First time buyer, What hatchback??

DaBomb

Hey i'll hopefully be buying my first car and would love a hatchback, a 1.4 or 1.6 would be good The only thing is i've no idea what to get I think a focus or golf would be nice so if ye've any suggestions id love to hear them thanks

Ps. my budget is about €1200-€1800

colm_mcm

Don't rule anything out, it's all about condition at that price level, check out the bangeromics thread here for ideas. Often overlooked cars like Mitsubishi lancers, Mazda 323s etc. can be a wise choice as they don't command the same price as more obvious choices.

dgt

Or in red...

colm_mcm

I had one of those dgt. And as much as I liked it (10 years ago) I'd never recommend anyone buy one. They're around since the mid 90s and while it's novel to see them around sometimes, there are far better options out there nowadays.

Also, most of them are in rag order at this stage

shawnee

The reason there are so many focuses around is that they are a really well designed car. Couldn't see the attraction until I owned one but I really liked the seating , the visibility and if you are looking for one, consider the 1.6 and go for a decent spec.

Chuck Stone

Mazda 323

New timing belt

NCT (March, 13)

dgt

colm_mcm wrote: »

I had one of those dgt. And as much as I liked it (10 years ago) I'd never recommend anyone buy one. They're around since the mid 90s and while it's novel to see them around sometimes, there are far better options out there nowadays.

Also, most of them are in rag order at this stage

Very very true. If you can find one in good order, it is a cracking first car. Feels big inside yet with the 1.2 is engine cheap to run. Really fun in the bends for what it is I'd avoid the 1.4 like the plague though :pac: No Italian electrics of old or rust either! I can't fault them except on a few niggly bits (door handles are crap, most have the crappy purple interior, handbrake feels crappy etc)

A tip top 1.2 is well within budget Alas, ones in good order are very hard to find though

I'd recommend one over a Stilo anyday as a mate of mine has one and he's out with me every other week with some electric fault, mechanical issue etc... Taking a step back eh :rolleyes:

colm_mcm

I drove a stilo when they were launched with a view to upgrading, wanted a 1.6 with the sky roof, horrible slow thing. Had a lucky escape there

Spec on the first few months was very generous. I remember the high spec model being massively cheaper than a base golf at the time.

Littlehorny

Chuck Stone wrote: »

Mazda 323

New timing belt

NCT (March, 13)

+1 on the Mazda 323f in hatchback from that era, i had one and it was a great car, 1.5l engine was responsive and a really nice car to drive. Also they are very reliable and most come with above average spec. Would buy another one tomorow only need a van for my job.

colm_mcm

One thing about those per facelift 1.3 LX models is that the spec is very low, the facelift models have electric windows and cd player etc.

miller50841

Skoda Fabia
VW polo
Ford Focus great car

Bpmull

Have to say we had a Mazda 323f a while back it was a 00 and it was a great car for the money definitely have a look at them if they are within the budget.