Kia Ceed, Ford Focus, Volvo V50

LudaMusser

Hi, 

I’m considering the above three cars in estate form with 1.4-1.6 diesel engines and manual gearboxes with £0-30 road tax. Budget is up to £5k so I’m looking at 2010-2013 plates I guess

I’ve never owned a Kia or a Volvo. My first car was a Ford Orion a very long time ago so I’m hoping people in the know can offer opinions on what they would go for and why or why I should avoid some/all of them 

When it comes to servicing I’m fairly clued up, I was a Service Advisor at VW Commercial for twelve months. It’s more things like dual mass flywheels that concern me, very expensive. Are they a known problem on any of these cars? plus any other areas of concern?
TIA

Grumpy_chap

All three are capable cars.  Find one that you like in good condition and go for that.  Condition of the car should be more important than which of the three models it is.

Stubod

..as above, at that age and price point buy on condition / mileage / service history..

mr_accountant

Kia ceed much better built

Scrapit

I didnt like the dmf on a company focus I had, or at least it didn't like the type of driving i did.

frost500

All good cars. All have dpfs. So ensure the oil and filter is changed regardless of service history, then go for a long drive with a full tank, 50 miles or so. This will regenerate the dpf. After another 1k, change the oil and filter again. At least then you know it is sorted. That's what I would do, this will avoid a paid for forced regen (£200). Then just follow the normal service requirements.

The other thing to look out for is whether any of those vehicles have a chain or belt. I know the chains are supposed to last the life of the engines, but you here many stories of rough running engines due to worn chains. I would rather have a belt engine.

LudaMusser

Thanks for the replies. I’ve been reading up a little on the Kia so far, the can belt is chain driven on the years I’m looking at. Not really found too many negatives on it (Ceed) yet. 

frost500

Should be Ok I am sure, like my mechanic always says, avoid french, stick with japanese or german, won't go wrong (but I think Kia is Korean!). I am thinking specifically of the 1.3 cdti or multijet diesel engines fitted to Astras, puntos and others when I mention chain driven engines. 

fatbelly

I think you'll get better value from the Kia. You could also consider a Hyundai i30 estate - similar car, also good value at that level.

fatbelly

Have you completely ruled out a Skoda Fabia estate? not a lot smaller. You might be familar with the VW running gear. Example:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202006180279870