with the exception of the 2 coupe's they are all saloons under 2k which is what the OP asked for. The first 4 of which are pretty much the only cars to consider when spending 2k on an everyday used car that isn't a hatch back.
Opinions on car choice
- Thread starter Menthis
- Start date
with the exception of the 2 coupe's they are all saloons under 2k which is what the OP asked for. The first 4 of which are pretty much the only cars to consider when spending 2k on an everyday used car that isn't a hatch back.
Caporegime
Did he? I thought he was after an Astra sized hatchback?
The Focus is cheap to insure in comparison to it's direct competitors, like the Astra, Golf etc. For reference, my focus 1.8 was something like £1200 to insure for a year with no NCB at 19. A 1.6 Astra was something like £1800. I think Golfs are even more expensive.
The 2.0 Focus isn't any more expensive on insurance and get's a similar MPG to the 1.8 but with a little more power so that might be something to consider.
That's the mk1 btw, you can get a good one pretty cheap. Go for a Ghia if you can, get all the luxuries.
The 2.0 Focus isn't any more expensive on insurance and get's a similar MPG to the 1.8 but with a little more power so that might be something to consider.
That's the mk1 btw, you can get a good one pretty cheap. Go for a Ghia if you can, get all the luxuries.
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Soldato
Indeed. Added to that most of the cars listed are not cheap to fix and given the OP only has up to £2k for a car it is unlikely that he will want a car that could throw up big bills. Just because you can get 'more car for your money' doesn't mean that this is the right thing to do in this (and many) case.
Focus, Golf etc. are all sensible options for the OP. At a stretch if he would be ok with a slightly bigger car then the often recommended Mk3 Mondeo (2.0 petrol) is a fairly good option.
OP should have a look around at how much the family hatchbacks will cost to insure, some could be silly cost, others could be cheap.
![[TW]Fox](/data/man-of-honor/2009.png){kind=avatar}
I always thought this too, but it seems they did a Mk4 FSI as well just not in the UK. I saw a Mk4 1.6 FSI a few weeks ago.
Soldato
100% agree on that one!
1st car was a focus (a bad example from what my mates say) I won't be going back to a focus.
Current car is a Seat Ibiza, remember when I got it felt so much better to drive than the focus, steering felt fantastic. Next car will probably just be a bigger/better SEAT tbh
Current car is a Seat Ibiza, remember when I got it felt so much better to drive than the focus, steering felt fantastic. Next car will probably just be a bigger/better SEAT tbh
Caporegime
If you think that ANY (run of the mill) VAG group car has "fantastic" steering, I suggest you try driving a car from a manufacturer known for driver feedback/driving dynamics!
My 330d was like a go-kart compared to my Leon or A6.
Insurance will still be a killer at the age of 20 and with 0 no claims discount, I would be tempted to reduce the budget significantly and get the smaller car which you don't really want.
I would also get an older car and keep the money you save aside for when you can afford something that you do want in a few years time when you have a few years no claims discount.
I would also get an older car and keep the money you save aside for when you can afford something that you do want in a few years time when you have a few years no claims discount.
Ive always found the astra has come out cheaper than the focus i drive now, but this was when i first started driving obviously with no driving years. at the moment its £1600 a year on my dads, an i pay £1200 of it.
Might do
While off getting a new car tho
Certainly was noticeable for me going from the Focus to the Ibiza, the only other car I had drove at the time was the one I learned in, a Astra Diesel.
I am getting £1200 on compare the market, with elephant and thats third party, fire and theft. on a 2L focus ghia
Soldato
Try fully comp, you might be surprised.
Got £1400 and thats having to pay it off in one go, montly it bumps it up to like 2000!
Have you added both parents or a grandparent as named drivers? it usually brings the quote down on elephant/admiral/bell
I have not added them at the moment was just getting estimates. I will add when home from work 
Really don't want to get another focus though if im honest.
Really don't want to get another focus though if im honest.
If you dont want one then fair enough, personally I dont like the mk1 focus either. One from the vag stable would be a considerably better all rounder than the astra though - or how about a civic or other jap hatches, the civic 1.6 sport is still a nice looking little motor and falls in budget
Id forget all about the "power" thing - all generic hatches are slow but acceptable (performance variants excluded) so as long as you stay away from the entry level engines they'll be reasonable enough.
Add a couple of older named drivers, they'll significantly reduce your premium, if its admiral either pay in full or on a credit card to avoid the hefty premium for monthly payments
Id forget all about the "power" thing - all generic hatches are slow but acceptable (performance variants excluded) so as long as you stay away from the entry level engines they'll be reasonable enough.
Add a couple of older named drivers, they'll significantly reduce your premium, if its admiral either pay in full or on a credit card to avoid the hefty premium for monthly payments
Only people i can add is my parents really.
I will try some more quotes on some suggested cars when i get home.
I will try some more quotes on some suggested cars when i get home.
Associate
If you can live with the image (read: lack thereof) and the not very dynamic driving experience then a Corolla is a very reliable choice as well. This one may be just within budget but is admittedly rather low spec:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif.../page/2/radius/1500/postcode/l178uq?logcode=p
Cheap insurance!