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Can anyone recommend options for me?

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jack0634

Original Poster

11 posts

94 months

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Monday 23rd April 2018

In case anyone feels like snooping, yes I have made a very similar thread before. But now I have decided that I'm going to start looking seriously at new cars over the summer, and I've changed my criteria a little since I last posed the same question.

I currently own an Aygo (my first car) which, whilst never having let me down, just isn't working for my current needs. I've been doing a lot more driving over the past few months, and I'm really noticing how unrefined and poor-riding it is, which is starting to grate on me. Plus the lack of space is becoming a problem; it's hard even to fit a weekly shop in the boot, and the lack of a 5th seat is irritating.
But the one thing that's worrying me about the idea of replacing it is how fun it is to drive. It's not quick, but the engine is responsive and torquey low-down, it grips for days and handles very predictably, always getting me out of trouble when I do occasionally make a hash of things. It's an absolute hoot around the country roads, and has really inspired my love of driving. All in all it's been a fabulous car to start off in.

The more I consider it, the more I really don't want to move onto the boring Astras or i30s that I'd been considering. Whilst I want a more practical and refined car, that needn't be something big and heavy with fly-by-wire everything and no character. That can wait til I'm a dad. I really want something that can do both: have enough space to carry people and things when I need it to, but also let me have a bit of fun when I want to.
I'll be 19 with 2 years no-claims when I come to buy it, so I can afford something with a bit more power than the Aygo, but I don't think I can stray into hot-hatch territory just yet.

So the basic criteria are:
-5 proper seats and reasonable boot space
-reasonably zippy and fun to drive, whilst not being a hot-hatch
-insurable for a 19 year old male.
-obtainable for £4,000 or under (age is immaterial really).

My shortlist includes the Fiesta or Focus Zetec S, Ibiza and Leon FR, Yaris SR 1.8, Clio GT and 1.8 Civic. Can anyone give me an idea of how well these fit my requirements, or suggest other options to look at?

Thanks smile

KhabibSmesh

93 posts

88 months

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Monday 23rd April 2018

You're 19 and clearly like your existing car. I'd imagine massive weekly shops and a 5th seat aren't as important as you think.

Put the money towards something useful (i.e., house). Once you have that treat yourself to a GTI / Cupra etc etc

ZX10R NIN

28,985 posts

138 months

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Monday 23rd April 2018