Hi. Thanks for the quick reply.

My cousin has a Fabia VRS (2004 model) and I really like it. However, looks wise it's not the greatest, I prefer the new shape but obviously my budget will not allow for such a purchase.

I am 6 Feet 4 inches and therefore my current car (VW Golf Mk4) is relatively small for me.

So I think the Skoda may just be a tad too small.

Are there any other cars you can think of sir?

Once again thanks for your reply.

Hi. I can fit in the Golf but my legs have to be wide apart and hit the side consoles/trim and my legs ache after a long journey. Headroom is fine in the gold. Just leg room even with seat pushed all the way back and pumped low tothe ground.

So yes Ithink a full size car is what I am after and totally agree that the same sized engine on the full size willn o doubt be less powerful and slower and thirstier.

The 9-3 felt like it had enough room when the seat was pushed right the way back.

Some of the Vectras look nice and sporty but I have heard and read that they are bad cars? Mondeos look okay in Sport/Titanium trim.

Edited by VanGuard666 on 27/04/2012 at 14:25

Hey. Thanks for your comment ^

I agree with you on the Punto... I thought it was an interesting prospect but thinking baout it..If my MK4 Golf is too small the punto will be of simialr size.

I am definetely looking for a Saloon.

Volvo S40

Mazda 6

Ford Mondeo

Honda Accord

Skoda Octavia

^ The above models are the ones on the top of my list. I would like eitheir a petrol/diesel as long as it is under £5000. Mileage can be anything to be honest as long as it has full service history etc.

Out of the above, are there any stand out models? The Mondeo got 5 stars from Parkers and the Mazda got a very good rating. The others faired very well too.

Any specific 'punchy, fast, economical' engines to pick from the above motors?

Edited by VanGuard666 on 30/04/2012 at 17:57

The mazda 6 is essentially a better looking, more reliable mondeo

Hey guys. Thanks for the comments.

My number 1 choice now is the Mazda 6. I have been looking on Autotrader every day to see whats on the market for sub £5000 and there are many on offer.

I am looking for the 2007- (facelift) model in TS2 form.

Ideally I would like the 2.0l petrol/diesel or the 2.2D.

Sport trim would be a bonus.

In terms of buying the car, all the cars are high mileage 80,000 +

I know service history is very important a nice long MOT... but in terms of electrical and mechanical inspection, would it be a good idea to arrange an AA/RAC vehicle inspection?

Both the AA/RAC state on their website they cannot use diagnostic machines and can only test electronics to a certain extent.

On that note, would dealers ever agree to this:

1. I agree to purchase the car if they take the car to Mazda on my behalf before I purchase the vehicle, to get a basic diagnosis done and if it passes..

2. I would put down a deposit if they agree.

3. I purchase the vehicle if the diagnostics come back clean (I would request official documentation) and pay for the cost of the diagnosis.

4. If diagnostics come back with faults, I walk away... and get my deposit back / request the dealer to fix the issues if any.

I await your thoughts.

Regards.

What Avant says about the diesel 2.0l (and to some extent the 2.2), is correct.

But

The horror stories regarding the 2.0D and its DPF problems have pushed down prices considerably. If the driver has a bit of lead in their right foot (and it sounds like the OP does), then the DPF problems are not likey to occur-and it could be a cost effective option.

I doubt that many dealers would be willing to go through the hassle of conditional deposits and off-site inspections. At the age of car you're looking at , SOGA should be sufficient protection if you buy from a trader.

Your small annual mileage says petrol to me.

Yey another Mazda club member......!

Have a look for rust under the wheel arches. I have never had any on mine but this can be an issue. Check the boot catch - the one on my car is dodgy and this is also a noted annoyance. That's about it on the petrols. They can be headlight hungry but then so can a lot of other cars; my driver's side headlight tends to last a year and then blow. The other side doesn't die....! The alloys can go crappy - they can be prone to corrosion but I have looked into regrinding mine and it's really not bad price-wise. Obviously that isn't just a Mazda thing either.

Otherwise it's your standard stuff - check the upholstery and plastics inside. Have a sniff at the air con to test if it smells horrible as some filters might need doing. Have a look at the door sills (and all the rubbery bits) for mould or holes. Take the top off the oil filler cap and look for a sort of mayonnaisey stuff (if it's there do not buy it!). Same sort of minging goo comes out under the radiator cap if the head gasket is on its way out. Check all the fluids. What else....? Have a look at the exhaust to see if it looks rusty or wobbly. Have a look at the brakes and tyres. Obv. all the paper work. Have a look and see if the paint feels bobbly anywhere (or indeed, if it is scratched to hell anyway!) because it might have been resprayed. Have a look underneath for leaks. Windscreen for the traces of Autoglass' expertise!

Ok, the diesel vs. petrol argument is based on fuel costs, mainly. You have to think about the type of driving you do and the distance. Have a read of Parker's article about it : www.parkers.co.uk/cars/advice/buying/2011/october/.../

It depends on the car; as the Parker's bumf says, it can require you to drive a diesel Fiat 500 for over 30k p.a. in order to break even with running a petrol one. Mpg difference can seem loads - 50mpg from the diesel, 38mpg from the petrol, but that's often only a couple of quid!

The issue of the DPF has arisen because people bought diesels with the expectation that it would save them money on fuel, but never got the DPF up to temperature on long or quick enough runs in order that the deposits would burn off/regeneration cycle would kick in. Thus, the DPF is damaged and they have to cough up for a new one. Cars like to be used - for either fuel, if the vehicle is not run often, water can build up in the exhaust and rust it. It needs evaporating by getting hot!

There are better checklists than mine but thank you - always arm yourself with information. I do this because there are still relics out there who believe that a woman cannot possibly know about cars. I enjoy the look on their faces...!

With £5k to spend I doubt a diesel would be new enough to have a DPF. I believe All the VAG 1.9tdi's dont have DPF but are amazingly economical and can be chipped with excellent results.

The civic is more like the Mazda 3 in terms of size

The Mazda 6 would have to be compared to the accord

The CDTI engine doesn't have a DPF (civic or accord)

The mazda handles better and looks better, in my opinion

The Honda is a nicer ride and more upmarket - and as a result, would be more expensive

Both have their pro's and cons. Like you say - drive both and see which you prefer

The 'frog' civic is very spacious inside - i'd say in between a mazda 3 and a mazda 6