Car Purchase - Opinions And Advice Needed

Bogoff

To compare the pros and cons of your selected models go to

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar

You can enter the car model of your choice and get details like what to watch out for and whats good and whats not. Hopefully will give you a more informed view.

Personally I would not disregard the Focus or the Astra, both are a great drive and you'll get more car for your money.

AdrianHi

Mazda 3 has suddenly sprung to mind (I don't think you'll find a 1er in budget).
Ford Focus chassis, everything else is Mazda. Note Mondeo and Mazda 6 have no parts in common. If your thinking Mondeo sized car I'd also say Mazda 6, avoid pre-face lift diesels because they were rubbish and had reliability problems.
Both Mazda's are in budget, great to drive, in my opinion stylish and they appeal to women as much as men. My wife has a Mazda 6, I consider it the next best thing to a 3 series for the drive.

Idiophreak

Yeah, Mazda 3 and 6 would both be sound choices to look at too...

JCR1987

I've looked a the Astra's and they do look quite nice. Look a bit basic on the inside though, although that's not a massive issue. Thinking of putting a black one on my list actually now. What's a decent version of the Astra? SRi, SXi, etc.

I did originally think the Mazda 6 looked nice, but was a bit on the large side. But then, if I'm considering a Mondeo then a 6 can't be much different.

AdrianHi

JCR1987 wrote: »

I've looked a the Astra's and they do look quite nice. Look a bit basic on the inside though, although that's not a massive issue. Thinking of putting a black one on my list actually now. What's a decent version of the Astra? SRi, SXi, etc.

I did originally think the Mazda 6 looked nice, but was a bit on the large side. But then, if I'm considering a Mondeo then a 6 can't be much different.

Mondeo and Mazda 6 are very similar in size.
The Mazda 6 is not especially wide but it is a long car. It is much easier to park than you might think though because the front end is very rounded. It has no corners, so it's actually quite easy to swing the nose around into a parking space. The Mazda dealer can fit rear parking sensors if not already present, these were not a factory option in 2003, always a dealer fit option.
The most notable things about the 6 are the styling, the sharp drive, huge boot and on petrol engines an interesting sporty rasp to the exhaust note

Idiophreak

JCR1987 wrote: »

I've looked a the Astra's and they do look quite nice. Look a bit basic on the inside though, although that's not a massive issue. Thinking of putting a black one on my list actually now. What's a decent version of the Astra? SRi, SXi, etc.

I've got the sxi and I quite like it...(it's the old shape, so this might have changed...) it's got nicer alloys, low profile tyres, slightly stiffened/lowered suspension (but still high enough to drive sensibly) , leather steering wheel/gator, decent sound system, sports seats, but a pretty standard 1.6 engine - looks a little sportier, but doesn't really go much faster - I think the SRI looks sportier, but goes faster too

lincroft1710

Skoda Octavia is a lot of car for money, based on current VW Golf platform. What Car website gives owners' opinions of virtually every car which has been on sale in UK over past 10 yrs or so.

albionrovers

Lease a brand new Audi A3 for 2 years. No MOT. No tax. Full warranty. Total outlay approx. £5,200 for the full deal, with only about £650 deposit. Then get another new one in 2 years time.

Best thing I ever did.

www.skyfleet.co.uk

www.lingscars.co.uk - my choice

AdrianHi

albionrovers wrote: »

Lease a brand new Audi A3 for 2 years. No MOT. No tax. Full warranty. Total outlay approx. £5,200 for the full deal, with only about £650 deposit. Then get another new one in 2 years time.

Best thing I ever did.

www.skyfleet.co.uk

www.lingscars.co.uk - my choice

£650 deposit and £94.79 a month lease
I cannot find any car lease for that money with or without VAT today at those two sites, which seem to have good prices, but nothing exceptional.

albionrovers

Sorry, I can't understand where your figures come from.


3 + 23.

About 210/month inc VAT.