What car to buy for under $20K??

[Jarred]

Hi All,

In the next few months I'll be selling my MK 2 VR6 and Mk 3 TDI. Time has come, I just want to move into something that is newer and in better overall condition. I'm looking at buying in about 3-6months time (hopefully)

So I put it to you lot - what would you buy for under $20K?

Some more background. This will be my "daily driver", I'll still have the Seat as a weekender/track hack, so I'm not nessecarily after something that's fast or 'sporty'. I'm not looking for a project, or something to fix up, but I'm not unopposed to a few modifications as nessecary.

Other requirements (or general guidelines):
-Must be relatively new
-preferably a few km's as possible
-Must be reliable
-Should hopefully be interesting
-Must be a quality car (no Kias etc)
-Nice, fun, and/or enjoyable to drive
-Probably auto
-Generally good fuel economy (diesel would be ace)
-Doesn't have to be VAG


I have one potential candidate in my head, but I'm curious to know what you'll think (and what I might have missed!) Doesn't have to fit all the boxes above, but if it fits a couple, fire away!

[team_v]

VW Up! or 9n polo 1.9TDI?

Otherwise the focus diesel is meant to be pretty good.

[Bflat]

http://http://carsales.mobi/cars/details/?R=14928615

It's essentially the VR noise in an understated package. Only 4 for sale in the country at the moment so nice and rare too

[Jarred]

Had considered an Up, however, they're not the most... manly.. of cars.

Not bad with the audi Ryan, but thats a 9 year old car! Want something newer than that. preferrably much less kms, too.

[jamie88]

6r polo tsi with sport pack, surprisingly fun to drive, 22 drive away brand new, can be had with 20k on the clock for 17-18k,
tune available for 100kw, light and nimble similr size to a mk3
springs/ coils.
look good.

[STI65]

Skoda Yeti.

[greg32]

I would say yo go for the Skoda or Polo gti
Sent from my RM-821_apac_australia_new_zealand_304 using Board Express

[VR28LT]

I know this may be a very predictable reponse but i think for that kind of money you cant go wrong with a mk5 gti

something like this may be the way to go
2007 Volkswagen Golf V GTI MY07 Direct-Shift Gearbox

[kai_h]

MkV GTI for the fun factor or a MkV TDI for the fuel economy if you're planning to do lots of km in it.
They're both very solidly built cars and you can get something with 40,000-80,000km for under $20k.
You'll probably be able to get some luxuries thrown in as well, like full leather (heated seats are awesome in winter!) or sunroof...

[THE_EGG]

I know this will sound weird but perhaps the MINI Clubman? Fun to drive, interesting and pretty frugal although I'm not sure what kind of model would be available for under $20k though.

Maybe a Volvo V50 if you want mega-space and still pretty good to drive with a lovely 5-cyl engine note

Also as mentioned before a Focus diesel would be pretty good and perhaps a Golf mkV GT Sport TDI would be pretty nice too.