amazing torque best car i've ever owned. Estate boot is massive! 
I'm about to sell my 04 Reg Petrol Focus which I bought 3-years ago.
Basically I don't want to move backwards in terms of age so I'm looking for an 07 Reg replacement. I need a hatchback (carry a lot of
stuff around) and prefereably something slightly larger than the Focus.
At the moment I'm considering a Petrol Mazda 6, Petrol Mondeo or possibly a Diesel Focus (can't afford O7 reg Diesel Mazda or Mondeo).
What do you think I should do?
John.
what sort of mileage do you do a year?
Depends... how many miles do u do in a week? my diesel mondeo 2006 does 45+ mpg on motorway. but if u only plod round town then a small petrol would be fine if not better
Around 15K
Enough in the pot for a diesel Focus estate?
look at this first
http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/petrol-bills-calculator
Mondeo TDCI 130 estate. I agree with Ben. seats 5, big boot, good for towing, driven steady to work ( 10 miles on " A " roads 50 + MPG,)
120 mph, good overtaking, what more do you want ? had mine 5 years and no intention of changing.
Mike.
Personaly I'd keep the Focus, but then I really like Mk1 Focus's
I'd always go for the older car
low milage if possible, but always 1st class condition (milage + condition is much more important than age)
Whats your budget? My father in law has a Mazda 6 2ltr TS auto which he couldnt take to at all. He is just waiting on delivery of 2ltr manual 57 plate laguna whcih I have to say id never have considered but it is very impressive.
why dont you do what i did by the petrol one that you want then convert it to lpg winner!!
Mines a 155bhp TDCI amazing torque best car i've ever owned. Estate boot is massive!
quote:
Originally posted by Myke 2463
Mondeo TDCI 130 estate. I agree with Ben. seats 5, big boot, good for towing, driven steady to work ( 10 miles on " A " roads 50 + MPG,) 120 mph, good overtaking, what more do you want ? had mine 5 years and no intention of changing.
Mike.
You should very carefully check out the new road tax bands for the exact model before buying anything --- simple options like AC or auto
transmission can put a car up a one or two of tax bands.
As to the Mondeo Tdi it is bit rough & noisy compared to other modern diesels, also be aware simple jobs like changing a fuel injector requires
dealer level diagnostic equipment.
LPG is a good low running cost option but it takes up boot space for the tank and selling on can be problem.
Thanks everyone for your advice.
I think I'll test drive the Petrol Mazda 6 over the weekend and see how it feels.
The Diesel would probably be the better choice in the long run but unless I settle for an older vehicle I can't really afford one.
John.
I know your dilemma only too well. I bought a 53 130hp TDCI Mondeo and its great. I travel 100 miles per day, and it loves it. It cruises in 6th gear and averages 55MPG (lowest ive seen is 30 on a run if you boot it). Its got a great big boot, more room inside than the merc C180 i had (Newer model 51 plate) and loads of grunt. Good enough for the average joe.
Interesting topic this. Onew thing that doesn't often come up with discussions like these are the cost of the depreciation. There has to be a
point at which one could be spending money (depreciation) to save it (in perceived lower fuel costs)
I run an M reg Volvo 960 estate!
John
quote:
Originally posted by mr henderson
There has to be a point at which one could be spending money (depreciation) to save it (in perceived lower fuel costs)
John
Ive just got an 05 plate Astra estate 1.7cdti. you can pick them up now for around £4.5k
Granted it isnt the most powerful car out there, but it is big with loads of boots space, and is cheap to run. Insurance group 4, Tax band C, 44.8Mpg
Urban, 68.9mpg extra urban
quote:
Originally posted by Simon
quote:
Originally posted by mr henderson
There has to be a point at which one could be spending money (depreciation) to save it (in perceived lower fuel costs)
John
Agreed. That's exactly what I did
But then my ZT260 was costing me (based on 7000 mpa) £1500 fuel, £600 tyres, £200 rfl (with the promise by GB to put it up to £400) and servicing of £250.
Then there's the fact the manufacturer is no more and some parts may get impossible to get.
Car was bought for nearly £20k, sold for £7.2k.
Bought Espace for £20k (£7k off list for ex demo!!!), costs me £170 month finance, but that is paid for in fuel, insurance and tyre savings.
And it'll be worth somethingin 3 years, unlike the ZT (much as I thought it was a great car!
ATB
Simon