Compact estate, good on B roads for £2K?
Discussion
Hi PHers. Long time lurker, first time poster. Apologies for the length 
- I write stuff for a living.
I'm struggling to make my mind up on my next car and I'd appreciate your wisdom.
My budget is around £2k - maybe more for the right car, but preferably a bit less.
I currently drive a 53 plate Mk1 Focus TDCI that's getting a bit long in the tooth and is about to hit 150k. I live in a fairly rural area, so the handling and half decent feedback of this car suit quite well, but I could do with something slightly bigger for trips to the dump/DIY shops/dogs etc.
I also own a Seat Toledo V5 (170) that I'm looking to get rid of. I bought it a year ago as a replacement for the Focus, but while I like the power and kit, it's not as good to drive and I found a saloon to be a massive ballache. It was also too thirsty for me.
I've looked at the newer Focus estates but I'd like something with a bit more finesse, better looks, more toys and a bit more oomph. I've considered the V50, but examples in my price range are pretty high mileage - does this matter? Also considered the Saab 9-3 estate, but not sure if the handling would be up to scratch.
My car history has been predominantly FWD, so I've not spent a lot of time exploring RWD options. Should I?
I do 12-15,000 miles per year so have leaned towards diesels. I like the 50+ mpg that the Focus gets me and don't want to increase my fuel costs by much, if at all. I'm comfortable doing odd bits and pieces - pads, filters, perhaps a bit more - but anything else and it has to go to the garage. Not bothered about age as long as it fits the other criteria.
I commute 40 miles a day on B roads and most of my local trips are also on B roads, but good A road/motorway performance is important too.
If you've made it this far, thanks for taking the time. I've got Autotrader/eBay fatigue so your thoughts would be really helpful.
- I write stuff for a living. I'm struggling to make my mind up on my next car and I'd appreciate your wisdom.
My budget is around £2k - maybe more for the right car, but preferably a bit less.
I currently drive a 53 plate Mk1 Focus TDCI that's getting a bit long in the tooth and is about to hit 150k. I live in a fairly rural area, so the handling and half decent feedback of this car suit quite well, but I could do with something slightly bigger for trips to the dump/DIY shops/dogs etc.
I also own a Seat Toledo V5 (170) that I'm looking to get rid of. I bought it a year ago as a replacement for the Focus, but while I like the power and kit, it's not as good to drive and I found a saloon to be a massive ballache. It was also too thirsty for me.
I've looked at the newer Focus estates but I'd like something with a bit more finesse, better looks, more toys and a bit more oomph. I've considered the V50, but examples in my price range are pretty high mileage - does this matter? Also considered the Saab 9-3 estate, but not sure if the handling would be up to scratch.
My car history has been predominantly FWD, so I've not spent a lot of time exploring RWD options. Should I?
I do 12-15,000 miles per year so have leaned towards diesels. I like the 50+ mpg that the Focus gets me and don't want to increase my fuel costs by much, if at all. I'm comfortable doing odd bits and pieces - pads, filters, perhaps a bit more - but anything else and it has to go to the garage. Not bothered about age as long as it fits the other criteria.
I commute 40 miles a day on B roads and most of my local trips are also on B roads, but good A road/motorway performance is important too.
If you've made it this far, thanks for taking the time. I've got Autotrader/eBay fatigue so your thoughts would be really helpful.
Liggle said:
An E46 325/328/330 petrol touring sounds like the obvious choice to me. I wouldn't risk a £2k diesel one personally, others might tell you differently but my 2008 BMW diesel has ended up costing more in maintenance than if I bought a petrol one.
Thanks, they are nice looking cars. Would the fuel costs for a 2.5l+ petrol make me cry though? My Toledo V5 only manages about 34mpg and that makes a significantly bigger dent in my pocket than the 50+mpg of the Focus. You don’t do the mileage to justify taking the bork risk of a more modern diesel. 2k isn’t far off shed money, In your shoes, I’d be looking out for a 1.9 tdi Passat estate (there’s a nice one in a readers cars thread) or a Mk 3 Mondeo, they’re a good drive when not knackered. Both of the 2001-2005 vintage. Anything newer and you’re going to be best sticking to Petrol unless you’ve a bork fund handy.
All IMO, of course...
All IMO, of course...
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