10K First 'nice' car
Discussion
Hi,
My car has broken down once two many times today so it's time to change it. Have a short town commute (20 mins) but tend to do a 300/400 mile drive every two weeks or so. Was dailying a diesel but I suspect the recent breakdowns are due to the short commute knackering it.
This will be my first 'nice' car as so far I've only had sub 2k bangers so my needs are:
-Cruise Control
-Aircon
-Heated seats
-Bit of oomph (all previous cars have had 100hp~ so take that as you will)
-Cupholders (seriously, you'd be surprised how many cars don't have these)
Ideally, it'd have apple car play but that is a want more than a need. My searching tells me to get a few year old, low miles, well specced Golf but that feels a bit samey compared to the Octavia I am getting rid of. My unreasonable part of my brain is telling me to get an older v70 T5 but that would probably be as unreliable at the 150k+ mileages they would be at.
Open to suggestions of anything except city cars.
My car has broken down once two many times today so it's time to change it. Have a short town commute (20 mins) but tend to do a 300/400 mile drive every two weeks or so. Was dailying a diesel but I suspect the recent breakdowns are due to the short commute knackering it.
This will be my first 'nice' car as so far I've only had sub 2k bangers so my needs are:
-Cruise Control
-Aircon
-Heated seats
-Bit of oomph (all previous cars have had 100hp~ so take that as you will)
-Cupholders (seriously, you'd be surprised how many cars don't have these)
Ideally, it'd have apple car play but that is a want more than a need. My searching tells me to get a few year old, low miles, well specced Golf but that feels a bit samey compared to the Octavia I am getting rid of. My unreasonable part of my brain is telling me to get an older v70 T5 but that would probably be as unreliable at the 150k+ mileages they would be at.
Open to suggestions of anything except city cars.
I mean there is so much scope to suggest something to you, but quite tricky without knowing a little bit more about you / your driving style / life style?
Obviously £10k will see you into anything from a nice spec / modern fiat 500 through to a big old Merc barge.
I mean, as a starter for ten:
Do you need to carry other people regularly?
Any hobbies that mean you need to load up with gear or tow anything?
Do you prefer something small and nimble, or happy with a cruiser?
Does a other half or parent need to drive it?
How bothered are you about economy? Or happy to trade that for pace and/or luxury?
Do you have much spare cash for repairs (i.e. Alfa Vs Lexus)
Would you be happy with an Auto, or adamant on a manual.
But, without knowing all that, if your coming out of an Octavia and were considering a Volvo V70 and want a 'nice' car.....I'd probably actually suggest a Lexus IS250 F-Sport.....solid, comfy, reliable, decent power, all the toys for around £8-9k.....or if not too fussed with the bigger wheels and styling, then forgo the F-Sport for a regular model (around £5/7k) and save the rest for the fuel bill....(20-25mpg on those round town)...
Obviously £10k will see you into anything from a nice spec / modern fiat 500 through to a big old Merc barge.
I mean, as a starter for ten:
Do you need to carry other people regularly?
Any hobbies that mean you need to load up with gear or tow anything?
Do you prefer something small and nimble, or happy with a cruiser?
Does a other half or parent need to drive it?
How bothered are you about economy? Or happy to trade that for pace and/or luxury?
Do you have much spare cash for repairs (i.e. Alfa Vs Lexus)
Would you be happy with an Auto, or adamant on a manual.
But, without knowing all that, if your coming out of an Octavia and were considering a Volvo V70 and want a 'nice' car.....I'd probably actually suggest a Lexus IS250 F-Sport.....solid, comfy, reliable, decent power, all the toys for around £8-9k.....or if not too fussed with the bigger wheels and styling, then forgo the F-Sport for a regular model (around £5/7k) and save the rest for the fuel bill....(20-25mpg on those round town)...
Edited by MattyD803 on Monday 13th December 10:01
MattyD803 said:
I mean there is so much scope to suggest something to you, but quite tricky without knowing a little bit more about you / your driving style / life style?
Obviously £10k will see you into anything from a nice spec / modern fiat 500 through to a big old Merc barge.
I mean, as a starter for ten:
Do you need to carry other people regularly?
Any hobbies that mean you need to load up with gear or tow anything?
Do you prefer something small and nimble, or happy with a cruiser?
Does a other half or parent need to drive it?
How bothered are you about economy? Or happy to trade that for pace and/or luxury?
Do you have much spare cash for repairs (i.e. Alfa Vs Lexus)
Would you be happy with an Auto, or adamant on a manual.
