Car Ideas Up to 5k

dazzerd

dazzerd

dazzerd

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Winchester
Hi all, don't really pop in here but need some advice.

I currently get to work via public transport but I've just been offered a new job, the new job means I need a car to get to it because its in the middle of no where.

Me and the misses currently share a Fiesta Titanium but I now need a car of my own. I would like to spend as little as much to be fair, but am willing to spend up to 5k.

I only need the car to run me to work really, which is ten miles each way. So I need something solid (it won't break down) and pretty cheap to run.

I know jack squat about cars so any ideas much appreciated!
 
If you like the fiesta then perhaps a Focus or a Mondeo. You'll get a good one for less than 5k.

20 mile all round commute doesn't justify a diesel (unless you do significant amount of social driving) so stick to petrol which will also favour lower running costs.

If you want to move away from from Ford, my friend just picked up a 2006 Honda Civic (the futuristic looking one) with 60k for 4k. Relatively speaking it has a very nice interior and the 1.8 engine has decent amount of power. However I don't know much re their running costs.
 
TS7 said:
If you like the fiesta then perhaps a Focus or a Mondeo. You'll get a good one for less than 5k.

20 mile all round commute doesn't justify a diesel (unless you do significant amount of social driving) so stick to petrol which will also favour lower running costs.

If you want to move away from from Ford, my friend just picked up a 2006 Honda Civic (the futuristic looking one) with 60k for 4k. Relatively speaking it has a very nice interior and the 1.8 engine has decent amount of power. However I don't know much re their running costs.
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RE: running costs there is a Honda thread here for you to look at, OP. My understanding is they're not too bad, 40mpg is attainable. If you just want a good, honest car that'll do the job without giving you trouble I don't think you can go wrong with a Honda. Their reliability is in a league of its own.

The only thing I'd say is that the Honda described above is known for having quite hard suspension so choose one without massive alloys/low-profile tyres. SE and ES specs will meet that criteria.
 
If it was meeeeeeee,

As per the recent Pistonheads article I would be trying to find a Fiat Panda 100HP.

Dirt cheap to run and meant to be a great little driving car. Considering you are only doing 10 miles each way to work. You won't need a wafting barge!
 
Jester* said:
If it was meeeeeeee,

As per the recent Pistonheads article I would be trying to find a Fiat Panda 100HP.

Dirt cheap to run and meant to be a great little driving car. Considering you are only doing 10 miles each way to work. You won't need a wafting barge!
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Absolutely no point looking for the 100HP model though, from his requirements he may as well just get a cheaper regular Panda.
 
£5k budget? 20mile round trip?

I'd buy some old barge for circa £1k (take your pick as to what) keep £1k in the bank just in case and spend / save the rest!

Use the Fiesta at weekends etc as you probably already do.
 
I bought a 2007 Honda civic 1.8 ES for 4.5k, it's quite a nice car, seems very reliable but beware as there are some common faults with the car you need to be aware of when test driving them. There is a check list over at civicinfo you can print off.

Nothing too major really, my car has never failed an M.O.T since it come out the factory, it's only ever had a few advisories on tyres etc. The engine still sounds silent. They seem pretty bullet proof imo. There is also a chain instead of a cam belt.
 
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I had a look at 54 civic this morning with 64k on the clock. Seemed nice, if a bit smelly, but they wanted 5k for it which seems a bit steep.

Not sure I could cope with a Panda, I'm male after all :) But your right I probably should just stump for something dirt cheap for 20 miles a day.
 
I would go petrol.

VW Golf. Could get a nice Golf for £5k. Reliable, nice to drive. FSI engines are nice.

VW Polo if you don't mind smaller cars.

Honda Civic. I also like the Jazz but maybe a slight image problem.

Ford Fiesta. Fords are good on maintenance costs. To me they feel less premium than VW or Honda.

Ford Focus.

Mazda 3.

Toyota Auris. Reliable.

See HonestJohn.co.uk and Parkers.co.uk for detailed info on cars.

Rgds
 
Well as normal for me I decided to blow my budget.

I found a 60 plate Mazda M3 with only 8000 miles on it, in very good condition, I paid 7750 but I think this will become the family car as it has far more space than the fiesta.

Price seems reasonable for the mileage and condition, and was certainly a nice drive when I took it out. Surprisingly smooth to be fair.
 
radderfire said:
VW Golf. Could get a nice Golf for £5k. Reliable, nice to drive. FSI engines are nice.
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Not that relaible... A few common faults but I suppose you get that with any car. Quite slow too, but that doesn't seem to be to imortant to the op?

I'd go for a 1.8 civic or 1.6 focus zetec I guess.
Or Toyota Corolla?

Oops.. Must read to end of thread before posting... Or the Mazda sounds good too :p
 
I'd have never thought this thread would end in an M3..... ;) :D

Enjoy it, it should give trouble free frugal motoring.
 
dazzerd said:
Well as normal for me I decided to blow my budget.

I found a 60 plate Mazda M3 with only 8000 miles on it, in very good condition, I paid 7750 but I think this will become the family car as it has far more space than the fiesta.

Price seems reasonable for the mileage and condition, and was certainly a nice drive when I took it out. Surprisingly smooth to be fair.
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Sounds like a decent option for you, the facelifted Mazda 3 is quite a good little package I'm sire it'll do the job for you. Saloon or hatch BTW?
 
rodenal said:
Sounds like a decent option for you, the facelifted Mazda 3 is quite a good little package I'm sire it'll do the job for you. Saloon or hatch BTW?
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Thanks it's the hatchback in metallic grey, some small scuffs on the front bumper and it comes with steel wheels, which I will replace at some time.
 
dazzerd said:
Well as normal for me I decided to blow my budget.

I found a 60 plate Mazda M3 with only 8000 miles on it, in very good condition, I paid 7750 but I think this will become the family car as it has far more space than the fiesta.

Price seems reasonable for the mileage and condition, and was certainly a nice drive when I took it out. Surprisingly smooth to be fair.
Click to expand...

8K miles on a 60 plate M3 for £7.7K?

I didn't think they were this cheap

you meant a BMW right ? :p
 
You already have something sensible between you, why not mix it up with something cool for the summer, a 2 seater drop top for example, a car that fills another purpose. Mx5/Z3/SLK etc.

EDIT- just realized you have bought something...Doh.
 
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ShiWarrior said:
8K miles on a 60 plate M3 for £7.7K?

I didn't think they were this cheap

you meant a BMW right ? :p
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See I've been panicking today wondering whether I got a good deal or not, also putting some alloys on it seems to be about £800.

I don't pick the car up till Friday, so I'm pondering cancelling and stumping up more cash for a Focus, but to be honest Fiestas IMO look much nicer and we already have a top spec one of them. But then I think well a decent Focus is gonna be 12k from this dealer so is the 4250 really worth it.

sandys said:
You already have something sensible between you, why not mix it up with something cool for the summer, a 2 seater drop top for example, a car that fills another purpose. Mx5/Z3/SLK etc.

EDIT- just realized you have bought something...Doh.
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Thought about this too, always wanted an RX8 but I hear they are a complete pain in the backside.
 
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