What Car: Focus, Golf or Something else (£7,000-£8,000)

[AgentZ]

Always had new city car or supermini's and now want a used bigger car that is comfortable and refined with all round reasonable running costs.

Is there anything other than 2011-2013 Focus or Golf's to consider? I'm looking at Titanium Focus and Golf Match currently.

[Red 4]

Mazda 3.

Your budget will buy you a late, low mileage, second generation model.

Roomy, decent drive, reliable.

Try and find a 2.0 (Sport Nav) - they are a bit thin on the ground but the 1.6 is a bit gutless.

Big standard spec for an older car- nav, cruise, bluetooth, Bose,heated front seats, power folding mirrors, heated front screen, istop, dual zone climate, etc.etc. I think the only option on a 2.0 Sport was leather.

Not much goes wrong with them.

Edited by Red 4 on Saturday 18th November 23:38

[AgentZ]

Cheers, Red 4. A Mazda didn't cross my mind to be honest but will have a look.

[Red 4]

AgentZ said:

Cheers, Red 4. A Mazda didn't cross my mind to be honest but will have a look.

No probs.

The Mazda is better built than the Ford and I know lots of people with assorted VAG issues !

Steer clear of diesel 3's though - unless you do lots of miles. They suffer with DPF issues.

Petrol Mazda 3 is pretty bulletproof.

[Deerfoot]

I'd also consider a Civic 1.8.

[Terzo123]

We just picked up a 15 plate Seat Leon FR with the 1.4 petrol engine. It's a great little car, cheap to tax and decent MPG. It replaced an A3 we had been running for the past 3 years on a lease. The A3 had the same engine as the Leon.

11k should get you one of the later ACT engines.

Edited to add, sorry I just noticed the budget. You would get into a new shape 1.2 tsi for your budget.

Edited by Terzo123 on Sunday 19th November 11:47

[ZX10R NIN]

For city work I'd be looking for an auto but they're a bit thin on the ground, with the Focus look for the 1.6 TI-VCT/SCTI models.

Titanium X

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

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

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

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

If you want a good value for money option then the Alfa Giulietta is hard to beat, they're reliable a cracking buy just avoid the main dealers & find a good specialist.

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

Renault Megane GT Line 1.4T

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

http://eu.hlserve.com/Delivery/Delivery.aspx?hm_CI...

Astra SRI VX Line 1.4T

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

SRI 1.6T

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



Golf GT 1.4T Auto

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

Manual

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

Kia C'eed 3

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

I know you weren't looking for a hot hatch but these drop in your budget, they'll make city driving fun & they're still comfortable:

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

[AgentZ]

Cheers for all options. I confess I'm really rather fussy with cars and always keep them immaculate (helped by having a detailer brother on hand) and from what I've seen so far with cars described as "stunning" or similar is pretty depressing.

I think I'm going to find it tough finding an acceptable car of 4-5 years old.

[ZX10R NIN]

Your brothers a detailer which means he can get the car spot on, also remember they're clean/great condition for there age that's the important bit to remember.

Also ant faults are haggling points