New car for around 4-5k

rossk26 · 30 Mar 2016 at 13:39

I'm a big fan of the newer Seat's, not sure £5k will get you into one of these however.

Personally I'd want something bigger, more refined, and potentially more toys with my £5k.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201603081768780
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201602040716895

If you just want a normal hatchback, then look at Focus, Civic, Golf etc.

iaind · 30 Mar 2016 at 13:42

The Leon is a similar size to what you're used to, the Ibiza is more akin to a Fiesta not a Focus.

The Golf/Leon/A3/Octavia are all basically the same thing underneath and equivalent to a Focus in size. The Octavia is a bit larger because of an elongated boot, but it's not as large as the shape makes it look and is the best value for money because it's a Skoda.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201603111880041
The Leon is a bit funkier looking but I'm not a huge fan of the interior
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201601190212338
The Golf is pretty "bread and butter" much like a Focus, although a bit of a cult following means they arent as good value as the first 2
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201603131938138
Audi A3 is the "premium" option, although it's the same thing underneath they tend to have better levels of kit and a badge to impress people in the car park
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201603031614415

If I wanted a run of the mill hatch, I'd have the Skoda or a Civic
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201603051666887

Nasher · 30 Mar 2016 at 16:26

Suzuki Swift?

Newish used ones are dirt cheap and they are actually not bad.

Jamesyboyjim · 31 Mar 2016 at 10:37

Which of these would you pick? I understand the seat will be smaller than the current focus I'm used to.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201603292422249?atmobcid=soc4

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201603252336853?desc=1

Haggisman · 31 Mar 2016 at 11:32

Personally I'd go for a Civic (in fact just over a month ago I had this same decision and did that

), but then I'm slightly biased as I've wanted one since they came out!

Jamesyboyjim · 31 Mar 2016 at 11:42

Haggisman said:
Personally I'd go for a Civic (in fact just over a month ago I had this same decision and did that ), but then I'm slightly biased as I've wanted one since they came out!

I do like Civic's, there doesn't seem to be that many around my area though. I'll have another look.

roadie · 31 Mar 2016 at 11:44

I too bought a Civic for £5k. They make sense.

Jamesyboyjim · 3 Apr 2016 at 18:25

Couldn't find any local civics that fitted the bill for the budget.

I ended up going for that seat Ibiza 1.4 2010 model. Such a smooth drive compared to my focus. Managed to get 900 part ex for it, which isn't bad considering what it needs doing. (See above) the clutch is also knackered on the focus I forgot to mention. The Ibiza is smaller than what I'm used to. Hopefully I'll get used to that!