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Want to replace our two cars - what do you recommend?

We currently run two cars and would like to replace one or both in the next couple of months.

My husband drives an 03 plate Toyota Corolla vvti 1.6 and commutes about 50 miles per day - half on pretty bad rural roads, the remainder on dual carridgeways.

I have an 05 plate Audi A3 Sportback 2.0 auto & drive about 40 miles per day carrying our 2 children, mainly on rural roads, and often shorter journeys of about 8 miles. We also use this car for travelling around the UK visiting relatives & for holidays in Cornwall, so a replacement would need to be good on motorways too. We have 2 children under 4 so need isofix in the rear seats plus sufficient internal space to accommodate luggage. We would prefer 2 manual transmission cars.

We like the look of the Hyundai i30 tourer, i40 tourer and i35. Would these be sensible options & what engine/wheel size would you recommend? Are there any alternatives that you suggest we consider?

Asked on 15 August 2012 by SW

Answered by Honest John
Yes, you are thinking along the right lines. I'd add the KIA cee'd, Optima and Sportage to your list. Small wheels with deep profile tyres always best. The 1.7 diesel engine is chain cam and is frugal. I'd p/x the Audi because it has the higher value and is most likely to go wrong. The Corolla has little value, so run that until it drops.
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