Looking for a car to buy this weekend! 4k budget

[Rustybits]

So the gearbox has all but fallen out of our qashquai, I plan on getting it fixed but our garage cant get us in for a couple of weeks.

I was planning on getting a weekend fun car for about 4k, but really I think I need to be getting something that can fit 3 kids in the back.

So I am appealing to the PH collective for recommendations for something with a bit of space for the family, 4k budget and something generally regarded as being reliable.

Ideally close to Bristol as well as to make it more convenient!

Thanks all

[G944S]

Jaguar X-Type

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110208...

VW Passat with some upside down photos

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109147...

Volvo S40

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110238...

Audi A6

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109147...

[Rustybits]

Thanks for the swift response!

The Volvo looks a good shout and a petrol as well, which would be my preference given the choice.

Might have to go and take a look

[MattyD803]

Subaru Legacy, Impreza or perhaps a Forrester? Bomb proof reliability, 4WD for winter and something like a Spec B or 2.5 XT have plenty of poke for a bit of fun.

Perhaps a Seat Leon TSi or TDi FR? Might even get a Mk5 Golf GTi just under £4k too....although anything European I'd suggest are more likely to cost you in repair bills....

[ZX10R NIN]

Lexus IS250 SE

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110248...

Mazda6 SL this one is very cheap do your checks but you may bag a bargain here:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109187...

Saab 9-3 Aero

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110208...

2.4 Accord

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109117...

Giulietta Veloce

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110178...

[Super Sonic]

Honda Accord

[eleveneleven]

Super Sonic said:

Honda Accord

I agree ^^ Worth considering if you like the Volvo S40. Nothing beats a 4 cylinder Honda engine for reliability

the 2litre is good but 2.4 would be my pick, it's buttery smooth and not too heavy on juice...

2.0
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105072...

2.4
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109257...


A saab 9-3 would be a good shout if you want something that'll put a smile on your face for the times you're not ferrying the kids around

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110208...

[ZX10R NIN]

Don't overlook the 2.5 Mazda6 it's a sweet unit that doesn't go wrong & you'll get a newer one than the 2.4 Accord.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109187...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109187...

[Rustybits]

Thanks again all

However it looks like we're going to fix and sell the qashquai now. We already discussed we'd like a car with 3 proper seats in the back so this might now be the catalyst to make the change.

Going to look at a Titanium S-Max 2.0 TDCi and a Titanium X Galaxy 2.0 Ecoboost Powershift on the weekend, both on for £6.5k (can up the budget a little as selling the Nissan)

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2021102789...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2021092075...

[LightningBlue]

Rustybits said:

Thanks again all

However it looks like we're going to fix and sell the qashquai now. We already discussed we'd like a car with 3 proper seats in the back so this might now be the catalyst to make the change.

Going to look at a Titanium S-Max 2.0 TDCi and a Titanium X Galaxy 2.0 Ecoboost Powershift on the weekend, both on for £6.5k (can up the budget a little as selling the Nissan)

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2021102789...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2021092075...

Our parents used to drive 2 door saloons or 3 door hatchbacks, why now is an MPV seen as preferable? That won’t put a smile on your face

[Rustybits]

I know and I totally agree, but I won't be driving it very often, so I'm not too fussed if she wants the family hack to be a mpv.

[Ian Geary]

LightningBlue said:

Our parents used to drive 2 door saloons or 3 door hatchbacks, why now is an MPV seen as preferable? That won’t put a smile on your face

Hmm, my folks had a VW type 2, followed by a type 2.5 (in addition to a small runabout)

Pretty practical for family duties, but awful vehicles really. If the car derived people carrier concept had been thought of in the 70s and 80s I think it would have caught on.

Ok, Renault were brave with the espace, but generally car makers were cautious and relied on recycling the same old concept imo.

I would put a modern people carrier now (eg focus of Mondeo based) above a 70s saloon any day for driving enjoyment.