New car advise :)

Frost

Frost

Frost

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Catford
Hi there.

I've got the urge to get myself a new car, at the moment I drive a skoda fabia 2, ive been given the option to end my finance early which gives me a good excuse to change :)

I will be able to afford around 16k for a used car ( using finance ), looking for a hatchback but with a nice engine.

I test drove the new seat leon fr tdi on friday, absolutetly loved the ride, it was more comfortable than id been led to believe and the engine performance was electric! while providing a very nice MPG, it even sounded quite nice ( is that possible for a diesel? )

The only thing that's putting me off is I understand the car just had a face lift june this year including a brand new engine, so im not sure if the pre 09 reg models TDI or TSI is as impressive, or as quiet or comfortable?




My other option so far was a mini cooper S.
I love the qirky interior with the tight go-karty handling and the very quick engine, but it does seem somewhat impractical what with the almost useless back seats.

I have found a couple of 57 plate cars ( i understand id be looking for a R56 engined model ) for around 16k, with sub 10k miles on the clock and about 5k worth of extra's on top, so it sounds like good value for money on that sense.

Any suggestions would be appreciated :)

Cheers!
Anthony
 
For 16k you're in decent territory for a Cooper S.

If you want a bit of extra practicality can I suggest the Cooper S Clubman also? handling isn't that much different. But if you do have one prepared to be slated on here :)

Another issue with the clubby is quite poor rear visibility.

16k you're easily gonna get one with plenty of add ons, the one you really need 'pack' wise is the Chilli Pack as this adds 17s, Bi Xenons and Half Leather.

Be aware with most cars from the dealers will come with RFs as standard normally.
 
Dont borrow a huge amount of money to buy an average car. If you just want a hatchback plenty out there for less. If you want to spend £16k buy something nice.
 
[TW]Fox;14984638 said:
Dont borrow a huge amount of money to buy an average car. If you just want a hatchback plenty out there for less. If you want to spend £16k buy something nice.
Click to expand...

This also. You can get plenty of Cooper S' (The Supercharged version) with plenty of toys for a fair bit less.
 
Not that I have an inherent hate for the new Minis or that the Charged S models are bad I would never drop £16k on one, never mind a used one. Is there a particular reason these command what seems to be a very high price?

There is a lot metal out there for 16k, are you set on a hatchback or willing to open your horizons a bit?

I dropped a fair whack on 53 Plate 1.8 Focus and looking back, as good as the car was for me, it made me feel a bit sick knowing what I could have got.
 
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Yeah i realise 16k is a lot for a hatchback, Im not really after a big car though as it will just be used on weekends as I dont commute to work via car.

I am open to suggestions though on a different type of car :)


just as an example the mini I have my eyes on at the moment has this equipment on it:

Mileage: 6,500
57 plate

Interior:
Lea Lounge Carbon Blac

17" Flame Spoke Alloys
Auto-Dim Interior Mirror
Automatic Air Conditioning
Black Bonnet Stripes
CHILI Pack
Chrome-Line Exterior
Chrome-Line Interior
Colour Line Cream White
Comfort Access
Front Centre Arm Rest
Front Seat Heating
Full Bluetooth with USB.
Interior Trim English Oak
Leather interior
Metallic paint
Multifunction for S/Wheel
Navigation System
Rain Sensor & Lights On


Seems to be quite a lot of extra's for the money.


Anthony.
 
Sin_Chase said:
Not that I have an inherent hate for the new Minis or that the Charged S models are bad I would never drop £16k on one, never mind a used one. Is there a particular reason these command what seems to be a very high price?
Click to expand...

The same reason people will pay £45 a month on a phone tariff worth £20 so they can own an iPhone....

To the OP - do you need a diesel? How about a Golf GTi?
 
Nope I dont need a Diesel, Id be up for petrol as well ( hence mini choice ) but id be looking for something that doesnt burn my wallet as a drive :)
 
Thanks I had considered a mk5 golf, although not thought about an A3, I like the look of the BMW I hadn't even thought about them as a choice, but that price seems reasonable, are they ok for fuel usage despite the engine sizes?
 
Are you into your cars? If not I cannot get my heard around spending £16k of somebody elses money on something you'll barely use anyway. And if you only use it at weekends why is fuel consumption an issue?
 
Yes I love cars :) I guess fuel consumption isnt too important, I just feel I should try be somewhat sensible if possible, i do around 8k miles a year I know isnt a lot, I dont have to spend 16k thats just my limit im open to suggestions on lower priced options of course :)
 
Frost said:
Yes I love cars :) I guess fuel consumption isnt too important, I just feel I should try be somewhat sensible if possible, i do around 8k miles a year I know isnt a lot, I dont have to spend 16k thats just my limit im open to suggestions on lower priced options of course :)
Click to expand...

Diesels, in most cases, cost more than the petrol alternative (although that isn't always the case anymore).

Therefore it doesn't make sense to buy the diesel unless you do fairly high mileage - http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/petrol-vs-diesel/# should help you work out break even points.
 
16k on finance for a weekend car seems nutty. 8,000 miles a year for something that will depreciate by age alone while you are still paying the finance.

Totally different car, and I appreciate horses for course but the money you are looking at buys my 56 plate S2000 with 2,000 miles on it. Arguably a 2 seater roadster is more of a weekend car than a Cooper S. A lot of those options you listed on the 57 plate are daily drive/motorway comforts, excess to requirement for something you want for weekend use?
 
It would need to be able to fit 4 people in really, the s2000 is a lovely looking car though and Id love to own one.

ill try be more clear as to what im after.

car cabaple of seating 4-5 people
Not too big hence a interest in hatchback
Nice engine petrol or diesel
sporty feel
good for short journeys but also long journeys ( occosionally will travel up to family up by scarorough from london )
Would need to last me a few years ( 5+ )
Low appreciation would be a bonus :)
Max of 16k on finance but lower price certainly a good thing.

Maybe im being too fussy? :(
 
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