New car - any ideas ?

[rebby]

In July I'm hoping to get a new car - at least an 05 plate. I want something a bit sporty up to a 1.6 engine, decent priced insurance, spending up to �10k. I have looked at Alfa Romeo 147, Mazda 3, or a VW Golf so far. I realise I'm probably asking the impossible, but a bit of guidance would be great. Thanks !

[Ward-Minter]

I wouldn't touch an alfa if it was given to me. yes they look nice but have the build quality and reliability as a torch from The Pound Store. Don't do it.

Sporty, consider a Rover. Very Very good deals at the mo on all ranges. Not a bad car really.

However, my advice would be don't worry too much about the age. For a few years older you could pick up a Mazda MX5 (if you haven't got kids!)

Golf 1.6's are not in the least sporty. GTi's aren't even much cop really. nice cars yes, but not quick.

Overall the most sportiest, cheapest insurance 1.6 litre you can buy will be a Citroen Saxo VTS or VTR. As long as you are not over 6 foot, they can be fun.

Good luck.

[Impret-Sir]

Ward-Minter, I cant see how you can complain about the build quality of Alfas, (which is actually very good on the 147), then recommend a Citroen Saxo! Ciroens generally are not renound for their build, and the Saxo is one of the worst of the bunch. I assume you mean an MG when you suggest a Rover, but it wont be easy to buy a new one come July, and dealer back-up will be limited. Rebby, In fact it will be hard to buy a new car for 10k that has a bit of life in it, I too would forget buying new and go for something a few years older, maybe a Seat Leon 1.6 16valve sport, or a Peugeot 206 1.6XSi.

[andrewlee]

My girlfriend has a Mazda 3, and it's the most uncomfortable car I have ever driven. It's a family hatchback, and not remotely sporty. However, I have no doubt that it would go on for ever, and it does seem well screwed together.

Andrew

[bluejonjo]

Saxo's are **** and loose money like an irish in a betting shop. Pikey Max Power boy racer rubbish. Its not called ******** for nothing. Plus if you hit anything your dead.

Golf's aren't fast (unless its GTi, the new one is awesome) but better value, build and image. Alfa 147 is actually not bad. Have you looked at the TDi Golf?

206 are common and a girls car. driven by idiots and you can break into them with a carrot and a match stick.

Sack rover off, its dead money. The k seris engine (sports) is suseptable to headgasket problems. Same as the ******** if you pay 10k for a car, in a week its worth a 10p. No one can sell them because no one knows whats happening with rover/warrenties/parts etc etc etc

Clio sport is ok. Ive got a 1.4s, insurance is nothing, group 3 or something, it goes well (more than enough for town) but the driving position is rubbish (long arms and short legs, ideal if your a french monkey), though its better than the 3 fords (a 1.8gti included) saab 9000 and subaru imprezza sport I've had, all things considered.

If I had 10k (I wish) look at a second hand A3 TDI. Fast cheap to run and smart. bomb proof and you can always sell them on.

Or just get what car mag.

[bluejonjo]

why cant you post

"* * * * r o e n"?

[theren_911]

Probably because you're spelling it ********R*O*E*N*??? lol

[theren_911]

goddamnit It got me aswel!

The alfa 147's are really nice, but I hear they depreciate REALLY fast. Hyundai are bringing out a new version of the Accent soon (or maybe already!), which looks really nice. It's a Hatch, rather than the saloon type. Looks quite nice, and they have 5 year warranty!

[spaced]

rebby, there are some correct and incorrect points. Alfas have had bad stigma in the past due to build quality and reliability. This has now been overcome, I have test driven alot of cars around millbrook track and the alfas are one the best I have driven, including the beautifully designed 147. Unfortunately, they depreciate quite rapidly and are expensivo to repair.

Citroen - just stay away...pure and simple. VTR is just plain chavvy and old hat now.

Mazda - I would recommend any japansese car, as their engines are fantastic. Only downfall with japanese cars is that they are not the best looking of cars.

VW Golf - Very good, sturdy bit of kit, better than the Series 1 BMW. But must be TDI or GTI.

Vauxhall - Look at the astra (Turbo Diesel). Stay away from Corsa, again very chavvy.

I would also look at Skoda Fabia VRS (used). I recommend ANY skoda to anyone. Trust me they are good cars.

Look at the Ford Focus, new and old shape. Seewhich one tickles your fancy. Look at 1.6 and higher, ZETEC. Personally the old shape is nicer and has a sturdier ride.

Like Impret-Sir says, Seat leon is a good contender.

Rover - NO!

Peugeot - 206 in my opinion is a girls car.

[tigga]

My pick from all of the above would be the Audi a3 first or the Seat Leon - preferably the cupra model.

[spaced]

Audi 3, forgot about that one. Good one Tigga. Very solid car, audi...well speaks for itself, good motors.

[rebby]

Thanks for your advice all - I currently drive an MG ZR 1.4. I like the way it looks but the performance isn't great, hence wanting something a bit sporty but not the class 9 insurance to go with it. I really don't like Renault, Citroen, Vauxhall - all their cars just bore me (sorry !) Volkswagen seem to keep their 2nd hand value quite well but I think they may be a tad out of my prioce range.