Stick or twist?

Both programmes will need new titles soon — at least if anyone still watches them. I suggest One Gear and Gear. 😛

That has to be modern day version of the old Peugeot 504 Familiale. Large seven seat estate that was basic, tough and comfortable. They may take over in Africa like the Peugeot did in the 60s and 70s.

Has anyone actually gone in to a Dacia garage and sat in one ?

When we were looking for my wife's current car before she took a liking to BEV we had considered a Duster as a cheap runabout, she doesn't do badges or labels when it comes to cars.

The plastics inside were of the hard, scratchy, absolutely no give variety and the door card did not support where I'd want support and supported where I did not want support. Very roomy but very last century LR Defender levels of 'comfort'.

I've seen one or two of these Joggers in local car parks, they look better in the pictures. Something about where the A pillar joins the bonnet, looks like it has already been jumped by the Dukes of Hazzard and had a heavy landing.

Yes those are good motors, I do wish there was an automatic, then I might be tempted.

I'm back in stick or twist mode. With the looming increases in cost of living, and the resolutely inflated used car market, I am tempted once again to take the £5k equity in my Civic and buy something for cash. Gah. Round and round in circles. I really could do with the extra £200 a month, but I really like the Civic and would love to keep it long term. Don't really want to refinance (i.e. put it on the mortgage) though. I just have to make a straight choice really - the car I want or the cash flow easement. I think if I go down the replacement route I'd look for a the best Avensis petrol auto (hatch or estate) which money can buy. The only other models I'm willing to consider are Mazda 6, Honda Accord, Ford Mondeo. I'm not having any more money pit E Class shenanigans, and that rules out ALL premium brands, down to Volvo and SAAB. Also, no VAG because elderly DSG/CVT gives me the bad yips. No French because electrics. No Vauxhall because Vauxhall. No Koreans because there aren't any suitable models in my category/budget. No SUVs because I'm not a farmer.

So, not looking for suggestions really, or advice, just venting thoughts. I know what the options are, just need to make my mind up. I might put it off until after half term.

Yeeees. i30 also of course, but both only available with a weedy 1.6. For a purchase in which MPG doesn't really matter, 1.8 is my bare, bare minimum. Preferably 2.0. That does bring the Focus into play of course, a 2.0 Titanium estate would be a fine thing, but why get that when I can get a Mondeo? I have a six-foot plus creature to cram into the back and another heading in the same skywards direction.

If there had been a Magentis or Sonata estate, I'd be all over them.

Yes, already discounted. I'd only get a TC auto Ford. That means the 2.3 Mondeo we've previously discussed on here, or the Mk2(.5) Focus 2.0.

Not an estate though is it? Thought that was important?

I see your dilemma, but I have learnt that swapping cars to save money never really works. The £200 a month you will save may end up in the pocket of a garagiste carrying out an emergency repair, whereas the much newer Civic will have sailed by. And presumably fuel economy in the Civic is better than an older car??

Stick, don't twist. The only way I might change my mind is if you found the perfect car from a private sale. The Avensis is not that.