Want a car but no ideas what make or model!

KierNet

wallbash wrote: »

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

I brought one on the theory that if its good enough for the Police to use and abuse, its good enough for me xD.

nicksthename

VWs are pretty expensive for their reputation..you'd probably get better value for money with another make.

Skodas might be worth a look, they're made by the same people but don't attract the same premium because of the brand.

Not sure what sort of mileage you'll get for £2k ish, but if you can get a newer model they are well made, and have won a few awards recently.

Round_The_Bend

You could get a 2002/3 Honda Civic for that price. Alternatively, a Fiat Panda from around 2005/6, with low mileage should be possible. Both have very good reputations for reliability and plenty of room.

jase1

OP, you need to tell us what size of car you want -- seems to me that the posters here are missing the point somewhat if you want a supermini!!

jase1

wallbash wrote: »

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

One word. Fleets.

wallbash

Interesting , you think its the fleet market , with its huge buying discounts that put the Ford Focus into top spot.Is it the Hire Companies ?? buying them .
I see that the AA school of driving has them .
I am biased , for the money , I cant think of a better car. Although the previous version was better than this one. ( not counting the very new one , don't know when that goes on sale , this month?)

jase1

I'm not sure about the exact figure for Ford, but more than 3 in 4 Vauxhall sales are to the fleet market. I would have thought that Ford would be similar.

I own a Focus myself. I bought it because as an ex-fleet car it is very cheap for what it is.

If there were more of them around, I'd have bought Japanese again, most likely Mitsubishi. As it is, £3500 for a 3 year old Focus can't really be argued with.

The Focus isn't perfect. The build quality is reasonable but not top-notch, it's plasticky inside and the driving position is suspect. But it does drive well and the reliability is more than adequate.

funkycoldribena

jostenning wrote: »

Want something around 1.2 to 1.4 engine.

Why do people keep mentioning a Focus? 1.4 is too small in a Focus.
Better off with a Fiesta or a Fabia.

jase1

funkycoldribena wrote: »

Why do people keep mentioning a Focus? 1.4 is too small in a Focus.
Better off with a Fiesta or a Fabia.

Exactly my point.

I think you and I are the only two on this thread who have picked up on this....

flyingscotno1

jase1 wrote: »

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.

Yes if it was a TSi I'd have the 1.2 Octavia

I know that wasn't the point and no TSi around for that cash unless they are written off!

To be honest I've not had too many issues in big cars with small engines. Some are utter rubbish others are alright, if you aren't really into cars and don't mind the lack of pure acceleration. We had a 1.4 Laguna and it was ok.