The problem with smaller cars is fitting
the bulky child seats and having a boot big enough for a pram plus some other stuff.

[Flex44662]

Thank you for the suggestions, really good picks. Doing some more research on the 328i in particular. I’m reading good things.

The civics size is absolutely fine, the boot is actually really good. It’s more so the practicality of a 3 door and having to strap a child in the back a few times a day. I’ve done it for 12 months but it’s not getting any easier the older they get!

[georgeyboy12345]

Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.4 TB TCT
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108065...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109097...

Fancy some more poke? Try a TBi - you won't get an auto one at this price point though
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108116...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107315...


Ford Focus ST
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108126...


Kia Ceed GT
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109036...

[edc]

5 door and a higher roofline help. Doors that open wide too. On a practical level the B class is good.

[Timoo]

If you do the mileage to justify a diesel, you could look at a 308 GT. Either in hatchback or the 308 SW if you need more room.

Can pick up a nice example 2015/2016 with <50k miles on for sub 10k. If you get the diesel in GT form it comes with a tonne of extras (adaptive cruise, heated massage seats etc) as well as the EAT6 auto gearbox which has proven reliability and is smoother then DSG in my opinion. Also the diesel has 180bhp so has enough power when you need it.

Peugeot 308 SW GT
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107134...

If you can’t justify a diesel but like the car they also have a petrol version, this also offers a 200PS 1.6 engine. I don’t believe this is offered with an auto box though but I could be wrong.

Edited by Timoo on Thursday 16th September 00:09

[ZX10R NIN]

Flex44662 said:

Thank you for the suggestions, really good picks. Doing some more research on the 328i in particular. I’m reading good things.

The civics size is absolutely fine, the boot is actually really good. It’s more so the practicality of a 3 door and having to strap a child in the back a few times a day. I’ve done it for 12 months but it’s not getting any easier the older they get!

Don't discount the DS5 it's the similar chassis to the 308 GT so would make a good option.

There's also the V40 in T4 180 spec:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109026...