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iTrader: (14)

Hi, i need help on choosing a new run around.

I have a budget of £3.5k £4k at a push for the right car.

I travel 25 miles to and from work each day and a few miles in the evening to and from where ever.

I'm looking for something sensible (read not impreza/evo etc) which will return a reasonable mpg,And something that i won't be tempted to play with.

Perhaps a GTI of some sort Petrol or Diesel, i'm not too fussed.

I would also prefer something that was built in this decade.

Other than that there are no other criteria it needs to fulfill.

Can you help ?

Thanks

Brad

ScoobyJawa

Leon Cupra. 180bhp (or 210ish chipped), climate, easy to fit cruise if not fitted, t/c etc. Also has 16's if you get a MK1 pre facelift so dead cheap tyres and returns 30mpg.

Not a lot around in age/mileage/kit to compare.

Matteeboy

I'd look at an ST170 Focus (will be oldish/highish miles) and a TDCI Focus (newer) with the 2.0 engine.

The former is a brilliant handler, not bad on petrol and very highly specced, the latter is great on fuel, pulls well and handles well. Do NOT get the earlier TDI model though.

Golfs, Seats and similar will just be sky high milers than are a PITA to look after at that price.

ScoobyJawa

Agree re Golfs, but Leon Cupra's (better to drive by miles than the MKIV Golf) can be had for 2.5-4k with 80k miles or less. Quite easy to pick up a 2003 car for 3.5k with 60k miles. My 2001 with 70k miles (and a few mods) was 3k in July last year.

ST170 is a good handler, underpowered engine though.

MK2VTR8VALVE

What your opinions on a 320d BMW with 100k miles or so?

Matteeboy

A great car but be wary if it's last shape (E46) - swirl flap failure is quite common and quite tragic for the car. I think it took BMW a little while to get the hang on TDI engines.