Spec me a car

ajstan

ajstan

ajstan

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Joined
3 Jan 2009
Posts
2,056
Location
London
Since my mondeo appears to have had it and 4 different mechanics including a Ford main dealer have no idea what it is, I think its time to start looking into something different.

Here are my requirements:

Essential:
Petrol
4 usable seats (Fiesta counts, Toyota IQ does not)
Suitable for someone 6ft4
Fold down seats
Insurable for a 19yr old in London with 1ncb
Reliable
0-60 in less than 15secs
Servicing that isn’t going to bankrupt me - (No old 330i’s or anything)

Things that would be nice:
Cruise control
MPG computer
Heated front screen
0-60 in less than 11seconds
Fold flat seats
Hatchback (if not, something which I can stick roofbars on)

Its being used mainly for town driving and occasionally a long motorway trip so it must not make my ears bleed and give me a headache when I want to travel 200miles.

Cars I’ve looked at so far:
Mazda2 sport
Alfa 159

I originally was quite taken with an Alfa 159, but reliability and running costs worry me a little, but I do really like the Mazda2 sport, just a little small.

I know these are very different cars, I don’t really know what kind of car I want, I just know what I want it to do (if that makes sense).

Budget: I currently have around £3k, but I can get an interest free loan from parents for about £5k.
So lets say budget is £8k

Alternatively I could get a car for £3k without a loan, which I will get bored of very quickly, and I’ll want a new car again - so I think its best to spend more and get something I really like.

I think that's everything :)
 
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Gaygle said:
Have you looked at 1.6 Golfs/Focus's?
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I have kind of, Focus mk1 looks dated and interior is horrid, the mk2 is super dull, the facelift is ok but you don't seem to get much in the way of equipment for your money.

The mk5 golf seems like a good option, just a bit boring :(
 
ajstan said:
I have kind of, Focus mk1 looks dated and interior is horrid, the mk2 is super dull, the facelift is ok but you don't seem to get much in the way of equipment for your money.

The mk5 golf seems like a good option, just a bit boring :(
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To be fair, you are asking for a car that's reliable, has a 0-60 in under 15 seconds, servicing that isn't going to bankrupt you and has cheap insurance. You are asking for pretty much everything that is a characteristic of a boring car?
 
ajstan said:
Alternatively I could get a car for £3k without a loan, which I will get bored of very quickly
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I'm confused why you would get bored of a car because of it's purchase value?

I could think of a number of interesting £3,000 cars that would be less "boring" than many mundane £8,000 cars.
 
Not something people normally recommend on here but with the seating and space situation mentioned and being an odd recommendation, could be potentially interesting.... How about a 1.4 Manual Honda Jazz.

None of the nice extras that you want but I know the seats fold up in a way that gives you lots of usable space in the back.

Otherwise I'd be looking at a Focus. Not sure what Mazdas offerings are like actually, what did you think of the Mazda 2?
 
Gaygle said:
To be fair, you are asking for a car that's reliable, has a 0-60 in under 15 seconds, servicing that isn't going to bankrupt you and has cheap insurance. You are asking for pretty much everything that is a characteristic of a boring car?
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Ok fair enough, I've taken that out - I was asking a bit much
 
Dup said:
what did you think of the Mazda 2?
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Really liked it, but I still haven't driven it, just sat in a couple and fiddled with the gadgets and got a brochure - I'm going to try and get a test drive at the weekend.

Morba said:
Another mondeo.
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This does make the most sense, but I really fancy a change.


ash_scotland88 said:
Bland, but has a large equipment list, citreon c4.
Interesting in coupe form. Old manish in 5door variant.
Probs a bit of a boring ride tho.
And can be had starting 3k.
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C4, never thought of that, I quite like those
 
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[TW]Fox;17807852 said:
A Mazda2?! Why on earth would you want one of those?

I'd buy another £3k Mondeo, £8k on a Mazda2 is hilarious.
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Are we talking current Mazda2, if so I've gotta disagree, however if were talking about the old one then I agree completely - that thing is awful!

I assume at £8k its the current gen 2, which shares the platform with the current Fiesta and IMO looks better (especially the sport model/trim)

Is it any less suitable for the OP? Not really. Both the Mondeo and the 2 match the spec, the Mondeo will be better on the motorway, but a smaller 2 makes sense in London. Yes they're very different, and if the OP is looking for a change then maybe a 2 is perfect for him?
 
The very rare Corsa Exclusiv

Fogs
Full Leather Heated Seats
Climate Control and a few other bits and bobs

Engine size - 1.4
 
[TW]Fox;17808300 said:
The Mazda 2 is a nasty little Eco box. Why would you spend 8k on one?
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The sport model with the 1.5l engine is what I'm talking about btw, it looks great, it has climate control, cruise control, automatic lights/wipers.

Why do you hate it so much? Or is it just the price?


Can anyone tell me anything about the Alfa 159 2.2? How is it for reliability?
 
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Seriously if you are spending 8k Fox is right dont buy a Mazda.
 
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