Spec me for 2k !

phil675 · 12 Aug 2016 at 22:53

The Mondeo is kill so need something else. The car will need to perform the following duties:

Short journeys to work
Occasional long journeys/holidays
Low running costs, previously getting 25mpg, £270 tax, £360 to insure, tyres were expensive on 18s. Not doing a huge amount of miles so mpg is not hugely important but the old V6 did drink.
Reliable, although with age of cars in price range this might be difficult.
Big enough to transport say bags of soil and bricks sometimes, open to estate
I don't really like hatchbacks but saloons are somewhat restrictive on cargo space so open to them if they meet other criteria.
Performance not a big deal, got a motorbike for fast.

Some cars that seem to fit the bill but looking for comments:
-Focus Estate
-Mazda 3
-Corolla Estate
-Honda Accord, maybe estate I don't love the look
-Mitsubishi Lancer Estate (horrible I know but on paper..)
-Toyota Avensis Estate

I'd love to just buy a Honda Jazz for the running costs but way too small

Thanks for any input!

Whoops wrong forum please move

Phil W · 12 Aug 2016 at 23:00

Another Mondeo?

phil675 · 12 Aug 2016 at 23:04

Phil W said:
Another Mondeo?

You know I've just looked and there is a mint Mk2 with the same engine for £500 near me, tempting but do want something different tbh

Billy1280 · 13 Aug 2016 at 00:08

I've got a cheap Saab 9-3 2.0t petrol, and its been pretty good to me, so id recommend looking for one of those

jamoor · 13 Aug 2016 at 01:09

Corolla seems good, if you can get over the dullness and horrid to drive, otherwise focus.

Flack88 · 13 Aug 2016 at 01:34

phil675 said:
The Mondeo is kill so need something else. The car will need to perform the following duties:

Short journeys to work

Occasional long journeys/holidays

Low running costs, previously getting 25mpg, £270 tax, £360 to insure, tyres were expensive on 18s. Not doing a huge amount of miles so mpg is not hugely important but the old V6 did drink.

Reliable, although with age of cars in price range this might be difficult.

Big enough to transport say bags of soil and bricks sometimes, open to estate

I don't really like hatchbacks but saloons are somewhat restrictive on cargo space so open to them if they meet other criteria.

Performance not a big deal, got a motorbike for fast.

Some cars that seem to fit the bill but looking for comments:
-Focus Estate
-Mazda 3
-Corolla Estate
-Honda Accord, maybe estate I don't love the look
-Mitsubishi Lancer Estate (horrible I know but on paper..)
-Toyota Avensis Estate

I'd love to just buy a Honda Jazz for the running costs but way too small Thanks for any input!

Whoops wrong forum please move

Personal preference? Fast, Comfy, Small? A combo of both/all? FWD / RWD / AWD?

phil675 · 13 Aug 2016 at 07:33

Flack88 said:
Personal preference? Fast, Comfy, Small? A combo of both/all? FWD / RWD / AWD?

Ideally something Mondeo sized, I'm gravitating towards the Avensis but then I started looking at estate versions of hatchbacks for the cheaper ownership costs, which may sacrifice comfiness and equipment. It can be a boring car, not fussed about drivetrain.

p1RATE · 13 Aug 2016 at 07:50

Does a Volvo v70 or honda CRV fit the bill?

phil675 · 13 Aug 2016 at 13:43

p1RATE said:
Does a Volvo v70 or honda CRV fit the bill?

Hmm they both seem to be a bit above the price range for a decent one.

phil675 · 13 Aug 2016 at 17:39

So I had a look at quite a few cars today. Came to the conclusion that Corollas are too small in the back, Focuses are ratty for a mk2 at this money.

Went for a 2005 1.8 Avensis saloon for £995, one owner from new, full service history last serviced December, only thing on the MOT history is he didn't check his tyres very often. Bodywork isn't great but not too bothered. Drives great felt much nicer than the Mondeo. The boot is huge!