What car to replace my old Corolla??

aardvark65

I have finally decided that I need to replace my old Toyota Corolla ('94), which I love. I thought about the scrappage scheme but have decided that rather than going for a small new car I will stick with a second hand middle sized one.
I am a car ignoramous but I want a simillar size hatchback with a roomy enough boot for our recently acquired labrador. I most value reliability and easy, comfortable driving in a car and hate the light tinny feel of some newer cars e.g. peugeots.
My Corolla is only 1.3 engine but fuel injected so good acceleration. I want similar feel but not a huge engine and not a high tax bracket.
I can spend £7000ish. A bit more if it was really worth it.
I'm thinking Vauxhall Astra? Honda Civic (more expensive tho so would be older)?
These suggestions are based solely on looks however and I would love some advice from people based on experience/ knowledge!!:o
All suggestions and comments gratefully received!

jeannieblue

Honda's are good cars. I think Toyota made a c*ck up by getting rid of the Corolla. What about an Avensis estate? You could put a house in the back of one of those..

Inactive

You will struggle to find a newer car that is as good as your Corolla, I would advise you to look for a newer model Corolla, do not even think about buying a Vauxhall..

Honda's are good cars, as is the Kia Ceed, you will get an almost new Kia Ceed for 7k.

gilbert_and_sullivan

Inactive wrote: »

You will struggle to find a newer car that is as good as your Corolla, I would advise you to look for a newer model Corolla, do not even think about buying a Vauxhall..

Honda's are good cars, as is the Kia Ceed, you will get an almost new Kia Ceed for 7k.

Agree with every word, Corolla one of the most reliable cars ever built.

AdrianHi

The Toyota Auris replaces the Corrola but you need £8000+ to get one.
The last car carrying the Corrola name ran until 2007 and there will be plenty around for your £7000 budget.
Given your happy experience with the 1994 Corrola I almost surprised you aren't going for another Corrola.
Something with a bit more flair and Japanese reliability would be a Mazda 3.
Honda Civic also very good.
You won't go wrong with any of these.

aardvark65

Thanks for comments. The only reason I wasn't going to look at another Corolla was the completely shallow one that I don't like the shape of the newer models!
Anyway you have all panicked me a bit and I might just try to get another Corolla cos I have liked it so much!!

AdrianHi

Perhaps test drive a Corrolla, a Mazda 3 and a Honda Civic then decide. Didn't mean to "worry" you back into another Corrola :rotfl:

Actually it takes about £7500 to get even the most basic model of new shape Honda Civic.

baby_fuzz

the civic has a gawd-awful bar right across the back window though...

arrowsmith

The Auris and Civic have been left behind by the Hyundai and Kia now. Try a Cee'd or i30, the 1.4 engine is the most powerful in class, with better MPG than the competitors. They are well built and have a long warranty.

jackieb

baby_fuzz wrote: »

the civic has a gawd-awful bar right across the back window though...

The civic's before that, don't. They actually have better reviews than the newest models too.

Not sure how comfy a labrador would be in the boot of a civic though. It's a good enough size, but with the angle of the hatch, it might not be the best.

baby_fuzz

ah, yes - forgot about that. have been looking at all similar cars, but newer models (spoil ourselves a bit!) and the br in the civic rear window is right in your eyeline - STOOOPID!