Hi, I´m picking a first car for a family friend.
Which of these autos would you recommend the most? What are your thoughts?
Thanks.
Volkswagen Golf 2003-2008, 1.4 16 V, 59 kW
Volkswagen Golf 2003-2008, 1.6 MPI, 75 kW
Volkswagen Golf 2003-2008, 1.9 TDI, 77 kW
Volkswagen Polo, 2009-2017, 1.4 16 V, 63 kW
Volkswagen Polo, 2009-2017, 1.2 HTP, 51 kW
Seat Ibiza, 2008-2017, 1.4 16 V, 63 kW
Seat Leon, 2005-2012, 1.9 TDI, 77 kW
Mazda 3, 2008-2014, 1.6, 77 kW
Opel Insignia, 2008-2017, 2.0 CDTI, 96 kW
Peugeot 308 CC, 2009-2015, 1.6 HDi, 82 kW
Adding @Dan to the discussion
If you pick any of these cars, you won't have a friend anymore.
None of the above.
I'd go with the Mazda 3 for that I don't like Volkswagens or French cars
If I am restricted to those choices alone, my preference would be:
Mazda > Volkswagen/Seat >>> Stellantis/Peugeot/Opel
Even thought the Mazda of that era was built under collaboration with Ford, I still much prefer them. Ford was starting to let go of Mazda, and Mazda was becoming more its own.
That's not a very good list to choose from, but from that list I'd say the Mazda.
The Mazda is the best of the bunch, though that's not saying much.
Since you are in Europe, getting the Golf TDI or Seat Leon TDI may not be a bad idea since the 1.9L TDI is a really good diesel engine. The Mazda is the most reliable choice, but there might be difficulty in finding parts for it due to how relatively unpopular Japanese cars are in Europe.
Mazda3, The pre-2014 ones are not great but they're better than most cars - the later 3rd gen is one of the best cars out there.
I guess the 308 is alright, the 1.6 DIESEL (NOT PERTROL) engine is great - but make sure to get one with lower millage and one that was well kept cause they can easily turn into a nightmare.
