16 May 2012
My best mates are moving out of the city to the Scottish borders 
but they are looking at getting a couple of cars. Max budget is 3k each and the requirements are:
- Diesel
- One Estate (no MPVs or SUVs)
- One 4 seater hatch of any type. Has to at least get 2 tall adults and 2 kids in it
- Average real life 40mpg+
- Reliable
- Something unique as possible
One of the winners in my mate's eyes is the Saab 9.3 estate. The other car he is looking at (and I've said no because it fails one of the above) is an Alfa 147 Diesel.
What else do you think he should look at? Preferably withing 100 miles from Edinburgh
16 May 2012
I'll look forward to the replies on this thread. I am also looking for a new car with the better half and we have 3k to spend as well. We need a reliable diesel that has a boot big enough for a golden lab and gets good mpg because we are moving to England in September from Northern Ireland so will be covering a lot more miles!
5 September 2011
How about a Volvo V50 and a Citroen C4?
8 January 2008
Volvo are out. Apparantly he was told that they have odd sized tyres and they cost more than most. I've told him this is probably nonsense. It is one of the things I will check out.
C4 is out as well. He doesn't trust french cars.
25 November 2007
What are their interests as far as cars are concerned? Are they enthusiasts or just looking for a good car?
A couple of ideas though.
The Estate - How about the Fiat Cromer? Certainly unique!
As for the hatch (and again I am looking at being different, rather than too serious), how about the Fiat Stilo?
Both suggestions fit the bill, price, fuel economy, uniqueness but personally, I would say sod being different and stick with some slightly common but good cars like Mondeo's or Mazda 6's.
It's all about the twisties........
8 January 2008
They are a pernickety couple, who are moving to a new build housing estate so want something that doesn't look shabby. They are in the middle of going through adoption, hoping to get two kids aged between 3 & 6. So they need something practical to take bikes or whatever. The other car can be anything as long as it is cheap to run. They do have a commute from the borders to Edinburgh every day, 60mile round trip.
Does that help?
I will say no to both Fiats. Not because they are bad, I have already suggested them. It was a resounding no. See, pernickety! Same goes for Mondeo or vectra. They like VW, I'm not sold on them at this age/price personally. I've told them about the Mazda 6, it is on the cards as a potential.
18 August 2009
Why the insistance on diesel? At £3k petrol has to be a better bet for overall cost of ownership surely - unless going for something like a vag pd tdi, but this will be too normal by the sounds of things
25 November 2007
They like VW, I'm not sold on them at this age/price personally.
On that basis then, as far as the hatch is concerned how about something from SEAT?
Just come up with a couple of Toledo's (the Altea with a big ass!) which will give them all the VW they want in a "different" package.
As for the estate, I know what you mean about the likely Passat options. I know I'm biased but at that money they can't go wrong with a Mazda 6.
It's all about the twisties........
5 September 2011
If the V50 and the C4 are out, then what about a Focus C-Max and an A2?
8 January 2008
All good shouts on the C-Max, Toledo & A2. But all rejected as they don't want any form of MPV. Trust me, these guys are extremely trying!
7 February 2008
How about telling them to get on with it themselves.....
How about a Seat Leon 5dr hatch
and a Vauxhall Meriva, mk1 good cars for a family with loads of boot space
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