Car buying

I have got to the point where I must have a car now...I know had a post like this before but my requirements have changed.

I'm looking at getting a diesel estate car the following com to mind;

Ford Focus
VW Passat
Skoda

I don't want a peugot, or citeron build quality is shocking unless it has just all of a sudden got better. Are there any other cars I should look at?

Needs to be;

Reliable
Econimcal
Cost effective to service and maintane
Comfy to drive in town and over long distances
Drives well
Handle being fully loaded

I can spend about 4-5k, maybe more for the right one i'm more interested in getting the right car rather than the price tag. I also need to tint the rear windows, how much should that cost?

no you are about right..

for 4-5k u are looking at 06 /05 plate new shape focus but expect it to have 60-70k on the clock, this is not a problem if it has been serviced.

VW's are higher mileage in the new shape for that money as they are popular rep cars, older ones are good just ensure it has been serviced and the belt done if needed.

Skoda equally as good but wont get a newer model for that money

do the calc if a diesel is right for you as they are all more money to buy than their petrol rivels, will you save this money back?

tinting allow 300£

You will want to see receipts showing parts, not stamps, or verified printed service details from a dealer, good tyres and no nasty knocks or smoke, if the engine is hot when you get to the car walk away, it may mean the car is a bitch to start when cold cause its fooooooked..

good luck.

Fabia VRS
I'd look at an Octava Skoda. Focus are just plain orrible. I can't stand the passats either. Does it have to be an estate?

Originally Posted by Daimo

Fabia VRS
I'd look at an Octava Skoda. Focus are just plain orrible. I can't stand the passats either. Does it have to be an estate?

no focus's are not horrible..lol

why have they sold so many? sure it aint the prettiest and it is ford.. but fook me they keep going

[fizzwheel]

We owned a 53 Plate Focus, it was lovely to drive, but Liz was racking up the miles and it started to get expensive, 2 services were over the £500 mark due to bits and pieces wearing out, watch the Suspension bushes or check that they have been replaced especially on a higher millege car, IIRC its quite a common thing that they wear badly.

We had a Skoda Fabia before that and I'd own another one as long as it didnt have the cacky 1.4 litre petrol engine in it. Was good to drive and comfortable.

Driven a few Passats and liked that to. Again with the right Diesel engine in it.

I'd as the others have said be looked at the Octavia as its the same under the skin as the Passat is.

I spent alot of time looking at 2nd Hand A4's as well, but they seem to hold their price well and I'm not sure what you'd get for your budget, but its the same basic floor plan and running gear as the Octavia and Passat, just a bit plusher inside / you are paying for the badge on the front.

Focuses (Foci?) are great cars; I use one at work and my parents have one. They handle nicely, don't cost much to maintain and even the hatchback has a decent amount of room in it.

Originally Posted by 454697819

no focus's are not horrible..lol

why have they sold so many? sure it aint the prettiest and it is ford.. but fook me they keep going

Ugly
Horrible interior
Horrible plastics
Horrible green dash.
Nasty seats.

I could only deal with a Mk1 RS becuase they handle great, but they still retain that god awful dash, and as thats where you spend all your time behined the wheel, it has to be good.

But those are my reasons.

Honda C90's have sold the most in the world, but is it a good looking, fast, pretty, great sounding, good handling bike?

If your after a 1 owner car, avoid the Corsa/Astra/Focus, chances are they've been driven by either a driving school or hire company and probably looked after very badly before selling.
get 2 owner versions of these as the last owner would have got all the faults put right hopefully.

get down your local auction, might get more car for your buck and newer due to reposessions etc.

Originally Posted by 454697819

no focus's are not horrible..lol

why have they sold so many? sure it aint the prettiest and it is ford.. but fook me they keep going

Because they sell to people who hate cars but need a means of transportation. They might handle fairly well but dear god it's ugly, interior feels cheap and nasty.

I had an original (but facelifted) Skoda Octavia for four years, excellent car, would recommend you try them out. I had the wagon version, it did well with loads ranging from Christmas Trees and ladders to helping a friend move house, not to mention commuting to work or taking us halfway across the country.

Which edition are you referring too?

the 05's granted have a feel of ford about them, but for 5k what do you expect...?