5K ulez runaround

[Nicetobenice]

I'm looking for a ULEZ compliant hatch (or estate)
It will spend most of its time in and around London with the occasional longer motorway trip.

The Focus and Fiesta with the ecoboost engine seems good value - I've read the horror stories but is it just a question of budgeting 1k preventative work and then cracking on for another few years?

Boring cars not really a problem for this as it will be a workhorse living on the streets

[LunarOne]

Any petrol car made after 2004 surely?

[Nicetobenice]

Yes
But when I do a search the fords seem decent value for what they are

[ZX10R NIN]

At your budget if you're looking for a Ford go for the 1.6T or 1.5T four Cylinder engines, the cost of changing the wet belt is the bigger cost as well as the potential issues with the belt letting go.

Mondeo:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202603080...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202603200...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202606303...

Don't overlook the Insignia they're a great family car:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202606093...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202602260...

Or the previous gen:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202605042...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202607013...

Infiniti Q30, I'd take one of these over a Focus/Golf etc:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202606213...

Mazda3:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202606213...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202603120...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202606203...

Alfa Giulietta, very reliable & robust car but they need the correct oil:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202606073...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202606163...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202606193...

A more PH option is the Cloverleaf:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202606193...

Euro6 Diesel


Q50:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202605282...

EX:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202605082...

leftfield

PS308 GTI:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202605192...

[Nicetobenice]

Fantastic suggestions thanks.
Will have a browse later

[itcaptainslow]

If boring isn't an issue, it's difficult to look past something like a Toyota Corolla or Auris. It'll be endlessly reliable and easy to move on afterwards.

[Nicetobenice]

Boring not an issue.

I asked about the fords as you get a lot newer car for the money compared to the Toyota, and I presumed the belt service is the issue

Edit

It's not for me - it's for my son
When he moved to London he didn't take his car with him (a smart forfour) and that's now been requisitioned by my father in law

[ZX10R NIN]

All of the above are reliable & will serve your son well for years to come, it'll come down to what he prefers & the insurance cost.

The 1.5/1.6T engines in the Ford have a normal cambelt so that makes them a more sensible/reliable proposition.

[v8notbrave]

Nothing wrong with eco boost but note my 4.2 V8 Audi S4 is ulez compliant and life is too short for boring cars?

This is PH, there must be other options in budget

[Nicetobenice]

v8notbrave said:

Nothing wrong with eco boost but note my 4.2 V8 Audi S4 is ulez compliant and life is too short for boring cars?

This is PH, there must be other options in budget

As a challenge what's interesting, won't explode at great expense and is vaguely reasonable to insure for a 25 living in London?

[ZX10R NIN]

Nicetobenice said:

As a challenge what's interesting, won't explode at great expense and is vaguely reasonable to insure for a 25 living in London?

Kia ProCeed GT:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202606163...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202603271...

Giulietta Cloverleaf:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202606153...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202607033...

1.6T Astra GTC:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202604091...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202606042...

T5 C30:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202606143...

GTC VXR:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202604091...

At 25 he should be able to get some sensible numbers on most cars.

125i:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202606032...

TTS:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202604281...

2.0t A5 S Line:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202606123...

1.8:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202606273...

[Nicetobenice]

He had a Volvo 240 when he lived up here so that C30 appeals!