New (old) car, finding it trickier this time

FreddieFrugal

Last time I bought my car I new what I wanted exactly, after reading so many good reviews I wanted a Ford Focus (59 plate). Still love the car but will be replacing it next year for something 12 plate.

Problem is, I no longer know what to get.

Post 11 Focus is nowhere near as well reviewed as previous model, smàller boot, sounds like lots complaining of issues with them.

In effect I want a car that is similar or better than current one, in terms of ride, noise level etc.

I've looked at Focus estate to beat the smaller boot, still only 10 cm or so longer than my car. But that gets worse reviews.

Looked at Hyundai i30 - both hatch and tourer
KIA Ceed - hatch and Sportswagon
Skoda Octavia hatch

Currently got 1.6 diesel and would like similar powered engine. Mines plenty quick enough and has really good torque - noticed from some reviews that neither i30 or ceed 1.6s are really geared for overtaking quickly

I want a good reliable, long distance comfy, practical car. (Current one is all these things but also benefits from great handling and good performance) I'd like cruise and rear parking sensors if it's an estate just til I get used to size - all cars above have those on the trim levels I've looked at.

I like the look of the Hyundai best. But I know thàt I may find the steering numb compared to that in current car which is praised for its steering and handling. But numb steering seems to be very common, Ceed and new focus criticised for that too.

Get the impression from reviews that really what I want is a 13 plate golf. But too expensive. I'd want to spend c£5000 + p/x c£6000. So £11k - 12k if it's something worth the money.


Any thoughts on these cars or alternatives welcome. Especially if you've also driven a focus and can compare between them - ride quality, sound insulation etc.

Thanks

llllllllllllllllllllll

Hi

Without going into details about your choices I will stay generic, with any car and the power of google it can be a nightmare, you will not find a car in the land that someone hasn't complained against. Us brits love to complain but feel there is not enough time in the day to sing praise of a vehicle

Google/Internet is such a powerful tool, I bet most of us have done it and spoke to Dr google, Im apparantly a cancer suffering paranoid schizophrenic suffering from post traumatic stress, depression and anxiety.....turns out its heartburn. You still doubt it though because Dr google says so.

The best advice is to get out there test drive cars and dont just stop at your first, spend a few weekends trying & testing, 8 years ago I would of said go down the VW route, even the Skoda route, trouble today is market share has grown meaning more cars thus more chance of problems. the build quality has certainly gone downhill for quite a few manufacturers.

I would also suggest you look at what you think you are going to get as part ex for your current car, especially if you plan on doing this 12mths from now, unless your car is in prestine condition I would guess at about £4500 currently and take about 20ish% off that for next year....especially if you are going to a dealer and the £5,000 is cash then I doubt it, if on finance you may get a higher px price but will end up paying it back through the small percentage change the garage will come up with.

But good luck with your new purchase and have fun shopping for one

jimjames

If you like your current car then why would you change to something else? In pure money saving terms it will be cheaper to keep that than lose more in depreciation getting a new one.

One of my mistakes was selling a car I loved because I thought it was getting old and high miles. Regretted it and a year later bought back an identical model but with higher mileage! Still just as nice to drive though and plan on sticking with it now.

Herzlos

What's the reason for replacing the Focus? Age or mileage or is it a car allowance thing?

If you like the Focus and aren't having any problems with it, I'd keep it. But if you're forced to upgrade for some reason I'd test drive the i30 (or i40) and Cee'd. The Golf will be more expensive than them, because there is still an image of reliability (but many will argue it's no longer the case).

What about the Astra hatch/estate?

Slowly_does_it..

Mazda 6 estate?

FreddieFrugal

Herzlos wrote: »

What's the reason for replacing the Focus? Age or mileage or is it a car allowance thing?

Well I originally said I'd buy nearly 3 year cars then trade when they get to 6. Now I would have done away with that notion immediatley to keep car if I like it as I know it makes much more financial sense.

However I'm very aware that my car's siblings have a habit of blowing turbos. 1.6 tdci. Very well documented. Been fine so far but decided I would only keep it til it was 6 then replace.

Still really like the look of the i30. Saw one parked near me today.

I will be test driving as suggested. Just wondered if anyone else had experience of switching from a focus.

I don't want anything too big either - small family estate size max. The octavia is probably the max as even in hatch form it's bigger than most small family estates.

FreddieFrugal

Slowly_does_it.. wrote: »

Mazda 6 estate?

Great looking car! Would be over my budget though and much bigger than I really need.

WTFH

Alfa. Giulietta, 2.0 diesel - either the 140 or 170.
Reliable, economical, drives and handles well, and because of the long memory of the British public, the depreciation is high, so you'd get a 1-2 year old one for your budget.

...also, you'll be able to call yourself a true petrolhead.

bigjl

Funny but i haven't read a bad review on the new Focus.

Spoke to a Met copper recently who has been using the Focus estate his station has been given and he really rates it.

Much better than the Hyundai I30 the Met got recently and miles better than the previous generation Astra and about on par with the current Astra.

The 1.0 Ecoboost version compared very well with the outgoing 1.6 on Fifth Gear.

If i ever needed a family hatch or estate then the Focus would be in the shortlist for sure.

Discounts are also good of Fords

Richard53

The cheapest car is the one you already own, and all that. In your position I wouldn't be thinking of selling. You have a car you like and which suits your needs. Why get rid of it? Put the money you would have spent on changing it into a savings account against the day when things start to go wrong.

I haven't driven any of the others, but I really rate the Focus. My wife has had two, petrol and diesel. The only fault I could find was that as an auto it was a bit thirsty. Last year she swapped it for a C-Max and I really miss the little hatch.

Treat it to a full valet (either DIY or professional) and you won't want to part with it. At least that's how I feel whenever I prep a car for sale.

dino_jr

IanRi wrote: »

However I'm very aware that my car's siblings have a habit of blowing turbos. 1.6 tdci. Very well documented. Been fine so far but decided I would only keep it til it was 6 then replace.

Turbo failures are approx 3% of the 1.6TDCi cars out there, I have read. So your current car is 97% likely to NOT blow up!

& as others have said, the depreciation "curve" will now flatten with your existing car... Keep it!