Spec me a £4.5k hatchback

[jesta]

Hi guys,

I currently own a 2008 Mercedes C220 CDI Sport, it has served me well but due to a combination of how little I use the car (use for short drives during the weekends) and as the car is not ULEZ compliant I'm looking to change cars.

As I only drive during the weekends, I do not need high MPG. I'm looking at hatchbacks with a decent boot space, similar or faster than my current car and a lower running cost (Mercedes' servicing cost are too expensive for me considering how little I use it). I'm looking to spend up to £4.5k for the next car, my immediate thought is a Honda Civic FN2 Type R, whilst the car tax is quite high the running cost doesn't seem to be horrendous? I quite like the look of Golfs but servicing cost seems similar to the Mercedes (comparing dealer servicing prices)?

Am I looking at the right car for my requirements? Happy to look at other alternatives.

Thanks

 

[a1ex2001]

Does the replacement need to be ULEZ as obviously that will limit some options.

 

[jesta]

Yeah it will need to be ULEZ compliant as they are expanding the zone in 2021 and I’m right outside the boundary.

 

[HouR]

Does the replacement need to be ULEZ as obviously that will limit some options.

Can obviously check on the site but as stated would be looking at the below, Petrol is a lot easier than diesel.

The ULEZ standards are:

• Euro 3 for motorcycles, mopeds, motorised tricycles and quadricycles (L category)
• Euro 4 (NOx) for petrol cars, vans, minibuses and other specialist vehicles
• Euro 6 (NOx and PM) for diesel cars, vans and minibuses and other specialist vehicles
• Euro VI (NOx and PM) for lorries, buses and coaches and other specialist heavy vehicles (NOx and PM)

Euro 3 became mandatory for all new motorcycles in 2007
Euro 4 became mandatory for all new cars in 2005 and light vans in 2006
Euro 6 became mandatory for all new heavy duty engines for goods vehicles and buses from January 2014, September 2015 for cars and light vans, and September 2016 for larger vans up to and including 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight.​

The Civic is a good shout. My brother had that generation albeit the type s diesel and it was massive inside, handy storage all over.

Just make sure you test drive. The suspension is somewhat non existent
Feels like welded poles rather than springs on the one I test drove. Will be quite a change from the Merc.