5k for a new car

[1984]

I've got 5 grand (6 at a push) to spend on a new car and i'm looking for some recommendations as i'm not massively into cars. I'm 26 years old with 2 years no claims, so I am limited to a 1.6 or 2 litre really.

I've had my eye on an st like this one - http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

However, i'm wondering if there is anything else out there that might be worth looking at? The only other car that takes my fancy is an A3, but something of similar age to the st is too expensive for me, even with more miles on the clock. That is unless I go for a stty looking one that someone can't sell. My knowledge of cars is limited though, so i'm guessing there must be other choices that i've missed.

[anonymous-user]

I've got a feeling that there will not be many recommending the ST Fiesta in your situation. What made you think of it?

[nottyash]

Dont think that you can only afford a 1.6 or 2.0 for insurance.
It doesnt work like that at all. You can have a 1.6 that cost more than 2.0 cars.

Just check how much insurance costs you by getting some quotes online, and shop around
You may be quite surprised.

As for a car for you, people will give you millions of recomendations on this site. 300bhp/ton alone will recommend 500, and at least 100 of them will be American V8's

[1984]

DR10 said:

I've got a feeling that there will not be many recommending the ST Fiesta in your situation. What made you think of it?

Well they look quite good and have decent speed for someone without alot of options + budget. Obviously at my age there are a lot of cars that just aren't practical when it comes to insurance etc. Even the st with a 2 litre engine might cane the petrol a bit. I would rather have an A3, but the only ones that take my facncy are coming in at 8 grand +. I could lower my expectations, but I want to keep the next car I get for a few years, so there is no point in shelling out for something I don't want. It's a hard decision to make when your pretty clueless about cars.

What is it exactly that is bad about the st?

Edited by 1984 on Friday 18th February 21:27

Edited by 1984 on Friday 18th February 21:27

[TomJackUK]

Seat Ibiza FR / Leon Cupra? Clio 182/172?

[Defcon5]

Got to admit, I do like the Fiesta ST.

Get a standard one though, not one woth halfords wheels like the one in your link.

[TomCooper]

What about this?

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/591451.htm

There are cheaper ones if it's abit steep aswell

[Jasandjules]

What are the criteria?

I'd say something like an MR2 T-Bar, but that's just because at your age you should have a convertible........

[anonymous-user]

1984 said:

Well they look quite good have decent speed for someone with a options + budget. Obviously at my age there are a lot of cars that just aren't practical when it comes to insurance etc. Even the st with a 2 litre engine might cane the petrol a bit. I would rather have an A3, but the only ones that take my facncy are coming in at 8 grand +. I could lower my expectations, but I want to keep the next car I get for a few years, so there is no point in shelling out for soemthing I don't want. It's a hard decision to make when your pretty clueless about cars.

What is it exactly that is bad about the st?

Well nothing particularly, but I think it best if you bullet point the key features of the type of cars you are after; ~£6k, 0-60 <=8 seconds etc.

[sploosh]

Have you thought about an mx5?

[1984]

nottyash said:

Dont think that you can only afford a 1.6 or 2.0 for insurance.
It doesnt work like that at all. You can have a 1.6 that cost more than 2.0 cars.

Just check how much insurance costs you by getting some quotes online, and shop around
You may be quite surprised.

As for a car for you, people will give you millions of recomendations on this site. 300bhp/ton alone will recommend 500, and at least 100 of them will be American V8's

The thing is i'm not looking for anything that's overly special. Just something that's gonna keep me happy for 3 or 4 years. I'm not someone who likes changing cars all the time.

TomJackUK said:

Seat Ibiza FR / Leon Cupra? Clio 182/172?

I've looked at clios. Not the most reliable cars around so i'm told. I think the st looks better as well. Are there major pros and cons between the two?

[Ecurie Ecosse]

Look at Jag XJs. Very cool, and insurance is surprisingly cheap. I had one when I was your age.

[Jasandjules]

Well, a MK2 Mr2 should keep you happy, and be relatively reliable too. Reasonable speed, handling and economy too, and nice and easy to drive.

[Defcon5]

As DR10 said, what do you want out of the car? Do you need 4 seats/good mpg etc.

1984 said:

I've looked at clios. Not the most reliable cars around so i'm told. I think the st looks better as well. Are there major pros and cons between the two?

Clio is much faster, but less reliable. If I were you (not much of a petrolhead) then the ST would be a better choice.

[1984]

TomCooper said:

What about this?

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/591451.htm

There are cheaper ones if it's abit steep aswell

Too old with to many miles.

Jasandjules said:

What are the criteria?

I'd say something like an MR2 T-Bar, but that's just because at your age you should have a convertible........

I should have been more clear with my criteria. I would say no older than 6 or 7 years with as low mileage as possible. The st I posted for example is a 2005 plate with 33,000 miles. Also, i'm definitely not looking for something that has ben kitted out and changed a lot by someone for two reasons. 1. People who do that normally rag the arse off of those cars and 2. It would be a pain for me to maintain something like that, because of my limited knowledge.

[1984]

Question about this audi: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2010...

Looking at the description, mileage, year etc. Is the price fair?

[wackojacko]

Renault Sport clio 182 ?