Another recommend a car thread.

Empty_pockets

Yes, I know it's been done before but would appreciate suggestions if you have one.

Previous cars
1 Astra, 2 Cavaliers, 2 Omegas, 1 Polo, 1 406, 2 Mondeos and a Volvo turbo.

All Petrol bar the 406 which I used when I was taxi driver.

About me
Will be doing long motorway journeys only. Minimum 150 miles per trip. 6'1". Prefer a well specced car over a newer/powerful one.

Annual mileage
Not had a car for almost 2 years but I expect at least 15K

Must give a minimum of 50mpg
Must be of medium or top spec
Must have less that 70K miles
Would quite like an estate

So far been considering Octavia's or Mondeos.

Budget - Absolute maximum 5K.

Thanks

bigjl

I wouldn't think you would get any reasonably specced diesel estate for £5k with less than 70k on the clock unless you go for a relatively old one, say over 5 yrs old. Then the fact that a diesel estate has done 70k in 5 yrs would attract a higher price and most of the cheapies have issues, one being the possibility of being clocked.

I would have no concerns with a newer Octavia Estat with even 100k, as long as it was a 3yr old fresh from the first lease company with a nice print out history that details everything to the last bulb and tyre.

wba31

Honda Accord!

I bought a 54 plate 2 years ago (2.2 diesel) for £5k. It had 100k on the clock, but was still an incredible car. I had the sport model, which wasnt the top spec one, but it still had dual zone climate control, cruise control, half leather, all electric windows, electric heated mirrors etc. there aren't many estates about, but if you can get one they are massive. I am a 6"2 former rugby player (number 8, not a scrum half or someone smaller) and i found it SO comfortable. Took it to Scotland and averaged 75mph on the way up on the cruise control and managed to do just shy of 900 miles of the 60litre tank of fuel.

sold it last year for something smaller (bought civic of same age) and if money was no object i would have kept it. Insurance was pretty high and renewal quote made it more expensive for me (im 26 with now only 2 years no claims...)

smashing car and my intention is to have another in a few years time (providing i can build up my no claims...)

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201120387397366/sort/priceasc/usedcars/fuel-type/diesel/maximum-mileage/up_to_80000_miles/body-type/estate/price-to/5000/model/accord/make/honda/page/1/radius/1501/postcode/ws42ax?logcode=p

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201123389684646/sort/priceasc/usedcars/fuel-type/diesel/maximum-mileage/up_to_80000_miles/body-type/estate/price-to/5000/model/accord/make/honda/page/1/radius/1501/postcode/ws42ax?logcode=p

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201121387927822/sort/priceasc/usedcars/fuel-type/diesel/maximum-mileage/up_to_80000_miles/body-type/estate/price-to/5000/model/accord/make/honda/page/1/radius/1501/postcode/ws42ax?logcode=p

jaydeeuk1

The accord is a good shout

wba31

I think you could be surprised at what is available for £5k in your criteria. there'll be plenty of Fords, Skoda's and VW's about, which from reading many similar posts on here many people will endorse. If there are any suitable accords near you I'd have a look/test drive...

a lot of people are going for smaller cars to save on tax and insurance, so you can pick up some bargains for bigger cars. a secret with the accord diesel is despite it being 140-150bhp, and a 2.2, is that it is only £125 a year tax...

rodenal

Octavia all day long for me - The mondeo is by no means a bad car and you'll get a newer / lower mileage one for your money but in terms of interior quality the octavia is a class above the shiny tacky silver plastic of the last gen mondeo plus there are too many issues with the DMF in the 2000ish on model for me.

Can't think of much else for you, accord is a good car as mentioned above or you would get a good e39 530d for your cash too (bit older though and not quite 50mpg - mid 40's in the manual)

bigjl

Must admit the old model Accord slipped my mind.

Cheaper now that next model is out.

East of England Ambulace Service have several 54 plate diesel estates that have been used as rapid response units and have almost certainly covered more than 200k.

Not heard a bad report about them, and my sector trainer was on the working party group that chose them.

You will have to except to have more than 80or 90k on the clock though.

I would go for an Octavia, parts are easily and cheaply available via GSF and EuroCarParts.

NeverAgain_2

Weren't there timing chain problems with the Accord diesel?

Not sure if they apply to the Accords the OP will be considering.

Empty_pockets

Like the look of the Accord, esp the tourer. Thanks for the suggestion.

bigjl

Just don't buy a silver 54 plate with a yellow bonnet!

Though EoE Ambulance service are still using there's, seen one this afternoon on the A13.

YAS has proved, along with a private company called M+L and several {Police Forces across the UK that Skoda Octavia estates and the Octavia Scout are indeed nigh on unbreakable, my mate that broke more than one Zafira down south now works in YAS, and he reckons he can't kill one, not for the want of trying I suspect.

Can't help thinking that parts prices will swing you towards the VAG product in the long term.

Polybushing the suspension and engine mounts is a good idea if you plan to keep for ever. Check the Powerflex website.

kookai9

bigjl wrote: »

Just don't buy a silver 54 plate with a yellow bonnet!

Though EoE Ambulance service are still using there's, seen one this afternoon on the A13.

YAS has proved, along with a private company called M+L and several {Police Forces across the UK that Skoda Octavia estates and the Octavia Scout are indeed nigh on unbreakable, my mate that broke more than one Zafira down south now works in YAS, and he reckons he can't kill one, not for the want of trying I suspect.

Can't help thinking that parts prices will swing you towards the VAG product in the long term.

Polybushing the suspension and engine mounts is a good idea if you plan to keep for ever. Check the Powerflex website.

Yea ,but the police have there own garages to fix any problems