2005 Focus v Golf v Mazda3 ?

Raven_k42

Evening all

I'm in the process of changing to an 04/05 1.4 car. Before you all shout...I know 1.4 versions are underpowered and a 1.6 makes much better driving/economy sense...but I need to bring my "L" son onto the insurance policy and 1.4 engine (plus low value of 04/05 car) makes a big difference for me. I'll live with the performance issues. I'm over 6" and need space...so we've settled on 1.4 size-wise.

It was down to Focus v Golf...until I looked at a Mazda3 earlier in the week. Perhaps not the same build quality...but given the market I'm in it could make sense. I appreciate we're not talking big money...but I just want to avoid any obvious mistake buys.

Anything anyone can advise from experience ??...besides "don't sacrifice your own driving pleasure for one of your children !!".

Thanks in advance,
K

colm_mcm

What's the budget?

Raven_k42

...looking 4-5k Colm - max €5k.

Since I posted I've been searcing various sites...there are some nice 2007 Almeras in price range...although 1.5.

Thanks anyway,
K

colm_mcm

Almeras are junk.

colm_mcm

I'd have one of these, nippy for 1.4, decent equipment, and a modern, safe design.
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/2007-kia-ceed-1-4-nct/8872478?offset=4

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/kia-ceed-2008/8921422?offset=6

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/kia-ceed/8917312?offset=7

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/kia-ceed/8870924?offset=9

Raven_k42

colm_mcm wrote: »

I'd have one of these, nippy for 1.4, decent equipment, and a modern, safe design.
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/2007-kia-ceed-1-4-nct/8872478?offset=4

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/kia-ceed-2008/8921422?offset=6

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/kia-ceed/8917312?offset=7

http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/kia-ceed/8870924?offset=9

Thanks Colm - really interesting. I hadn't thought about the Ceed but get what you're saying about "modern". The links all look good - new direction for me !.

Thanks,
Kevin