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What is the best automatic car for a £6,000 budget?

Having just found out my Ford Focus 2013 PowerShift gearbox needs replacing at an extortionate cost, my lovely low mileage car is heading for the scrapyard in the sky. I now have to find another automatic of similar size, or smaller but a lot of oomph, that has a reliable gearbox for between £4,000 to £6,000. What do you recommend?

Asked on 7 March 2022 by Alison Griffiths

Answered by Russell Campbell
Car prices have gone up a lot over the past two years so it might make sense to go a size up in cars – you'll get more for your money that way.

Your budget is enough to get a 2010 Honda Accord with less than 100,000 miles on the clock. Honda has an excellent reputation for reliability so I wouldn't be put off by that milages and the Accord's 2.2-litre diesel engine has plenty of punch.

Honda Accord review: www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/honda/accord-2008/

Another option would be the Toyota Avensis. It also has a 2.2-litre diesel engine and an excellent reputation for reliability, you'll get a car of similar age and mileage to the Honda for the same money.

Toyota Avensis review: www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/toyota/avensis-2015/

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Cheaper to buy and better equipped than outgoing Focus. Improved ride quality. Larger cabin. 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission.