Just supposing I had £5k to spend on a car...

[nameinuse]

If I, theoretically, had about £5k to spend on a car, what should I consider?

It's got to be reasonably cheap to run (it's replacing a Yaris, so I'm aware anything else is going to be more exepensive). Handling is more important that speed, though quiet motorway cruising would be really good. Size, as they say, doesn't really matter, as long as it can fit two people and some shopping in it.

I don't have any brand prejudice aside from a distaste for Vauxhalls. I've considered a Ford Focus, but they're not the most interesting choice, though ticking all the boxes. I don't think an old Alfa 146 is nearly reliable enough, despite all the other goodness. Golfs are too expenive second hand, though Seats are a possible. Doesn't have to be small-hatchback sized, though, those are just the ones that occur to me. Oh, and I'm 6'4", so nothing too microscopic.

[Tumble]

An '02 Skoda Octavia can be had for that amount of pennies.... have a look on Autotrader webby

[BenW]

Seat Leon?

[Konan555]

An '02 Skoda Octavia can be had for that amount of pennies.... have a look on Autotrader webby

Just make sure it's compatible with your back.

The W reg one I've been putting up with for all these years has nearly hospitalised me

[Butuz]

I've got a nice spare pair of Nissan 200sx leather seats sitting in my garage. Ive driven 12 hours non stop in these type of seats and then gone out and danced the night away, before actually ending up sleeping in them with the help of a single feathered pillow

Superb! (and i dont mean skoda!)

Butuz

[Konan555]

As anyone with any sense of comfort will confirm (including an ex 200sx owner), you can't beat a Sierra seat for sleep. Unfortunatly it tends to set in even when driving. At least the skoda seats are so uncomfortable the chances of falling asleep at the wheel are negligable.

If staying awake's on the cards, I do have me velour trim recaros,

[Butuz]

As anyone with any sense of comfort will confirm (including an ex 200sx owner), you can't beat a Sierra seat for sleep. Unfortunatly it tends to set in even when driving. ,

I managed to sleep 3 in a 998cc mini. Wass not particularly comfy, but we made do.

Wouldnt mind trying it in the datsun!

Butuz

[kempez]

How about a 206HDI?

My Fiance just got one and its a great car for her. Nippy, great fuel economy, good features/spec, pretty decent vfm and you can pick them up with fairly low mileage (for a diesels ).

If not then I recommend a CLio Sport 2.0Ltr 16v 172. OKok very un-economical but blimey they shift

[Konan555]

What was I thinking? Talking about skodas?

£5K = 4x4 Sapph cosworth.

Normality is restored.

Other than that, 406 HDi Coupe?

[nameinuse]

Thanks for the suggestions, lots to think about.

Hmm... I wasn't thinking of a diesel, though I suppose I could consider it (fuel economy is less of an issue than insurance/fixage, really). I don't think I've got the time, skill, or money to maintain the Sierra Cosworth, fun though it would be.

Doesn't the Octavia have the same underpinnings as the Passat? Or is it a Mk.4 Golf underneath? Either way, those platforms aren't exactly reknowned for their handling...

A friend of mine's just got a diesel Leon, which he's very happy with indeed, so that'd certainly be one of the cars on my list (and I know it's got a golf mk 4.5 platform under it too

I'd really like something slightly bigger than a supermini if I can possibly manage it, unless there's something really exciting that I've not considered at all (I'd like a Smart Roadster, but I'm not sure I'd fit, and I can't afford one).

[Konan555]

Yep, Octavia's on an extended Golf (new octavia is on the MK5 golf). Very stable feeling, but quite boring at the same time.

There's always the Subaru legacy sitting around. Not cheap to fix, but if left alone they don't really break either.

[Fox]

Ford Focus. Reliable, great handling, decent car.

The only reason why its not interesting is becuase they sold so well and other manufacturers aped the styling - when it was released it was quite a departure from the norm!

[nameinuse]

I think the Focus is probably front-runner at the moment. I've had a go in a couple, and never driven anything that felt so planted at the back, yet nimble.

The legacy is just the kind of suggestion I was hoping for - something a little away from the norm, with a bit of interest to it. How do they drive? I've always assumed they'd be quite heavy being 4wd, and not hugely nice inside.

[Fox]

I'm sure one of the guys on here had a Legacy and proclaimed it to be one of the most dull cars to drive... ever? Can't remember who it was now.

[Tarffie]

I think Zak had one for a few days/weeks...

Edit: http://forums.hexus.net/showthread.php?t=40496. Wasn't him then.

[Konan555]

I'm sure one of the guys on here had a Legacy and proclaimed it to be one of the most dull cars to drive... ever? Can't remember who it was now.

http://forums.hexus.net/showthread.p...856&highlight=

Depends what you want.

As much as I applaud the Focus as a class leading car (moreso when it was launched, what, 6 years ago?), the legacy will hang on to a bend whilst the focus is spinning front wheels and getting unhitched at the rear.

Different class of car, it's bigger for a start. 5K buys you a 2.5L version with the top interior spec and a natty autobox with a manual shift ability on it. Just appeals to me more than the idea of running around in fords own eurobox.

It was just a thought anyway.

You know they do Imprezzas that look like normal cars with normal engines aswell

As for interiors, the focus one makes me feel ill, but there we go.