After a new car possibly - advice please

oweneades

oweneades

oweneades

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Hi all. I am possibly looking at changing the A2 for something a bit quicker / bigger / more lively. Only thing is I have to keep the missus happy :rolleyes:

This basically means nothing french, no BMW's / Mercs / convertibles. She won't budge so I am not even bothering looking at anything that fits this bill.
(seen a lovely 318i tourer as well :()

I am personally after something a bit more lively than the A2 in terms of driving reponse. Would prefer to keep the engine under 2.0l as I am 20 (very soon) and would prefer Insurance to be under a grand. Fuel consumption is important and I would prefer 35mpg + due to commuting.

Budget is 7K tops (not including insurance)

A quick short list (rough year)

1) 2000 - 2001 Audi A3 5 Door (a must) 1.9 TDI 110. SHouyld be able to get one with a SE spec and under 60k on the clock. Also like the standard 1.6 SE.
2) 2000 - 2002 VW Golf 1.6 - 1.8 SE, As above really although could afford a slightly newer model
3) 2003 Skoda Fabia 1.9 TDI 100, Seems to be quite nice although I have never driven one.
4) 2002 - 2003 VW Polo 1.9 TDI 100, As above really but looks to be built slightly better / has more kit but is more expensive.
5) Ford Puma 1.7, Heard nothing but good things about these although the missus would have to be convinced.

Pushing it with this one I think but:

6) Ford Cougar 2.0, I like the looks of this although unsure on insurance, tried a few and they wouldn't quote.

I am unsure of anything else at the moment although I am open to suggestions. :)


Cheers all.
 
Numbers 1 & 2 are essentially the same car, build quality might be better with the Audi but you lose out on the year, spec, and engine choice available to you. You can also look at the Seat Leon or Toledo which is also the same car basically, but with a much lower price tag. You should have your pick of the bunch for <£7000.

But, which ever one you went for they're all well build solid cars. I'd avoid the 1.6's though, they're not all that powerful. The 1.8 20v is a much better engine, but I'd have the 1.9TDI 110 or TDI PD130 though.

Same goes for options 3 & 4, and the same applies. Seat Ibiza is the same platform, and IMO at least looks miles better than the other two.

Option 5, different. Noticeably lower build quality than the VAG's, even the Seat & Skoda. However, much more "fun" to drive though. You'd get an '02 Thunder for that sort of money, which has leather and nicer alloys over the normal 1.7's. I wouldn't bother with the 1.4 (<2000) or 1.6 (>2000) though, similar money to insure, cost the same to buy, but the engine isn't as good (IMO at least).

Option 6 - I don't know much about Cougars, they're the same chassic/platform as the Mondeo, but I think they have the suspension from the ST24 so handle a little better than an average mondeo. They cost more than a mondeo, and tbh I can't see why you'd bother when you could get a really nice MK3 mondeo for your money.

Have you ruled out a Focus for any specific reason? As it would definately fit the bill it would appear.
 
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Scottland said:
Have you ruled out a Focus for any specific reason? As it would definately fit the bill it would appear.
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Good point, although if you were going down the diesel route you need to make sure that it's a TDCi rather than the TDi (which is a dog). There are quite a few TDCi's around between 6 and 7k though, and if it's driving response you are after then it would be a very good choice (ticks the practical box as well).
 
I used to own a 2003 Focus TDCi Zetec (115) that put out about 130 bhp with just a k&n panel filter and a nice 30k mile run in...

Great car, but just wasnt for me anymore, handling is fine, but not up there with the petrol counterparts. 150 bhp ish is done with panel filter and blufin subject to your engine.

I now own a 2002 puma 1.7. Great car, handles well, not much roll, awesome sounding engine, and all things considered, really cheap to run. Not sure on your timescale to buy, but it'll be at the RR day if you want a ride in it.
 
I personally don't like the look of the focus. Although they are nice cars its just not my sort of car (If that makes sense).

The Seat Leon I forgot to put on the list but it is up there.

My dad used to have a V reg Audi A3 1.6 SE and it was quite nice. Not hugely fast but quick enough for what I want. Although the 1.8 does sound tempting although I think insurance would be the killer on that.

The little puma is growing on me, especially the thunder as you have stated.

There is a very nice one silver in colour just down the road which looks very nice.

I have seen another option locally thinking about it.

Astra Coupe Bertone. Any thoughts? I had an astra 1.6 before the A2 so I suppose it would be like that although a little sportier / lower.
 
It does look nice. I believe the one local is a 1.8 which would be ok on insurance.

Its in that gold colour too (Which I like)

Cheers guys, please keep the advice coming.
 
Dude you are 20, she's your girlfriend not your wife, tell her to mind her own business, if you were married to her thats a bit different :p

From your list, Leon Cupra or a Focus would be where I'd be looking.
 
[TW]Fox said:
Dude you are 20, she's your girlfriend not your wife, tell her to mind her own business, if you were married to her thats a bit different :p

From your list, Leon Cupra or a Focus would be where I'd be looking.
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Shes my Fiancee thankyou and I respect her wishes.

The Leon Cupra isn't on my list?! :confused: I don't need something that powerful. Althoug the normal Leon is :) I do like the leon. May also look at newer Ibiza's.

And the smart roadster ...... lol..... lol...... Er no thanks.
 
oweneades said:
3) 2003 Skoda Fabia 1.9 TDI 100, Seems to be quite nice although I have never driven one.
4) 2002 - 2003 VW Polo 1.9 TDI 100, As above really but looks to be built slightly better / has more kit but is more expensive.
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I'd disagree with that - my grandparents picked up their new Fabia yesterday, and it felt noticeably better put together than all of the Polos I've ever been in. If you can get over the badge, it's a fantastic car.

The Polo 1.9 TDI only comes in Sport trim, and be warned that the sports suspension is quite hard and unforgiving - it might drive you mad if you have a fairly long commute, so make sure you have a decent test drive in one.
 
oweneades said:
Shes my Fiancee thankyou and I respect her wishes.
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Unless she's a car expert or something tell her you'll consider her points but really, its YOUR money, you are 20, it's YOUR car and she isn't married to you. If you had a joint bank account, a mortgage and you shared your funds sure, but having a third party with no vested interest whatsoever in the car place ridiculous caveats on what you buy is daft. If its half her money or something, then fine..

If the Cupra has power you really don't need I would think the advantages of something like a Puma wouldn't outweight the disadvantages for you, so I'd be looking at a Focus now.
 
Does the car have to be a 5 door? (confused as you've put 'must' next to the A3 but then listed the Puma!) :)

Considered a Bora instead of a Golf? Slightly cheaper for same spec, although you lose the practicality of having a hatch.
 
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