What car to replace my Focus :/

Tricks

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10 Dec 2004
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Well I used to have a black 3-door Focus 2.0 Zetec (V reg, 55k), but as posted by my brother here , it is now a write off.

I've been keen to get a new car anyway, but now need to look more seriously and could do with some help please! I've had the Focus for about 3 years and been very happy with it - although I'm glad of a change. I currently have the dull VW Jetta as a courtesy car and while its not a car I would consider buying it does make me want to look at a more recent car due to things like; easy shorter shift gear change, light steering and more electronic toys.

I'm after something fairly sporty but not an insurance nightmare. I'm 27 with no claims so should be okay. Wouldn't want to go any smaller than the Focus, but still want something fun - a 'drivers car' so to speak as I love driving :)

I'm thinking of spending 5-6k ish, less would be nice :)

Searching autotrader I've found these so far;
Mazda6 - heard a few good things but not completely sold on the looks from photos

MG ZS 2.5 - Looks great and is rapid, but concerned about parts cost and

I'm also considering a Golf and BMW 3 series. I've never driven a golf but going by the Jetta I think I'd quite like it. I love my brothers (Duke) 3-series but I think I'd rather have something different to him :)
 
Thanks for the quick replies, loads of good input.

Skoda Octavia vRS - Not sold on the looks but seem to be lots of glowing reviews around and the interior is nice. Will look further into them.

Mondeo - Not sure, kinda feels a bit old and something my 'dad' would drive if you know what I mean. Can't deny the ST220 version would be fun though :) What did they change on the facelift? and what year? having trouble finding pics.

I'm not keen on the Type-R, can't really put my finger on why... just don't think of myself as a Type-R driver. As for another Focus, tempted to get the mk2 Focus but want to look at other options first.

The BMW is always tempting but would be a 3-series not a 5 :)
 
Toker said:
ibiza cupra-r

integra type-r

clio 182

golf v6 4motion

audi s3
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Ibiza, not keen on the looks - maybe an older one, prefer the leon. The Integra is tempting but don't think its 'me'. Clio's a bit small and feels like something I would have liked a few years ago maybe.

Am tempted by the Golf v6 and Audi S3 though. Although might have to scale back the models though :) never going to get an S3 on my budget, but a more recently A3 would be cool. Depends what I get for ~£6k as I'm not so keen on the older A3's.
 
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Begbie said:
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/582031.htm

You would need to change the alloys though, but that is what I would go for.
Click to expand...

That Cupra is growing on me, would be nice to get something newer than 2002. Wheels arn't even too bad but agree I'd change em eventually. Going to have to find somewhere local selling a Golf, Octavia and a Cupra to help me decide.

As for the Alfa GTV and Fiat Coupe, like you say a bit impractical and also a bit too old in that example.
 
Yeah for the money I'm looking at 2002-2003 it seems. Shame really as the interior looks a bit disappointing - i.e. older style lcd displays and styling, that said I've only gone by photos! still like the exterior and parkers is pretty positive on the car generally. Seems the 2004 update added quite a bit though.

-edit-
Seems if I push to 6-6.5k I could look at the 2005 version which will include some updates - going by the parkers site.
 
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For me anything over 180bhp is excessive/bonus so I'd only be pushing my budget for new models/quality. Don't know much about the LCR but I guess its under the hood.
 
Yeah I'm quite a sarcastic person and that still went way over my head :)

Anyway, don't see the Cupra R as that unsuitable.. my replies surely show that. Though more likely the model below, FR? might be more what I'm after. As the person asking for help I'm taking any comments and looking into them further - so I'd rather an unsuitable reply than none at all as its all helping me figure out what I want.
 
Fox, since its not over budget and I don't do high mileage I don't see your argument. At the end of the day why argue about it? I'm open to any useful info, but since the car is for me and it's rather up to me to see something as suitable or not don't ya think?

Maz, no probs! I'm hoping to go for a newer car this time, thinking 2004-2006 area. The e46 coupe is definitely tempting, though I guess I'm looking at other options first as I'm already fairly familiar with my brothers 3-series (Duke).
 
Going to take a look at a Cupra this lunchtime, mainly because the garage is only just down the road and should help me make my mind up on one. It's yellow with horrible wheels, 2.0T and £5,500. Won't know the interior condition or mileage till I see it later. Any questions I should be asking? Things Cupra's or similar cars are prone to? Thanks.
 
It's badged as a Cupra R 2.0T so when I take a look I will get to the bottom of that one first of all!

Reading around I can't find any particular points of concern when being second-hand Cupra's. Is that the case?
 
OK! my mistake, did say 20vT sorry :)

Had a quick look and am going to have a test drive after work. Although to be honest it does feel a little too old and 'used'. Here's the vitals;
2001
Y942 DFC
57k miles
£4995

Definitely got the impression he would come down a fair bit for a sale. I pointed out how heavy the clutch was and he said if it wasn't a quick fix he could look at replacing the clutch to make the sale.
 
Yeah the wheels are rubbish, I think I'd only considering it if he makes it cheap enough that I can buy bodykit, respray and new wheels.

I really want to find a local Octavia rs, but might have to go a little further to look at one.
 
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