What Car? Budget: 5k

Sully

Okay folks, I need your motoring advise if possible

Herself is preparing to ditch the small little car she has and step up to a bigger car, with her eye on maybe a Volvo S40. She has driven a Toyota Corolla for years, then briefly onto a Renault Megane before the timing belt went. Since then she was driving a Micra which she intends on selling now.

She is looking to buy a bigger car as she will be doing a mixed amount of driving. City driving and distance driving as she goes home to Roscommon a fair bit from Waterford through the midlands rather than via Dublin.

Her budget is about 5k - 7k at a stretch. What would people make of the S40? Any other car that's worth a shot?

Thanks!

bazz26

I had a S40, they are very nice cars to be in and drive, being based on the Ford Focus. Thing is though that they can also have their fair share of niggly problems. ABS/traction control unit for example can fail on them and they are expensive to replace. While some parts are interchangeable with the Focus I found that others are not and they tend to be the expensive especially if going the main dealer route. Electrics can also have gremlines.

Also be aware that access to the boot is narrow and rear legroom is tight. Overall though they are very well speced for the money, well built and have a quality upmarket feel to them. €5k to €7k should get you a 06 model, make sure it the SE which includes cruise control, climate control, leather seats, etc.

rubberdecky

S40 are a nice car alright, boot is not huge on them though.
Seats are comfy as hell though, very nice to drive.

What kind of engine size is she looking for?
Diesel or petrol preference?

Lot of decent cars fall into that price bracket.

If she liked the Corolla before she could do worse than going back to a Corolla, they are a good solid drive with decent reliability.

I have a Mondeo I am selling at the moment but it is a 2.0TDCI, not everyone's cup of tea. Would be leaving her with change out of her budget though.

Am sure Octavia will be suggested too and despite the abuse it gets, it is a solid machine.

Best thing she can do is go test-drive a few and see what feels good to drive, make an informed decision then

Sully

Looking for around 1.8 and a Diesel engine. I can't see her being unhappy with boot, the Micra is tiny!

rubberdecky

For that kind of money, a newer type (not newest type) S40 would be just about within reach but it would probably be high mileage and low spec.

Has she considered Peugeot 407 with 1.6Hdi engine? Have never driven one mind you.