Had Enough Of Fords And Vauxhalls

[Quoi]

I need a small automatic estate car with a budget of £2k-£3k but i seem to be mentally stuck on looking at ford (focus) and vauxhall (astra) offerings. What other makes should I look at that you would recommend - especially interested if you have had one for a while and like it.
TIA

[bhg481]

No need to stick to petrol if you're looking at cars 10 years old. Providing that you do lots of miles each year the fuel for a diesel will be much cheaper, diesels are known for their longevity, are less likely to have ben thrashed than a petrol and, at that age, are likely to be eligible for a scrappage scheme if things become desperate.

[ToraToraTora]

well I wouldn't touch diesel with a barge pole, especially older ones mainl because if something goes wrong with the filth suppression system you are knackered.

[TWR]

Quoi, good luck with your search but just a tip If I can, be cautious, make sure the car is checked, from the service history book stamped, Cam belt if it has the belt, every possible ware that you are able to see / feel /try yourself, if you are not Mechanically minded pay someone to go with you, £20 is about right, make sure you DO GET the log book ( V5) don't except it's in the post or that bull S. on some of these smaller car it's possible to remove the back seats completely without a great deal of effort, last but not least, check the drivers view in the screen for stone chips that can travel across your line of vision, that will cause the case to fail the MOT.

[Quoi]

thanks for the replies - agree about the difference between ebay and autotrader. Ebay is better when the seller sets a low price and lets the market decide.

[mjwman]

Has to be a Skoda. Fabia, Rapid or Octavia.
Brilliant quality very practical and plenty of kit.
I had my Octavia for 9 trouble free years and now I am 3 years into my Superb.

[ToraToraTora]

skoda's (VWs) are good these days, sadly driving around with a bag on your head can be a bind!

[ToraToraTora]

ok I realise the apostrophe is wrong above! Hit the button too quick!

[SpikeyBush]

Can't fault my Kia Cee'd estate which I bought 4 years old in 2014. Must be well within your price range now. I needed a car, any car which would accommodate my kayaks on the roof and mountain bike in the boot. And an automatic gearbox as I have a spinal injury making the use of a clutch pedal uncomfortable. Spent months looking online and got frustrated by people not taking ads down when the car was sold so I decided to wear out the shoe leather and just pound the second hand car yards. Never would have contemplated looking at a Kia online but once I found this one and took it for a spin it was a no brainer. 7 year warranty was good too, honoured despite it being a grey import. I'm going to keep it until the wheels drop off it.

[mjwman]

Tora Tora Tora, You are not only an ignorant *** you are 10 years behind the times!

[Cryptical]

I just bought a Ford auto sport automatic,thoroughly recommend it.
Always buy Ford for economy and price.