Reliable, Economical, Fun - £5k

[rossk26]

Hello all,

I currently own an A4 1.8T 2004 avant with numerous problems. It's heavy on running costs £305 tax and 29MPG. I'm looking for something new with 5 doors, boot space for pram. But it also needs to look good and have fairly decent performance. All this whilst trying to be low on tax and fuel consumption as possible. And also reliable.

Liked the looks of the 1.4TSI Golf, but have read a lot of stories regarding poor reliability with the engine. Any other suggestions? I really don't like the Civic, Focus or Mondeo which are the go to cars in this criteria I guess.

[Cambs_Stuart]

I'd go for something Japanese. Honda accord, or an older Lexus. You may even find a hybrid lexus for not much more cash...

[SloppyClock]

Crossfire.

Merc based, so reliable.

3.2 v6, fairly light so achieves 6.2s in 0-60.

Economical in that it gets 35 mpg on a run.

Fun? It's RWD, surprises people, has a fantastic sound system and a speed operated spoiler.

Also if you drop some koni ssks with h&r springs for £500~ you end up with a very taught, suitably heavy and very precise steering setup.

Also you can get good examples for £2.5k.

Or if you save up another £5k you can get an srt-6, which has the 3.2 supercharged.

[ZX10R NIN]

If you don't like the Ford or Honda options then I'd take a look at the Vauxhall Astra in either 1.4T or 1.6T form but I'd really suggest you test drive the Focus.

Astra SRI/Elite

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

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

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

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

Another good option is the Megane in 1.4T form.

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

Alfa Giulietta Veloce 1.4T very good MPG & low tax (these are proving very reliable)

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

[g7jhp]

Your Audi is on the B6 platform similar to the Mk4 Golf.

You might try a Mk5 Golf perhaps a higher mile GTI or an Audi A3 2.0T Sportback or B7 A4 2.0T Avant.