Wow, I posted a very similar thread a little while ago and just got pure vitriol and hatred from the majority of posters for even considering driving to work instead of riding/walking! So fickle.
I guess everyone wore their anger out on you, so all that was left for Behemoth was a little light mockery?
What about BMW...solid as a rock:- Example for around 4K:- http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-325Ci...652277?hash=item3cfdb6c875:g:3HQAAOSwu4BVl6Xi (Would definitely commute by bike if I was only 3 miles from work BTW)
Problem I have with a bike is I suffer from Arthritis in my kness and that would just really make me very sore before I'd even got in the building. You guys have been far more forgiving than the clowns at OcUK
I drive a turbo diesel 3 miles each way to work and back in Bristol - so max speed 40mph on my route - but the 40mph bits are enough to keep the dpf regen at bay, and you won't get better performance for the tax ratio in that budget. With diesel and petrol both costing almost exactly the same, you're really losing nothing. So with that in mind, try: Peugeot 407 2.0 HDi 140bhp, 2009, 42k miles, lots of toys including satnav Focus 1.8tdci 113bhp, 2007, 62k Ford Fusion 1.4 TDCI 67bhp, a little slow but large boot and super low mileage at 32k, and low tax Moden 2.0 TDCi 138bhp Estate, lot of toys on this one and generous tax, it's a 10 plate too so quite new for the mone, allegedly 'requires respray' but who cares 2009 plate Ford C-Max, 1.8 TDCi 113bhp The list here goes on a bit with lots of on-budget options tbh. The Pug 407 is a stunner for the features, mileage and age, and the Mondeo looks promising too.
My old Mk 4 Golf was mostly okay, sold it at 90k miles and it was still going strong. Handling was very stodgy, but it made a nice cruiser. The do command a premium though, simply for a slightly classier interior and the badge. If you're interested in anything made by VAG and you want value there's no real downside in settling for an Octavia/Fabia (Estate?)/Leon. You're spoilt for choice with the 2nd gen Focus, the estate version would be great for dogs too.
Now things get interesting. Having a chat with my Dad last night he said that if my car is written off he is prepared to loan me 6k plus what ever I get for the Almera. That going to put me into something much newer and potentially less hassle free (lol !)
Reckon you can cobble together a couple thousand more? Some cracking vehicles about http://www.mod-sales.com/direct/vehicle/,37,/46202/Alvis_Stormer.htm £12,500.00 Low Mileage, one previous owner, very practical, ample interior space. Plus you can guarantee if someone drives into you they will come off worse.
You can probably get a 2011/12 V40/60/70 in V.good condition for £10k. All excellent cars directly comparable to 3 Series or A4's, just cheaper to run, and less complex to maintain.
My mum has a ceed estate, it's been solid for about 6 years now. I drive it when I am in the UK and although it wont turn herads or set your world on fire, it does what it needs to when it needs to. Don't underestimate Kias. Don't overlook a Toyota Avensis either, there is a reason companies buy them for their fleets. E.g. http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...d,nearlynew,new&page=1&sort=default&logcode=p Another piece of advice. Don't over spend on a car. I have done and after 3 months it doesn't matter what you buy the thrill of it will have gone anyway. Reliable and affordable are the key words I think.
I would struggle to spend 10k on a car as it seems like a false economy, given that two well-chosen 4k cars will probably go further and cost less in total ownership. But that's just off the top of my head, I don't have experience or references to back it up. For the original 4k question, I would have voted Octavia, as I've used my mum's a bit and seen it do huge mileage and it's been super reliable, comfortable, spacious and well-designed. Just generally excellent, and they are cheap second-hand even with pretty low mileage. It's like getting a VW with the VW brand tax knocked off. For the new ~10k question...I honestly wouldn't, unless there's literally nothing else in life at the moment that you could put the saved money towards.
halfords Auto centre Do keep an eye on whats about, Picked up my 1.8t 9-3 estate is 2006 had 67K on the clock pretty much all the toys, cost me 3K. Needed a new front bumper an arch liner pair from a scrappers cost me 200. Cars been pretty much faultless since to be honest, so you can pick up some bargains. Also found out mine had been tuned which was an added bonus.
Well I've been offered £1403 for my car, and for that I also get to keep it. They've chosen to go down the Cat C route. So my plan is to see if a dealer will take the Almera as is knowing its Cat C or I can sell it on privately for £400 - £600. Going shopping Saturday, my intention will be to buy the right car if I find it.
