9k to spend

[blah!]

Hi, I have got 9k to spend on a car, not a new one, i cant handle the depreciation! I like my cars, and know a fair bit ( i like to think). I am currently thinking about at a Mini Cooper S, Clio 182, Focus RS and the sensible side of me is looking at an A3 1.9 TDI. I dont want the milage to be too high, below 40k. Does anyone have any suggestions as to which cars i should look at?

[spaced]

Stay away from the Clio and anything else french for that matter. Focus sounds like a good plan, Cooper would be a better buy in my opinion. Differnce would be in the cost of repairs and parts, ford being cheaper than BMW.

The A3 is a fantastic car. I would look at a Honda Civic aswell.

Think about insurance too, as that might sway your decision.

[WoWo]

I'd seriously look at a Seat, either an Altea or Leon. Built on the same chassi as the Audi and Volkswagons but much cheaper and come with decent spec as standard.

[NORMANTHEDOG]

i would think 9k is not enough to buy a decent cooper s

[OBonio]

I was going to suggest a Seat Leon too.

[blah!]

Guys, cheers for the input, much appreciated, i have had a look at the cars you all suggested. The leon looks like a good alternative to the golf and the A3, but the Altea looks a little big for my needs. Thanks.

[WoWo]

RoaldoM - The OP said that they wanted a car with less than 40k on the clock, that one has 52k.

Fair point on the Altea but I found the new shape Leon too small for my 6'2" frame. If you are going for the older shape Leon then room wise it's very good.