New car - what can I really afford?

[ali4390]

In my opinion you can't go wrong with a Focus!

[1981linley]

Was in exactly your position 8 years ago. Went straight out and put £1500 down from the sale of my old Corsa down on a 2 year old MX5 for £11000 over 5 years. It worked out at about your budget and at 21 yr old felt the bees knees back when virtually every other car was not a convertible it felt special. Only needed a new tyre in 3 and half year and I got £6000 back when I sold it for an RX8...but that's another story! Would advise a similar route...minus the RX8!