Sub 5k car for lapsed driver

[WheelsOfWade]

I need help figuring out what sort of car I should get. Haven't driven for 10 years and now I've moved to an area where I need a car.

WFH so would mainly use it for popping to the shops, exploring local area or weekends away. I would like something that can handle the ocassional motorway trip every couple of weeks as well.

Perferably 5 door with space for a tallish bloke.

I've been told that I should get something relatively new (< 5 years old) as they're probably cheaper to run and more reliable but the prices seem high at the moment. I'm hesitant about spending too much on a car when I'm not sure how much I'll use it.

Been looking at 1.2/1.3 petrol hatchbacks like Fiestas and Mazda 2s around the £2-5k mark. Not sure if I'll need something with a bigger engine though.

Any suggestions for cars or what sort of age and price I should be looking for?


https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111139... - this reasonable?

[ZX10R NIN]

Does it have to be a five door? You'll struggle to get something under 5 years old but age doesn't equal reliability.
You have to judge a car on it's condition/history/mileage & of course price.

If you're a taller chap then I'd say look at a Focus sized car for a couple of reasons, the first is comfort on those longer journeys not being in a tight fitting car will make all the difference also they tend to have better NVH as well gearing more suited to longer journeys.

It sounds like you want something reliable/smart/swift with sensible running costs in which case there are a couple standouts for me.

Giulietta Veloce 170 these are very robust & reliable cars that will do everything you require

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112110...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111029...

1.6T Astra SRI 180 you'll get a newer car than the Giulietta above that'll be a little cheaper to maintain & will still soak up long journeys with ease:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112160...

Elite 180

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112040...

1.4T SRI 140

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112170...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112040...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112150...

[georgeyboy12345]

I'd go for a slightly larger car, i.e. the next size up. These should have slightly more power for on the motorway and just be generally more comfortable.

Alfa Romeo Giulietta TB
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201051...


Bargain Fiat Bravo T-Jet
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112220...


Honda Civic 1.8 i-VTEC
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201051...


Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111300...


Kia Ceed 1.6
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112300...


Hyundai i30 1.6
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108156...


Mazda 3 1.6 TS
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110068...


Renault Megane 1.6 VVT
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112030...

[defblade]

I'm 6'4" and love my Skoda Rapid for space/comfort. Seat Toledo is the same car. The "Rapid" is a misnomer, but with a 1.2 turbo, it keeps up with the traffic just fine, while being cheap to insure, tax, reasonable mpg, low/easy servicing costs etc. Might have to be a little older at your budget though, I'm afraid (prices are crazy! Mine's "worth" the same as I paid over 2 years ago at the moment!).
Not exciting, but sensible and most importantly, big enough! Thousands of taxi drivers can't be wrong