Scoobychick

iTrader: (1)

I'm starting a new business which will involve lots of motorway miles so I'm going to be needing a car that's cheap to run, economical and comfortable with aircon (essential) but for under 5K.

Should I go for petrol or diesel? I prefer small cars (parking is at a premium where we live) and am currently thinking along the lines of a Focus however, Mondeo's seem to be a bit cheaper. I've never considered buying a Ford before but my thinking is that there are a lot to choose from and parts are cheap and readily available. I am open to all suggestions though

Please don't suggest a Vauxhall as I dislike them passionately and my boyfriend would kick me out of the house if I bought one

Sal

Chris L

Sal you could do a lot worse than a diesel Focus. There are loads available for around 5K. They are going to have fairly high mileage at that price though (80K upwards), but that isn't necessarily a problem with a) diesels and b) the fact that many will be ex-company cars and therefore spent most of their lives on motorways. Good mpg, cheap and easy to insure and service.

Chris (Scoob available if you want it )

Brendan Hughes

French diesel?

Not sure about 5k cars with aircon, would have thought it's increasingly common these days...

jjones

pug 306 dturbo.

about 2-3k for a good one. group 5 insurance. reasonable car and should get 45-50mpg on the motorway no problem.

S.B.

306 as above

Dream Weaver

Sal

If you want a look at our Focus, pop over one evening. Its a 1.8 Zetec, but will give you a feel for it. They are excellent cars, I really do like ours a lot.

Bloody great on the Motorway as well - you can tell they were designed with reps in mind

Si

BrettC

I know they aren't particulary small but how about a saab 900 or 9000. Very comfortable and if you get servicing/repairs done at a non main dealer specialist they are not expensive to maintain. They are great motor way cars with quite good fuel econmy for quite a big car. My 9000 2.3T (200bhp) on a normal motorway run returns about 35-37 mpg!! . In fact for your budget you may be able to get a nice 93 or 95. (Although the later saabs are GM so the fact that my spidey senses you aren't too keen on vauxhalls these might not be an option for you)
Just my 2p worth.
Good luck

For your budget:

Saab 9000 2.3 Turbo AERO with low miles and fully automated climate control with fantistic leather seats and 225 bhp is available. Awesome car and a real mile muncher!

Scoobychick

iTrader: (1)

Chris - would love a scoob but too expensive, maybe when I've made my first <DelBoy mode on>million</off> although I expect by then I'll be in a 911

Brendan, jjones & SB - I hadn't considered that, thanks, they're just the kind of suggestions I need, I'll look into 306's.

Si - cheers matey, will definitely do (especially as Bob wants one too) I've got an old MX-5 if you want a go in that too...

Brett - funny, I was looking at Saab's last night..

Dream Weaver

Mail me Sal, and pop over one night next week. MX5 plans are on hold now though as we're buying a new house instead

Cider boy

Focus is the way to go - 306 is dated inside & out and also can't get near a Focus for driving pleasure!

I went from a 1.8 Zetec Focus to my Scooby, if it wasn't for the lure of it I would still have a Focus now. Brilliant car, great to drive, find a Zetec with Climate Pack and you get A/C, heated mirrors & heated windscreen. The heated windscreen is worth paying the extra for alone - I still really miss it now!

Don't go for a Ghia as you get the same spec as above but natty fake wood on the dash and a move up 1 insurance group for no reason!

The only car that would get me out of my scoob at the moment is a Focus RS, really want one!!!

Matt

CraigH

New shape mondeo. You can pick those up for under £5k already, excellent cruisers, fairly nice inside etc.

dtriggs

As you want a Motorway mile muncher a slightly bigger car would be better in terms of relaxed cruising.

I can vouch for a Saab 9-5 - I bought a 1999 T, 3.0 Turbo petrol for £4750 but it does have 110,000 miles so probably wouldnt be for you. I got it as I wont do a very high mileage.