Family car, hatchback or saloon?

SpeedFreak

SpeedFreak

SpeedFreak

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With a little one on the way we've decided that my T reg accord should make something newer and shinier. The budget is looking a little flexible but really no more than 10k.

The criteria are as follows:

£10K or less
Mileage does not bother me, I would buy based on condition, number of owners and useage.
Must have a decent sized boot.
Must be 4/5 door
Hatchback or saloon are fine
Petrol or Diesel, I do 120 miles per week so not too worried.

So far we have looked at the following:

Honda Civic 5dr EX 06/07
Seat Leon FR 07
Honda Accord 06
MkV Golf GTI
Ford Focus Zetec 1.8

I am really liking the civic with a 1.8 petrol or 2.2 diesel so far, but I want to ensure that I don't overlook anything. Are there any others I should add to the list or are the above really our best options given the budget.

Please note, I don't really fancy an Audi for 10k and while I would like an E90 BMW it is a little beyond the budget we have in mind. Should I add ST220 to the above?
 
I wouldn't have a saloon as a family car, hatch or estate wins due to accessibility of the boot space.
No need for a petrol given your mileage :)
 
I'm guessing he meant no need for diesel!

In terms of practicality, hatch - but not a mid sized one like those listed, how about the new mondeo?
 
same money as the leon FR would also see an 07 or 57 octavia VRS...with the same engine and more space
 
I would say that although obviously you can manage with just about anything, a larger boot would be advisable on practical grounds, take the Civic/Focus for example, fitting a weeks shopping and a pushchair/changing bag/other baby stuff is not easily doable unless you start stacking everything on top of each other, and that's never ideal..

So I'd recommend the Accord/Mondeo based on the cars you've mentioned.. An ST220 in very good condition can be had for well under £10K, and it's quite sporty..
 
FTM said:
same money as the leon FR would also see an 07 or 57 octavia VRS...with the same engine and more space
Click to expand...

Another vote for the Octavia vRS (Petrol not the diesel) The boot is cavernous, but it's still quick enough, fun to drive, reliable and cheap to run.
 
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Thanks for the feedback guys and sorry it's taken me so long to respond, I had completely forgotten that I had started the thread tbh.

I have now ruled out the Civic and am looking towards the Accord 2.4 or a Mondeo ST220

They are both similar however the Mondeo has better performance and is rear wheel drive. I do prefer the looks of the 7th gen Accord however. Spec levels are similar but it seems that I would skip the leather if I went for the Honda as most EX interiors look poor. This could just be down to the photos but the Mondeo interior seems to age better with regards to leather.

This would mean choosing between a Honda Accord 2.4 Spot/Type S or the Mondeo.

Can anyone share any opinions of the two?
 
The Mondeo is not rear wheel drive at all and never has been.

The ST220 is a proper sport saloon, the Accord is a warm Honda.

The Honda is cheaper to own the Mondeo is the better car.
 
[TW]Fox;17801005 said:
The Mondeo is not rear wheel drive at all and never has been.

The ST220 is a proper sport saloon, the Accord is a warm Honda.

The Honda is cheaper to own the Mondeo is the better car.
Click to expand...

My mistake, I believed it was. My ownly issue is that my work colleague found an immaculate 05 plate ST220 with 60k for £6250 with nav. I have yet to find one in as good condition for similar money. We could pay £7500 for something similar but I've been waiting quite a while to find a good well priced one come up for sale.
 
As a family car, my vote would be on an Estate. Yes I know it's not what the OP asked for (when has that mattered on OcUK :p), but as a family car they're just soo much better than a saloon.

Honda Accord Touring would be where my money would go. Diseasel or petrol is upto you..... though VTEC makes sense ;). £10K would get a decent one I reckon.
 
I perfer the look of the Accord saloon to the hatchback Mondeo, but the estate looks gash, if he wanted an estate he would be better off with a Mazda 6.
 
Not heard good things about the new Accord, electrical problems / niggles, the Mondeo would be asolid choice and the boot space is more than enough, the Civic / Focus boots are too small for big buggies and shopping.

Have you thought about a Mazda 6, share a lot of parts with the Mondeo and a little bit different.
 
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