Help! Can't make up my mind...

[Aero17]

Right, I'm really at a loss what to do and would really appreciate some second opinions / advice. I currently drive a 56 plate 1.8 civic which to be honest I've never really loved. It's now on 160k and I think it's about time for a change. I have an Mx5 as a weekend toy so fun is sorted, this is about efficiency and cost.

Budget is 8k - 10k and my commute is mostly b roads but occasional longer journeys for work are required. Annual mileage is circa 15k. Whatever I end up with it will be the car for long commutes / holidays so it needs to be comfy for long distances.

Must haves are cruise control, bluetooth and centre armrest. Ideally an estate or hatchback for the dog. It also must be newer than 2013 and with ideally less than 60k miles but mileage can be flexible for the right car.

Current preferences are for a petrol (to avoid dpf issues) car maybe something like the facelift mk4 Mondeo (titanium x business edition), octavia vrs, insignia (wife's preference).

Essentially is there anything that I'm missing out should be looking at? Would a focus be better? Seat? Etc

Any help is greatly appreciated.

[LarsG]

Petrol Focus Estate, you'd get a Titanium X 62-63, the 1.6, 1.5 Ecoboost average around 35mpg. The 1.0 125bhp around 43mpg. A petrol Mondeo? Get an overdraught, you will be lucky with 25-28mph but it is much bigger.

Other than that you could go German like many of the fanboys on here but it will be older and have more miles on the clock and more than likely a low spec. Being German doesn't mean is is better.

[Zetec-S]

If you go for the Focus try to go for the Mk3.5 (2015 onwards), a slightly nicer interior and some tweaks to the ride/handling.

I wouldn't rule out diesel, 15k miles a year on long commutes will mean you're unlikely to suffer dpf issues. I have the 2.0/148bhp in mine and it's good for 50+mpg on B roads and 60+mpg at motorway speeds.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...


ETA: we have a hatch and the boot is fine for our Labrador, although I could be tempted to swap for a Focus estate which will be easier for him to jump in/out of when he's older.

Edited by Zetec-S on Thursday 24th May 14:13

[Aero17]

Focus, noted. I'm not against diesel just concerned re dpf and the ability to regen on my commute. Any other options?
Thanks so far!

[Andy665]

I'd definitely look at a Seat Leon ST - decent looking car with good specs and drive really well

[ZX10R NIN]

I wouldn't discount a diesel with your annual mileage you shouldn't be having DPF issues, the Focus would be my first pick:

Titanium 125/150/180

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

If you go for a diesel Focus do not buy the 1.6d it's not a good engine, if you don't mind a budget creep then you could land a ST-2 Focus:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

But there are some very good other options:

Kia C'eed 4/4 Tech these are great family car & also have the benefit of 2-3 years worth on Manufacturers Warranty as well as being loaded with kit too:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Megane 1.6d GT

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

2.0d 308 GT Line

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

The VFM option is the Astra in Elite trim:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

If you want to stretch then you could land the New shape Astra in SRI trim:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

If you decide you need a bigger car than the above then I'd look at the Mondeo/508 (they share the same drivetrains in diesel form) in Titanium X/GT form:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

GT

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[Aero17]

Thanks all, definitely some options to think about, exactly what I was looking for.

[ZX10R NIN]

I forgot to show the 2016 diesel options all involve a budget creep but that does mean :

Astra with 1-2 years Manufacturer's Warranty left.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

C'eed GT Line with 5 years Warranty so no DPF (not that you needed to have them with your annual mileage) worries

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

2.0d Leon FR:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

1.6d SE

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

SE Technology

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Fiat Tipo Lounge

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Auris 1.6d Business Edition

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[LarsG]

Aero17 said:

Focus, noted. I'm not against diesel just concerned re dpf and the ability to regen on my commute. Any other options?
Thanks so far!

Check out Jennings Ford in South Shields. I've bought my last 3 Fords from them and don't mind the road trip up to the NE to get them. No I don't work for them or the motor industry, the further North you go the better the deal. My local branch of Evans HALSHAW offered almost nothing £3700 for the Focus 1.6 Titanium X Estate, 62 plate 34,000 miles and all the toys. In immaculate condition too. It was put in their forecourt for £9500 in January and sold the following day. I did very well on the trade in, and they put in a full tank of fuel too with my new car.