Civic Or Corolla

[smudgerebt]

Sub £3k

Not to fussed with petrol or derv.

50/60 mile commute with the odd 120/160 mile motorway trip once or twice a month.

Needs to be a decent boot for size of car and a hatch at least.

Don't mind VAG but looking at these really.

[Countdown]

Definitely Civic.

At that point you're probably looking at Aurises more than Corollas (they changed name/shape at '06). The Corolla of that vintage is incredibly boring and not a particularly easy drive. Steering is heavy, gearbox isn't as slick as most Toyotas, brakes are leaden, and handling is stodgy.On the plus side it IS reliable.

The Civic has a sweeter engine, is more spacious, and handles better. Ride is a bit firm but it's a decent trade-off and it's quite chuckable. I'd go for the post-2004 facelift 1.6 Exec.