Passat, Mondeo, Focus or ? 12K

tin79

Hello All

Apologies for yet another one of these threads

I am looking to pick up a new one in the next month or two. Coming from a 2003 Mondeo TDCI. Budget is for cars priced around 12K or less.

I would like a 2008 or later and I am leaning diesel. Mileage is about 20K miles per year and I do a number of long runs (Dublin to Kerry, Donegal and West Cork) per year.

I also do some light towing (boat with 900 kg GVW trailer) and the extra torque of a diesel is appreciated.

I am thinking of another Mondeo or Passat and an estate would be nice though not critical. Boot has to have enough roon for an outboard engine and baby buggy (not at the same time!). Has to have alloys. Dont mind the county or mileage once its not excessive.

Lately though I have been looking at a Focus as there are a reaosnable amount of the 1.6 and 1.8 diesel estates out there. The low tax, lack of DMF issues and efficiency of the 1.6 is somewhat tempting me.

Coming from a Mondeo would the Focus seem smaller and not as comfortable?

The 1.6 has a towing limit of 1300 kg. Is the 1.6 too small for even light towing?

Any other alternatives that might fit the bill?

Any thoughts appreciated.

Cliffage

Hi am wondering what you went for in the end, and what swayed you? Facing a similar dilemma, albeit with a smaller budget so older models