Oh go on, lets be original.... what car for £7500?

[Alex]

Hey chaps.

I'm probably going to buy a car for the wife in a month or so, so I thought I'd pick your brains for advice. Probably got about £7500 to spend (budget was originally £5-6, so less is better than more, none of this "well, if you stretch to £9000..." nonsense )

It needs to be a sensible car, preferably diesel as we'll be doing a lot of miles in it (North to South Wales and back at least once a week), nice to drive, and nice looking.

So far my main thought was a new model Focus, a diesel is normally about £8k for a 54 reg, but I might be able to get them down to £7500. I was looking at a golf, but I'd have to get an older one with more miles for the same money, and it doesn't seem like I'd get a lot more for it. Not that tempted by an Astra - the wife doesn't like them.

Any other cars I should be looking at? I've looked at a few different cars, but not sure if I've covered them all - I've only really looked at European cars - anything Japanese that's any good for example?

[kalniel]

Skoda Octavia or newer Fabia?

[capt_cornflake]

I paid about that for an 1.4 '04 Honda Jazz in March.
That was for a Petrol though, don't know how much the diesels go for tbh.
It definitely falls into the sensible category though.
As long as you're not looking for anything particularly exiting, it's well worth a look.

[Howard]

Japanese? Well why not You should be able to find a nice last-shape (2001 to about 2006) Civic CTDi for that money If you find a nice high spec one it should look smart

3 door
or 5 door


Alternatively I'd go for a Focus. Golfs are too espensive for what you get IMO

http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/www...00736294112230 Looks smart.


I've also just thought, if you're doing lots of miles, you might prefer the added comfort of a larger car, something like a Mondeo?

These are all "functional" cars that have the added bonus of very good reliability (especially the Civic) and they are good to drive, but I'll grand you that they're not exactly "soul stirring".. Often you need to change your criteria slightly for this

They all have good petrol engines if you decide you don't want a diesel after all, also


Sorry that these Autotrader links are local to me

[Alex]

Not really that big a fan of the Skoda's looks, and I want something bigger than a Jazz really. Probably am looking at a new model Focus, but the civic is an interesting alternative The difficulty is in figuring out which one the wife would like without letting her know I'm getting her a car, so it can be a nice birthday surprise!

The annoying thing is that it's just the wrong time to be getting a new car in this class for this money - most models seem to have had new versions (which are much nicer) in about 2005 - and the 2003-4 models are the ones I'd be looking at getting really.

Still, if I can find a Ford dealer who'll be able to get me a new model diesel focus for £7500 then that may well be the way forward.

[Howard]

Another thought.. http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/www...00736294094789

Last shape Leon. Better value than the Golf, better looking and better to drive

I'm going for lunch now. Lol

[Alex]

Thanks Howard. Mondeo is an interesting idea - not that exciting to look at, but if you can get a 2.0 diesel 53 plate for £6k then that is definitely worth looking at!

Enjoy your lunch! lol

[Vimeous]

Toyota Corolla 2.0 D4-D T3? Comfy, relaxed and well-built if not a fire-cracker.

Fabia vRS! You might just squeak into your budget.

Leon SE 110bhp. The earliest 130bhp cars are just too far beyond your budget.

Mini 1.4 D One? It'd be older for the price and somewhat lethargic but if there's just two of you the lack of space won't be an issue.

Possibly even a BMW Compact 320td but it would certainly be a compromise on age and mileage for the budget. Not sure on reliability.

A Jazz would be great but capt_cornflake, what's it like long distance?

Other than that the Focus is a fine choice.

[capt_cornflake]

I want something bigger than a Jazz really. Probably am looking at a new model Focus, but the civic is an interesting alternative

I know it's not everyone's cup of tea, but honestly, I wouldn't choose a Focus over a Jazz just based on size. There isn't much between them really if you line them up next to each other.

A Jazz would be great but capt_cornflake, what's it like long distance?

I have to confess I don't have too much to compare it to recently (my last car was a 1.0 Yaris...), but it's good enough for me. Cruises well at 80-90, and even after being stuck in traffic last weekend and taking 4.5 hours to get up to the Yorkshire Dales from Coventry, it was pretty comfy (Some of the cars my dad has had would have given me a bad back in that time)

[dangel]

110 TDI leon chips nicely to 150 odd.. plenty of shove, good economy.

[behappier]

2004 04 Reg Alfa Romeo 147 1.9 JTD Turismo 3dr

Price:
£6,988

Features:

* 15,500 miles
* Manual
* Blue
* Diesel
* Hatchback
* 1900 CC

Full Description:

Glossary of Terms

3 Doors, Manual, Hatchback, Diesel, 15,500 miles, Blue, 2 Owner(s), Climate control, Drivers airbag, Passenger airbag, Side airbags, ABS, Traction control, Central locking, Remote central locking, Alarm, Immobiliser, Front electric windows, Cloth seat trim, Front fog lights, Body coloured bumpers, Electric door mirrors, Heated door mirrors, Height adjustable drivers seat, Front head restraints, Rear headrests, Space saver spare wheel, PAS, Steering wheel reach adjustment, Steering wheel rake adjustment, Trip computer, Service indicator, Folding rear seats, Isofix child seat anchor points, 3x3 point rear seat belts, Rear wiper. Stock Reference : ARN79-1771. £6,988Vehicle features are as per manufacturer's specification. Please contact the dealer for more information
Seller:

Arnold Clark

Dealer's Website: Go to website

Contact number: 0844 8444120

[dangel]

Wait 2 weeks and it'll be under four grand

[b0redom]

How about this:

http://www.guysalmon.com/gs_site/sel...ercedesmac.htm

....for a weekend....

[Howard]

Wait 2 weeks and it'll be under four grand

Nooo it'll be over 4 grand easily!!!









to fix.

[dangel]

lol