Want a car but no ideas what make or model!

Strider590

Lum wrote: »

Given the budget though, the OP could be looking at a tidy, well looked after, Mk3 Golf, from the era when VWs were actually reliable.

I definitely wouldn't buy a Mk4 however!

Mk3 wasn't a bad car, always wanted a VR6

Stigy

Lum wrote: »

Given the budget though, the OP could be looking at a tidy, well looked after, Mk3 Golf, from the era when VWs were actually reliable.

I definitely wouldn't buy a Mk4 however!

Bearing in mind the Mk3 Golf stopped being produced in 1997ish, I think any one in the OP's price range would be over-priced! You'll easily get a Mk4 on about a Y-reg for £2,000 (although, as you said, not as reliable!)

10JH

Focus is a good idea, the servicing of a friends isn't too expensive as apparently parts are relatively cheap as it's a popular car.

wba31

I had a VW Bora (W reg) and it was a great car.

I would suggest looking at the focus, a lot about, a lot of variety, maybe look at the 2001-2005 Honda Civic? the 5 door has plenty of room in, for passengers and dogs!

jase1

Hyundai Getz is reliable, plentiful, cheap and because of the warranty/cheapness, it's not that hard to find one that has been serviced on the dot its whole life, is only about 5 or 6 years old and has lowish mileage.

Not a huge amount goes wrong with them (weak spots seem to be noisy rear brakes and aircon leaks as far as I can see, nothing serious) and, as the basic platform is shared with a number of other Hyundai/Kia small cars, the parts are easy enough to get hold of at a reasonable price. Good Mitsubishi-derived mechanicals.

Only problems with them really are the looks (they are a bit bland) and image really.

If you do want a Focus-sized car (and the Focus is a good place to start if you do), don't get the 1.4 -- it wouldn't pull the skin off a custard tart.

bigjl

Skoda Octavia, a thousand minicab drivers can't be wrong. Plus the tend to have older tried and tested VAG technology, in other words any problems will be fixed long before it ends up in a Skoda.

Though in the more recent ones they are putting the latest stuff in within a year or so, even the Scout can be had with a DSG box now.

I would recommend the last shape Seat Toledo, but sadly it is a saloon, and the more recent hatch is out of your price range.

You would get a really nice Octavia for your price, if you do low miles than there are some bargains with the 1.8 engine in them, even a 1.8 Turbo VRS if you want to scare yourself, though they did a detuned version in an estate.

rev_henry

jostenning wrote: »

Hi again

Mostly around town - ie. 4 miles to work and back 5 days a week, on a weekend up to say 50 to 60 miles covered on a longer run out.

Would prefer a 5 door due to dog.

have looked on parkers and it says the vw polos are good - but maybe an S model rather than an E model. and the diesels are a bit noisy. Had a look and they seem to be around the £2500 price for a 2002 model.

That's quite expensive for what is essentially quite an old, small car. I'd get something newer and cheaper. Or a mk3 golf would be nice.

jase1

bigjl wrote: »

Skoda Octavia, a thousand minicab drivers can't be wrong.

The OP wants a 1.2-1.4 car. Would you drive around in a 1.4 Octavia? It would drive me nuts, all that lack of grunt.

KierNet

+1 for the Focus.

I've had one since November 09, brilliant car. Only had one major problem with it, diesel pump went. Other than that its been perfect. I've got the 1.8 TDDi (diesel), get around 45mpg without trying, getting around 50mpg at the moment when I'm really trying.

Nice and roomy, although I've not sat in the passenger seat for a drive, when I have been in there got a lot of room for me (6ft 4), can't see a problem with getting a dog in the boot either.

Insurance isn't too bad, I pay £660 at the moment, but I'm 21 and male so going to pay a lot. Tax is £125 a year, and a service is around £120.

Wasn't too bad price wise either, £1,700 for a 2001 reg, could have shopped around but needed one quickly.

wallbash

another vote for the Focus .
Why do so many people buy one ?