ChefDude

I'm after people's experiences with hatchbacks around the 1.6L capacity...

I need a small hatchback that's not going to bust the bank in terms of petrol/diesel, servicing and insurance.

One of the main requirements is that every other week, i'll be doing a round trip of 350 miles in a day, so I want something where i'm not going to be crippled afterwards! and i don't want to have to push it down a slip road to get on a motorway either!

So on long journeys, what are peoples experiences with models/marques like mini, corolla, golf, civic? what about seat?, skoda?,mazda?

initial cost £6-10K I reckon.

I haven't driven for 5 years, so have no idea what to expect in 3/4 year old car

coolangatta

Can't go wrong with a Ford Focus, petrol or diesel

http://www.petrolheads.co.uk/sales/952638.htm

ChefDude

i quite like the look of that, and a great site too!

Matteeboy

A good friend does 70 miles each way every day in his 1.6 Focus and hasn't died yet.

They are a bit slow but easy to repair, cheap to run and fun on the twisties, even in bog standard form.

If you wanted a "fun" 1.6 small hatch then a Saxo VTS would be a lot of fun - but you'd have to drive in disguise.

Leslie

A BMW Mini Cooper is a very good car, on long distance driving too. Plenty of room in the back with the rear seat backs down. Certainly economical on a run too. Outstanding roadholding and reasonably fast.

Les

coolangatta

I have to agree Les although the ubiquitous nature of the Focus still makes it my favourite as a workhorse/easy to live with choice.

Turbo2

I like the look of these, which fall into your price bracket. They're a current model and still barely two years old so presumably still under warranty. Not sure if the petrol ones could pull the skin off your custard though.

South Wales Sportscars : Fiat Bravo 1.4 Dynamic

Craignairn Cars Limited : FIAT BRAVO 1.9 Multijet 150 Sport 5dr

dey motor company ltd : FIAT BRAVO 1.4 T-JET 150 ACTIVE 5 DR

RC Brendon Specialist Cars : FIAT Bravo Active 1.4 T Jet 150

Lodge Motor Company : Fiat Bravo 1.4 T-Jet 150 Sport 5 Door

Coc-ker

iTrader: (1)

If you can live with the age, a 106 XSi 1.6. Fairly quick in standard form, and if you chuck a rallye inlet on and a cam, it goes like a rocket!

ChefDude

excellent suggestions chaps thanks!