But, without knowing all that, if your coming out of an Octavia and were considering a Volvo V70 and want a 'nice' car.....I'd probably actually suggest a Lexus IS250 F-Sport.....solid, comfy, reliable, decent power, all the toys for around £8-9k.....or if not too fussed with the bigger wheels and styling, then forgo the F-Sport for a regular model (around £5/7k) and save the rest for the fuel bill....(20-25mpg on those round town)...
Sorry for the ambiguity Obviously £10k will see you into anything from a nice spec / modern fiat 500 through to a big old Merc barge.
I mean, as a starter for ten:
Do you need to carry other people regularly?
Any hobbies that mean you need to load up with gear or tow anything?
Do you prefer something small and nimble, or happy with a cruiser?
Does a other half or parent need to drive it?
How bothered are you about economy? Or happy to trade that for pace and/or luxury?
Do you have much spare cash for repairs (i.e. Alfa Vs Lexus)
Would you be happy with an Auto, or adamant on a manual.
But, without knowing all that, if your coming out of an Octavia and were considering a Volvo V70 and want a 'nice' car.....I'd probably actually suggest a Lexus IS250 F-Sport.....solid, comfy, reliable, decent power, all the toys for around £8-9k.....or if not too fussed with the bigger wheels and styling, then forgo the F-Sport for a regular model (around £5/7k) and save the rest for the fuel bill....(20-25mpg on those round town)...
Edited by MattyD803 on Monday 13th December 10:01
So to answer your questions:-Usually carrying me, partner and dog but need space for 5 comfortablely because...
-One of my hobbies is kayaking, meaning the car can have 5 people, 5 boats on top plus gear. Estate would make most sense but my friend has a Kia Rio and manages with that (just).
-Not had and nimble cars at the moment so cruiser would be fine
-Octavia was the economy car that made me realise economy can be so boring so a less efficent car isn't a problem.
-I'd have cash for repairs but most my driving is done in quite rural areas so ideally not a car that'd leave me stranded
-Ideally manual but open to any
lightgear said:
Sorry for the ambiguity So to answer your questions:
-Usually carrying me, partner and dog but need space for 5 comfortablely because...
-One of my hobbies is kayaking, meaning the car can have 5 people, 5 boats on top plus gear. Estate would make most sense but my friend has a Kia Rio and manages with that (just).
-Not had and nimble cars at the moment so cruiser would be fine
-Octavia was the economy car that made me realise economy can be so boring so a less efficent car isn't a problem.
-I'd have cash for repairs but most my driving is done in quite rural areas so ideally not a car that'd leave me stranded
-Ideally manual but open to any
I'm a little biased as i'm a big fan of Japanese cars, particularly when it comes to 'older' cars that otherwise have a habbit of going wrong, especially with a bit of refinement.....but I'd probably stick with my IS250 suggestion (They do roof racks for those i'm sure - So to answer your questions:-Usually carrying me, partner and dog but need space for 5 comfortablely because...
-One of my hobbies is kayaking, meaning the car can have 5 people, 5 boats on top plus gear. Estate would make most sense but my friend has a Kia Rio and manages with that (just).
-Not had and nimble cars at the moment so cruiser would be fine
-Octavia was the economy car that made me realise economy can be so boring so a less efficent car isn't a problem.
-I'd have cash for repairs but most my driving is done in quite rural areas so ideally not a car that'd leave me stranded
-Ideally manual but open to any
) but otherwise for full capability when loaded up with 5 plus gear, you might be better off with an Infinity FX or perhaps a Forrester.....? If the majority of the time however it is just you, that might be a little over kill.... Seat Leon FR 1.8 TSI
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112040...
Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 TFSI Quattro
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111139...
Alfa Romeo Giulietta TB
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112080...
Mercedes A250
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111249...
Peugeot 308 GT
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110268...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112040...
Audi A5 Sportback 2.0 TFSI Quattro
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111139...
Alfa Romeo Giulietta TB
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112080...
Mercedes A250
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111249...
Peugeot 308 GT
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110268...
Edited by georgeyboy12345 on Monday 13th December 19:38
I'm also a bit of an advocate for Japanese cars especially when it comes to buying older cars on a budget. I would have suggested the IS250 but it'll be a little too small for your needs especially if you travel with Adults/gear regularly. Rear seat space is terrible, made worse if you're 5"11 or over. Boot space for a saloon isn't great either.
