Jonathan Davies

Another car choice thread I'm afraid...

I want to change my 96 XJR this year. It's been great, but I fancy something a bit more practical and less flash... the XJR's taken a bit of kicking when parked on London's streets. I wouldn't mind doing better than high teens mpg occasionally too.

My criteria:

£7-10k (dealer price - need to trade the Jag in cos I can't face selling it; should get iro 4/5k?)
Hatchback with a bit of room for lugging things
Robust, reliable and cheaper to run than my last two (XJR and WRX)
Not too slow
Leather interior to keep in the style to which I've become accustomed.

Current contenders are:

Octavia: 01/02 ish, 1.8T (either 150 or 180 vRS)

Focus: not sure what... ST maybe?

I've considered a Wagon - I did love my WRX bugeye - but the running costs put me off a tad.

I'm veering towards the Skoda at the mo. Anyone got any views on these two? I like the Focus but not sure what model might suit me.

Or am I missing some other obvious choice - Leon?

Share your wisdom scoobynetters!

NewLabour

I'd get a Skoda Octavia 1.8 T 4x4 estate if I was in your position and a remap. Or if you don't need the all weather ability a VRS. L+K model might also give you some of the refinements you've been used to with your jag albeit on a lesser scale.

Jonathan Davies

Yeah - vRS or 150hp L+K are the preferred options. I just wonder if I should give the Focus (or something else) a closer look...

NewLabour

ST170 Focus is a letdown, I wouldn't bother.

Have you considered the 1.820VT Cupra? I prefer the Skoda for it's inverse snob value and dealers but they are good cars. Likewise the diesel Cupra but for that money you could probably get an R these days.


VAG has the market sewn up for your requirments/price range I reckon.

Could always consider a MKIV 1.8T+remap- pick the right car and you could get a great spec- leather recaros etc. Although harder from a dealer but a bit of legwork...............