What car?

loopa1

Hi all
I'm a bit clueless when it comes to cars. I currently drive a 2005 Ford Focus and would like to change it at some point, ideally this year.

The Focus is a very "practical" car to drive, but it doesn't excite me. I'm married with no kids but that may change within the next five years or so.

I was thinking Audi Q5 (planning ahead for kids), but I don't have the budget for it just yet. So, what would you recommend as an interim solution? Something that'll hold it's value, is of a similar size to the Focus (or bigger) and will excite me when driven. I'd say my budget is in the region of £10k for a used car - no more than 4 years old and less than 50,000 on the clock.

Thanks.

forgotmyname

Cars dont really hold their value unless its really old or something rare and in limited supply.

£10,000 now will be worth about £6000 in 2 years.

Buying from a dealer dont forget he has to make a profit so that £10,000 car may have cost him £8,000.

Want something different, Buy something older for a lot less money.

oliverr

Funny you say that, the focus is meant to be one of the best cars to drive in the hatchback class, or most fun. Obviously not, not sure how much you can pick one up for, but a VW Scirocco is supposed to be a great car to drive.

Similar size as a Golf, which is similar to the Focus. Only prob is that it's 3 door. I'm not sure if you can get one for £10,000 though.

Not sure where you are, but have a look at Car giant, very good prices and they are the biggest car dealership in the world, around 5000 cars in stock. Bound to have something you like.

chris-j

Keep the focus for a couple of years and safe up what you would pay for your new car. You may then have enough for the Q5 if kids come along (and you have any money left

worried_jim

Easy choice-Porsche Boxster. Will probably keep more of it's value than any other car and will put a smile on your face every time you drive it, and you will look good too!

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201245491584178/sort/default/usedcars/model/boxster/make/porsche/onesearchad/used/onesearchad/nearlynew/onesearchad/new/radius/40/quicksearch/true/postcode/bn424sn/page/3?logcode=p

wba31

I struggle to see how a Q5 would be fun to drive..? If you want practicality and fun why not look for a high power Mondeo, Accord Type S, BMW 5 series?

LandyAndy

wba31 wrote: »

I struggle to see how a Q5 would be fun to drive..? If you want practicality and fun why not look for a high power Mondeo, Accord Type S, BMW 5 series?

I think the people who buy them think that people who see them in a Q5 are impressed and that is the fun part.;)

Little do they know.:D

wba31

LandyAndy wrote: »

I think the people who buy them think that people who see them in a Q5 are impressed and that is the fun part.;)

Little do they know.:D

When I see someone in a Q5 I think 'pity, couldnt afford a Q7...' just like when I see someone in a BMW X3, 'shame they couldnt afford the X5...' I know this isnt always the case, some people just want a tiny 4x4, but i like to think it...

jaydeeuk1

The boxster is a good shout. If you want exciting and something that will hold its value have a look at a lotus elise. The early elise's have held value at £7k-£8k in the last 5 years, can probably get an s2 for around £10k, and that will still be worth £10k in 2 or 3 years - might even appreciate.

Forget age and mileage imo if just buying interim, get something different

Prefer the Lexus RX to the q5 personally, the hybrid models actually look interesting.

bodgerx

wba31 wrote: »

When I see someone in a Q5 I think 'pity, couldnt afford a Q7...' just like when I see someone in a BMW X3, 'shame they couldnt afford the X5...' I know this isnt always the case, some people just want a tiny 4x4, but i like to think it...

You have a very strange way at looking at cars.

Ultimately, you could look at any car and say, pity they couldn't afford the Rolls Royce Silver Ghost or the Ferrari Enzo.

Especially strange, considering the nature of this site.

There maybe some other reason to the size choice.

I would not buy the Q5.

1. It is overpriced for what it is
2. Other cars are cheaper and offer more size.
3. Other cars are cheaper and are safer (stop and turn quicker than a jacked up up 4x4).
4. Other cars are cheaper and are better to drive (more steering feel, more responsive and less cabin noise).

The other poster's suggestion of an Accord Type S (tourer) is a decent one, I'd say. A Mondeo estate offers a decent driving experience and lots of space.

Audi are not the best for reliability or driving experience.

The new MG6 is a real deal as a used car and is one of the best large saloons for handling and ride out there.

LandyAndy

wba31 wrote: »

When I see someone in a Q5 I think 'pity, couldnt afford a Q7...' just like when I see someone in a BMW X3, 'shame they couldnt afford the X5...' I know this isnt always the case, some people just want a tiny 4x4, but i like to think it...

Oh. That wasnt my point at all. :cool: