1.4 or 1.6 petrol - what make and model to go for?

Amtmann

OK, so, over the past few weeks I've been bugging regulars here about various types of cars that I should go for. Before, however, I was set on diesel and also fuel economy, so I sought advice based on those criteria.

Since then, I've settled on petrol and fuel economy isn't quite as important to me any more, because my mileage has dramatically reduced.

So, I've narrowed it down at last.

Budget: €4,500 max.
Fuel Type: Petrol
Engine size: 1.3, 1.4, or 1.6
Body type: saloon or hatchback

I do not want a VW Golf (had one before; didn't like it).

Important considerations:

1) Comfort
2) It should be decent looking
3) A nice interior and console
4) Cupholder
5) Mechanical reliability
6) Ideally 2005/2006 reg

Based on the above criteria, what should I go for? I'm thinking:

• Mazda 3
• Opel Astra
• Ford Focus
• Peugeot 407
• Hyundai Coupe
• Hyundai Accent

**Other suggestions welcome**

Also, it would be great if you could specify the best trim level associated with the model you suggest.

Thanks a mill in advance - I appreciate the suggestions!

-Corkie-

Mazda 3 or Focus would be my choice anyway.

A 06 might be out of budget though.

Mr Benevolent

I would avoid the Accent/407 - too crap/too unreliable. Besides, the Accent and 407 are in two completely different classes, not to mention the Focus. The Mazda and Focus are essentially the same car. My choice would be either the Focus or (sigh) the Astra.

Oh yeah, go for the 1.6. The 1.4 is for short sighted individuals who like to save 30c a day on tax.

-Corkie-

Mileage is a tad high but they are very reliable and this has a good spec..

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2660740

3 month warranty too..

Ardennes1944

Astra H 1.6 twinport.

EPM

Ardennes1944 wrote: »

Astra H 1.6 twinport.

Test drove one for someone the other day. Very decent car.

Amtmann

Thanks guys (and Corkie, as ever!). I meant to ask about that actually - at what level mileage would you say "that's too high"? Whatever I buy, I will make sure that it has a good, documented service history.

(BTW, I will be buying in the new year so some 2006 cars might just about sneak into my budget.)

Ardennes1944

much much nicer than any focus for your criteria imo http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2586037

dr.fuzzenstein

If you're going for the Focus, do NOT get the 1.4 sh*tbox.
Slower than a wet week, duller than dishwater and doesn't feel solid on the road.
1.6 or bigger.

George Dalton

Focus or Astra from that list. Little to choose between them. I personally prefer the Focus, I don't like the Astra interior but that is just a personal preference thing. Just to reiterate what has already been said, go for the 1.6. The small extra cost in tax and insurance is more than offset by how much nicer the car will be to drive.

Amtmann

Great. Between the Astra and the Focus, I'm inclined to go for the 1.6 Focus, of which I think the Ghia is the best trim level.

However, I have heard great things about the Mazda 3 as well. What it would come down to between the two for me, would be the comfort and trim level. Does the Focus trump the Mazda 3 in these areas?

George Dalton

The Focus is more comfortable in my opinion. Even though they are based on the same platform (although the Mazda uses its own engine rather than the Ford one) they are very different cars to drive. The Mazda has more road noise for some reason. It also feels smaller than the Focus and the Mazda interior typically for a Jap car isn't as well finished with more hard shiny plastic on display than in the Ford. I don't know much about the trim levels or standard equipment sorry.

dr.fuzzenstein

Tremelo wrote: »

Great. Between the Astra and the Focus, I'm inclined to go for the 1.6 Focus, of which I think the Ghia is the best trim level.

However, I have heard great things about the Mazda 3 as well. What it would come down to between the two for me, would be the comfort and trim level. Does the Focus trump the Mazda 3 in these areas?

Dunno about the Mazda.
Focus is best as Zetec or Ghia. The Comfort is poverty spec AFAIK.

166man

Alfa Romeo 156?

Plenty of them around and providing they have a fsh and timing belt done relatively recently should be a good buy.

Amtmann

166man wrote: »

Alfa Romeo 156?

Plenty of them around and providing they have a fsh and timing belt done relatively recently should be a good buy.

I wouldn't touch one tbh. You don't see too many older ones on the roads, which leads me to conclude that they're not built to last. Thanks though

Frankie Lee

Civic?

PARKHEAD67

Tremelo wrote: »

OK, so, over the past few weeks I've been bugging regulars here about various types of cars that I should go for. Before, however, I was set on diesel and also fuel economy, so I sought advice based on those criteria.

Since then, I've settled on petrol and fuel economy isn't quite as important to me any more, because my mileage has dramatically reduced.

So, I've narrowed it down at last.

Budget: €4,500 max.
Fuel Type: Petrol
Engine size: 1.3, 1.4, or 1.6
Body type: saloon or hatchback

I do not want a VW Golf (had one before; didn't like it).

Important considerations:

1) Comfort
2) It should be decent looking
3) A nice interior and console
4) Cupholder
5) Mechanical reliability
6) Ideally 2005/2006 reg

Based on the above criteria, what should I go for? I'm thinking:

• Mazda 3
• Opel Astra
• Ford Focus
• Peugeot 407
• Hyundai Coupe
• Hyundai Accent

**Other suggestions welcome**

Also, it would be great if you could specify the best trim level associated with the model you suggest.

Thanks a mill in advance - I appreciate the suggestions!

