Yet another new car thread - £5-7k

[rykard]

Hi,
I am getting tired of my aging 2001 Clio 172. OH hates it as it's too low, too small and doesn't ride the rough roads near us too well. So I am now on the look out for a replacement that is a little bigger and more comfortable. We are both on the large size, so it can't be too small.

Price: £5-7k

Preferably petrol
Preferably auto
Bigger than my Clio but not too big, 'focus' size?
Reasonable boot
5 doors
Fun to drive , handle nicely as you can't use speed these days, but fun on the lanes.
Around 35-40mpg would be good.
Needs to be reliable , or have good parts availability, though I am not averse to something older and left field as it's a 2nd car.

I Have the following on the 'shortlist'.
Focus - not sure what engines , I know the eco boost are not the best
Fiesta
Mito - too small?
Guiletta
Fabia
Octavia - too big?
BMW 1 series?
Mini - like the R53
Golf
Leon
Civic

any thoughts are welcome.
cheers,
Rich

should probably add i'm in Leicestershire

Edited by rykard on Sunday 16th July 17:42

[ChrisH72]

Mk5 Gti maybe?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2023032556...

Or you could look at the Audi a3 with the same engine.

If it needs to be auto then probably a VAG with dsg.

The other car which seems to stand out on your list is the Alfa.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2023062288...

[ZX10R NIN]

If it has auto then these two would get the nod.

1.2T Clio GT Line:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307169...

1.6T RS200:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304276...

If you can live with a manual (best regular steer in class) the 1.6T Focus Titanium X 180 is the pick:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202306309...

Or the Zetec S:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202305026...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202306148...

[Canon_Fodder]

OP as you say that you are both fuller figured then you can rule out the R53 mini

The Focus suggested by ZX above sounds good if you can tolerate a manual

[ZX10R NIN]

If it has to be Auto & Focus in size then the Alfa Giulietta is a very good option, they're reliable (ignore the stereotypes) too:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202306208...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202306228...

Like all dual clutch gearboxes make sure the fluid & filters have been changed on time.

IF you can live with a manual then the 1.8T Cloverleaf would get the nod:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202306218...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202306088...

[shalmaneser]

I've got a manual cloverleaf and it's a great car. Unbelievable value really for 240bhp. It's a great cruiser, much more grown up than the Clio for sure!

Why the auto requirement?

[Xcore]

Dsg ed30 mk5 gti

[georgeyboy12345]

By far the best choice is this low mileage Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.4 TB Multiair Veloce TCT
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202306228...


How about another Renaultsport Clio? These are much more refined than the old 172s
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304276...

[Canon_Fodder]

georgeyboy12345 said:

How about another Renaultsport Clio? These are much more refined than the old 172s
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304276...

Yeah we've had that one already - do keep up

[rykard]

shalmaneser said:

I've got a manual cloverleaf and it's a great car. Unbelievable value really for 240bhp. It's a great cruiser, much more grown up than the Clio for sure!

Why the auto requirement?

good to hear, the oh prefers to drive an auto..

[shalmaneser]

rykard said:

shalmaneser said:

I've got a manual cloverleaf and it's a great car. Unbelievable value really for 240bhp. It's a great cruiser, much more grown up than the Clio for sure!

Why the auto requirement?

good to hear, the oh prefers to drive an auto..

Ah fair enough. The auto ones were the later cars, I've not driven them but if they're similar then they should be pretty good. People say the seats are better but I get on fine with the ones in our car. One thing to check is the heater core - these get clogged up if the wrong coolant is used and stop being very effective. When you test drive put the heater on super hot and make sure it's scorching!

[georgeyboy12345]

Canon_Fodder said:

georgeyboy12345 said:

How about another Renaultsport Clio? These are much more refined than the old 172s
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304276...

Yeah we've had that one already - do keep up

I don’t read any of the replies before suggesting cars as I don’t want them to bias my suggestions. The fact that I and a few others are all suggesting identical cars to the OP should help him make a better decision. If we’re all suggesting the same car then that says something

[rykard]

Looks like we are shifting towards another Alfa, the focus is 'too common' (women) not sure about the later Clios, going to see if a local available car has some we can sit in..