What car for my mate?

[bigtomski]

A friend of mine is going through a rough patch at the moment.
So, he's asked me to help him find a reasonably priced family car for £2kish maybe £2.5k tops
He's saying it needs to be 1.6 ish, petrol, 5 door, kid friendly, cheap to tax and insure and most of all reliable.
He's thinking a VW Golf as I think he's had VW's and Audis in the past.

First thing however that popped into my head was a Ford Focus.
They look good, drive well, cheap to fix, and there are loads around to take a look at.
I think he might be a bit put off as i think he thinks they don't have the image of the VW and might be a bit bland...?

He also sent me a link to this:

http://www.mbautos.co.uk/used-cars/alfa-romeo-156-...

But that's asking for trouble right? An Alfa?

Any thoughts out there for other suggestions?
Anything to watch out for on a Ford Focus at that price?

Edited by bigtomski on Tuesday 13th September 19:59

Edited by bigtomski on Thursday 15th September 18:37

[magpie215]

Before I got to your 3rd paragraph I was thinking focus/mondeo

[Liquid Knight]

The 156 is a nice bit of kit and no less reliable than any car so long as it's been looked after. Insurance may be a little high though as Alfa = sports car to most brokers.

[Jw Vw]

magpie215 said:

Before I got to your 3rd paragraph I was thinking focus/mondeo

Focus or Mondeo would fit the bill. Would an Octavia be in budget?

[bigtomski]

Just saw this and thought that looks a decent car for the money:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

(hope the link works)

Sold by Chariots of Romford!

[Jw Vw]

bigtomski said:

Just saw this and thought that looks a decent car for the money:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

(hope the link works)

Sold by Chariots of Romford!

Nope link not working!

[bigtomski]

Bloomin' links.


http://tinyurl.com/6b4hfsq

[Jw Vw]

bigtomski said:

Bloomin' links.

http://tinyurl.com/6b4hfsq

Looks nice and tidy, sensible miles and a reasonable price. Is he going to take a look at it?

[djfaulkner]

What about a Mazda 3? Or a Fabia?

[rallycross]

Have a Very nice VW Golf 1600' SE 5 door he could have;

2002 1.6
Fsh and 73,000 miles
£2500
Just been serviced taxed and Mot till Feb
40 mpg and very dependable / reliable
Genuine clean tidy example
Near twickenham area

[bigtomski]

rallycross, sounds good.
My mate does really like the idea of a Golf so got any pix you can send to me?
PM would be cool.
Cheers, Tom.

[Jasandjules]

I would say a Passat. Able to take the kids and all the c**p that comes with them in the boot as well. Plus a TDi will give fuel economy, be reliable and still can have air con etc

[Spanna]

I'm currently driving an MG ZS. There's loads about with low mileage and in good condition. Had mine two years, only repairs have been wear and tear. Available in 1.6 and 1.8, half leather interior, air con, big boot. Some very good ones well under your mates budget.

Many people will be a long shortly to tell you about HGF. We've a 9 year old Rover 25 on it's original head gasket, my ZS is 6 years old on original head gasket too. Just needs decent maintenance where this is concerned.

[Lotus Notes]

A 2.0 petrol Passat is a good call, should get mid 30's on a run, lots of space and some good kit. Seems to be plenty about within budget.

[bigtomski]

Some good suggestions.
I think a Passat is a little bit too big for his needs, plus I really think he's after a hatchback.
I quite like the look of the MG ZS, haven't seen too many of those around.
Looking around, seems you can get some very decent cars, particularly the Focus, for not too much outlay.
There's also loads of them out there!

[zaphod42]

Left field choice and only if he has a good Indy rather than a dealer, but how about a Saab 93/95 estate? Loads of space, 95s are fairly bullet proof and will go around the clock...?

Edit to say, probably too big, but loads of car for the money.

[anonymous-user]

Always thought the MG ZS were a bit flimsy/dated on the inside. I was thinking of buying a V6 one.

Not sure on the durability of the K Series engine either (in relation to Head gaskets on the 1.8s).