Replacement Suggestions please!

[fitz1985]

Vectra is in the MOT on Monday, she should pass cheaply, but as the AC is beyond economic repair, and the bodywork is getting a bit tatty now. The next substantial bill is its last.

I'm wanting to have a look / drive of a few different things this weekend so I have a backup plan if it costs more than I want to pass.

- Budget £3-6k, possibly a smidge more for some special or a superb example of something.
- Needs: a reasonable boot for some work stuff, trips etc (will be only car), low 30s+ mpg (the lower it is the more special it would need to be), I'd say safety but that's a given these days on what I'd be looking at, say 2005 onwards, 4 seats, Manual if possible

Currently on the shortlist are;
- Astra mk5(H) 1.8 VVT Estate (prefer to the 3/5 dr)
- Honda Accord 2.0 EX
- Vectra C 1.8 VVT
- Octavia maybe (interior looks really drab though)?

I'd ideally love something that an enthusiast would own, but all the more mainstream / practical cars only have silly top models, eg the 2.8V6T VXR, even the 2.0T is probably too thirsty

I like my Vauxhalls (coat is on!) but would like to see if there is something I'm missing, newer corsa 1.4T SRi sounds good fun possibly, but is a bit out of range, anything similar in my sort of budget?

[drd63]

If you're doing too many miles and can find one an Accord 2.4 TypeS would be a great deal. I had one as a company car and loved it, beautiful smooth engine, slick gearbox, quiet, comfy and so well made at 60k miles when it had to go it felt even better than when new. Can't comment on the others as I've not owned any of them.