Help... new to me car...

Right..

I am fed up with crap cars... I have to have one for work, I have had 10 in six years, mainly to them being crap. My curret 02 Laguna is breaking more and more evry day, although when it comes together it does what it should...and well (big fat french tourer)

So I want you lot.. (well those that drive) to reccomend me a car based on the following ...it MUST HAVE

Auto Box (Fiance only has auto Licence)
leather or part leather
Not bother about engine size up to 2.5 L is fine
Under £10k
Be a little special ( i.e good to look at and or drive very well)
Dont mind it being powerful, providing its not in your face (so the kitten does know its power)
up to 60k miles dependant on year.
3 door minimum and no 2 seaters.

I have been looking at 05 plates Audi A3 tdi S Lines and Jag S types Sports etc but Jag wont be around for much longer and Audi's are too common (but very good)

or something like a Navara - Aventura?

help... too much choice!

Saab 9-3 Convertible?
http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/used-p...25713&plate=73
http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/used-p...25711&plate=73

Or just a normal 9-3?
http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/used-p...23299&plate=77

The diesels are supposed to be very good too.
http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/used-p...28646&plate=77

[pmapp]

I had a Nissan Navara Aventura (pickup) for just over two years. That was auto, leather interior, all the toys etc. It was easy to drive, really comfortable* (and I mean reeeeeeeally). It's slight downside was it's turning circle, but nothing really to grumble at.

Fuel wise averaged 29-30 mile to the gallon if driven sensibly. It was pretty quick off the line and quite happy to sit at 80 on the M-way. The pickup was quite wallowy (sp?) in corners, but once you got used to it, it was quite fun. Was capable of upsetting others.

They can be had for less than 10k now due to the tax costs etc, the value has dropped massivly on 'em.

I can't really comment on long term ownership as I didn't have it long enough. Probably not a right lot of help, but a bit of info all the same.

*Drove to the Isle of Skye in it, 9 hours constant, only stopped at Glasgow for a brew, pee and refuel and we were off again. Got out with no aches or pains and could quite happily of carried on driving.

Brother had just bought a BMW 325CI M Sport for £8.5k from a dealer. Being a coupe it looks quite nice, has around 200ish BHP and is large enough for four adults.He says it drives very very well too. Has everything you are asking for...leather etc. I'd go and take a look around some dealers.

Just get a ford focus

usefull.. thanks Guys...

Pmapp..did much go wrong with the Navara? My fear of buying it myself is the cost when it foes wrong... i can possibly get one though the company you see..?

Originally Posted by gettin2dizzy

Just get a ford focus

had one..

the auto boxes sapped all the "power" and got 24mpg... was also made of cheese...Drove well though 05 plate GHIA model

Originally Posted by 454697819

had one..

the auto boxes sapped all the "power" and got 24mpg... was also made of cheese...Drove well though 05 plate GHIA model

The diesel is great. Just make sure it's a TDCI. More torque than a Mondeo St220!

[fizzwheel]

I really like our Focus TDCi its fun and responsive to drive, and its frugal to. I had 506 miles out of a tank full of diesel the other week.

I like Mondeo's they're also really nice to drive as well.

I'd be plumping for something German TBH though with your budget, Golf, Passat if you want a bit bigger, A3 or A4, I also think that BMW's are using their driven by c*ck reputation so 3 or 5 series as well.

Dont rule out the Skoda Octavia, which is basically an A4 underneath, the VRS is very well spec'd and also good value for money to.

[chris8886]

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

I really like our Focus TDCi its fun and responsive to drive, and its frugal to. I had 506 miles out of a tank full of diesel the other week.

I like Mondeo's they're also really nice to drive as well.

I'd be plumping for something German TBH though with your budget, Golf, Passat if you want a bit bigger, A3 or A4, I also think that BMW's are using their driven by c*ck reputation so 3 or 5 series as well.

Dont rule out the Skoda Octavia, which is basically an A4 underneath, the VRS is very well spec'd and also good value for money to.

just what i was thinking, but would also consider ford, saab and volvo. pretty well known for reliability and plentiful parts for fixing and your local mechanic will probably know what to do on them. so no need to be going to stealers for repairs etc.

could you stand the shame of owning a skoda?