Changing car

[JT77]

Hey folks
Hoping to change my car in the coming weeks, and looking at hatchbacks.
Currently have a 8 year old Clio, only used for work and golf as we have an ix35 family motor.
Have a budget of about 6500 and was looking at astra(new shape ) 2011 plate. Renault megane or focus.
And help, experience etc would great or ideas of other cars.
Thanks

James

 

[Old Skier]

Hey folks
Hoping to change my car in the coming weeks, and looking at hatchbacks.
Currently have a 8 year old Clio, only used for work and golf as we have an ix35 family motor.
Have a budget of about 6500 and was looking at astra(new shape ) 2011 plate. Renault megane or focus.
And help, experience etc would great or ideas of other cars.
Thanks

James

I have the new Ecco Focus and love it, mind you I'm a bit of a ford man so could be biase.

Pick ups great, my model comes with complete hands free, I can get 4 sets of clubs, 4 guys and 4 overnight bags in it so find it great for golf.

If I wasnt a travelling golfer I would have gone for the fiesta.

 

[chrisd]

I recently sold my old C180 Merc and bought a 12 plate Astra 1.7 Diesel. I figured that it was a car that had suffered a drastic loss on depreciation early on and I bought it from a main dealer with an extended warranty at a decent price

It s been about 6 months since I bought it and to be fair it goes ok, good on fuel, comfortable and £30 tax. The only downside against the Merc is that I can't just lay my golf bag in the boot!

 

[JT77]

Thanks os I do like the focus I had one a long time ago and it was great.

 

[JT77]

Thanks Chris I test drove a 1.4turbo and liked it a lot but did notice the boot looks smaller than my clios!

 

[Odvan]

Out of the three you mention, the Focus is a no-brainer imho, Astra 2nd and dirty French car, 3rd .

Always part of the consideration when buying used is the parts element and Ford is the mass market which means the parts are too. Always cheapest to get a fix. Have a look at VWs as well although boot space ain't as good as the Focus.

 

[Scotty Cameron]

I have a Focus (2013 model) and its the best car I have ever had. Loads of toys and handles superbly, good on fuel around town 40mpg in petrol and I like to drive it. Only £30 road tax as well. Traded in my VX against this and the two cars are like night and day in comparison, the Focus wins hands down in every department.

 

[JT77]

Thanks odvan
I do like the ford but not many decent ones going here in northern Ireland. The Astra is my first choice but I haven't drove a newer ford yet. Hopefully get out tomorrow or Friday.

 

[JT77]

Cheers sc def going to have to test one now with the praise so far.

 

[richart]

I recently sold my old C180 Merc and bought a 12 plate Astra 1.7 Diesel. I figured that it was a car that had suffered a drastic loss on depreciation early on and I bought it from a main dealer with an extended warranty at a decent price

It s been about 6 months since I bought it and to be fair it goes ok, good on fuel, comfortable and £30 tax. The only downside against the Merc is that I can't just lay my golf bag in the boot!

The only downside is it is an Astra 1.7 Diesel.

 

[Deleted member 17920]

Have a look at a honda civic as well, boot space is fantastic.

 

[JT77]

Thanks lq bit pricey no?

 

[spongebob59]

Thanks lq bit pricey no?

You should be able to find a civic in budget, will have mileage, but engines are bullet proof.

 

[JT77]

Thanks sponge bob

 

[Pin-seeker]

Out of the 3 mentioned I'd go for the Focus.
I wouldn't even consider a Megane,my mrs got rid of hers last year,worst car we've owned.

 

[Smiffy]

Have a look at a honda civic as well, boot space is fantastic.

But visibility out of the back is crap


Me?
I'd be looking at Skoda

 

[GB72]

Just changed my car to a renault clio 1.2 tce sport tourer. It does not look too estate like but has loads of room, loaded with kit, nippy enough for what i use it for and economical to run.

 

[spongebob59]

Just changed my car to a renault clio 1.2 tce sport tourer. It does not look too estate like but has loads of room, loaded with kit, nippy enough for what i use it for and economical to run.

Another one to consider is the seat Leon, if you can find one.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

Skoda Octavia. Good build quality, huge boot. Engine and parts tried and tested across the VW/Audi/Skoda/Seat range. Thousands of taxi drivers can't all be wrong.

 

[fundy]

Kia Ceed worth a look. Should be able to pick quite a new one up which will have a portion of the 7 yr warranty left. Decent boot and fine to drive and had no problems from mine at all