£5k budget what car?

[rgzcampbell]

Hi guys,

My current car is a 2001 1.25 fiesta freestyle with FSH and 42k on the clock. I've owned it for 18 months now and fancy a change. I'm currently looking around for a replacement but I'm having trouble deciding on a specific car, so I'm looking for some suggestions.

I'm almost 25 (Nov) with 2yrs no claims and live in a good postcode so insurance shouldn't be too bad. (currently £460 fully comp).

so I've been looking down the sensible route of a 1.8/2.0 focus but wanted you guys input on alternatives particulary on the not so sensible cars!

so 5k to play and nothing too old say 98 onwards

 

[rgzcampbell]

What do you want from a car?

Handling
Manoeuvrability
Straight line speed
Economy
Image or lack thereof (Focus/Mondeo etc)
Practicality - interior + boot space?
QUOTE]

What do I want from a car? To be honest I'm not too sure, coming from a 1.25 fiesta more or less everything will be a massive difference. I guess I'm looking for a decent upgrade - faster, same handling etc but not stupidly fast i.e kicking the **** out of the insurance.

I do ~ 8k miles a year so economy is not overly important, practicality - if the car fits me and one other person in it thats enough. Finally image, not overly bothered but I'm not ready for the pipe and slippers yet.

 

[rgzcampbell]

There is a few Seat Leon 20V T cupra's in my price range what's the general consensus?