What car to downsize to?

[chriswood_7]

Hey all,

Ive been reviewing my options over the last month or so and after being given a decent rise at work Im thinking of buying a house. Im not sure when and im not sure how (plans to be within 9-12 months after saving and clearing a bit of debt)

The first thing for the chop will be the car Its costing me quite a bit in payments per month, its in the top tax band and I get about 25-28mpg so its not cheap on fuel either. However having 225bhp and 310Nm is addictive and every time I drive another car I find myself itching to get back into my car

So my plan is to sell the car and pay off the loan paying for it, which then leaves me around £3k to buy something else with. Now my plan is to get something better on fuel, but im not really after an old diesel. I dont do enough miles to warranty the extra cost. So basically something a bit cheaper to fuel/tax/insure oh and something reliable

So then, what are my options? Is it looking like an old mondeo or a honda civic? Let me know your opinions

Cheers,

[digit]

An old mondeo? A mark 3 you really mean. TDCi Mark 3 Zetec trim is affordable with 3k. It would be high millage but being a diesel that won't matter. Get the 130BHP model Rastamanblues can tell you more about them, as he got one recently for a bargain price. If I recall correctly he got 650 miles to a tank of fuel! I also had a go in a 2.0 litre petrol 54 reg lx the other day which cost the owner about £3500, and despite being near to the bottom of the range it had alloys, climate control and a lush center console, really confy seats and ride as well! A ford focus is an alternative if you want something a bit smaller than a mondeo, but you'll pay more despite it being a smaller car!

[Howard]

Mazda MX5

[chriswood_7]

Hmm interesting, I wasnt expecting to get something like a Mondeo for that money. An MX5 sounds like fun, but Im 6ft5 and need to be able to fill the boot with shopping LOL

I did have my ideas on something like a Honda Civic sport but they arent cheap (to buy and service) so I think it might be better going for a Mondeo as Ill get the parts for next to nothing However, im still looking for many an opinion as this is likely to be something thats done over the next 3-4 months rather than next week

[hitman67]

Audi A4? Can pick up a good used 1.9TDi for around 3k now that might be slightly older than some others but will be glued together like nothing else. 2.5 V6 TDi is brilliant and not as thirsty as you think, I had two