What to buy to replace Focus? £10k max

[mike80]

I started a thread in General Gassing about when to get rid of a 12 year old car, and am considering something new. However, I'm a bit unsure of what to go for.

Current car is Mk2 Ford Focus Titanium, with a 2.0l petrol engine. I've had it for 9 years with no major problems, but now it seems each MOT is bringing up something that needs repairing or replacing, with an associated bill of a few hundred pounds.

So I'm considering replacing it - here's my criteria.

-At least as big as my current car. I've got a nearly 2 year old, plus sometimes use the car for work so reasonable luggage capacity is required. I quite like BMW 1 Series', but they're maybe a bit small.
-Decent interior / stereo etc. My current car has half leather seats and the best stereo at the time. So similar would be good.
-Reasonable power but also economy! I only do about 6,000 miles a year as we have a pool car at work, but even so I would like similar or beter to what I currently have (about 36 mpg)

So that's a bit a bit vague, but any suggestions are appreciated. I've look at various BMWs (1 and 3 Series), Alfa Romeo 159s, and more sensible options like a new shape Focus!

[ScoobyChris]

I replaced my mk3 Focus with a 1-series and I'm pretty sure the boot is bigger in the BMW and the cabin definitely feels more spacious, probably helped by seats that adjust very low.

Chris

[ZX10R NIN]

Hi Mike with that budget most modern hatches will easily match your requirements I'd say grab another Focus as they're great at what they do, also considering how long you keep your cars you'll want something that'll last:

2013/14 1.6T Focus Titanium X with Nav 180bhp version

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

Megane GT Line (hard to find but great VFM & loaded with kit) Auto

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

Mazda3 Sport Nav

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

Alfa Giulietta Sportiva

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

[mike80]

Cheers, both the Focus and Mazda look good. Not too keen on the Megane, and newer Alfas don't really do much for me compared to the 147, 159 or GT aged ones.

Oh, and nothing white please! Thanks

[Zetec-S]

Another vote for the Mk3 Focus from me. If you can stretch the budget go for the facelifted version (2015 onwards) as it's a nicer interior and they've tweaked the ride slightly.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

If you don't want another Ford then what about a Honda Civic?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

[ZX10R NIN]

Forgot to add these:

Kia C'eed GT Tech now these are a fantastic bargain, they come absolutely loaded with kit & this one still has 4 years manufacturers warranty left out of everything I've listed & not listed this is the car I'd buy.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

Volvo V40 ES T3 SE150bhp Version (I'd take the Focus/Kia)

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

[TJC46]

VW petrol Scirocco 2.0 TSI 210 bhp.

Drive around normally and expect 34 to 38 per gallon.

Boot it and get a lot less.

Had one for 5 years and loved it. Mine had the dsg gearbox which was even better.

A very underrated car IMO.

Swapped it earlier this year for a Scirocco R 280 bhp of pure fun.

[ZX10R NIN]

Hi OP so have you drawn up a shortlist yet?

[mike80]

Probably another Focus to be honest!

I had a sit in a Scirocco the other day, it was nice but small in the back. Occasionally I will have to transport my daughter in her child seat. The Civic has never really done it for me. The Kia looks great, a friend has one so it is possible worth considering!

I imagine head will win over heart though and I will go for the "boring, sensible" option!

[ZX10R NIN]

But if you were being boring & sensible you'd get the Kia GT as it still has another 4 years of warranty loads of kit & reliability to boot. So sometimes boring & sensible means you end up in a 200bhp hot hatch rather than a decent cooking hatch.

That's a win win

[ChrisR99]

Another vote for the Focus. I've got a 2014 1.0T Titanium Nav. Only done 17k miles so feels like a new car, and the 1.6T would probably fit the bill for you.

[Integroo]

Zetec-S said:

Another vote for the Mk3 Focus from me. If you can stretch the budget go for the facelifted version (2015 onwards) as it's a nicer interior and they've tweaked the ride slightly.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

If you don't want another Ford then what about a Honda Civic?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

Civic's a good shout, if you go 2014 onwards and SE Plus spec or above you will get premium audio with a subwoofer, and easy get within 10k with less than 20k miles.

[TJC46]

mike80 said:

Probably another Focus to be honest!

I had a sit in a Scirocco the other day, it was nice but small in the back. Occasionally I will have to transport my daughter in her child seat. The Civic has never really done it for me. The Kia looks great, a friend has one so it is possible worth considering!

I imagine head will win over heart though and I will go for the "boring, sensible" option!

Dont just sit in one.......test drive the 2.0 ltr petrol, with dsg if possible.......you will be in for a pleasant surprise.

[Willy Nilly]

Prius?

[Zetec-S]

TJC46 said:

mike80 said:

Probably another Focus to be honest!

I had a sit in a Scirocco the other day, it was nice but small in the back. Occasionally I will have to transport my daughter in her child seat. The Civic has never really done it for me. The Kia looks great, a friend has one so it is possible worth considering!

I imagine head will win over heart though and I will go for the "boring, sensible" option!

Dont just sit in one.......test drive the 2.0 ltr petrol, with dsg if possible.......you will be in for a pleasant surprise.

Does the 2.0l petrol come with more room in the back?

[pavarotti1980]

TJC46 said:

VW petrol Scirocco 2.0 TSI 210 bhp.

Drive around normally and expect 34 to 38 per gallon.

Boot it and get a lot less.

Had one for 5 years and loved it. Mine had the dsg gearbox which was even better.

A very underrated car IMO.

Swapped it earlier this year for a Scirocco R 280 bhp of pure fun.

Its just a Golf Gti in a dress

[TJC46]

Zetec-S said:

Does the 2.0l petrol come with more room in the back?

A lot more than the diesel version.................which has more filters etc. in the rear, to keep the emissions down......

[TJC46]

pavarotti1980 said:

Its just a Golf Gti in a dress

Yes............................but a very nice slinky dress it is ! ...............

[ZX10R NIN]

TJC46 said:

Yes............................but a very nice slinky dress it is ! ...............

The only thing I'd say is the OP has a 2 year old so a four door would be more practical otherwise for 10k I say get Renault Megane RS250, also the DSG box isn't the best reliability wise so go for a manual especially as keeping it 8-12 years is on the cards.

[CYMR0]

Astra?

https://www.motorpoint.co.uk/vehicleadvert/vauxhal...

Not the most exciting car but a direct replacement for yours, meets all the criteria, and 11 years newer. Very nice to drive, too, for what it is.