[krasniyluch]

Why don't you give us a price range to work with?

[MannyLopez]

So in real money that's $15,500.

At that price range I'd look at a used Nissan, Honda, or Toyota. In the US I'd go with a used Acura four door but since they don't sell Acura's in the UK the closest you can get would probably be the European Honda Accord.

[LkEHaduy]

Go second-hand, don't try to buy something new on £10,000.

It all depends on what you want.

At 2007 Prius Spirit with leather seats gives you a big car (awesome leg-room in the back seats) that is very cheap to run (£10 car tax) and loads of equipment. You could pick up a good one for around £8000. I got a 2nd hand Prius as my wife (being a Canuck) cannot drive manual.

Alternatively, if you're wanting my favorite car and don't mind paying quite abit of car tax and petrol - then a Ford Forcus St-3 (not the latest model) with all the works. As it is an expensive car to run you can get ones with low mileage and in perfect condition for under £10,000. 0-60 in 6.5 seconds, loads of room and a huge boot. Just make sure you get the 5 door and the blue version is tasteful I owned this car for a year and I loved it. Had my finances been abit rosier at that time I'd still have that car.

Alternatively a 2nd hand Passat would do the business

Autotrader.co.uk is your friend for finding 2nd hand deals and http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/ for reviews.

[RooldpalApata]

Like I said, I never buy new cars.

It was a Skoda Octavia Estate that just died. A very good car in most regards, but designed for people with fat torsos and skinny legs- and that ain't me. It made long hauls a bit of a chore.

Ford Focus- too small.

Ford Mondeo- this is a serious contender. I'm not fond of their image, and they aren't the best for long-term reliability, but they compensate for that by being cheap to buy and run.

Hondas- I like Hondas, but they have two problems. They hold their value so well that it's hard to get decent value when buying used, and although their petrol engines are brilliant their diesels aren't the best- and I'd prefer diesel.

Toyotas- the Avensis is another serious contender.

Nissans- No suitable models in the size I'm looking for.

Passat- I can't think of any reason you'd buy a Passat when you could spend £2k less and get a Skoda.

Prius- HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. No.

[mpxricyNimb]

See you in the nearest hedge after the next light fall of snow, BMW driver!

[AcecePesFeacy]

See you in the nearest hedge after the next light fall of snow, BMW driver!

All you have to do is know how to drive a rear wheel drive car. It's not that hard really.

[Taunteefrurge]

Very well. Get something safe and boring like the Mondeo and you can still invest the savings into an interesting weekend car like a used MGTF or something.

[nobodyhere]

It never snows around here so why should I bother.

[FliveGell]

When buying 2nd hand you'll want something that won't depreciate too badly.

The Ford Mondeo is definitely a safe choice, but make sure you get one that is fully equipped to help it not depreciate as you put the mileage and years onto it.

[Appeselve]

I'm tempted by Volvos. The trouble is that while the S40 is affordable, it's not got as much luggage room as I'd like. The V50 is great, but pricier so it would be older than I'd like.

Volvo are very nice cars BTW.

[diemeareendup]

Buy 2 Fiat Punto :P

[Goksiodiffeli]

The Ford Focus ST isn't a small car. A big boot and plenty of leg and elbow room for 4 passengers, 5 at a squeeze.

I like the look of this one

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...3021?logcode=p

[Trientoriciom]

The Ford Focus ST isn't a small car.

I have a wife who doesn't understand the concept of travelling light and two kids who play the cello. It's too small.

[robstamps]

I buy used cars and run them until they die. Higher depreciation is actually an advantage if you buy cars like that.

Nope, you want to get a car that will have done its depriciating already. Hell, I suspect my Prius has appreciated due to the steady rise in petrol prices and that I got a good deal.

[pupyississido]

Chevrolet Cruze Diesel Following the tradition of Oerdin always being wrong - they are under recall for SETTING THEMSELVES ON FIRE. 50 of them.

[Kilsimpaile]

Ben, why do you always babble nonsense? The Cruze diesel isn't even out yet, dumb ass.

[Arrocousa]

The Cruze diesel isn't even out yet, dumb ass. http://money.cnn.com/2012/06/22/auto...call/index.htm

Might want to hold off on that recommendation

[BrianGoldsmith]

Do they sell Subarus in the UK? They should be able to handle British roads.

Yep. They're great cars, but two drawbacks.

1- Their reputation for longevity means their used prices are high.

2- They're expensive to run, tax and insure.

[leoto5Fm]

Yep. They're great cars, but two drawbacks.

1- Their reputation for longevity means their used prices are high.

2- They're expensive to run, tax and insure.

I got a 4-year-old Subaru Legacy for around $12,000; are they that much more expensive across the Pond?

[Konidurase]

Troll hard or go home.