Recommend A Car - £5k to £6k Budget

Scuzi · 14 Jan 2006 at 20:10

How about something along these lines. You'll get a fully loaded, low mileage example of a Toledo V5 for that sort of money. The 20V V5 produces 170bhp as opposed to the 10V 150BHP, so try to go for one of those.

2002 52 Reg SEAT TOLEDO 2.3 V5 4dr [170bhp] SAT NAV
4 Doors, Manual 5 speed, Saloon, Petrol, 39,000 miles, Metallic Silver, 1 Owner. 18" alloys, All cars come with 12 mths M O T, black leather, mobile 07768950682, Tel 0161 626 7447, ABS, Adjustable seats, Adjustable steering column/wheel, Air conditioning, Alloy wheels, Anti theft system, CD Multichanger, Central locking, Child locks, Colour coding - Body, Driver airbag, Electric mirrors, Electric windows, Foglights, Front armrest, Full service history, Head restraints, Folding rear seats, Headlight washers, Leather seats, Leather upholstery, Immobiliser, Locking wheel nuts, Metallic paintwork, Navigation system, Passenger airbag, Pearlescent paint, Power assisted steering, Remote locking, Side airbags, Rear headrests, Sports seats, Tinted glass, Traction control. £5,995.

If the fuel consumption isn't a probelm you're getting a cracking car with all the trimmings for a very decent sum of money. If you can stretch your budget, the 20VT sport which has the 20V Turbo lump can be had for around £7k. Bear in mind that the equivalent Leon with a worse spec and a really ugly arse will cost you a premium of £1-2k, i.e it's a waste of money.

[TW]Fox · 14 Jan 2006 at 20:12

Scuzi is right on the money here.

Toledo = VAG quality at sensible prices.

mr tommo · 14 Jan 2006 at 20:14

Human Torch said:
I test drove a MY04 150bhp MK4 GT TDi (3 door) (revised suspension), in summer 2004 and could not believe its handling capabilities. I then immediately drove the MK5 TDi and it was absolustely no different.

My partners MY00 GT TDi (110bhp) was however complete PAP. VW Seriously altered the suspension on the MK4 during its life (Gas shocks, beefier sub frame to name but a few), and it certainly showed on the later models.

The MK5 has a disgusting interior full of cheap (grey in the model i drove) plastic, and I could not find any improvement over the MY04 MK4. Over the MY00 MK4 yes, but not the latter MK4s.

Can i just ask a question - What the MY stand for?

[TW]Fox · 14 Jan 2006 at 20:14

Model Year.

Scuzi · 14 Jan 2006 at 20:16

[TW]Fox said:
Scuzi is right on the money here.

Toledo = VAG quality at sensible prices.

Indeed and in most cases, for whatever reason, the Seat range is usually marked higher in the reliability tables compared to the other VAG brands although that may be affected by customer expectations. From my experience (touch wood) my car hasn't missed a beat in the past 9 months. I've had it to Ireland and back numerous times, I drive it like I stole it and I haven't had one problem with it. It'll not break any records in the handling department but it is a very capable cruiser.

Hawk Tuah · 14 Jan 2006 at 20:30

I'll leave everyone else to trump golf's and focus's.

I'll just add some other options that you may not of thought of.

2001 Peugeot 206 2.0 D TURBO HDI 3 DOOR DIESEL TURBO HATCHBACK

3 Doors, Manual, Hatchback, Diesel, 38,000 miles, China Blue Metallic, Y Reg, Diesel, 5 Speed, ABS, Air Bag, Air Conditioning, Alloy Wheels, Body Coloured Bumpers, Central Locking, Compact Disc Player, Documented Peugeot Service History, Electric Mirrors, Electric Sunroof, Electric Windows, Front Fog Lights, One Former Keeper From New, Power Assisted Steering. £5,000.

2001 HONDA Civic 1.6i VTEC SE

Doors, Manual, Hatchback, Petrol, 42,000 miles, Metallic Black. 51 reg, ABS, Adjustable seats, Adjustable steering column/wheel, Air conditioning, Driver airbag, Electric mirrors, Electric windows, Electric sunroof, Folding rear seats, Immobiliser, Passenger airbag, Power assisted steering, Remote locking, Radio/Cassette, Side airbags, Rear headrests, Alloy wheels, Colour coding - Body, Full service history. previously sold by us.The private reg comes with the car (CJZ 1869) £5,999

51 Reg MAZDA 323 2.0 Sport

5 Doors, 38,000 miles, Metallic Blue. 16" light alloy wheels, airbag double, Air-Conditioning, central doorlocks, [email protected], Front Fog Lights, power steering, Rear Head Rests, Rear Spoiler, ABS, Electric mirrors, Electric windows, Electric sunroof. Exterior Sport Body Styling, £5,994.

2002 02 Reg TOYOTA Corolla 1.6 VVT-i T3

Manual 5 speed, 52,000 miles, Blue. Warranty, Adjustable seats, Adjustable steering column/wheel, Air conditioning, Alloy wheels, Anti theft system, CD, Cloth upholstery, Colour coding - Body, Driver airbag, Electric mirrors, Electric windows, Full service history, Passenger airbag, Power assisted steering, Tinted glass. QUALITY CARS YOU CAN RELY ON! £5,995.

Hawk Tuah · 14 Jan 2006 at 20:37

However I wouldn't have any of them. I'd buy with my heart, not my head.

