Spec me a family car for £6k please

Don
Joined
23 Oct 2005
Posts
44,261
Location
North Yorkshire
Hi All,

After driving around in a 10 year old Suziki Alto it’s time to upgrade the car. (Upgrade being an understatement, if you Google the Alto you will see what I mean)

I can’t fault it that much, it has been pretty flawless in time we’ve had it and that includes over 30k we’ve put on it! It did exactly what we wanted it too.
We have £6k to spend. Nothing over this.
I think we do about 200miles at an average a week and these are small trips to and from work, to the gym, football etc. Weekends we go further a field but that’s it.

This is what we want really:

1)To be cheap on insurance, tax and petrol preferably.
I’m not bothered particularly about performance, going from a 1litre car anything is going to feel like a Ferrari to me. I’d love to be able to have a quick car again but in this case money comes first.
2)Comfy, must be nice to drive, has the usual mod cons.
3)We have two big dogs so must have a big boot.
4)It’s a car we plan to still have when we have kids so we need it to be 5 door ideally.
5)I think an estate the wife will have trouble with parking so again not looking at one of these.

The obvious choice spring to mind, a Focus, they seem to cater for my needs but I’m happy to look at other options.
Thanks
 
Don't cancel out an estate. 2 big dogs means an estate would be perfect.. and estates are easier to park because the have a flat back instead of a misleading hatchback/saloon.

I'd recommend a Mk3 Mondeo Estate. Ghia spec.
 
I'd go for either a Ghia X, Zetec S or ST (if they are in for that money now!)

Why?! A Ghia X is a 2.5 V6! An ST is a 220bhp 3 litre V6 sport saloon!

Neither are cheap on insurance, tax or petrol!

Rubbish suggestion was rubbish.

OP - have you looked at Honda Accord estates? Should be reliable, cheap and i think they have a bigger boot than the Mondeo's, should you need it.

Just as a guide - http://pistonheads.com/sales/2187438.htm

I know the miles are quite high (if that bothers you?), but i'm sure there are others which will be less in similar condition.
 
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Why?! A Ghia X is a 2.5 V6! An ST is a 220bhp 3 litre V6 sport saloon!

Neither are cheap on insurance, tax or petrol!

Rubbish suggestion was rubbish.

OP - have you looked at Honda Accord estates? Should be reliable, cheap and i think they have a bigger boot than the Mondeo's, should you need it.

Ghia X also came in 2.0 TDCi form, and the ST also came in a TDCi (2.2).

Rubbish reply was rubbish.
 
Ghia X also came in 2.0 TDCi form, and the ST also came in a TDCi (2.2).

Rubbish reply was rubbish.

So he need's a diesel for 200 miles a week, which, and i quote, "are small trips to and from work, to the gym, football etc"?


Quick!! Backpeddle faster!
 
I know you've said to not rule out estates but the dogs fit in a Peugeot 307 with LOADS of room so I figured a five door hatch would be down our street? Like the 307 or Focus, Mazda 3 kind of size.
 
[TW]Fox;17824146 said:
His Ghia X suggestion was spot on.

How is a 2.5l V6 the right engine for someone looking for good fuel economy, low tax and low insurance? :confused:

Not to mention he's coming from a 1.0l and, as he said, anything will feel like a Veyron to him.
 
How is a 2.5l V6 the right engine for someone looking for good fuel economy, low tax and low insurance? :confused:

Not to mention he's coming from a 1.0l and, as he said, anything will feel like a Veyron to him.

There as a 2.0 Ghia X. They are not all v6!

My Ghia X was a 2.0 remember?
 
If it were me i'd be looking at 2.0 petrol Accords in sport spec, you could buy with your budget depending on age, you may even pick up a used approved one with warranty from a dealer

Edit : Sorry that makes no sense, meant to say depending on age from 03+
 
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Honda Accord is a good shout.

Have you had a look about the forecourt @ snigwiggs in town mate? They sometimes have some good cars on, also a good few places around Yarm / Stockton.
 
[TW]Fox;17824232 said:
There as a 2.0 Ghia X. They are not all v6!

My Ghia X was a 2.0 remember?

Ohhh, apologies. I thought the Ghia X was only a 2.5 V6! :)

Was the Ghia X the highest trim level apart from the ST220?
 
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