Audi A3 or MG Mgf

isofa

The TT will cost a lot to run and insure, and the old model isn't as reliable as you might think, electric problems, problem with fuel gauge (a colleague owned one), nice cars, but they drink petrol too and tyres (remember they are 4-wheel drive). Also don't forget the servicing, it won't be cheap on a TT.

At least we've steered you away from the truly dreadful MGF ;o)

Have you thought about a BMW Mini too? These are very well engineered, funky cars, and the Cooper is pretty quick.

On the subject of BMWs, for around £4000 you'll now probably able to get a decent BMW 3-series. Such as a 318i (not the current model "E90" obviously) but the last shape the E46 (replaced 3-4 years ago, arguable better looking too), this is a 1.9 litre petrol, and if you get the SE model, you'll get a host of good extras (this depending on options would have cost 20K+ when new too). These are fantastic cars, (read all the independent reviews), ultra reliable, beautifully built, and you'll be able to get 36 to 40mpg. You might even be able to get a 320d for this too, and they'll mpg will be 50+. I haven't got a bad thing to say about them. (Owned several BMWs.)

Have a look at: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/TOPMARQUES/ (although the minimum price might be too high), so you'll have more luck with their standard site, http://www.autotrader.co.uk

Godders

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Thunderbird_2

Test drive a Ford Puma.. the 1.7... you can get a decent example for £4000 and it has almosta guaranteed a future classic status ( I am biased! ). Just test drive one and see what you think.

On the sensible side of the matter, how many miles are you likely to do per year? Is it mainly town or dual carriage ways?

ArsenalFC

If you really want a convertible then a mazda mx5 year 1998+ (as already suggested by isofa) for your 4k budget. These are the best value open top car u can get in every sense. I have test driven one and they drive and handle very well, on a par with my previous bmw's - 318is (E36) & 323ci (E46).

I wouldn't get the audi TT if I was in your position. It's your first car and u already set a budget of £4k so dont go over this really, also higher price cars seem to really depreciate in the current economic slowdown. Bmw are a great driver's car, so a compact version will suit u better rather than the larger coupe. Audi a3 are good cars but I feel the model has dated look for your price range.

Have you consider the Ford Fiesta, Toyota Yaris/Corolla. These are rated highly in parkers and whatcar. You know I am downgrading from a bmw 323ci coupe (just sold it), so I'm on the lookout for a small economical car I'd just mentioned above. I was also considering the nissan micra but they have too much cam chain problem so I have disregard them now. Goodluck.

hewhoisnotintheknow

early tt's are not that reliable and just a golf really.

I would go for an mx5 if you can afford one

Indout96

One tip when looking for second hand cars is get on the internet and look up owners clubs, they will answer any questions you have and have cars for sale that have been well looked after, also you will hear about any faults the model has. Same as here just watch out for someone selling who only has a couple of posts.

Second the MX5 if you are after a soft top or some high milage Z3's are now heading towards your price. If you are looking at a coupe The Celica Gen6 (up to 1999) or Gen 7 pre facelift are dipping into the £4-5000 bracket now. have a look on www.celica-club.co.uk for info

MORPH3US

isofa started me off when he got going about 3-series Beemers...

Op, have you considered the Merc C-class coupe? Amazing looking cars, good spec, bulletproof merc engineering...

Just seen this one.... http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/MERCEDES-BENZ+C+CLASS/Ne-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49-53-61-64-67-103-133-146-236,N-10-22-58-4294967218-4294967262/advert.action?R=200823311393569&distance=46&postcode=st16+1lz&channel=CARS&make=MERCEDES-BENZ&model=C+CLASS&min_pr=2000&max_pr=8000&max_mileage=

If I wasn't looking for a 45 mpg car with low tax then i'd snap that baby up...

Idiophreak

Personally, I think an A3s one of the sexiest cars a girl can drive...Plus, it's clearly the better car vs the MG. (pretty much any modern MG for that matter).

I, also, would recommend thinking long and hard about what you really need in a car - I, too, started out looking at 4k, ended up paying 9 - and have to say, I wouldn't do it again. It was a nice car to start with, but very quickly started turning into an expensive car.

I think 4k is quite a reasonable amount for a first car, so I'd be tempted to try and "keep it real" and keep the cost down..

MORPH3US

Idiophreak wrote: »

I, also, would recommend thinking long and hard about what you really need in a car

Agreed, I am just about to replace my 9 1/2 year old Citroen Saxo and can't decide what to buy... would like something a bit bigger like a focus / astra / C4 coupe but with fuel and other motoring costs going the way they are... plus trying to be a good MSE'r, I have decided that I don't really need a bigger car / a bigger engine... 95% of all my driving is just me and a laptop in the car...

My current thinking is that i'll go for a brand new *ahem* 1.2 Grande Punto *ahem* for £6300....

Then I will just run it into the ground....

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers!

Audis are just VWs in a posh frock. I've owned 2, I will never buy another as the dealer network is less than trustworthy. If you want a truly cheap, fun, reliable car, the MX-5 is the one to go for. £2000 will get you a decent one.