Advice Please: Civic/Golf/Focus etc.

[dr_gn]

So after 20+ years of running sheds, it seems like the demise of my other half’s 2001 Civic means we need a new(er) car. I’m running an ‘02 BMW 330i.

So what with fuel prices and all the rest, the plan is to replace the two current cars with one.

Requirements:

- 5 doors (hatchback).
- Ideally tow bar compatible (for a bike rack).
- Automatic transmission,
- Petrol.
- Reliable/maintainable.
- budget £10-15k cash, not financed.
- able to fit 2 bikes in the back with seats folded.
- Most journeys (commute) are about 10 miles 50% motorway, 50% urban, but occasional 4-6 hour motorway trips for holidays.
- Got 2 teenage kids, so needs to be fairly roomy.
-Looking for about 45mpg combined.
-0-60 in 10 seconds or less ideally.

I was considering:

Honda Civic (later 1.5 not towbar compatible, earlier 1.8 pretty slow).

Ford Focus (questionable automatic transmission reliability).

VW Golf (no idea what they’re like).

Toyota Corolla (ditto).

We don’t change our cars often - I’ve had mine 10 years, similar with the wife’s car, so we need something robust. I’ve usually done my own maintenance, so wary of hybrids at this stage.

Any advice on Make/engine/trim level very much appreciated - I have no clue about ‘modern’ cars. Cheers.

[Haltamer]

The non-Sport civic 1.5s; E.g. The ones without the central exhaust are towbar compatible.

[dr_gn]

Haltamer said:

The non-Sport civic 1.5s; E.g. The ones without the central exhaust are towbar compatible.

Hmmm I thought the 1.5 turbo vtecs were all sport versions?

[Simon_GH]

Mazda 3 2.0 petrol with torque converter auto?

[stevemcs]

The current shape focus has moved towards a torque convertor auto box i think so you should be ok with that, the Golf still has the DSG box which personally i dislike and from what i've seen isn't that reliable either

For me i'd be looking towards an i30/Kia Ceed although the Corolla you mentioned would also be very good

[dr_gn]

stevemcs said:

The current shape focus has moved towards a torque convertor auto box i think so you should be ok with that, the Golf still has the DSG box which personally i dislike and from what i've seen isn't that reliable either

For me i'd be looking towards an i30/Kia Ceed although the Corolla you mentioned would also be very good

Thanks - which version of the Corolla?

[CG2020UK]

Any requirements around mileage or age?

Personally I wouldn’t pay the premium for the Golf. I’d go a Seat Leon.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204285...

[dr_gn]

Simon_GH said:

Mazda 3 2.0 petrol with torque converter auto?

Thanks - yes worth looking at.

[dr_gn]

CG2020UK said:

Any requirements around mileage or age?

Personally I wouldn’t pay the premium for the Golf. I’d go a Seat Leon.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204285...

That’s a good call, thanks.

Mileage, ideally less than 40k, age I was thinking 2016 at the oldest.

[wemorgan]

Not what's on your list, but does fit 2 kids, bikes, petrol, auto, economy and performance:

Mercedes-Benz C-class 2013 (63 reg)
1.6 C180 BLUEEFFICIENCY EXECUTIVE SE 5dr

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202032... 1aa&advertising-location=at_cars&price-to=15000&onesearchad=New&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=Used&page=1&percentVehiclePriceDeposit=true

[CG2020UK]

dr_gn said:

That’s a good call, thanks.

Mileage, ideally less than 40k, age I was thinking 2016 at the oldest.

I don't know how you feel about French cars as I know some people can be funny (wrongly so in my eyes).

These look a good shout for your budget as something that gives hassle free motoring, is basically new and is really well spec'd (Sat nav and climate control)

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202112...

[Bannock]

I've got a 2016 (66 reg) Civic Tourer, 1.8 petrol (just under 150bhp), with TC auto. It is truly brilliant and I love it. I have a 6'2" teengager who fits in the rear seat for long journeys without issue. It's powerful, fun, economical, spacious beyond belief for its size (magic seats, wow), and utterly reliable.

