Ford Fiesta vs Vauhaxll Astra vs Polo

garreh

I'm been driving a matchbox for almost 5 years now since I passed my test (peugeot 106) -- it's served me well but now feel I'm in dire need of an upgrade

I've been looking at a Fiesta Zetec 1.4 2007, Volkswagen Polo 1.2 2007, Vauxhall Astra Life 1.4i 2007

Will be buying second hand, budget is £6000. I heard Vauxhalls are reliable good runners, but you can't beat the Ford ride quality. Volkswagen are a bit of a hit and miss for me. They also seem overpriced for what they are. My concern with the Astra is it might be a little too big, particulary as I'm going to be the only one really driving it.

Will just be using it for myself to knock to and from work on short distance in a rural area. Any thoughts?

Astra: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201027362863673/sort/priceasc/usedcars/body-type/hatchback/price-from/2000/maximum-age/up_to_3_years_old/transmission/manual/maximum-mileage/up_to_20000_miles/model/astra/make/vauxhall/page/1/postcode/ub32fg/radius/20/keywords/life?logcode=p
Zectec: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201027362865476/sort/priceasc/usedcars/maximum-age/up_to_3_years_old/maximum-mileage/up_to_20000_miles/model/fiesta/make/ford/page/4/radius/1501/postcode/ub32fg/keywords/zetec?logcode=p

tight_arze

Out of that list my first choice would be the Fiesta. Im not a fan of Fords but its a Zetec and has plenty of kit. That Astra looks awful with wheel trims and wont be as economical with a 1.6 engine.

Polo will have better build quality and residual values but will cost more in parts and servicing.

garreh

tight_arze wrote: »

That Astra looks awful with wheel trims and wont be as economical with a 1.6 engine.

Yeah it does look pants with those wheel trims. Though that car isn't the one I was looking to get. One I wanted was http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201022360301191/sort/priceasc/usedcars/body-type/hatchback/engine-size-cars/1-4l_to_1-6l/maximum-age/up_to_4_years_old/transmission/manual/maximum-mileage/up_to_40000_miles/model/astra/make/vauxhall/radius/40/postcode/ub32fg/page/2?logcode=p a 1.4

Fiesta Zetec and Astra are practically the same in terms of MPG. I do like the look of the Astra more from the side than the Zetec though. I wonder how they both drive... hopefully will get to test this weekend

Another option is the Focus, though a bit out of my price range

anewman

Skoda Fabia is based on the Polo. In fact I am sure the 1.2 petrol engine in the Polo is designed by Skoda engineers for the Fabia (and as it is so good was also put into the Polo). See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%A0koda_Fabia#6Y_engines You'd get more for your money with the 1.2htp Fabia IMO.

If looking at Fabias definitely avoid the 1.4 in petrol guise IMO, the 8v has appalling fuel economy, and the 16v is renowned for piston ring failure. The 1.9 diesels would be worth looking at though.

fatbelly

The Ford you posted is an automatic. Did you want auto or manual?

The Skoda fabia is a sensible car in your price bracket but not many autos around.

garreh

fatbelly wrote: »

The Ford you posted is an automatic. Did you want auto or manual?

The Skoda fabia is a sensible car in your price bracket but not many autos around.

Ohhh I didn't realise it was auto... I would like a manual

Just had a look for a Skoda Fabia on autotrader, they look pretty expensive. I would like a vehicle < 20,000 miles, 2007 and onwards. Nice looking car though, interior looks a bit outdated though

Most reasonable one I found is for £5,980 http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201026362567585/sort/priceasc/usedcars/maximum-mileage/up_to_20000_miles/maximum-age/up_to_3_years_old/model/fabia/make/skoda/page/1/postcode/ub32fg/radius/20?logcode=p would like it in silver though

Lum

That's an interesting selection you've come up with. The Astra is a bigger car than the other two (Vauxhall's direct competitor to the Fiesta and Polo is the Corsa, the Astra competes with the Focus and Golf)

Personally I wouldn't go near a Mk5 Astra with a bargepole, I've had a few as hire cars and they're mediocre in every way. With the 1.4 engine it will also be somewhat underpowered for it's weight and fuel economy will likely suffer as a result.

The Polo is a decent enough car, but expect to pay a little more for the VW badge.

Personally I'd go with a Fiesta, but not that one because it's an auto. Autos really don't suit small cars like that.

johnnyroper

Have you thought about corsa sxi? Decent spec and economy also parts are cheap.just make sure you look for the latest model as they are slightly bigger and better built now.

TiTheRev

I heard Vauxhalls are reliable good runners, but you can't beat the Ford ride quality. Volkswagen are a bit of a hit and miss for me. They also seem overpriced for what they are.

Really???

Vauxhall - reliable??
Ford - nice ride??
Volkswagen - hit and miss??

Not sure where you've heard all of that, but it's all a bit upside down if you ask me. Vauxhall have poor build quality, and worse reliablilty. Ford is the worst car I've ever driven. VW/Skoda will give infinately more reliablilty and firmer ride. Not only that but your £6k will be still worth near that if/when you sell, where the Ford/Vauxhall will be scrap value in 5 years!

VinceNoir

I've been looking at cars of a similar size, Fiat Puntos are also worth a look.

Lum

Well in my experience the Ford will give a better ride than the equivalent Vauxhall, though I suspect that's mainly down to the seats.