Time for something bigger...

[Bazzlad]

Hey all.
Background - started driving this Feb, have had an L reg Golf 1.4 (sans power steering) and upgraded to a 1.6 Gold (P Reg).

Have starting driving to work (18.2 miles each way - lots of A roads).

I want something, bigger car wise - willing to pay £1000-£3000.
I style I'm looking for is Passat/Escort style of car. I'd like it to look respectable and not be a bag of nails! Diesel would be preferable (I think).

Recommendations please?

[Howard]

Mondeo. You don't need a Diesel.

[SilentDeath]

escort :/

Do you like rust?

[Bazzlad]

escort :/

Do you like rust?

I said passat/escort style as an idea of the SHAPE of car I'm looking for (there's a word something like saloon but I'm not sure!)

[Howard]

Autotrader - FORD MONDEO 2.0 Ghia X ++ONLY 55K+FSH+LEATHER+

[Bazzlad]

Autotrader - FORD MONDEO 2.0 Ghia X ++ONLY 55K+FSH+LEATHER+

That's a lot of car for the money!

A friend mentioned a Skoda Ockativa (sp?) any one had any experience with these?

[Howard]

Buy a used SKODA OCTAVIA Car - Auto Trader UK

you get more Mondeo (and a better car ) for your money it seems

[J4MES]

Focus/Astra? Golf Mk4? You want a 5-dr hatchback I would guess - the Mondeo sits in the 'next size up' with the Vectra/Passat. Passat only available in saloon (4 door with a boot) or estate (5 door with a big back bit for a dog) not as a hatch (which normally have split/fold down rears seats)...

[digit]

My dad recently got a bargain on a Saab 95 2.3 turbo Cost a little more then 3k damm nice cars if you can find one around that price! Can't go wrong with a Mondeo, perhaps a volvo s60? There are some amazing deals on autotrader for 2001/2002 2.0 turbo's and they would be like an armchair for motorway driving!

[Vimeous]

Bazzlad, sorry for asking, but is your age going to have a meaningful effect on the insurance? By this I mean are you a new driver below 25?
I ask because it'll influence your purchase and may steal a sizable amount of the cash to buy the car.

When you say passat/escort I assume you mean you want a car with the notch/boot sticking out. As mentioned above the Passat is a 4dr with a separate boot (known as a Saloon) while most (though not all) Escorts are 3 or 5drs where the boot is part of the main cabin (known as a hatchback).

Suggestions
Big family saloons depreciate heavily and since they're spot-on for size you're looking at some of the best vfm cars around.
Mondeo, Vectra, Accord, Avensis, Primera, Passat, 9-5, S40, S60, A4, 156 etc all fit.
The Mondeo is, as you can see from the other posts, almost an automatic recommendation but it's got space and agility with loads to choose from and great prices.
However there's loads of options out there. Do you have any other requirements?

[Bazzlad]

Suggestions
Big family saloons depreciate heavily and since they're spot-on for size you're looking at some of the best vfm cars around.
Mondeo, Vectra, Accord, Avensis, Primera, Passat, 9-5, S40, S60, A4, 156 etc all fit.
The Mondeo is, as you can see from the other posts, almost an automatic recommendation but it's got space and agility with loads to choose from and great prices.
However there's loads of options out there. Do you have any other requirements?

Cheers,
I'm 23, but the insurance cost won't be an issue.
It's a saloon I'm looking for, I want comfort, a bit of "pep" in it, and mpg! it needs to be a tad of a work horse because I gig quite often, and of course be a decent price - I hadn't even considered a Mondeo so will be researching them heavilly!

[Howard]

Why are you after a saloon, out of interest? A hatchback will be a lot more practical and easy to work with if you've got gig stuff to haul around.

[Bazzlad]

Why are you after a saloon, out of interest? A hatchback will be a lot more practical and easy to work with if you've got gig stuff to haul around.

Well I drive a Golf now, and I want something that feels a little more sensible and laid back, and is more suited to long distance driving, if I'm honest. Perhaps, gig wise, and estate would be a good call, I don't know.

[Guy]

The amount of stuff you can get in the Mondeo hatchback is almost unbelievable!

Your budget could just about get you a Mk 3 Mondeo, although it would be the LX

Autotrader - FORD Mondeo 2.0 LX

The TDCi's are great but unless you want a dog, out of your price range im afraid.

The petrol engines are still very good though. The 2 litre kicks out 142 BHP, and is about 35/40MPG.

Seriously you get a hell of alot of room, very nice cabin and equipment levels and not for much dollar!

[Howard]

Well I drive a Golf now, and I want something that feels a little more sensible and laid back, and is more suited to long distance driving, if I'm honest. Perhaps, gig wise, and estate would be a good call, I don't know.

Just so you know, Hatchbacks aren't all small and Golf/Polo-sized

Mondeos come in Hatchback, Saloon and Estate form

[Lowe]

As a gigger myself I have to steer you away from saloon cars. Yes they have huge boots, but the entry to said boot is usually shocking. You simply can't get stuff in and out easily and the rear seats on some cars don't fold down either.

If you're a musician you're looking at an estate.