Buying a mid-sized car - any recommendations? | Ask Honest John

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Buying a mid-sized car - any recommendations?

I have a 2003/53 Nissan Micra SE 1.4 that I have owned from new, and which has been entirely trouble-free after more than 90,000 miles.

I now need to exchange the Micra for something more comfortable for travelling 25 miles to work and additional weekend motorway driving, while maintaining economy (currently ~45-50 mpg).

I have a budget of £8-10,000, plus the value of the Micra. I have tried a 2010 Ford Focus 1.6 Titanium, but found it surprisingly sluggish compared to the Micra.

I really don't know where to look next, but I'm considering a Golf, Mazda 3, or Toyota Auris, or is there something else that might be more suitable? Comfort and lack of road noise are important and if possible I'd like a car with keyless ignition as I have on the Micra.

Asked on 18 March 2012 by spjtdph

Answered by Honest John

You can probably risk a 2008 - 2010 Focus 1.6TDCI Econetic. These are far less troublesome than the 2004-2008 Focus 1.6TDCIs and I averaged 55mpg over 8,000 miles in a 1.6TDCI 110 over 2008/2009. Otherwise a KIA cee'd 1.6CRDI or a Hyundai i30 1.6CRDI. Plenty of these being offered at bargain prices at the moment.

Tags: buying used cars

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Related models

Ford Focus (2008 - 2011)

Much improved 2004 Focus. Great to drive. Comfortable and well laid-out interior. Wide range of engines. Low emission ECOnetic versions offer 55mpg +.

Mazda 3 (2009 - 2013)

Stylish looks. Excellent steering and handling. Good quality interior. Impressive 2.2-litre chain cam diesel engine. Facelifted for 2012 and even better.

Toyota Auris (2007 - 2013)

Decent combination of ride and handling that might suit some people better than a harder sprung Golf or a Civic. A few inches taller than a Golf of Focus so easier to get in and out.