Cheap and cheerful recommendations for cars

Smrtka · 12 Jan 2021 at 12:35

Hello,

I am looking for a first car in UK, (had cars before in other countries).
Something that can enter ULEZ zone, not older then 2010 and maxing out around 3k.
5 seats nothing sporty, and good reliability.
Currently pondering between Mazda3 or Focus. (I was pondering astra but few people told me they tend to break down more often.)
Ideally the car has enough space that when taking out back seats I can go to Ikea, and also enough reliability to go from London to Scotland without catching on fire.

Also to point out I got EU driving license, I suspect this should not be an issue with insurance ?
Thanks

MagicBoy · 12 Jan 2021 at 12:40

Smrtka said:
Also to point out I got EU driving license, I suspect this should not be an issue with insurance ?
Thanks

Best check that, because Brexit. If we can't take a ham sandwich for lunch into the Netherlands, I can't see EU driving licences being long term acceptable here.

lordrobs · 12 Jan 2021 at 12:41

If space is a consideration I'd be tempted by a facelift mk2 Octavia. AFAIK as long as you avoid the diesels you should be good from a ULEZ point of view. Random example from autotrader - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-de...y-option=on&radius=100&price-from=2500&page=1

Other than that your two suggestions of Mazda 3 or Focus sound good.

Smrtka · 12 Jan 2021 at 13:01

MagicBoy said:
Best check that, because Brexit. If we can't take a ham sandwich for lunch into the Netherlands, I can't see EU driving licences being long term acceptable here.

I read on the internet that the Brexit doesn't impact the Driving license for A and B , but yes for lorry or buses.

lordrobs said:
If space is a consideration I'd be tempted by a facelift mk2 Octavia. AFAIK as long as you avoid the diesels you should be good from a ULEZ point of view. Random example from autotrader - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101107835507?price-to=3500&make=SKODA&postcode=nr59jf&sort=relevance&advertising-location=at_cars&onesearchad=New&onesearchad=Nearly New&onesearchad=Used&model=OCTAVIA&include-delivery-option=on&radius=100&price-from=2500&page=1

Other than that your two suggestions of Mazda 3 or Focus sound good.

The Octavia looks good but the sedan ass doesnt allow me to load much in even with the seats out, that said it looks good, My missus said no to a Combi which is shame Id love Octavia combi... is the 1.4TSI engines reliable ?

Smrtka · 12 Jan 2021 at 13:08

I suspect the 1.4L will be a lower Insurance bracket too

MagicBoy · 12 Jan 2021 at 14:23

Smrtka said:
I suspect the 1.4L will be a lower Insurance bracket too

It's a myth that capacity determines the insurance cost. If they replaced the old 2.0 non-turbo with a 1.4 turbo of similar performance and repair costs then most likely the insurance is broadly the same.

Nasher · 12 Jan 2021 at 14:31

Engine size is irrelevant for insurance. Performance may affect it a bit, but its all stats based.

Kenai · 12 Jan 2021 at 14:44

Smrtka said:
The Octavia looks good but the sedan ass doesnt allow me to load much in even with the seats out, that said it looks good, My missus said no to a Combi which is shame Id love Octavia combi... is the 1.4TSI engines reliable ?

The hatch is the same length as the estate, I wouldn't worry about being able to fit stuff in it. It'll swallow far more than a Mazda 3 or Focus. The extra bit of boot length is exactly that when compared to say a Focus - extra.

watercooledman · 12 Jan 2021 at 14:45

focus every day of the week.
great cars.

ShiWarrior · 12 Jan 2021 at 16:03

my Focus is 6 years old, and not once had an issue with it
never broken down, and no problems ,never any warning lights etc etc

mines a 2009 though duratorq engine (petrol)

3K will get you a mk 2.5 (2008-2011)
mk 3 1.0 ecoboost is what id get for but that are a bit more than 3K

lordrobs · 12 Jan 2021 at 18:54

Smrtka said:
The Octavia looks good but the sedan ass doesnt allow me to load much in even with the seats out, that said it looks good, My missus said no to a Combi which is shame Id love Octavia combi... is the 1.4TSI engines reliable ?

As Kenai said, the Octavia is a hatchback, the same as the Focus and Mazda 3. It has a larger rear overhang which is why it has the saloon (sedan) look to it and usefull extra boot capacity.

1.4 TSI is ok as engines go. It has more to go wrong than a naturally aspirated engine like the Focus or Mazda in the £3k bracket but I wouldn't be too concerned.

Smrtka · 12 Jan 2021 at 20:59

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012116993949?make=SKODA&postcode=sw192hr&sort=relevance&onesearchad=New&onesearchad=Nearly New&onesearchad=Used&price-from=2000&include-delivery-option=on&radius=20&advertising-location=at_cars&price-to=3000&fuel-type=Petrol&page=2#db-tab-1

This Is what I found also close by to me but there is like 29 focuses I can pick from.... and I am more inclined with the naturally aspirated 1.6 then a Turbo engine, more things to go wrong....

lordrobs · 13 Jan 2021 at 08:37

Smrtka said:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012116993949?make=SKODA&postcode=sw192hr&sort=relevance&onesearchad=New&onesearchad=Nearly New&onesearchad=Used&price-from=2000&include-delivery-option=on&radius=20&advertising-location=at_cars&price-to=3000&fuel-type=Petrol&page=2#db-tab-1

This Is what I found also close by to me but there is like 29 focuses I can pick from.... and I am more inclined with the naturally aspirated 1.6 then a Turbo engine, more things to go wrong....

I think availability and simplicity are both completely valid points when buying a car at around the £3k mark.