- A GS300 would be the better option but you'll be paying a lot more in running costs (£600 a year road tax & mid 20mpg) it wont leave you stranded though.
- A BMW 120d or 320d is a great all rounder, fast and fun to drive (compared to your Octavia) practical, great on fuel/road tax/insurance and it's a Beamer!
- Volvo S60/S80 with the D5 for similar reasons to the Beamer, (it's more comfortable)
- A Focus ST-2 (MK3) would be a good all rounder too.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111229...
diesel version
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111119...
- A GS300 would be the better option but you'll be paying a lot more in running costs (£600 a year road tax & mid 20mpg) it wont leave you stranded though.
- A BMW 120d or 320d is a great all rounder, fast and fun to drive (compared to your Octavia) practical, great on fuel/road tax/insurance and it's a Beamer!
- Volvo S60/S80 with the D5 for similar reasons to the Beamer, (it's more comfortable)
- A Focus ST-2 (MK3) would be a good all rounder too.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111229...
diesel version
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111119...
Edited by eleveneleven on Monday 13th December 22:47
lightgear said:
Hi,
My car has broken down once two many times today so it's time to change it. Have a short town commute (20 mins) but tend to do a 300/400 mile drive every two weeks or so. Was dailying a diesel but I suspect the recent breakdowns are due to the short commute knackering it.
This will be my first 'nice' car as so far I've only had sub 2k bangers so my needs are:
-Cruise Control
-Aircon
-Heated seats
-Bit of oomph (all previous cars have had 100hp~ so take that as you will)
-Cupholders (seriously, you'd be surprised how many cars don't have these)
Ideally, it'd have apple car play but that is a want more than a need. My searching tells me to get a few year old, low miles, well specced Golf but that feels a bit samey compared to the Octavia I am getting rid of. My unreasonable part of my brain is telling me to get an older v70 T5 but that would probably be as unreliable at the 150k+ mileages they would be at.
Open to suggestions of anything except city cars.
My car has broken down once two many times today so it's time to change it. Have a short town commute (20 mins) but tend to do a 300/400 mile drive every two weeks or so. Was dailying a diesel but I suspect the recent breakdowns are due to the short commute knackering it.
This will be my first 'nice' car as so far I've only had sub 2k bangers so my needs are:
-Cruise Control
-Aircon
-Heated seats
-Bit of oomph (all previous cars have had 100hp~ so take that as you will)
-Cupholders (seriously, you'd be surprised how many cars don't have these)
Ideally, it'd have apple car play but that is a want more than a need. My searching tells me to get a few year old, low miles, well specced Golf but that feels a bit samey compared to the Octavia I am getting rid of. My unreasonable part of my brain is telling me to get an older v70 T5 but that would probably be as unreliable at the 150k+ mileages they would be at.
Open to suggestions of anything except city cars.
To be honest a diesel should've been fine with that usage.
If you want to carry five adults comfortably then most hatches will be a bit tight as most modern hatches have thick front seats that rob a lot of rear room fine if you're only carrying five for a short journey.
Personally I'd go for the next segment up from the Golf/Focus you'll get a nicer more spacious car for your budget & it'll be just as reliable.
1.6T Insignia Elite 165 top spec a nice place to be & it'll be reliable.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112130...
VXR Super Sport Nav 320
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110299...
New shape 1.5T Insignia SRI 165 (these come with Apple Carplay)
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108045...
2.0T Mondeo Titanium X Estate 200 best FWD in class & a very nice place to be Auto only:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111149...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109177...
The car that is great value right now is the Mazda6 in Sport Nav 160 spec, this for me is the pick at this price point:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111069...
2.0T S60 T5 SE 240:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111069...
2.0T Passat CC GT 210:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111249...
1.8T Passat Highline 160:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112100...
Leftfield
Lexus GS250:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112020...
Infiniti G37 S saloon:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108176...
Mercedes E350cgi
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112060...
ZX10R NIN said:
lightgear said:
Hi,
My car has broken down once two many times today so it's time to change it. Have a short town commute (20 mins) but tend to do a 300/400 mile drive every two weeks or so. Was dailying a diesel but I suspect the recent breakdowns are due to the short commute knackering it.
This will be my first 'nice' car as so far I've only had sub 2k bangers so my needs are:
-Cruise Control
-Aircon
-Heated seats
-Bit of oomph (all previous cars have had 100hp~ so take that as you will)
-Cupholders (seriously, you'd be surprised how many cars don't have these)
Ideally, it'd have apple car play but that is a want more than a need. My searching tells me to get a few year old, low miles, well specced Golf but that feels a bit samey compared to the Octavia I am getting rid of. My unreasonable part of my brain is telling me to get an older v70 T5 but that would probably be as unreliable at the 150k+ mileages they would be at.
Open to suggestions of anything except city cars.
My car has broken down once two many times today so it's time to change it. Have a short town commute (20 mins) but tend to do a 300/400 mile drive every two weeks or so. Was dailying a diesel but I suspect the recent breakdowns are due to the short commute knackering it.
This will be my first 'nice' car as so far I've only had sub 2k bangers so my needs are:
-Cruise Control
-Aircon
-Heated seats
-Bit of oomph (all previous cars have had 100hp~ so take that as you will)
-Cupholders (seriously, you'd be surprised how many cars don't have these)
Ideally, it'd have apple car play but that is a want more than a need. My searching tells me to get a few year old, low miles, well specced Golf but that feels a bit samey compared to the Octavia I am getting rid of. My unreasonable part of my brain is telling me to get an older v70 T5 but that would probably be as unreliable at the 150k+ mileages they would be at.
Open to suggestions of anything except city cars.
To be honest a diesel should've been fine with that usage.
If you want to carry five adults comfortably then most hatches will be a bit tight as most modern hatches have thick front seats that rob a lot of rear room fine if you're only carrying five for a short journey.
Personally I'd go for the next segment up from the Golf/Focus you'll get a nicer more spacious car for your budget & it'll be just as reliable.
1.6T Insignia Elite 165 top spec a nice place to be & it'll be reliable.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112130...
VXR Super Sport Nav 320
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110299...
New shape 1.5T Insignia SRI 165 (these come with Apple Carplay)
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108045...
2.0T Mondeo Titanium X Estate 200 best FWD in class & a very nice place to be Auto only:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111149...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109177...
The car that is great value right now is the Mazda6 in Sport Nav 160 spec, this for me is the pick at this price point:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111069...
2.0T S60 T5 SE 240:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111069...
2.0T Passat CC GT 210:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111249...
1.8T Passat Highline 160:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112100...
Leftfield
Lexus GS250:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112020...
Infiniti G37 S saloon:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108176...
Mercedes E350cgi
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112060...
- Up to 5 people (with loads of kayaking gear to chuck in the boot)
- Regular 300/400mile drives
This says large, comfy estate to me. I know I sound like a bit of a broken record since I bought one myself but I would be looking for the best mk4.5 Mondeo estate in Titanium X format that you can find. One with leather and the SatNav (which comes with the very useful rear camera - helpful as they are looong) makes it a nice place to be. Heated/cooled seats, cruise control and a decent stereo.
2.0TDCI if you have no ULEZ concerns or as ZX10 has already suggested the 2.0Ecoboost petrol, which is available in 200 or (rarer) 240BHP format. The petrols are Ford's powershift automatic only.
£6K for a cracker should do it for a 12/13 plate. Keep £4k in your pocket.
Exciting version of the above - F11 BMW 530D estate with the ZF8 auto. I'd use most/all of your budget for that.
- Regular 300/400mile drives
This says large, comfy estate to me. I know I sound like a bit of a broken record since I bought one myself but I would be looking for the best mk4.5 Mondeo estate in Titanium X format that you can find. One with leather and the SatNav (which comes with the very useful rear camera - helpful as they are looong) makes it a nice place to be. Heated/cooled seats, cruise control and a decent stereo.
2.0TDCI if you have no ULEZ concerns or as ZX10 has already suggested the 2.0Ecoboost petrol, which is available in 200 or (rarer) 240BHP format. The petrols are Ford's powershift automatic only.
£6K for a cracker should do it for a 12/13 plate. Keep £4k in your pocket.
Exciting version of the above - F11 BMW 530D estate with the ZF8 auto. I'd use most/all of your budget for that.
Jag_NE said:
If you are doing that long drive every two weeks it ain’t the short runs that killed your car. You definitely want a diesel if you are clicking miles like that.
Isn't it slightly marginal? 400 * 25 (two weeks) = 10k per annum. I really do *not* like the 20 minute commute - particularly if city driving. If on an A road, might be more acceptable. Need more information on the type of commute and mileage. 
Macron said:
Dbz2021 said:
If you don’t want “boring”
BMW 320D
BMW 320D
Here you go, lovely and left field...
https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1409902
Edited by Tyre Smoke on Saturday 18th December 13:26
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