Idea's/opinion's on my Other car
 

Looking to buy another car for everyday use, Scooby is a weekend car.
This is the first time I've bought a car for a specific need. I've previously bought cars I just like. Now I have a young child to consider, and am looking to have more in the nearish future.

My criteria (family sized saloon, economical [ diesel? ], large boot, good safety, 02 onwards, budget 3.5-to 5k) has narrowed it down to these three:

Honda accord 03-08 model - 2.2 -CTDi - Smallest boot out of all three, at 468 litres. Best MPG 51. Highest insurance group, 12. CO2 emissions 145g/km

Toyota Avensis 03-09 Model - 2.0TD - Largest boot, 510 litres, 48MPG, IG 7, 155g/km

Mazda 6 02-08 model - 2.0d - 500 litre boot, 47MPG, IG 8, 165g/km.

The Subaru was the first Jap motor I got, and have enjoyed the reliabilty of it for the last 3 years. So thats why they are all Jap models above.

Would appreciates people experiences with any of the above. All seem to be OK for reliabilty having a brief look about, but the Mazda, I have seen two about for sale with knocling engines. One was petrol, one diesel.

thanks

Mazda's - had two, would never have another both unreliable, have inherent problems the dealers are not interestied in - Even though the USA dealers had recalls to fix the problems - dealers are rubbish, unable to diagnose problems.

Toyota, had several, all great cars. The Avensis is sooo boring mind but a good car build quality on par with mercedes.

Honda's, had several, never, ever had a problem with them at all relaible as clockwork, dealers good, cars great excellent build quality- accord is a cracking car.

Hmmmm, thanks for that. I kind had my reservations about the Mazda, but thought it was worth looking into.

Parkers has the Avensis down as boring, so I was also expecting that.

The one I've fancied the most is the Accord. Actually looked at one in a car supermarket, and didn't think the boot space was bad at all, coming from a Pug 306.

Appreciate the input.

No problem:)
How about a Saab 1.9td (150BHP) - your price range is about right

What is that a 93 model? Thats the only model I know, lol.

There's nothing wrong with any of those cars though we also had trouble with Mazda dealers. The Accord is comfortably the best of the three (even better in estate form) but at your budget I'd go for the best condition/history and lowest mileage car you can get regardless.
All will be a better bet than a Saab!:)

Good luck.

my understanding is 93 is avaliable in hatch estate the 5dr hatch. the 95 is a bigger version of it - may be completley wrong mind:)

I am thinking of getting one and will have to do a bit of research first:)!

Been to see all three at a car supermarket. The Accord has definetly one the missus over.
It was a close call with the Avensis having more boot space, but the Accord has more than enough and feels more agile. The Avensis although I like the build quality and comfort, felt like an old mans car, and was a bit of a lump.

The Mazda felt cheap and plasticy inside. Just reminded me of a 90's Ford.

So I'm on the lookout for a Honda Accord i-CDTI. Not too worried about the trim level, although the Executives are the best. Trying to find one in the budget without some serious mileage is going to be a bit of a mission.

unless you are doing mega miles why a diesel??

as above a saab 93 or 95 will do the job, full of kit but handling is a bit wobbly - smooth ride and 5 star ncap for the 95 etc.

My 95 Aero (2.3 turbo) does over 30mpg most of the time..

What about a BMW 328ise 4 door, bit more of a hoot to drive i suppose.

With the Honda's it doesn't matter as the petrol versions are usually the same price as the diesels - they were when we bought our 6 month old Civic anyway, both with the same power but the diesel has more torque - both have similar performance figures.

We don't do mega miles, but its much nicer putting £50 of fuel in and getting 500 miles out of it than 250 miles. :)

The 2.2 is a cracking engine and ours will still do 55-57mpg on a run, averaging around 42-45mpg during the week driving through town etc.

Agreed, the Honda diesel in the Accord is a cracking engine.

Agree with Dream Weaver. We don't do mega miles, but would prefer the efficiency, and like to fill it up less.

I did consider a 3 series, both my brothers have them, the e46. But I didn't rate them for boot space and comfort. Shame, as I did want something RWD.

Agree about the boot space, my 320d E46 is poor, test fitted a pram in the boot other day and space was very tight, plus the rear seats dont fold down :cuckoo:
In hindsight I would have gone for the touring over the saloon.

What about a Passat? Dads got a 130TDI, plenty of poke, very comfy (full leather, heated seats) and a big boot.

My understanding of the VAG cars is that Audi is the best one. So when I was using the A4 as gauge, and didn't like that, I wasn't interested in the VW/Seat/Skoda versions.

Non turbo Impreza Sport maybe.

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/961829.htm

or

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/966362.htm

No way. I wouldn't ebe able to do that to myself. I still have my Turbo classic for the weekends.

Its 100% now. The Accord it is.

Thanks for the advice guys.

You're welcome Joey.

I tried the Accord and then went for a spin in the Honda FRV, same engine as the Accord. All the benefits for Honda but in a semi MPV. I like the wider track and its fun to drive (up to a point)

We had an E46 Coupe before the Civic and that was one of the reasons for the sale, nothing would fit in the boot, pram etc (plus it was a coupe so not so good with a baby on the way at that time)!! :D

We are going back to the 3 series next though, hopefully a E90 320 Touring. We've enjoyed the Civic but it's time for a change soon as I get bored easily with the family car and fancy some new toys. :)

Just hope the E90 is more reliable than our E46 in the engine dept!!

Just one thing before you go for the Accord Joey, check running costs.

Ours is good on tax, fuel and insurance but the servicing isn't cheap if you use Honda. Our last service (2nd) was £514 as it needed new discs/pads after only 18k miles which is a common issue apparently!! Service alone was £344 which is steep IMO as my Focus ST 2nd service was only £184.