Help spec my friend a car, 2k.

ganesh · 4 Oct 2008 at 17:18

My friend is looking for a new car as his current 1.8 fiesta diesel (nicknamed the HOS) is a Heap of S***.

He has 2k to spend.

The requirements
It can be hatchback or saloon, he's not bothered by size. But not a two seater.
He'd prefer something japanese or german, but ultimately doesn't mind.
Relatively good mpg, i.e. 30+
Not too many miles, but he'd rather something with more miles and FSH, than less and without.
This will just be for commuting, and general driving around.
Reliable
And maybe something with a bit of power.

I suggested something like a Seat Toledo, as these seem to offer a lot, but are relatively unheard of, keeping the prices low.

Can anyone else make some suggestions?

Many Thanks.

Frapple · 4 Oct 2008 at 17:27

Sounds like ideal Mondeo territory.

Although never looked into prices, will it be a gamble on maintenance at 2k?

acevuk · 5 Oct 2008 at 02:35

Mondeo tbh

EDIT: And I'm not just jumping on the bandwagon - I actually had one, and it was a good runner for the 5 years I had it! Not too much in maintenance, and ticked all the right boxes.

Peter Diffey · 5 Oct 2008 at 10:29

Your friend requires a Mondeo

ganesh · 5 Oct 2008 at 10:37

interesting, looks as though some half decent st24s are in the price range. I'll have to see what he thinks. Also, are there any alfas worth going for? Or at this price are they going to be a bit dodgy?

Hedge · 5 Oct 2008 at 10:41

st24 mpg wont be too high mind

Mad old tory · 5 Oct 2008 at 10:43

If he needs reliability then surveys etc would suggest an Alfa wouldn't be ideal, lovely cars but not as reliable as competitors by a long stretch.

broona · 5 Oct 2008 at 10:47

Hedge said:
st24 mpg wont be too high mind

I used to average 15 to 20mpg in mine! :eek:

ganesh · 5 Oct 2008 at 11:03

broona said:
I used to average 15 to 20mpg in mine!

That does seem fairly rubbish for a 197 bhp engine. Maybe not that one then.

Sone · 5 Oct 2008 at 11:09

ganesh said:
That does seem fairly rubbish for a 197 bhp engine. Maybe not that one then.

i thought they were less than 170hp

SoliD · 5 Oct 2008 at 11:51

Sone said:
i thought they were less than 170hp

They are, about 167 or something as standard. MPG wont be terrible in them, probably get above 30 on a long drive, its around town where they are killers.

fonzee · 5 Oct 2008 at 18:14

Honda Prelude maybe.

or Xsara VTS.

Ricochet J · 5 Oct 2008 at 19:31

Ford Focus is what you're looking for.