Hatchback choice
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From: Hampshire
Focus. 
Focus ST even 
A Fusion is a Fiesta that has been given the SUV treatment. Drove one. It is not quite as nice as a Fiesta (does not quite handle as well for example).
Focus, Fiesta, Fusion, all very easy to drive cars. Very forgiving for any level of driving ability but Focus and Fiesta can even be fun throwing them around, if you are so inclined.
I know, you should see the way I throw our Fiesta around roundabouts sometimes 
I would not dare in the S 
.
Focus ST even A Fusion is a Fiesta that has been given the SUV treatment. Drove one. It is not quite as nice as a Fiesta (does not quite handle as well for example).
Focus, Fiesta, Fusion, all very easy to drive cars. Very forgiving for any level of driving ability but Focus and Fiesta can even be fun throwing them around, if you are so inclined.
I know, you should see the way I throw our Fiesta around roundabouts sometimes I would not dare in the S .
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From: ...by a lake...somewhere
Originally Posted by Chillyice,Jul 31 2006, 08:46 PM
Isn't the new astra just a new body on the old chassis. I vaguely remember one of the car shows testing it and finding the chassis a bit lacking. My choice if your GF is not that badge consious is the focus. Very capable car and does everything well and nothing badly. And handles pretty good too.
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From: Hampshire
Originally Posted by gaddafi,Aug 1 2006, 09:41 AM
currently the biggest problem is getting her to accept my offer of getting her a new car!!!
quote:
"I like my old car"
oh well
quote:
"I like my old car"
oh well
I promise you, she will like the newer Fords and find them so easy to drive.
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From: The Beautiful South
Originally Posted by gaddafi,Jul 31 2006, 11:10 AM
So I would like to hear about EXPERIENCES of anyone running a car that meets the above criteria
Not opinions thanks
Or any suggestions if I'm missing a make/model or ultra depreciator
Far and away the nicest of the bunch to drive is the Focus. Whilst the styling isnt terribly exciting, it feels very solidly built, interior materials are very nice indeed and it really is a very, very good car to drive. The controls are well weghted with a nice feel to steering, gear change and suspension. As Nick mentioned, some of the competition feels down right nasty by comparison (chiefly the French and Italian cars you have wisely excluded - I had a Stilo once - what a cringe inducing heap of shit that is!!!)
As for lease / purchase..........I dont know much about leasing cars so cant comment there. I personally would go to a car supermarket and pick up a new or nearly new motor, with full / significant remainder of am EU warranty. This will take car of a big lump of new car depreciation and after that, Focus's will always find a buyer - they are popular cars now, and are likely to remain that way for a good few years IMHO.
Look at some of the prices here:
http://www.trade-sales.co.uk/search.asp?cm...boMaxPrice=null
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From: Survivalist enclave
[QUOTE=chilled,Aug 1 2006, 11:31 AM] Completely irrelevant but how about a "reasonably priced car?" 
Chevrolet Lacetti 1.4 (95bhp) SE (a/c) Hatchback 5dr 1399cc Met (NEW) 3+35
Chevrolet Lacetti 1.4 (95bhp) SE (a/c) Hatchback 5dr 1399cc Met (NEW) 3+35
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From: North Yorks
Re: Fiesta Fusion - no, no, no, no, no, no, no.
Had one for a week in Italy, it's a Fiesta for people who like to wear top hats (well that's the only explanation I can come up with for offering the same car as a Fiesta, only with more headroom but nothing else, for
Had one for a week in Italy, it's a Fiesta for people who like to wear top hats (well that's the only explanation I can come up with for offering the same car as a Fiesta, only with more headroom but nothing else, for