Car advice

[sonicyouth]

It's TEF advice time. I need a new car as a matter of relative urgency and I wish to canvass the TEF hive mind for advice on what to get.

My Clio is a write-off and was valued at £2,700 however I have a budget of around £3,500.

I preferably want a reliable diesel engine that is relatively economic on fuel as I drive at least 400 miles a week almost entirely on motorways. Furthermore, I'd like it to be decent spec; air con, electric windows, power steering and so on. The size is unimportant although I don't want another tiny hatchback, anything bigger is fine.

Anyone got any ideas of what kind of thing fits my criteria? I've been looking around and I've seen a few Mondeos and Octavias within my budget that fit the bill.

[leefer]

Well they are a tad juicier than a Clio...........Puntos are smart these days and very economical on the juice,just an idea.

[pumbaa]

Mazda3 Hatch? The 1.6 diesel clocks almost 60mpg, but you'd be looking for an early version (04/54) for your budget, and they aren't easy to find.

[nochee]

VW Golf. They are built like tanks and drive brilliantly. For £3500 you will get a decent VW.

I spent £2000 on mine 2 years ago (S reg, 150,000 miles) and it has driven me to Rome and back and to Austria (not back yet though)

I am looking at this very moment for a newer one.

[suttonred]

Yep Golf all the way for that budget. I'm just about to swap mine. In 5 years I've had a headlight bulb go and that's it, although that was from new.

[pumbaa]

I've no direct experience of VW, but the market seems to indicate they are good quality cars given they hold their value well. Great for the seller, not so good for the buyer.

Of course, you could consider the other VW group platforms based on the Golf - the strangely titled VW Bora (Golf with a boot), Seat Leon or the Octavia (which you've already identified).

[jimbob]

VW Golf. They are built like tanks and drive brilliantly. For £3500 you will get a decent VW.

I spent £2000 on mine 2 years ago (S reg, 150,000 miles) and it has driven me to Rome and back and to Austria (not back yet though)

I am looking at this very moment for a newer one.

This..gt tdi 150bhp model if u can

[Arriba]

i'd advise to keep an open mnd regarding which make and model you go for.finding a well looked after car for that budget is the most important thing.

[Barry Scott]

Agree arriba. I've always gone for an older car with lower Milage over a younger car with high miles. I don't understand where the appeal is for a 4 year old car with 110k on the clock vs a 7 year old car with 40k for instance.

If not a Golf maybe go for a Seat Ibiza. Obviously they're pretty much the same car, although the interiors are supposed to be shit, but some of the Diesels are very economical. I remember they had an ad for one years ago that said it could do coast to coast in the US on a tank of fuel.

[Phil_S]

Agree arriba. I've always gone for an older car with lower Milage over a younger car with high miles. I don't understand where the appeal is for a 4 year old car with 110k on the clock vs a 7 year old car with 40k for instance.

If not a Golf maybe go for a Seat Ibiza. Obviously they're pretty much the same car, although the interiors are supposed to be shit, but some of the Diesels are very economical. I remember they had an ad for one years ago that said it could do coast to coast in the US on a tank of fuel.

2,500 + miles on a tank of diesel ......... you sure ??

[Simon Pieman]

Ibiza is based on a polo isn't it? I like Seats though

[pauld]

Ibiza is based on a polo isn't it?

Big hole in the middle?

[Sippo]

Ibiza is based on a polo isn't it? I like Seats though

Bigger than a Polo, but smaller than a golf.

[Bob's Orange]

Ibiza is based on a polo isn't it? I like Seats though

Yeah, standing when driving would be a pain!

[Chubbs]

This..gt tdi 150bhp model if u can

yup yup, although the petrol consuption is crap. haha

I would defo suggest a golf, or anything german really. And stay away from french cars