Help please in deciding next car

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Thu 9 Nov 2006 17:00
Help please in deciding next car - Craig_1969
I drive 25k a year, mostly to work and back 80 miles a day mainly a roads. I bought a 98 Mondeo TD but its failed its MOT and its time to move on. I have a budget of 5k.

I have been considering a Mondeo MKIII TDCI 115, fixed vane turbo. But it would be a 2003 ish with 80k for this money and I am concerned about suspension and clutch work as the miles pile on. The other alternative I can think of is an Aygo/107/C1, I can get a low mileage one for £5k, 60mpg and £40 tax, group 1 insurance and will have 2 years warranty remaining.

Any other suggestions of the top of anyones head.
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Thu 9 Nov 2006 17:10
Help please in deciding next car - local yokel
You really would not want to do 80 miles a day in a C1/derivative. Yaris, perhaps. A Focus would be my choice I think.
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Thu 9 Nov 2006 17:25
Help please in deciding next car - type's'
Whilst not a diesel why not consider an Accord (2000 - 2002 depending on mileage).
It would be a great car for the longer disatnces you have to travel, can get 1.8 so not too thirsty, utterly reliable.
Also with a full honda service history on subsequent oil changes the engine will last 250K-300K miles quite easily.
I agree with local - doing 80 miles a day everyday in a small car will become a bit unpleasant after a while IMO.
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Thu 9 Nov 2006 17:30
Help please in deciding next car - Falkirk Bairn
Taxi cab owners cannot all be wrong - Toyota Avensis / Honda Accord / Skoda Octavias..............are good alternatives to Mondeos & Vectras
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Thu 9 Nov 2006 17:56
Help please in deciding next car - 659FBE
Fully agree with the above. Add the Skoda Superb (130 diesel) if you want to travel in comfort - more car (and safety) for less money than an Octavia with the same economy. Resale value probably nil. Several "Superb" taxis locally.

659.
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Thu 9 Nov 2006 18:17
Help please in deciding next car - type's'
Skoda was not an option I considered when trying to offfer advice but agree that a superb or octavia would make a very good choice and you get the diesel option as well.
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Thu 9 Nov 2006 18:18
Help please in deciding next car - tyro
Hesitantly suggest a Ford Ka. I have one.

A basic model can usually be purchased new for about £5000 , and will give about 45 mpg. (I actually average about 47 or 48 in mine)

I enjoy driving it, and don't find a 50 mile journey uncomfortable.

Main problem is that the basic model doesn't have aircon. That's not a problem for me, but might be for some people.
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Thu 9 Nov 2006 18:20
Help please in deciding next car - tyro
If, on the other hand, you want something bigger and better equipped, a 2nd hand Honda Accord.
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Fri 10 Nov 2006 07:46
Help please in deciding next car - Sprice
Accords are very reliable, but for 80 miles a day, a diesel is your best bet, and your budget does not stretch to an Accord diesel (the Accord petrols are relatively thirsty). As already said, Octavia, Avensis or Primera diesel?
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Fri 10 Nov 2006 20:30
Help please in deciding next car - GroovyMucker
I do a 50 mile round trip each day in a 2.0 Accord (2000W). Very comfortable, very safe (as I learned when I had two crashes earlier this year). Thirsty - I rarely better 30 mpg - but that's the only downside.
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Fri 10 Nov 2006 21:37
Help please in deciding next car - Mapmaker
A 98 Mondeo has failed its MOT... on what, may I ask, that you think it needs swapping?

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