Help with car ideas

lawz

lawz

lawz

Associate
Joined
3 Dec 2005
Posts
458
Hi

Currently in need of a new (used) motor and was hoping for some bright ideas! I've been having a general look around but theres nothing that immediately jumps out at me as a good idea.

Budget is 10-11k, would ideally be looking at 12/13 plate cars to give piece of mind as well as something that will last for a good few years without throwing up any problems!

Had a look around a local garage and the new Fiesta EcoBoost seems nice, had a test drive and was pleasantly surprised by the 1.0l engine. It looks good in the Zetec S trim, but the Titanium has better equipment for taking a hit on miles to stay in budget.

Also test drove a Citroen DS3, but I just couldn't get a comfortable driving position or feel happy with the positioning of the pedals. The Brake pedal seems quite higher than the throttle and my foot was constantly at an uncomfortable angle using it. Has anyone else had experience with this?

Could anyone suggest a car in a similar vein to these at all please? Im coming from a 02 Focus, which, while it suits my needs, is getting on in miles and the running costs (less than 30mpg average and 240 in tax) is starting to grate. The high mpg and free tax of the Fiesta is very compelling in this regard!

Much Thanks, Lawz
 
How many miles are you covering? I'm guessing not a huge amount - spending 12k to save a few hundred a year in fuel and tax is a fallacy. The new focus is worth a look and will still be better in tax and fuel than your current one, although just don't pick the engine based solely on that
 
I don't find the 1.0t to be like that at all - though you obviously need to be far more mindful of what gear you're in at low speeds
 
iaind said:
How many miles are you covering? I'm guessing not a huge amount - spending 12k to save a few hundred a year in fuel and tax is a fallacy. The new focus is worth a look and will still be better in tax and fuel than your current one, although just don't pick the engine based solely on that
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Currently averaging about 7-8k a year, which could go up or down depending on circumstances later in the year. Its more than just fuel and tax though, my Focus is on nearly 120k and mechanically is starting to throw up quite a few problems. Last few MOTs haven't been too bad, but I can see it needing more and more work each year.

Hyburnate said:
The Focus and the Fiesta cost about the same used for the most part. The EcoBoost engines are excellent. I'd be looking at a Focus with the 1.0 EcoBoost engine with 125hp.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201502201095846
Like this, you could also look at some Titanium models.


Depending on what you want you could also look at Golfs etc.
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The Fiesta I test drove was the 100hp 1.0 and seemed ok, but I would definitely go for the 125 if I went for one. The only issue with one in the Focus is the extra weight of the car vs. the Fiesta and hence being slower. I really don't want anything slower than the Focus I already have! (1.8 113hp)

I can't say I'm a fan of Golfs, and a quick search on Autotrader didn't return a lot of choice in my area for the age/spec I would be interested in.

maccapacca said:
You will quickly get bored having to wring the neck off the 1ltr engine and settle into a very slow pace everywhere.
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For the Focus or the Fiesta? I test drove the 100hp in the Fiesta and it seemed ok, although I would go for the 125 version if I bought one.
 
lawz said:
Currently averaging about 7-8k a year, which could go up or down depending on circumstances later in the year. Its more than just fuel and tax though, my Focus is on nearly 120k and mechanically is starting to throw up quite a few problems. Last few MOTs haven't been too bad, but I can see it needing more and more work each year.
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Thats absolutely fine, I'm not saying you should keep the car you've got but at such a low mileage focussing on mpg and tax too much is not a really valid way of looking at things. The difference between 35mpg and 45mpg for that many miles is about £200 a year. The difference between free tax and a mid range tax bracket is £140 a year.

Focus on getting something decent which you like driving, just don't settle for a crapper car to save less than £30 a month - not if you're spending 12 grand.
 
iaind said:
Thats absolutely fine, I'm not saying you should keep the car you've got but at such a low mileage focussing on mpg and tax too much is not a really valid way of looking at things. The difference between 35mpg and 45mpg for that many miles is about £200 a year. The difference between free tax and a mid range tax bracket is £140 a year.

Focus on getting something decent which you like driving, just don't settle for a crapper car to save less than £30 a month - not if you're spending 12 grand.
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Exactly this. Get something you will be happy with.
 
Remember as well that eco models will conduct a premium so you're going to get more car for your money by avoiding them.
 
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