Recommend me a practical car - petrol up to £14k

[TonyRPH]

My son (not on here) is seeking a practical petrol car - Skoda Octavia type size, must be hatchback.

We've heard many bad things about the TSi / TFSi engines though?

He wants to spend up to £14k

Any recommendations?

ETA: title should have said £14k not £18k sorry.

He also might consider a diesel - but petrol would be preferred.

Edited by TonyRPH on Sunday 15th May 19:18

[Boringvolvodriver]

The Octavia is somewhat unique in terms of size and available space, especially in the boot department.

If boot size is not an issue, then an Astra may be a good choice

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204265...

[Condi]

A3/S3 are practical and sporty.

[georgeyboy12345]

TonyRPH said:

My son (not on here) is seeking a practical petrol car - Skoda Octavia type size, must be hatchback.

We've heard many bad things about the TSi / TFSi engines though?

He wants to spend up to £14k

Any recommendations?

ETA: title should have said £14k not £18k sorry.

He also might consider a diesel - but petrol would be preferred.

Edited by TonyRPH on Sunday 15th May 19:18

If you are spending £14k, you'll likely be getting one of the Gen 3 EA888 TFSI/TSI engines, which were released after 2012 and are very good engines now.


edit: just dawned on me you might be talking about the smaller 1.4s. Go for post-2012 with these too - pre-2012 they were the EA111 engine, which was bad; post-2012 is the EA211 engine, which is much better.

Also, how old is your son, will insurance be a concern?

Edited by georgeyboy12345 on Sunday 15th May 20:10

[Deerfoot]

His budget will get him a nice Honda Civic, they're not quite as spacious as an Octavia but the petrol engine will be robust.

[georgeyboy12345]

Here are some choices if insurance isn't too much of a concern

Obviously, the Skoda Octavia vRS
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202162...


Then there are all these, which are essentially the same car underneath as the Skoda

VW Golf GTI
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204044...

VW Golf R
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205055...

Seat Leon Cupra 290 SC
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203294...

Audi A3 2.0 TFSI Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204084...


One last VWG car - Audi S5
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203013...


Others

Alfa Romeo Giulietta TBi
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203233...


Ford Focus ST
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204244...


Kia Proceed GT
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203294...


Vauxhall Astra VXR
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203153...


Mazda 3 MPS
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204094...


Honda Civic Type R
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202192...


BMW M135i
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109087...


Peugeot 308 GTi
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204234...


Renault Megane GT
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201311...

Edited by georgeyboy12345 on Sunday 15th May 21:18

[jdoubleu]

Just trying to think of something not mentioned already. The Hyundai i30 in fastback style is pretty practical and I think they are a bit more interesting than a typical hatch

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2022040744...

They will also have some manufacturers warranty left on them which is a bonus