5k, Focus size, auto- what's best?

Honest John Back Room » Motoring discussion
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Wed 30 Aug 2006 12:40
5k, Focus size, auto- what's best? - Ben {P}
Friend needs a new car. Has a budget of 5k. Wants an auto that's reliable. I have suggested a Civic 1.6 auto- are there any other cars worth looking at, at this price level?

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Wed 30 Aug 2006 12:55
5k, Focus size, auto- what's best? - v0n
5k will only buy older Civic - old shape, more than 6 year old. I would suggest Almera SE 1.8 auto.
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[Nissan 2.2 dCi are NOT Renault engines. Grrr...]
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Wed 30 Aug 2006 13:00
5k, Focus size, auto- what's best? - Ben {P}
What sort of age and milleage vehicle do you think one could get at auction for 5k?
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Wed 30 Aug 2006 15:10
5k, Focus size, auto- what's best? - local yokel
SWMBO bought a 51Focus 1.6 auto with 40k for £5k exactly a year ago - from a Ford dealer who'd had it for slightly too long, so dropped the price to within £500 of the auction price Joe Dowd reckoned he could buy at.

It has been perfect in every way. I'd buy another one any time. OK, lots around, but that's because they are cheap enough, but still great to drive. Nothing from Germany would beat it for the total package, so you are left with Japanese.
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Wed 30 Aug 2006 15:19
5k, Focus size, auto- what's best? - cheddar
My inlaws have had a Focus 1.6 auto for a couple of years and it has been faultless.
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Wed 30 Aug 2006 15:23
5k, Focus size, auto- what's best? - stunorthants
Toyota Corolla.
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Wed 30 Aug 2006 16:11
5k, Focus size, auto- what's best? - GregSwain
Almera would be first choice, other suggestions are a Civic (expensive though), Corolla, Mazda 323 (if you can find one), or maybe even a Suzuki Liana if it's to your taste (also hard to find). Hyundais and Kias in this price range would be good enough, but would depreciate heavily.

An Astra might not be too bad, depending on mileage and SH (good gearboxes, but Ecotec engines have problems). How about A Citroen Xsara?

Be much more cautious with European cars, but anything with a conventional torque-converter auto (except a renault) should be as reliable as the equivalent manual. Don't buy CVT.
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