Compact Hatchback Automatic -recommendations

drink_milk

Hi,


In a near future I would like to buy a compact car with an automatic gearbox.

Requirements: Hatchback, 5Door, Engine max. 1.8 petrol; 2003 - onwards

I was thinking about Focus 1.6, Astra 1.6.

Do you guys have any experience with automatic transmissions in these?

I believe Ford only introduced 6-speed Powershift auto in 2008 face lifted model and before that it was the old 4-speed automatic. Not sure about the Easytronic in Astra.

I read some positive opinions on DSG boxes on VAG cars, but not many of these within my price limit.

Are there any other cars that you would recommend?

I plan to spend around €6000

Thanks!

colm_mcm

DSG is epic but a potential ballache if it goes wrong

If you're not pushed on extras, a corolla 1.6 auto is actually a good car to drive, no fancy tiptronic, just an old fashioned 4 speed box with an overdrive. The 1.6 vvti does a great job hauling it about and they're bulletproof

Only irish spec in auto is basic terra spec, but maybe uk models have more gear.
That generation corolla is actually decent to drive.

The mmt diesel auto is another story. Best avoided.

ottostreet

ehhh

Alfa 147? Should easily pick up a decent one matching your requirements for 6k!

colm_mcm

What could possibly go wrong :-)

flutered

a w201, bomb proof, costs about 500 lids, the last of the over engineered mercs, power comfort and trouble free.

colm_mcm

Unlikely to be under 1.8
Unlikely to be newer than 2003
Unlikely to be a 5 door hatchback

EPM

ottostreet wrote: »

ehhh

Alfa 147? Should easily pick up a decent one matching your requirements for 6k!

Wouldnt that be a selespeed? Where's my bargepole...;)

ottostreet

EPM wrote: »

Wouldnt that be a selespeed? Where's my bargepole...;)

There is a Selespeed, dunno about true auto, I would have assumed there would be though! I withdraw my suggestion if not!

drink_milk

I was looking at corollas too, but as you said, majority of them will be terra spec with almost nothing on them... Focus auto - most of these LX version, but sometimes you can get air-con at least :cool:

flutered

LIGHTNING wrote: »

Ah would you stop! Maybe he can pick up a Delorean and go back in time on the way to buying the Merc. OP is looking for a modern auto with a possibly a dual clutch gearbox and your posting a 30 year old merc!!

they were making them in 1991 so they are not 30 years old, perhaps he could change his mind on the year, btw have you ever had the pleasure of owning one ?, how come when a motor is over so many years old it is considered obselete in some circles.

EPM

How about a Honda Civic? Or if you stretch to a 2 litre an Accord?

colm_mcm

The w201 was only launched 29 years ago. How dare anyone suggest its not modern or relevant.

Ghost Estate

Nissan Micra automatic

ninty9er

Audi A3

You could probably batter the price due to petrol engine size.

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Audi/A3/201113201818500/advert?channel=CARS

colm_mcm

All that's left is for someone to suggest the op gets a manual car

EPM

colm_mcm wrote: »

All that's left is for someone to suggest the op gets a manual octavia

FYP

bazz26

Majority of stuff like this in this country will be basic enough as compact autos are not popular here. I'd also be aware if looking for signs of abuse as there is a high chance that it was a rental car at some stage of it's life.

These might be worth a look at:
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201128203370101

http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201127203224542

Higher spec Jap import here but crazy money too considering the age:
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201129203500868

drink_milk

I agree - crazy money for corollas or maybe dealers are dreamers

Thanks guys for your suggestions. Please keep them coming.