advice please

[sunflower68]

Mr Sunflower's new job gives him a �12k budget on a new car of his choice. What would you recommend, bearing in mind we have 2 kids. We need boot space but also think a sporty looking car would be nice too.

[Alltorque]

I've been driving a Skoda Fabia vRS for 2 years now and love it. �12k will get you a new one. It's the 130bhp 1.9TDi engine + 6 speed g/box so goes well, is very economical, (around 45 - 55 mpg), cheap to insure and big enough for your needs, I think. Looks pretty funky but is not "in your face". All the mechanicals are VW/Audi, the dealers are great and it eats BMW 3-series for breakfast. Have a look and don't fall into the badge-snob trap. Otherwise look at the new Skoda Octavias - all new Golf underpinnings but more space and better value.

That's my opinion, anyway and yes, I would buy another Skoda without any hesitation.

[Bez]

You could try the Seat Leon.

You can get a 1.6 Essence from �11,495 on the road or the 1.6 Reference from �12,195 on the road (the difference is air con).
Prices stated are list price from Seat so you may be able to find some savings on them.

These are 5 doors which is good for kids.

Although they may not have sporty performance, they do look sporty and have a reasonable boot.

They are part of the VolkswagenAudi Group so build quality is good.

[Alltorque]

Right on, Bez. SEAT Leon is another Golf-based goody and the SEAT Ibiza is their Skoda Fabia equiv. All come in a multitude of guises. From quick inspection, I think the Octavias give a bit more room, particularly in boot space, but I'm splitting hairs here.

Have to say that the Leon is a good looking device.

Buy either Skoda or SEAT and you really should not be disappointed. Just a matter of which of the styles appeals more to you personally..............and location of dealers.

[mlbt]

The VW spin offs above are all very well and good, but they are a little too....erm....dull and german. Good cars, all of them, but very soul less.....try these if you fancy a change from the usual euro boxes......

1 Ford Mondeo ST220- sublime handler, bloody quick, and also comes as a diesel version
2 MG ZTT- bit of a risk, due to rovers demise, but cheap, sporty, comfortable and comes in estate form (the 4.6l mustang engined one is nudging 14k at auction.....)
3 BMW 540i-previous generation-the default bmw choice, but rear drive, shockingly good performance, and a capable euro tourer....expensive if it catches the flu, but pretty reliable to about 160,000 miles
4 A 'p' plate Audi A4 for the kids, and a mk1 Lotus Elise....its worth a thought!!

[sunflower68]

Thanks for all replies. Mltb I love the Audis too. Mr S had a Skoda Superb with a job he had a year or two ago. Unfortunately the company went bust but he always says it was the best car he ever had. Once he got over the shame of driving a Skoda of course!! I think he might get another skoda.