Cars – Golf v A3 v Mazda 3 v Focus

Looking at getting something like one of these to replace my Polo that died recently. My budget would stretch to getting about an 8 to 12 year old one of these, (more like a 12 year old A3 or 8 year old Mazda 3, Golf and Focus somewhere in the middle), Audis seems to have better resale value. Reliability is my main concern, along with running costs, but which one of these would people gravitate more towards? Or is it too hard to pick a brand and is it more to do with individual service history and individual care etc? Can’t really go higher than about a 1.4 L engine with tax and insurance costs.

Any others I should consider?

Thanks for any help!

Civic. Reliable, big inside. 1.6 petrol

Civic

How reliable are the pre 2006 ones?

Very- probably better than 2006 models as a lot of them had teething problems, mostly ironed out later on in the model run (facelift 2009, replaced 2012)

My first car was a 2002 Civic- still going strong in the family

Get this one …

STW Classified – Honda Accord Tourer CTDi 2.2

Get this one …

Slightly out of my budget and not looking for an exec! Cheers.

michaelmcc – Member

Get this one …

Slightly out of my budget and not looking for an exec! Cheers.

In that case get a Honda Civic as suggested above. They are reliable.

I love my Alfa giulietta. Great car, 1.4 petrol has good mileage and a bit of poke.

Honda’s are great, what about a Jazz, don’t the badge thing to worry about, they just get the job done.

At that age it’s about how well it’s been looked after. As above, a Civic will do you well. Have a look on one of the many Civic owners club forums for a buyer’s guide and buy private rather than dealer.

+1 Jazz. 12ish new to you 2ndhand Focus etc may prove to be a good buy or a goodbye to your wallet. Its a minefield.

I have an 8 year old Mazda 3 Sport – it’s been pretty reliable but they do have one big fault (if fitted with DSC which I think is only on higher spec models such as the Sport).

Mazda refused to accept liability for the issue despite it effecting many cars so if the fault hasn’t been rectified (many haven’t as people obviously won’t pay to fix a fault until it appears) it is around £1800k to repair (and it will fail it’s MOT with it).

Toyota Corolla/Auris, for the reliability stake pretty hard to beat.

In your situation I would get the newer Mazda or other Japanese car. Paying a premium for a 12 year old Audi seems a bit daft and I am a big VW / Audi fan.

Yep, Civic/Corolla options probably best fit your criteria for reliability & running costs.

Alfa 147?
Stylish, nice to drive, cheap and reliable.