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There really isn't much available in Tassy. The best I can come up with is:
Honda Accord Euro (2003 - 2005 depending on the model). It produces 140kW and has a 6 speed transmission. My dad test drove one and liked it. It takes premium (95+ octane) unleaded and does 9.1L / 100km, which isn't ideal, as I don't have much money. I'd barely be able to afford the running costs. It is a bit of a luxury car and has great build quality. I can get it with a good deal, considering it used to cost over $42,000 6 - 8 years ago. Ford Fiesta XR4 (2008). Produces 110kW and has a 5 speed transmission. Reviews say it is a good driver's car for the money. Interior is a bit tacky, but it does have leather seats. Not much room in the back. Grips to corners and has a great power to weight ratio. It doesn't look as nice as the Euro, has less power, fewer features and less "prestige" but it has done 40,000km less than the Euro I have my eye on and takes regular unleaded, and sips it at a rate of 7.4L / 100km. Much less costly to run.So they are the main contenders. Both have similar safety features. There's a VW Polo TDI (faster than the petrol equivalent), but it ain't exactly sporty. There are many others as well, like the 2005 Ford Focus Zetec (Zetec just has racing stripes, a body kit and stiffer suspension), but none with the same power to weight ratio as the XR4, or high quality and feature count of the Euro.
I'm in a pickle
If I get one, I don't want to regret not getting the other. The XR4 would probably be the safe bet, but maybe I should take the plunge with the Euro, which I know to be a great car to drive.WHAT DO I DO
Comparing the XR4 to the XR5 is like comparing a Polo GTI to a Golf GTI. The XR4 is cheaper and weighs less but has less grunt. Apparently has a great chassis though, and fantastic brakes.
I'd like to drive an Accord, too, but it was a good decision to go for a plucky Peugeot 206 as a first car. You can always get a bigger car later when there's more money at your disposal. I could list a lot of other reasons like fuel consumption and insurance costs but to make a long story short, I would definitely recommend the Fiesta as a first car.
And yes, I know how damn lucky and spoiled I sound right now. We are by no means rich (sadly
I'm leaning towards the XR4, but the Euro is such a lovely car. Must... stop... kidding myself. Heart says Euro, brain says XR4 or even the turbo diesel Polo...
I know it's hard to pass on such a bigger, more powerful car. But when you're up paying for gas, insurance, repairs... it really is better to go with the smart choice in the beginning. I still think it's the right thing to do. Check back in a year's time I'd say.
Once I have some solid employment and some money saved up I can look at getting something that I really want, but until then, less is more.