Best Car 3-5k range

[Jonathan-vsfnx]

Looking for a decent runabout for this price range, was going to look for an estate but I think with this budget I don't think its realistic, What I have picked up is that I am better going for a petrol and nothing with a turbo. So I have been thinking of something like a Mazda 3 around the 2010 mark (petrol). If I want to push for an estate I am probably thinking the Toyota Avensis (yes boring I know). Any other ideas? What are peoples opinions of the Mazda3 and the Avensis Estate?

[BikeSausage]

Avensis estate no contest.

It will have been worked hard already (probably) but nothing that bushes and TLC won’t sort out.

Incredibly boring but a cockroach car. We were gutted when they withdrew it and we could no longer source them for our business fleet.

[ZedLeg]

Auto Trader has 27k cars between 3k and 5k, I refuse to accept that an Avensis estate is the best of them

[BikeSausage]

ZedLeg said:

Auto Trader has 27k cars between 3k and 5k, I refuse to accept that an Avensis estate is the best of them

……of the two cars mentioned……..

[66HFM]

I've had a couple of Volvo V50 Sport / R-Design for around the £3k mark, which personally I think are a nice looking estate car, it will also get you into a Seat Exeo estate 2010 onwards.

[Defcon5]

I recently bought a 2013 focus 1.0T for 3k, nice car for the money I think.

120k on the clocks, but it’s just had a brand new engine fitted by Ford due to the degas pipe issue.

[_Hoppers]

ZedLeg said:

Auto Trader has 27k cars between 3k and 5k, I refuse to accept that an Avensis estate is the best of them

We need to define what 'Best' means to the OP. Best performance and handling/Best for fuel economy/Best for reliability/Best for practicality/Best for attracting a woman?!

Deffo an Avensis for the latter

[_Hoppers]

Having had several Honda Civics in the past I'd recommend them for reliability

[Ratae]

I've got a 2009 Mazda 3 2.0 Sport, decent car and well specced but I am very bored of its lack of performance now for a 2.0 petrol. Nothing happens until 65+ mph in 3rd gear. Otherwise, its reliable and decent on fuel on a run. If performance isn't a major concern I'd consider one, parts readily and cheaply available.

[FourGears]

There is a Blue Astra Estate on Autotrader for a whisker over £2k with the 197bhp 1.6 turbo engine. Not my car but I do like the look of it

[ZX10R NIN]

Jonathan-vsfnx said:

Looking for a decent runabout for this price range, was going to look for an estate but I think with this budget I don't think its realistic, What I have picked up is that I am better going for a petrol and nothing with a turbo. So I have been thinking of something like a Mazda 3 around the 2010 mark (petrol). If I want to push for an estate I am probably thinking the Toyota Avensis (yes boring I know). Any other ideas? What are peoples opinions of the Mazda3 and the Avensis Estate?

I'll be honest & say that I wouldn't avoid a turbo car there are lot's of good cars in this price range, sticking with your brief I'd go for a Mazda but it would be the 6 rather than the 3.

2.5 Mazda6 Sport:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211091...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203183...

Estate:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206136...

2.0 Takuya:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203243...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206247...

2.0T Insignia Elite Nav:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208259...

Estate:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210271...

Lexus IS250 SE-l if a Mazda3 can work maybe one of these can, you'll have to get a late 57/08 onwards to have one that'll be able to run E5:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210060...

SE-L:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210030...

[VeeReihenmotor6]

The Toyota Avensis has got to be the least hassle/tough car out of your selection.

If you want something a little different and semi interesting a facelift Seat Exeo is quite a nice car to have. I've have mine for nearly 10 years / 93k and I had to do the rear pads at 56k and the front discs and pads at 90k + annual servicing. Still drives as good as it did when I picked it up with 3,000 miles on it.

I know of some very high mile examples on the Exeo groups that have given out very little trouble. They do have the slightly complicated Audi style suspension set up but so far mine is all original and still tight.

Mine is a 170 common rail tdi and never had an issue. You'll easily get my car for under £5k. Facelift was 2012-2013 and gave you better front lights (imo). They do it with the 2.0 TFSI petrol engine also.

Edited by VeeReihenmotor6 on Tuesday 15th November 19:12

[georgeyboy12345]

You can absolutely get a decent runabout estate for your money, here are my picks

Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec Estate with 11 service stamps (so FSH), recent cambelt, waterpump and clutch from a decent looking dealer
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209240...


Low mileage for age Hyundai i30 1.6 Estate
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209139...


If you need more space, there's the Mazda 6 2.0 TS2. There's also the option of the 2.5's which tend to be more nicely specced but are quite a bit more thirsty and expensive to run without being that much quicker
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206116...


Low mileage Renault Megane 1.6 16v that's also had a recent cambelt
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206016...

[James-gbg1e]

Following with some interest. Some interesting picks.

[Jonathan-vsfnx]

Thanks for the suggestions - some of them I would have never considered. I am based in the North East (Darlington) and there seems to be a lack of choice when it comes to some makes and models - obviously I don't want to travel too far, especially if I am buying it from a garage with a period of warranty.

[Shabaza]

Skoda Octavia

Basically anything a cabbie would have, if you're looking for longevity.

If you don't need an automatic, then an Audi A6 circa 2010 is ridiculous value aswell

[Jonathan-vsfnx]

Despite of everyone's great advice, what does everyone think of this (think the person who took the photos needs some more training)

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209069...

[bennno]

Shabaza said:

Skoda Octavia

Basically anything a cabbie would have, if you're looking for longevity.

If you don't need an automatic, then an Audi A6 circa 2010 is ridiculous value aswell

I'd go against that advice as if its anything a cabby would have it'll either have been used as one and clocked, or will be overpriced on the basis that it'd be suited for cabbing.

In that price range i'd keep a close eye on auto trader private adds and buy something unfashionable from an oap

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208309...

Edited by bennno on Wednesday 16th November 17:13

[VeeReihenmotor6]

Jonathan-vsfnx said:

Despite of everyone's great advice, what does everyone think of this (think the person who took the photos needs some more training)

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209069...

Simple and reliable motoring but as with most jap cars corrosion is already mentioned on the MOT which is disappointing on a low mileage car.

[ChocolateFrog]

Jonathan-vsfnx said:

Looking for a decent runabout for this price range, was going to look for an estate but I think with this budget I don't think its realistic, What I have picked up is that I am better going for a petrol and nothing with a turbo. So I have been thinking of something like a Mazda 3 around the 2010 mark (petrol). If I want to push for an estate I am probably thinking the Toyota Avensis (yes boring I know). Any other ideas? What are peoples opinions of the Mazda3 and the Avensis Estate?

Japanese stuff is usually the most reliable but often rustier than their European counterparts, especially Mazda's.

I wouldn't be put off by turbo's or diesels TBH either.

£5k is plenty to get a good estate car. I'd recommend what I always recommend a D5 V70.

If I had to go petrol I might look at a 530i Touring although probably leggy and rare compared to the diesels.