£2k Spec Me / Guidance Thread

ja3h

ja3h

ja3h

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Hi all

So - £2k is my budget - I can stretch to £3k but £2k is my ideal.

My car was scraped by a lorry when parked and subsequently written off.
(http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?p=24019131)

I'm after something nice to drive, nice to be in, not too expensive to insure and not too expensive.

Some info:
- 5 Door preferably
- Big enough to sit 5 (occasionally)
- Relatively low insurance group (<10)
- Reliable/low maintenance
- Good to drive
- Not used often - I'd say 2-3k miles a year

I've test driven two cars already.
1. Honda Civic 2005 - http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201211457304731
It has been on sale since August last year and was advertised at £4k. I'm not too sure why it hasn't sold yet. The engine seemed fine and I took it for a test drive and clutch & transmission was all good. No funny noises!
2. Mazda 3 2004 - http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201303015563339
It had a good amount of scuffs and marks on the exterior which I can use to negotiate the price down. The interior looked good. Took it for a test drive and it was nice to drive and felt quite quick. (I'm used to a 1.6 Seat Leon!).

There is another Mazda 3 in North London that I'm thinking of viewing:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201303215869414

Thoughts? Should I be going for an older lower mileage car?

Out of the two I've seen the Civic which is local (less than a mile) and I reckon I can get it for £2100-2200. The space inside is immense and the 1.6 pulled really well. The Mazda 3 I saw wasn't in great condition and the guy wasn't going to budge on price. The interior was better and the spec of the sport is more attractive to me (more things to go wrong? Bose sound system, xenon lamps, 17" wheels, auto lights & wipers).

Focus or Mondeo? ;)
 

rodenal

rodenal

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Both cars are fine, I'd probably take a Mazda as it looks a bit more modern but I'd want one with the bodywork in good condition - they're not a rare car so you can be fussy.

The Civic seems ambitiously priced (not terribly though) which might be why its sat there so long. Out of the two you've seen it sounds the better car.
 
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ci_newman

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I've just picked up a Honda Accord Exec for £2k, lots of toys, easy to drive, plenty of space!

Focus / Mondeo ticks the boxes too.

[Edit] As for the Civic, I sold my wife's one of those (albeit on an 01-plate) 18 months ago for £500 - just as an indication on how overpriced that particular car is :p The SE model is the lowest trim level possible on that car.
 
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alexthecheese

alexthecheese

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We picked up a cheaper, older Civic of the same model a couple of months ago and it's a great little car.

The only thing is the gear ratios are ridiculously short on them - particularly 5th, anyway, as you sit at 70mph on the motorway doing 3500rpm. I think only upping to the 2 litre S type solves that unfortunately.

It does mean we only drive 70mph at the very fastest these days, which does save petrol. Been getting 47mpg out of it, so it is a frugal car if driven like a granny.
 

ja3h

ja3h

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I'll check out this focus tonight: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201302215444699

I thought the SE trim was meant to be a good one? Air Con, Alloys etc?

I may end up with the Honda - I'm going to see if I can get a warranty chucked in. Will test drive the Focus though to see what all the fuss is about.

The Mazda seems amazing for the money you pay but I can't find one in very good condition within budget.

I'm rarely ever on the motorway - but it's good to know you can get a good amount of MPG driving like a gran!
 

rodenal

rodenal

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60 miles isn't going to cost you much in the way of a return train fare (incase whatever you go and see is a shed).

I'm not saying to go touring the country for a relatively cheap motor, but if you find some that look particularly nice and are an hour or so away it makes sense, especially if you can line up a few that are close to each other.

The mazda 3 and focus are basically the same car so you won't find anything magically better about the Ford.

Accords are nice though, a newer design than that civic too.
 
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ci_newman

ci_newman

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ja3h said:
Haha..

Okay now you'll know my postcode!

Maybe living in Greater London isn't helping. I'm not sure I can warrant travelling 60 miles for it.

Only Accord <£2k within 60 miles of my postcode.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201304046084893
Click to expand...

It might be the only one available now, but more will come up. You need to look at higher than £2k too, as inevitably you'll haggle lower anyway.

I've done the hard part for you linky :p

And the Pistonheads search too - Linky
 
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Buchanan0204

Buchanan0204

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What about a Mondeo. You get more car for your money over a focus.

I picked up an 03 last October with 77k on the clock for £940. Spent around 90 quid. Replaced a wheel bearing and then the usual service stuff, oil, plugs, filter etc.

I got a great deal. Surely you can pick one up for similar money?

How about this?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...w/page/1/postcode/rg215sp/radius/60?logcode=p

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...w/page/1/postcode/rg215sp/radius/60?logcode=p

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...w/page/1/postcode/rg215sp/radius/60?logcode=p
 
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