Recommend me my next car

[LiamGTR]

Ok so; New job, more money, using car to travel to work and back, want a new car. They are all the reasons.

 

In order of importance:

• Sporty/Nice looks
  
• Reliable
  
• Cheapish Insurance & High/Good MPG (I couldn't decide which one is more important...)
  
• £1,500 absolute max to buy
  
• Cheap to maintain
  

I was thinking a 1.6 Ford Puma, but been getting a few quotes and they aren't too cheap to insure, my stats are:

• 19 years old
  
• Held licence for 2 years
  
• 1 NCB
  
• 3 Points (TS10)
  

 

Not looking to buy tomorrow, but in a few months or after christmas i'll be wanting a new car.

 

[EscortNreg]

Vauxhal tigra. Edited September 18, 2010 by EscortNreg

[LiamGTR]

Vauxhal tigra.

Not sure if that's a joke, with the simple reply? but I've looked, simply because they look very similar to the Puma, but again they aren't too good on insurance, and i'd rather pay the extra £100 or so and get the Puma.

 

Thanks all the same though.

 

Another question, will a Puma be alright on a daily commute and do they return decent enough MPG? Atleast better than a 1.4 Escort ?

[scottg17]

Focus 1.4 / 1.6

Or, golf mk4 1400/1600

[LiamGTR]

Focus 1.4 / 1.6

Or, golf mk4 1400/1600

Hmmmm, you're the 2nd person to recommend a golf....

 

Is a focus not a bit too heavy for a 1.4 engine or isit a better engine than those in the 1.4 escorts?

[andaba]

MX-5

[Craig855S]

1.6 Escort with skirts and spats!

 

I can't think of much else that you can buy for 1500 quid and insure cheaply TBH

 

A 306 D Turbo may tick all your boxes. Better engine than diesel and 1.4 petrol escorts, better steering than all escorts just a horrible clutch pedal and gearchange. And visually it looks sporty, especially if you get one with facelift bits on.

 

Maybe try a late HDI actually, they should be sub 1500 quid

 

Dont be put off by potentially high insurance, the MPG will more than make up any excess money spent

Edited September 18, 2010 by Craig855S

[LiamGTR]

MX-5

Lol, no thanks

 

1.6 Escort with skirts and spats!

 

I can't think of much else that you can buy for 1500 quid and insure cheaply TBH

 

A 306 D Turbo may tick all your boxes. Better engine than diesel and 1.4 petrol escorts, better steering than all escorts just a horrible clutch pedal and gearchange. And visually it looks sporty, especially if you get one with facelift bits on.

 

Maybe try a late HDI actually, they should be sub 1500 quid

 

Dont be put off by potentially high insurance, the MPG will more than make up any excess money spent

Don't think i'd consider another Escort, don't all hit me at once....

 

That's what I was thinking (about the insurance > MPG thing) but the Puma i can only get down to like £2000

[Craig855S]

I dont think a puma can be super economical, if you want real fuel economy you have to go diesel. But not a lot of cars in your price range suit your insurance requirements. and the cheap to insure diesel cars are too new to be in your budget, a mk6 fiesta diesel will be pittence to insure and quite a decent diesel engine in comparison to old escort diesels but the initial purchase cost will be through the roof

[LiamGTR]

I'm not after a super eco car, but atleast soemthing a little better than the current car, and somethign that can cope with motorway speeds I've no problems with gettign a diesel (or even LPG)

[stevmo3691]

mondeo 1.8

i get over 35mpg racing around with a bluefin remap and panel filter in mine and i'm kinda heavy footed. get a zetec or better still one with the RSAP and you got good looks too boot. insurance is same for me on 1.8 escort - renewals £820 for 20yr old, 2 yrs no claims, 1 accident drivers fault for 20K.

very comfy, great for commuting, good MPG, useful size, great handling (indepedent rear suspension). cant praise enough really

downside is they look barmy on standard suspesnion but become bit uncomfortable when you lower as 30mm isnt worth bothering with so you need atleast 60 and still suffer from rust in same places as escorts, arches, sills and chasis rails.

trick is finding one with good body work as most have bashed bumpers (i saw bout 15-20 cars before got the one i did).

they can take mileage no problem - my temp mondeo for £250 was an LX and had heated front and rear screens and alot of other stuff you dont get on escorts, had 146K with no history and was picture of reliabilty

[Scort_CVH]

tbh £1500 isnt going to get you something much better than what you've got imo

[rs2k2008]

little diesel van

[massivewangers]

Not sure what the 1.6 Puma is like but my girlfriend's 1.7 wasn't ever so good compared to a Zetec Escort. It's ok around town and things but on long runs can be a bit thirsty due to the short gearing.

 

What about a Fiesta Zetec-S? Might get you in insurance a bit, but I think it's gotta be one of the best fun cars you'd get in that bracket. Half decent ones do appear at that price, so I'd definately consider it. Focus is also worth considering, and I bet you'd get a far better Focus than you'd get a Golf. And don't believe the hype, the MK4 Golf isn't that well built, I certainly wouldn't put it much above a Focus. The VW build quality arguement holds little water these days IMO, they don't justify the silly prices anymore.

 

Problem is, insurance will still be ridiculous for you no doubt, so getting anything too exciting is going to be a no go. But I should think a Zetec-S Fiesta/Puma/Focus would be in reach. All handle well and are fun to drive (Fiesta and Puma especially), but they shouldn't hurt you too much to run I wouldn't think. They'll feel effortlessly fast after the Escort, so I can't imagine you'd use anymore fuel in normal driving.

[Lee R]

Focus 1.6.

 

VERY underated car imo