2001 ALFA ROMEO 147 1.6 TS Lusso

3 Doors, Manual, Hatchback, Petrol, 23,000 miles, Metallic moonstone met , 2 Owners. ABS, Adjustable seats, Adjustable steering column/wheel, Alloy wheels, Climate control, Computer, Cruise control, Driver airbag, Electric mirrors, Electric windows, Electric sunroof, Foglights, Front armrest, Head restraints, Folding rear seats, Immobiliser, Lumbar support, Passenger airbag, Power assisted steering, Remote locking, Radio/CD, Side airbags, Rear headrests, Traction control, Anti theft system, Body kit, CD, Central locking, Cloth upholstery, Colour coding - Body, Colour coding - Interior, Heated seats, Locking wheel nuts, Metallic paintwork, Multi function steering wheel, Pearlescent paint, Sports seats.Insurance Group:12, SUPERB ALFA 1.6 16V 3DR, LUSSO. CLIMATE CONTROL. CRUISE. REMOTE LOCKING IMMOBILZER, ALLOYS VERY LOW MILEAGE, SUPERB CONDITION THOUGHT VALUE.. £5,995.

Skii · 14 Jan 2006 at 20:40

[TW]Fox said:
The problem with the Golf is that VW appear to have spent most of the development budget on junk like damped grab handles and stuff rather than a car that... actually handles and doesnt break down...

Not sure engine reliability is a weak point of the Mk4 Golf is it Fox ?

Human Torch · 14 Jan 2006 at 20:42

unlike the posted Alfa! LOL

Hawk Tuah · 14 Jan 2006 at 20:46

Human Torch said:
unlike the posted Alfa! LOL

No kidding. You can read through that spec list and all I think is... owww, thats gonna cost to fix.

Hmm. Kinda reminds me of my current car.

[TW]Fox · 14 Jan 2006 at 20:54

Skii said:
Not sure engine reliability is a weak point of the Mk4 Golf is it Fox ?

The block itself? Don't think so, no.

clv101 · 14 Jan 2006 at 22:43

[TW]Fox said:
Scuzi is right on the money here.

Toledo = VAG quality at sensible prices.

The Toledo certainly offers great value for money... I collected this info the other day looking the the cars with the 150bhp VAG diesel and the Fabia VRS:

SEAT Toledo
1.9 TDi Sport (150ps) 4d 2004/53
Cost New ('04) £ 15497
Franchised Dealer £ 10435
Independent Dealer £ 9685
Private Good £ 9185
Private Poor £ 7015
Part Exchange £ 8435

SEAT Leon Hatchback
1.9 TDi Cupra (150ps) 5d 2004/53
Cost New ('04) £ 15997
Franchised Dealer £ 13875
Independent Dealer £ 13100
Private Good £ 11990
Private Poor £ 9545
Part Exchange £ 11210

Volkswagen Bora
1.9 TDI Sport (150ps) 4d 2004/53
Cost New ('04) £ 18617
Franchised Dealer £ 11685
Independent Dealer £ 11275
Private Good £ 10660
Private Poor £ 9325
Part Exchange £ 9840

Volkswagen Golf Hatchback
1.9 GT TDI (150ps) 5d 2004/53
Cost New ('04) £ 18380
Franchised Dealer £ 14315
Independent Dealer £ 13695
Private Good £ 12950
Private Poor £ 10955
Part Exchange £ 11825

Skoda Fabia vRS
1.9 TDI PD (130bhp) 5d 2004/53
Cost New ('04) £ 11972
Franchised Dealer £ 10325
Independent Dealer £ 9800
Private Good £ 9275
Private Poor £ 7350
Part Exchange £ 8660

[TW]Fox · 14 Jan 2006 at 23:16

Exactly, what a bargain and all becuase people traditionally shy away from saloons. Few people NEED the extra practicality of a hatch and is it really worth spending up to £3000 more just to get 'cool looks'? It's not as if the hatchback Leon is really one of the best looking cars anyway.

richolmes72 · 14 Jan 2006 at 23:42

[TW]Fox said:
Exactly, what a bargain and all becuase people traditionally shy away from saloons. Few people NEED the extra practicality of a hatch and is it really worth spending up to £3000 more just to get 'cool looks'? It's not as if the hatchback Leon is really one of the best looking cars anyway.

Very true, i chose the saloon version of my car (306) and got a much newer/nicer car than i could have possiblily afforded at the time. Ignoring the fact that i prefer the looks!

I can fit far more in the boot than my friend in his 3 door. Although easier for him to fit in really large objects.

Still managed to fit in a 29" TV in recently.

The Toledo really is awesome value for money and worth considering...

[TW]Fox · 14 Jan 2006 at 23:45

I think sometimes people put a little too much emphasis on looks.

I mean, ok, in an ideal world you'd have a Leon over a Toledo. Perhaps the back looks a bit nicer. But this is something only you personally would ever appreciate - both cars are so bland they'll just instantly blend into the rest of the traffic and nobody you ever meet will care either way.

Is it really worth three thousand quid to have a 'better looking back'? I don't think so, really.

2L84SLEEP · 18 Jan 2006 at 20:14

Thanks for all the replies folks, had a good look round at the weekend but no Golf's really jumped out. Think we are definitely going to go for one though, does anyone have any recommendations on what to llok out for with mark 4 Golfs? Certain models etc

On a side note, my girlfriend and I both quite liked the look of MG ZR's but dont know too much about them or the state the company is in Rover/MG?!? If anyone could provide advice on this either it would be appreciated.

Thanks