Car for the commute

[Katryn]

Hi,

I'm after some of your expert advise. I currently have a 13 year old VW polo that I've owned for 4 years and has served me well as my first car and now it's reached 96k miles (I've doubled the mileage on it since buying it). It's now starting to show its age, recently I've noticed a noise from the front wheels that seems like a wheel bearing as it gets louder with speed on the motorways and also in the mornings it stalls fairly often when coming to a stop - which may be the coolant temp. sensor (I've had the throttle body cleaned so it's shouldn't be that) and it lacks power in this cold weather which is a bit frustrating. Previously I've not had too many problems except the gearbox bearings needed replacing 22k miles ago. However, given the age I kind of thinking that fixing it (the garage estimated £200) is throwing new money after old given age of the car and limited life after 13 years.

So here's the challenge for a newer car -
Budget 4-4.5k
I do a 45 mile motorway journey each day and about 12-13k miles a year
Reliability is important
Something bit bigger than a polo/fiesta (a Mondeo would be too big though)
Reasonably cheap to tax/insure
Good economy

Thanks in advance..

 

[jellybeard999]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/search/...mission/manual/fuel-type/petrol/sort/priceasc

Something along those lines.

 

[GinG]

Sounds like you are after a Focus!

 

[InvaderGIR]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/search/...mission/manual/fuel-type/petrol/sort/priceasc

Something along those lines.

&

Sounds like you are after a Focus!

Given the OP said:

Something bit bigger than a polo/fiesta (a Mondeo would be too big though)

And the fact that the Mk2 Focus is 6cm wider and just 40cm shoter than the Mk3 Mondeo I'm not sure what the argument is for the Focus.

The OP has clearly said they would like a Polo or Fiesta sized car which the Focus is not, it is larger and really very close to the Mondeo size.

Having said that, the Mk2 Focus is a much nicer place to be and drive than the Mk5 Fiesta.

 

[jellybeard999]

&

Given the OP said:

And the fact that the Mk2 Focus is 6cm wider and just 40cm shoter than the Mk3 Mondeo I'm not sure what the argument is for the Focus.

The OP has clearly said they would like a Polo or Fiesta sized car which the Focus is not, it is larger and really very close to the Mondeo size.

Having said that, the Mk2 Focus is a much nicer place to be and drive than the Mk5 Fiesta.

Bigger than a Fiesta = Fiesta

Size is generally fairly irrational and more about the shape of the car than anything, ie the mondeo is more saloon shaped and the rear is out of sight, whereas the focus is a more traditional hatch shape and has good visibility. The Focus is only 27cm longer and 12cm wider than the Mk6 Fiesta, which admittedly is slightly above budget, the Mk5 isn't a sensible buy at this budget, as it's right at the end of it's life.

MK6 Fiesta

Length
2011 on: 160.1 in (4,067 mm)
2008–2010: 3,950 mm (156 in)

Width
1,722 mm (67.8 in)

Height
2011 on: 58.0 in (1,473 mm)
2008–2010: 1,481 mm (58.3 in)

Mk2 Focus

Length
2008-2010: 4,337 mm (170.7 in)
2005-07: 4,340 mm (171 in)

Width
2005-07: 1,840 mm (72 in)
2008-2010: 1,839 mm (72 in)

Height
2005-07: 1,500 mm (59 in)
2008-2010: 1,497 mm (59 in)

 

[[TW]Fox]

Something bit bigger than a polo/fiesta

The OP has clearly said they would like a Polo or Fiesta sized car

Yea, I think it's time you looked up the definition of the word 'clearly'. It'll help you in future before you sound off against peoples frankly sensible recommendations and stop you looking daft

 

[Katryn]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/search/...mission/manual/fuel-type/petrol/sort/priceasc

Something along those lines.

Thanks, I noticed that at the lower end of the budget I'd be looking at a 65-75k mileage. What do you guys think is lifespan of a Focus will it last pretty well?

How does a Focus compare to something like an Astra? Do you rate those or do they breakdown constantly? Are there any Japanese, Honda, Toyota type cars that you rate as being good that I should consider?

Sorry about the Mondeo size quote - I should have said I'd prefer hatchback to an all-out saloon, the newer model of Mondeo I saw today was too huge.

 

[Dr Who]

Focus > Astra any day of the week. It has nice handling and feel, better build quality, and more reliable in my experience.

 

[GinG]

&



Given the OP said:



And the fact that the Mk2 Focus is 6cm wider and just 40cm shoter than the Mk3 Mondeo I'm not sure what the argument is for the Focus.

The OP has clearly said they would like a Polo or Fiesta sized car which the Focus is not, it is larger and really very close to the Mondeo size.

Having said that, the Mk2 Focus is a much nicer place to be and drive than the Mk5 Fiesta.

Clearly