Upgrade Advice Please

Raven_k42

Hi All

I'm looking to slightly "upgrade" from my existing 2006 Focus 1.4. I need a little more space...perhaps some comfort...and the 80PS currently available to me just not enough (plus MPG not great in 1.4). I can't afford to worry about driving excitement...and need to worry about reliability and keeping costs tight. My 90% city driving doesn't warrant diesel. I'm currently considering 2007-2008 1.6...either Mondeo, Avensis or Passat. Any major issues I should be aware of...or significant dates...for the above cars, e.g. model changes ?. Or is there an obvious alternative ?.

I'm only thinking of a moderate/practical improvement in the overall driving experience. Sorry for the mundane nature of this thread...but it reflects where my life is at the moment !!.

Any help appreciated, K

Toyotafanboi

what's your budget? will you be selling the Focus privately or hoping to trade it in?

Raven_k42

I'm looking to trade-in...and thinking about a total price of €6k based on what I'm seeing for 2007/2008 Passats etc. K

colm_mcm

I wouldn't say a 1.6 mondeo would be any nippier than your focus.
A 1.4 tsi Passat might be a runner for you, but of course isn't as straightforward as a non turbo car.

Zurbaran

Would you be against going for something over 1.6? That size of engine does limit your options a bit.

colm_mcm

You're probably looking at stuff post 2008, so engine size isn't a huge thing really.

Maybe a newer model Avensis 1.6 Valvematic. They're 132bhp and nippy enough for around town. They're not as bulky as the mondeo so easier to manouver.

bazz26

What about a Honda Civic saloon?

http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Honda/Civic/SES-4DR/200714410213879410/

A bit bigger than a Focus, 1.8 litre engine has plenty of poke and will easily return 40mpg. Very reliable car. Motor tax is €570.

Raven_k42

Thanks for the replies guys.

I think I'm down to a 2007 Avensis (Aura/Strata) or 2007 Passat. As I mentioned...1.6 petrol as my town driving not diesel-friendly. Priority space, reliability and running costs. Any major dos or donts ?. I see other threads talking about significant model changes mid-year...and would want to be aware before taking the plunge. Both the above available at reasonable prices.

Thanks again,
K

colm_mcm

Of those 2, the avensis meets your requirements better.

It's obviously the older model. For 07 there's only one type, tax didn't chNge till July 2008 anyway. Early 08 car would be on the older tax system, which is cheaper for these 2 cars.

ofcork

Get the strata spec in the avensis which would be the most reliable of the two cars.

colm_mcm

As above, the Strata is the 1.6 Avensis to get, the Aura doesn't have alloys, front fogs or rear electric windows.
By 07, most people were getting Stratas anyway.
Platinum or Lunar silver are the easiest ones to keep clean.

You would be usually better off selling the Focus, then buying the newer car without a trade in.