Hatchbacks

[Bernard]

I'm surprised Mustang hasn't posted, doesn't he have a focus for sale?

[Wildhound]

Automatic Mfto? Tsk tsk, getting lazy.

The Saab convertibles are lovely though!

[Mustang]

My choice would be either the mazda 3 -the lift back (longer shape one) Think that shape is better looking than the hatch back shape. Just for the Jap realiability etc. Never driven one. Or alternatively a ford focus -reliable, cheap and widely available parts, simple to work on -every mechanic knows their way around them. If going for a Mk II it'd have to be at least a 1.6 either perol or diesel -I'd be inclined towards the oil burner myself. Decent handling -for the class of car that it is.

[Mustang]

I'm surprised Mustang hasn't posted, doesn't he have a focus for sale?

Bernard I actually started typing my post before you (probably) but took ages to type as I was on the phone.
I have not been proactive with selling the car at all. Partly because I've gotten used to having a sensible car around -my "Clark Kent" car as one friend referred to it . And partly becasue I'd probably end up replacing it anyway. I might actually put some effort into selling it the next time the tax or insurance falls due.
When approaching a purchase such as this I think it's best to put your 'civilian' hat on and treat the transaction the same way you would treat the purchase of some white goods for the house. Such cars should be bought with the head not the heart.

Agree with above comments regarding the focus 1.4. Acceptable in the Mk 1, but just too underpowered in the mk2.

I know nothing about them but, on the assumption of jap reliability I'd maybe consider a mitsi Charisma. Cheap and way under budget.
Speaking for myself I'd consider an early naughties primera or avensis hatch (not that common -nearly all saloons on the Irish market). Again way under budget. Would this size car be too big?

[Muad_dib77]

Sorry Mustang.. I have to step in here having taken my driving license in a Charisma..

Oh dear god! Horrible piece of machinery..I was in the 2 liter version, and there was nothing happening at all. I've had more fun staring at a wall.

I suppose it is pratical, yes.. but no..

[Mustang]

Sorry Mustang.. I have to step in here having taken my driving license in a Charisma..

Oh dear god! Horrible piece of machinery..I was in the 2 liter version, and there was nothing happening at all. I've had more fun staring at a wall.

I suppose it is pratical, yes.. but no..

Fair enough -again think white goods, when was the last time you bought an exciting fridge!
My logic is just -cheap, Jap, reliable, decent size. 1.3 would be easy to tax and insure. I would fully expect it to be dull as dish water. It all depends on what you want out of it I suppose.

[Muad_dib77]

you talking smack about my fridge-freezer?

I hear ya..

It's all very subjective really..

[Dilogoat86]

I'm just gonna get another ball rolling...Citroën C4 Coupé. I know you said not French, but I think the C4 kind of doesn't apply. The 2.0 HDi is very efficient too (after all the French are very good at diesel) has 135BHP and handles well. 5 star NCAP, 4 for child, 3 for peds. Engine is co-developed by Ford so it's not made of cheese and dreams.

[Mustang]

I'm just gonna get another ball rolling...Citroën C4 Coupé. I know you said not French, but I think the C4 kind of doesn't apply. The 2.0 HDi is very efficient too (after all the French are very good at diesel) has 135BHP and handles well. 5 star NCAP, 4 for child, 3 for peds. Engine is co-developed by Ford so it's not made of cheese and dreams.

I suspect that when CJ said no French cars what he meant was NO FRENCH CARS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES but I could be wrong
Lets be clear on this as well, it's a 3dr hatch back not a coupe, unless you fall for the marketing BS. I'm assuming this will be a third car, and as such would get ocassional use - Despite the efficiency I think it would be hard to justify 2L tax for such a car.

[Myfeckin FTO]

The C4 "coupe" is a good left field choice - though if doing smallish miles then I'm sure the 1.4 would suit just fine - http://www.carzone.ie/search/Citroen/C4 ... annel=CARS

[colm_mcm]

The 1.4 is a dead duck though.

Also 3rd totally impractical for babbies, otherwise why not just keep the FTO?