Not a peugeot 407. Just dont do it.;)

x in the city

Tremelo wrote: »

OK, so, over the past few weeks I've been bugging regulars here about various types of cars that I should go for. Before, however, I was set on diesel and also fuel economy, so I sought advice based on those criteria.

Since then, I've settled on petrol and fuel economy isn't quite as important to me any more, because my mileage has dramatically reduced.

So, I've narrowed it down at last.

Budget: €4,500 max.
Fuel Type: Petrol
Engine size: 1.3, 1.4, or 1.6
Body type: saloon or hatchback

I do not want a VW Golf (had one before; didn't like it).

Important considerations:

1) Comfort
2) It should be decent looking
3) A nice interior and console
4) Cupholder
5) Mechanical reliability
6) Ideally 2005/2006 reg

Based on the above criteria, what should I go for? I'm thinking:

• Mazda 3
• Opel Astra
• Ford Focus
• Peugeot 407
• Hyundai Coupe
• Hyundai Accent

**Other suggestions welcome**

Also, it would be great if you could specify the best trim level associated with the model you suggest.

Thanks a mill in advance - I appreciate the suggestions!

1.6 is too small for any saloon, but dont think your bodget would get the new crap green party 1.6 saloons out now.

Amtmann

Frankie Lee wrote: »

Civic?

I would consider only the model that has the futuristic cabin, but looking at the prices for 2006 cars, it probably would not fit into my budget...

Tea 1000

I'd go for the Mazda 3 ahead of the Focus for the main reason being that the petrol Mazda engines are a lot better than the Ford ones. Also while neither interior is class leading, I think the Ford's looks a bit cheaper. Ford interiors tend to wear quicker than other brands too. And the seating position of the Focus is a disaster. Equipment levels I'm not sure about, but I'd say you're more likely to get air-con in the Mazda than Ford.

George Dalton

I don't think the Mazda engine is any better than the Ford 1.6 16v. The Ford engine is pretty much trouble free in my experience. What makes the Mazda better in your opinion?

misterdeeds

Hi just to add my opinion I have an opel astra (club) 05 it is very reliable and a good car to drive good looking aswell comfortable on long journeys aswell 3+ hours
hope this helps you make your mind up

ps : hate having to pay the tax every year tho :-(

GavMan

Tremelo wrote: »

I wouldn't touch one tbh. You don't see too many older ones on the roads, which leads me to conclude that they're not built to last. Thanks though

I'd urge you to reconsider.

A well kept 156 will go on and on. There are loads around the roads too. They sold really well from new

166man

GavMan wrote: »

I'd urge you to reconsider.

A well kept 156 will go on and on. There are loads around the roads too. They sold really well from new

True that! Never had a problem with our one. Also you can pick up one for way less than 5k too. Spend the change on a nice cigar or something

Amtmann

166man wrote: »

True that! Never had a problem with our one. Also you can pick up one for way less than 5k too. Spend the change on a nice cigar or something

My friend had such an Alfa. I drove it a few times and yes, I did like it. But then one day the steering just 'went' in it when he was driving it on the N25 between Carrigtwohill and Cork. No blow out, nothing. He was doing 110 km/h in a 120 zone, and this was verified by other motorists on the road at the time. The steering just ceased to work and he was almost killed after flipping twice and finishing on the roof during rushhour. Now, obviously, I know that that is a freak occurance, but it left an impression!
Also, these Alfas don't come with cup holders. I drink a lot of coffee and coke when I drive, so a cup holder, although a simple thing, is important to me.

I think it's down to the Focus, Astra or Mazda at this stage, with the Focus (zetec or ghia) edging it.

166man

Tremelo wrote: »

My friend had such an Alfa. I drove it a few times and yes, I did like it. But then one day the steering just 'went' in it when he was driving it on the N25 between Carrigtwohill and Cork. No blow out, nothing. He was doing 110 km/h in a 120 zone, and this was verified by other motorists on the road at the time. The steering just ceased to work and he was almost killed after flipping twice and finishing on the roof during rushhour. Now, obviously, I know that that is a freak occurance, but it left an impression!
Also, these Alfas don't come with cup holders. I drink a lot of coffee and coke when I drive, so a cup holder, although a simple thing, is important to me.

I think it's down to the Focus, Astra or Mazda at this stage, with the Focus (zetec or ghia) edging it.

Alfa 147 has cupholders...just sayin'

bryaner

Tremelo wrote: »

My friend had such an Alfa. I drove it a few times and yes, I did like it. But then one day the steering just 'went' in it when he was driving it on the N25 between Carrigtwohill and Cork. No blow out, nothing. He was doing 110 km/h in a 120 zone, and this was verified by other motorists on the road at the time. The steering just ceased to work and he was almost killed after flipping twice and finishing on the roof during rushhour. Now, obviously, I know that that is a freak occurance, but it left an impression!
Also, these Alfas don't come with cup holders. I drink a lot of coffee and coke when I drive, so a cup holder, although a simple thing, is important to me.

I think it's down to the Focus, Astra or Mazda at this stage, with the Focus (zetec or ghia) edging it.

Focus for me, nice solid tight drive in the 1.6 and it has a bit of punch.

GavMan

GavMan wrote: »

.....................

A well kept 156 will go on and on. ..................

Of course they will, a well kept anything will, although with the 156 there is a greater chance the belt might go before it's due to be changed.