New Job.... so new requirement of a car... - Page 1 - Car Buying

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New Job.... so new requirement of a car...

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Original Poster

1,918 posts

147 months

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Tuesday 17th September 2019

Currently got a 2006 1.6L Focus for my A to B commuter... Cost me £1k and does my 25 mile round trip perfectly.

Requirements:
Up to £5k max but anything around £3k would be cool.
Something a little tidier.
Needs to be medium hatch or estate (dog).
Petrol (annual milage approx. 6k).
Suitable for long motorway runs 2-3 times a month (200 mile round trip). Other than that, it'll be general use around town and visiting friends/family etc.

Keep looking online at Volvo C30 with petrol 2L engine.

What else is out suitable apart from a newer Astra?

mike9009

10,786 posts

272 months

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[news]

Tuesday 17th September 2019

Why are you looking to change? Your current car seems to match your requirements except it needs a wash and is a bit too cheap. Or do you just fancy a change/ concerned about the longer trips??

Mike

viciousj377o

51 posts

112 months

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[news]

Wednesday 18th September 2019

There is a lot of value in getting something that doesn't appeal to others but that is otherwise a fantastic car.

For example, Jetta 2.0 tfsi. 200bhp, 40+mpg, build quality is there compared to a focus, fun drive, spacious and comfortable.

But alternatively going for something like a Kia Optima would give you value for money.

Newer Volkswagen Passats are extremely good value for money also. If it has to be a petrol your 3k ideal would see a 2010, low mileage, immaculate fully historied 2.0 tfsi.

Octavia VRS mk2?

I mean how fun do you want it to be? Can get a sandero for that sort of budget now too...

World is your oyster!

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Original Poster

1,918 posts

147 months

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Wednesday 18th September 2019

Mainly lack of cruise control and grunt for those longer runs.

Jamescrs

6,342 posts

94 months

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Wednesday 18th September 2019

I'd probably say for your budget there is a high potential you could pick up something with hidden issues. Personally I would say if your Focus is reliable then keep that till it becomes unreliable and save your cash in the mean time.

ZX10R NIN

30,525 posts

154 months

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Wednesday 18th September 2019

mbwoy84

624 posts

141 months

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Wednesday 18th September 2019

Any reason for being anti-diesel? I know your mileage is relatively low, but you do have to travel on some long journeys to stretch it’s legs.

You could get a very fine example of an Astra J 1.7CDTi, which will have cruise control and a 6 Speed gearbox, £30 per year tax and very economical. It will also have a nice increase in power, and in particularly torque and relatively low mileage right in the middle of your budget.

coldel

11,029 posts

175 months

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[news]

Wednesday 18th September 2019

Had our 2008 Focus written off recently, and after punting around with about £3k-£4k to spend looking at numerous hatchbacks bought a mk1 Qashqai - so far great car for the pootling about/family stuff. Interior feels a nicer place to be than the Focus and I have come to really like the elevated driving position. Just used it to get to Devon and back (from London) for a short break and it did the job perfectly.

Mr Tidy

31,233 posts

156 months

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[news]

Wednesday 18th September 2019

I'd agree that at 6k miles a year diesel just doesn't seem to make sense for you.

But you don't really specify what you are looking for from a replacement - do you want newer, faster, more tech?

Someone mentioned a Skoda Octavia VRs earlier, but some variant of Seat Leon might also work.

Good luck with your search anyway. thumbup