Returning to the UK and in need of advice
Discussion
I am a student who is returning to the UK after finishing a year of studying in Australia and am therefore in need of a new car when i get back to the UK.
I am currently driving a 1990 Mazda 626 2.2i, 4speed auto with 200,000+km on the clock so pretty much anything is going to be a step up. However I will add it has taken me 37,000km in 3 months (50,000km this year) around Australia and coped with all the dirt roads and out-back heat so just proves what a well maintained car can do.
Anyway back to the subject, when I get back i will need a car in the UK. Have a absolute max budget of 5.5k and will be looking to keep the car for at least a couple of years as i have one year left at uni and will need something to get me round for a few years after graduation while i get a proper job and earn some money so i can finance something more fun. Reliability is therefore a major concern however i would like something thats at least a bit warm (Got used to driving friends ozzy muscle cars so would like a bit of performance). It needs to have a hatch as i am a kite surfer and therefore have loads of kite related crap to kart around with me.
I have been looking and the mark5 astra SRi[200ps] seem like a bit of a bargain as a good low mileage example can be had within the budget. I do around 20,000miles a year and as i will be keeping it for a while low mileage would be a advantage but as iv experience i am aware that a properly maintained high mileage car may also be ok. What are peoples opinions on these, i am aware of the vauxhall stereo type but has anyone driven one?
Finally ill just add im 21 been driving for 4 years and only have 1 years no claims as i cant tranfer my ozzy no claims to the UK. Due to this impreza's and the like are out and before anyone mentions it i do NOT want a integra I am aware they are excellent cars but they are not practical enough.
thanks
I am currently driving a 1990 Mazda 626 2.2i, 4speed auto with 200,000+km on the clock so pretty much anything is going to be a step up. However I will add it has taken me 37,000km in 3 months (50,000km this year) around Australia and coped with all the dirt roads and out-back heat so just proves what a well maintained car can do.
Anyway back to the subject, when I get back i will need a car in the UK. Have a absolute max budget of 5.5k and will be looking to keep the car for at least a couple of years as i have one year left at uni and will need something to get me round for a few years after graduation while i get a proper job and earn some money so i can finance something more fun. Reliability is therefore a major concern however i would like something thats at least a bit warm (Got used to driving friends ozzy muscle cars so would like a bit of performance). It needs to have a hatch as i am a kite surfer and therefore have loads of kite related crap to kart around with me.
I have been looking and the mark5 astra SRi[200ps] seem like a bit of a bargain as a good low mileage example can be had within the budget. I do around 20,000miles a year and as i will be keeping it for a while low mileage would be a advantage but as iv experience i am aware that a properly maintained high mileage car may also be ok. What are peoples opinions on these, i am aware of the vauxhall stereo type but has anyone driven one?
Finally ill just add im 21 been driving for 4 years and only have 1 years no claims as i cant tranfer my ozzy no claims to the UK. Due to this impreza's and the like are out and before anyone mentions it i do NOT want a integra I am aware they are excellent cars but they are not practical enough.
thanks
Mk5 Astra!!!??
Nah! What you need is the more sought after '02 Mk4 model, and in particular the brilliant 1.6 Sxi version, and I take it your a future family man but with 'sporty intentions, so you'll need a 5dr in red!
... pretty much like the one I've got.
I'll do you a favour, and it'll break my heart to see it go but 5k cash and I'll let you have it!
Nah! What you need is the more sought after '02 Mk4 model, and in particular the brilliant 1.6 Sxi version, and I take it your a future family man but with 'sporty intentions, so you'll need a 5dr in red!
... pretty much like the one I've got.
I'll do you a favour, and it'll break my heart to see it go but 5k cash and I'll let you have it!
morrellski said:
Has anyone driven the astra?
Yes I've had 2 mk4s & 1 Mk5.If you must go for one, make sure it is a 'sports' model (SXi / SRi) although these are more to insure, but the design & elite models have softer suspension and are frankly crap on anything other than slow speed motorway.
On the whole they are extremly dull but pretty reliable. Our current Mk4 1.8 SXi, is the mrs, which over the past 3 years has been faultless. Although needs a new backbox at the moment.
In that size / price range, avoid Golfs as they are very expensive compared to others. Avoid french. Toyota & nissan Cars are very uninspiring to drive and sit in, which leaves the Focus which does handle ok. And can be very cheap to run.
tim2100 said:
morrellski said:
Has anyone driven the astra?
Yes I've had 2 mk4s & 1 Mk5.If you must go for one, make sure it is a 'sports' model (SXi / SRi) although these are more to insure, but the design & elite models have softer suspension and are frankly crap on anything other than slow speed motorway.
On the whole they are extremly dull but pretty reliable. Our current Mk4 1.8 SXi, is the mrs, which over the past 3 years has been faultless. Although needs a new backbox at the moment.
In that size / price range, avoid Golfs as they are very expensive compared to others. Avoid french. Toyota & nissan Cars are very uninspiring to drive and sit in, which leaves the Focus which does handle ok. And can be very cheap to run.
morrellski said:
Jasandjules said:
Just reading the Title I'd say my advice is not to come back.
Id love to stay here mate this thread wouldnt exist as id just go out and get a big v8 ford falcon or holden commodoreJasandjules said:
morrellski said:
Jasandjules said:
Just reading the Title I'd say my advice is not to come back.
Id love to stay here mate this thread wouldnt exist as id just go out and get a big v8 ford falcon or holden commodoremorrellski said:
Its not anti car at all imho. there all complaining when fuel is at $1.15 (60p). There pretty harsh on speeding (got a few tickets) but apart from that its a hell of a lot better than in the UK. And its perfectly acceptable and normal to drive around in 6.0 v8, o and there dirt cheap.
Ah, it was the speeding my relatives were complaining about !!! Stupidly low limits on roads where there is no civilisation for hundreds of miles !?!?? Still, perhaps one day I'll be lucky enough to move out there.
Oh, and in answer to your OP (rude of me not to) I would suggest a Passat 130 Tdi - fast enough to overtake and cruise along the motorway, comfy for 20k miles and decent fuel economy too (which at 20k miles with fuel prices here I think you might want!) of around 48mpg in the real world.
Jasandjules said:
[
Ah, it was the speeding my relatives were complaining about !!! Stupidly low limits on roads where there is no civilisation for hundreds of miles !?!??
Yeah sounds about right the roads are pretty much straight no traffic or anything to hit other than a kangaroo for the next 500km and a speed limit of 100km/hr with everyone driving round in big v8's that will do 0-100km in about 5 seconds. The police out here do seem a little more understanding although that might just be to avoid the mountains of paperwork when i produce a UK licence. Ah, it was the speeding my relatives were complaining about !!! Stupidly low limits on roads where there is no civilisation for hundreds of miles !?!??
I know im a bit bias but i would have a look at a Seat Leon. big hatch and u can get some fun ones.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1743616.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1778071.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1743616.htm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1778071.htm
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