New Car 20k budget

Velocity

Velocity

Velocity

Associate
Joined
28 Apr 2003
Posts
1,621
Location
UK - Milton Keynes
Hello,

I am looking to buy a car for myself in the next 6months therefore I need to start doing some research as to what I want. Basically my budget is a maximum of 20k Id prefer it to be lower.

The car can be new or used, Id prefer a Hatchback however I am open to suggestions on the saloon front.

I would like a car with good performance subs 9secs to 60, Insurance isn't too much of an issue, I'm 22 with maximum no claims so should be able to get insured on most things.

Id prefer a car with average running costs nothing mad, not too bothered about petrol or diesel.

Any Suggestions?

Thanks

I like the idea of a hot hatch and I have had a look at the following GOLF GTI, ASTRA VXR, FOCUS ST
 
Noxis said:
£20k and you thinking about Chav cars :eek:

Need to set your sites higher my lad ;)

That mondeo lover who haunts this forum should be along to recommend a nice BMW in a short while - I am supposed to advise a RX8 (but its a bit pricey on the petrol, although cheap on the annual services).

You have a lot to choose from - perhaps a nice Civic Type-R or a S2000?
Click to expand...


Hehe, I do love the RX8, it's just the running costs, I think I need to read Rilots review!! I like the idea of a 3 or 5 series. Just looking for a number of suggestions to mull over and create a shortlist
 
The good news is that for the next 6 months I'm working for Volkswagen Group therefore getting 20-25% discount off new cars, so I'm going to try and find something in the group. However I fancy a change, I have driven so many cars from the VW group that it would be nice to look at something different.
 
Vertigo1 said:
So does the A3 Sportback 2.0T, a used example of which would be my choice.
Click to expand...

I have a S-Line Sportback at the mo, 2.0TDI it is the best car I have had to date.

I will take a nose at the used examples around.
 
I am quite keen on a BMW. Id be interested to see what MrFox has to say. I mean if i can pick up the car that fits for 10k then excellent.
 
Vertigo1 said:
TBH if you can get 20%-25% off a new Audi you'd be mad going for a non-VAG car just for a change, IMO.

I'm now in my third year with the 3-door 2.0TDI and I still love it. Thinking hard about going back to petrol at the end of the year and trying for a 2.0T
Click to expand...

I know what you are saying. I'm probaly being daft. I mean I think with the discount we get I can get a New Golf GTI for 16k which is a bit of a steal.
 
Scottland said:
That is a steal, or an Octavia vRS for about 12k - that is a steal! I'd be getting one if I could pick up a brand new one for that.

Infact, I reckon with the VW; you could keep it 2/3 years and harldy lose anything on it.
Click to expand...

Thats what I am thinking. The Skoda would loose more money than a GTI. I am seriously toying with the idea of a GTI, seems like a good option. Especially with discount.
 
Del Lardo said:
In your position I would buy something like an Elise/VX220/MR2/MX-5 for £10-£12k (depending on which one takes your fancy) and another £4k on a sensible car like a Mondeo.

You get the best of both worlds, a sports car when you want one and a practical, well specced car for longer journeys.
Click to expand...

The only problem with that being x2 Insurance wear and tear etc Tax
 
NickXX said:
You can pick up a high mileage facelift e46 BMW 330i Sport Saloon for 10k. I got my 2002 e46 BMW 330d Sport Saloon for £12k, can post pics if you want.

For £15k, you should be able to pick up a nice 330i Coupe Sport.
Click to expand...

In your opinion how would you go about picking up a nice one

I have never purchased a car, I have driven company supplied vehicles since I was 18, so I'm happy to be a bit of a noob.

For a BM would you go via main dealer/private?
 
NickXX said:
Ditto - I had been driving a company car last year, was my first car.

I only had £12k to spend and wanted a 330d Sport, so things were pretty limited for me. I went to Car Giant and got lucky. Ended up getting a November 2002 330d Sport with 97k on the clock. FBMWSH at Sytner's BMW, and seems like a very sound car so far (only had it 2 weeks).

You have more money, so I would recommend going to a dealer and getting something with a less mileage which you will get a dealer warrantee with. Car Giant are superb value for money, and the cars are generally very sound. However, they are usually high mileage and won't come with any warrantee.

If you do decide to slash your budget, then Car Giant is the place to go for absolute value for money, and cars with a history.

In terms of insurance, expect to pay a fair bit if you've not got a NCB. I'm 22 and had to cough up £1,600 for the privilage.
Click to expand...


Ok mate thanks.

I have maximum no claims and I am the same age as you at 22.

I will take a visit to the dealer to see what they have on offer. When you have been driving company cars all your driving life its a pretty scary in a way buying a new car.

I intend to do my research and get the right one.
 
LoL... tbh whenever I drive anything else but Audi's. Leon/Golf/Octavia I always feel back at home in my Audi. It's bliss.


Hmm checking out some 5 series at the mo
 
Vertigo1 said:
I've sat in one thanks and, although good and a definite step up from the old Focus, it's not up to Audi standards I'm afraid, although personally I think it's more than a match for VW's latest.
Click to expand...

I have to agree, if I don't have another Audi I will really miss the interior. I love their interiors.
 
NickXX said:
Audi A4 Quattro Sport V6 2.5 TDI/3.0 FSI? They're very nice - will be cheaper than a 3 too, so you could get a newer one.
Click to expand...

Nahhhh, Id want a B7 really, not so over keen on the older ones
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom