tallsteve

Mate of mine is looking to get a runaround for his other half. He's got a 1K budget (maybe a bit extra for the right motor). The criteria are:

Focus-ish size
Ultra reliable
Ideally under 60K miles - no more than 80K miles

I was thinking along the lines of Toyota Corolla / Honda Civic / Nissan Almera - Any others to consider?

Any engine options to go for / avoid within the cars selected?

exvaux

iTrader: (1)

astra mk 4

RobEvo5

iTrader: (9)

Pre- facelift scenic. Very versatile and practical, and great if you have kids or not.

But at 1K I would just have an open mind and trust your instincts, and buy whatever seems best value/conditon for the money. If you can buy a car from one of these cheap car traders its a good idea, they charge very little extra over private, and you have 3 months warranty even though they won't tell you that. Unlikley they would fix the car is something major goes wrong but they would offer you another car in exchange.

Bald Speed Racing

Ive probably just got myself a nice n tidy mk3 golf estate. mega low mileage, 1 owner from new and fsh

jjones

mk3 golf tdi , more like 80k on the clock though but good for 250

tallsteve

couple of votes for VW / Golfs so far... Plus the rather bizzare mention of a supercharged Jag and V8 Rangie (not exactly focus-ish size or ideal for a 1st car, but hope you get a good-un!). No mention of Jap or Korean stuff yet, slightly suprised.

what would scooby do

I'd go for a saab 9000 non turbo for about £400 -lasts forever..

s70rjw

iTrader: (2)

Almera. Chain driven cam, so no cambelt to change. Bullet proof mechanicals. Zero image,dull to drive so not targeted by thieves. Cheap parts. 4 star NCAP

webby v7 slipperwagon

iTrader: (2)

Not really focus size, but go for as new as poss VW POLO. Then save some money
.De badge
.Slam on coily's
.Ride it on a set of BBS RS/RM's with streched rims

escott

iTrader: (1)

Mazda 323? Should last forever!