I have £8000 to spend..

Hedge

Hedge

Hedge

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18 Oct 2002
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Im looking for a new car. Until now Ive always driven ropey old things (Last car was a battered 306gti, before that an old Honda Accord)

I live down by Wolverhampton most of the time, but often come up to Newcastle on weekends to see family. I havent really had a working car for months so my mileage has been pretty none existant of late.

I had great fun with the Pug and Ive looked at the idea of Civic Type Rs and Meganes/Clios but Im thinking that with regular motorway trips something like a Mondeo/Focus/Accord/Octavia might be best.

At the moment I am definitely leaning towards a larger comfortable car. Im 28 now and the Hot Hatches might be best left to the young lads.

What do you think I should be looking at? . I have heard something bad about Mondeo Diesel engines, but I dont know what years that affected.


Any input really appreciated as I have a week off work and this is the Ideal time for me to shop around.
 
Octavia VRS is one option. 2.0 Turbo so should be pretty economical on a run, with a bit of poke and a reasonable chassis if you fancy a bit of a hoon
 
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buy a second hand mondeo and get a decent quality triumph spitfire 1500, not only an investment as wont depreciate but also a lot of fun to drive.

others are jag x type second hand and volvo s40 both solid choices
 
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Focus ST? Can get a good facelift for that budget now. If you don't do many miles then the fuel economy might not be a concern.

Octavia VRS as mentioned above is a nother good suggestion. Could up the budget nearer 9-10k and squeeze a facelift one of those. 8K will get a very nice 07/08 pre facelift though.

Ive just bought a 2006 Octavia VRS myself and its a good car. I used to have a 2006 Focus ST. Both have their pros and cons.
 
I cant really push the budget much further as Im already kinda at my max. Ive liked the idea a Seat Exeo too but I think they cost a touch over.

As for the Octavia VRs, are we talking a Diesel one here?

Focus STs are nice but I dont think I can handle 25mpg. I would want more than my Peugeot at least I think.
 
Hedge said:
As for the Octavia VRs, are we talking a Diesel one here?

Focus STs are nice but I dont think I can handle 25mpg. I would want more than my Peugeot at least I think.
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Noooo, get the petrol one.

Having owned both the Octavia is definitely better in the mpg stakes. For my journey to work (25 minutes, 10 miles, mix of 40,30,50 mph speed limits), i could get about 27 if driving like a fairy in the ST. More like 23/24 if i used the loud pedal a bit. The Octavia can get 30+ easily even when opening the taps a bit. On a long run on a motorway i found it was hard to get over 30mpg in the ST but with the VRS you can get nearer 40 when driven carefully.
 
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the octavia is an ugly car and i like the seat exeo more, there are a lot to choose from do you want it 2nd hand or new, thats the major thing. because there are a lot of very good cars in the second hand market for under 8k but also some ok deals on new motors
 
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Jono8 said:
Hm, i think the Octavia in VRS form with 18 inch wheels is a very handsome looking car. Better than the Exeo in my opinion. :p
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we can agree to disagree , its copying vauxhall and it kinda has the same body as the vectra, its just a little plain and looks like it has a barry the train spotter mustache
 
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KaiserDJG said:
we can agree to disagree , its copying skoda and it kinda has the same body as the vaxhuall vectra, its just a little plain and looks like it has a barry the train spotter mustache
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What? Same body as a Vauxhall Vectra? Well yes, they're both hatchbacks and they both have four wheels... :confused:

Everything else, i.e. the looks, is personal preference.

My personal preference is that the Exeo's proportions are wrong and it looks a bit funny. The Octavia looks smart.
 
Howard said:
What? Same body as a Vauxhall Vectra? Well yes, they're both hatchbacks and they both have four wheels... :confused:

Everything else, i.e. the looks, is personal preference.

My personal preference is that the Exeo's proportions are wrong and it looks a bit funny. The Octavia looks smart.
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ok ok enough about looks its more about whats underneath, all i meant was it looks a little bland in the style department
 
Don't get a Focus ST. You will cry at the petrol pump if you drive from Wolves to Newcastle every weekend...
 
rossk26 said:
Don't get a Focus ST. You will cry at the petrol pump if you drive from Wolves to Newcastle every weekend...
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Yeah I can imagine that lol :D

Id never even considered an Alfa but looking at the one I linked I actually quite like it. I might go have a look at that this week. Its certainly less common than Mondeos and the like.

However Im not decided so as much input as possible from anyone would be great :)

The seats in the Alfa look amazingly comfy. Im being drawn to a nice leather cabin
 
Howard said:
Do you really want a 4 pot diesel though?
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I dont know :(

I like the idea of pulling 45+mpg on a Motorway run, however after owning a nice 2.0l Petrol Gti I do think Id appreciate a fun faster and quieter Petrol motor.

Its scaring me having the money because Id hate to buy something that turns out to be crap lol.

First time Ive ever bought a decent car.
 
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