I expect you could find one of these for your budget, especailly the hatchback version.

[ninjag]

If wanting to stick two bikes in the back with the seats folded I would have thought an SUV better as you'll get increased height making it a little easier?

[Bannock]

Surprised the Octavia hasn't been mentioned yet.

[dr_gn]

ninjag said:

If wanting to stick two bikes in the back with the seats folded I would have thought an SUV better as you'll get increased height making it a little easier?

Thanks, but would rather stick with something a bit smaller.

[dr_gn]

CG2020UK said:

Any requirements around mileage or age?

Personally I wouldn’t pay the premium for the Golf. I’d go a Seat Leon.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204285...

Been looking at these - some have really impressive economy figures for the performance you get. Any advice on which engine is best, and how the automatics are? Any reliability issues or models to avoid? Thanks.

[ZX10R NIN]

dr_gn said:

So after 20+ years of running sheds, it seems like the demise of my other half’s 2001 Civic means we need a new(er) car. I’m running an ‘02 BMW 330i.

So what with fuel prices and all the rest, the plan is to replace the two current cars with one.

Requirements:

- 5 doors (hatchback).
- Ideally tow bar compatible (for a bike rack).
- Automatic transmission,
- Petrol.
- Reliable/maintainable.
- budget £10-15k cash, not financed.
- able to fit 2 bikes in the back with seats folded.
- Most journeys (commute) are about 10 miles 50% motorway, 50% urban, but occasional 4-6 hour motorway trips for holidays.
- Got 2 teenage kids, so needs to be fairly roomy.
-Looking for about 45mpg combined.
-0-60 in 10 seconds or less ideally.

I was considering:

Honda Civic (later 1.5 not towbar compatible, earlier 1.8 pretty slow).

Ford Focus (questionable automatic transmission reliability).

VW Golf (no idea what they’re like).

Toyota Corolla (ditto).

We don’t change our cars often - I’ve had mine 10 years, similar with the wife’s car, so we need something robust. I’ve usually done my own maintenance, so wary of hybrids at this stage.

Any advice on Make/engine/trim level very much appreciated - I have no clue about ‘modern’ cars. Cheers.

A smidge over budget but worth looking out for is the 308 GT Estate:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202082...

Then there's the T5 V40:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202122...

Infiniti Q30 Sport (these are exactly the same car as the A250 but with the nicer interior out of the two) 200, they're also great value & the interior is a clear step on from others listed:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204305...

I've actually viewed the car below whilst looking at something else & it seemed in good condition as well as being nicely spec'd:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204124...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203223...

[Glosphil]

I have a 2018 Leon FR 1.4TSi (150) DSG. Over 3 years it has averaged 45.3mpg & manages over 50mpg on longer runs. 0-60 in 8 seconds.

Not the interior quality of a Golf but not far behind. A 2016 should be in your budget. Try to get a face-lift version. The SE has a better ride than the FR but lower equipment level.

My second DSG - first for 6 years & this for over 3 years. Both completely faultless.

[dr_gn]

Glosphil said:

I have a 2018 Leon FR 1.4TSi (150) DSG. Over 3 years it has averaged 45.3mpg & manages over 50mpg on longer runs. 0-60 in 8 seconds.

Not the interior quality of a Golf but not far behind. A 2016 should be in your budget. Try to get a face-lift version. The SE has a better ride than the FR but lower equipment level.

My second DSG - first for 6 years & this for over 3 years. Both completely faultless.

That’s good to know. I’ve pretty much settled on a Golf or Leon with the 7 speed auto. I do prefer the trim in the Golf. Any advice on types - erring on comfort, but still with sub 10 second 0-60? I think the FR version is lowered and slightly stiffer, but would prefer the equipment lever rather than going for the SE. No idea about the various Golfs though.

Thanks again to all for the replies.

[georgeyboy12345]

BMW 318i Touring
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202162...


Mercedes C200 Estate
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111129...


Mercedes B200
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204084...


Hyundai i30 1.4 T-GDI
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204224...


Infiniti Q30 1.6T
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204074...