Mk2 focus or mk5 golf

catoutthebag

The space age one? 1.8 versions are group 9 or more & near 4k with golf style mileage would have that in a blink though

catoutthebag

spacey2012 wrote: »

That is because taxi drivers can not afford broken down cars.

Ugly cars so swings and roundabouts

Horizon81

Yeah a new shape civic will set you back at least 4 grand and you only have a 3.5K budget.

Bit harsh to call a Corllla naff, when you're looking at Golfs and Focuses! Most Golf drivers have delusions of thinking they're driving the same prestige as Audis and BMWs. Corolla 1.6 SR with the bodykit looks pretty decent, as does the 1.8 VVTLi with the screamer of an engine. Problem is you want a low insurance group.

The Mazda comes in a 2.0 sport guise as well but again might be too pricey on the insurance. I think Mazdas have a decent reliability record, but pattern parts probably not so common as the Focus.

Have you discounted the other obvious choice? The mk5 astra, which looks pretty sporty in 3 door guise. You can get 1.6 and 1.8's that should be fun(ish).

catoutthebag

I've seen the civic shape (one before current) in a 1.4 for under 4k but I guess it won't have enough torque esp for motorway miles.

I look at a basic 1.6 a3 3dr but think they're gp9 and I'd be getting an 03 or 04 facelift for a higher mileage

Did consider an Astra. Had a 3dr 1.8 10plate as a hire car and enjoyed that and looks great. But heard they're expensive to fix compared to a focus and least reliable from some of the cars mentioned

I've seen an 05 zetec low miles that is looking best contender unless I can check if insurance and funds can somehow stretch to a newer shape civic