What car for me £8k budget

[Chucky91]

Hello all, I currently own a 2008 Focus, poverty spec, now the car itself mechanically is fine but I’ve had it a while and want something different, I have an £8k budget, I want something that is petrol as I only do around 11k a year, but I also want it to be reliable with no known major issues, I would prefer it to be a saloon if possible as I would need room as I plan on starting a family soon, I want it to have a bit of power for when it’s needed, I was looking at Insignias and more specifically the 2014 1.4T model, but I’ve also seen 3 series 2012-2019 model, but I think they have issues with their timing chains? I want something that would be good for the odd motorway trip too as we like to travel a lot, thanks.

[CrippsCorner]

I'd fancy a 320i M Sport for you requirements. Black or white sir

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301063...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302254...

There's also the A4 S Line

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303175...

If you're considering an Insignia why not go all out with a VXR

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212052...

Leftfield option, VW CC GT (what a mouthfull)

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304246...

[Cads]

If you are starting a family, I'd go straight for an estate car, or hatchback as a minimum. Those little blighters come with a ridiculous amount of stuff and once a buggies in boot of a saloon, that's it full. Trust me!

I had a similar aged Mazda 6 hatchback and recently spent your budget on a C Class Mercedes estate. Petrol, of course. Its been perfectly reliable, looks decent enough and swallows all two kids can through at it.

[ZX10R NIN]

Chucky91 said:

Hello all, I currently own a 2008 Focus, poverty spec, now the car itself mechanically is fine but I’ve had it a while and want something different, I have an £8k budget, I want something that is petrol as I only do around 11k a year, but I also want it to be reliable with no known major issues, I would prefer it to be a saloon if possible as I would need room as I plan on starting a family soon, I want it to have a bit of power for when it’s needed, I was looking at Insignias and more specifically the 2014 1.4T model, but I’ve also seen 3 series 2012-2019 model, but I think they have issues with their timing chains? I want something that would be good for the odd motorway trip too as we like to travel a lot, thanks.

When looking at the Insignias go for the 1.6T as a minimum, look for Elite or SRI spec.

1.6T Elite

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210100...

2.0T SRI VX Line:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202305177...

1.6T Mondeo Titanium X:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202305137...

[Gigamoons]

Cads said:

If you are starting a family, I'd go straight for an estate car, or hatchback as a minimum. Those little blighters come with a ridiculous amount of stuff and once a buggies in boot of a saloon, that's it full. Trust me!

I had a similar aged Mazda 6 hatchback and recently spent your budget on a C Class Mercedes estate. Petrol, of course. Its been perfectly reliable, looks decent enough and swallows all two kids can through at it.

Agreed

Or if you're prepared to forego looking cool, but want to maximise family usability, then an MPV of some sort.

We had a few (Renault Scenic / VW Touran etc) as family hacks back in the day.
Whilst never used for track days... as a practical beast of burden I still rate then as a bloody good cars and more practical than modern faux by fauxs.