In that case, I'd go for the 1.4. The 1.6 has about 10 more HP and revs to 8.5k, whereas the 1.4 will only rev to about 7.5k and have a bit more bottom-end torque. But I think the 1.4 has VTEC, not sure. If it's got the D-series engine in it, it will have.

And besides that, the 1.6 looks nicely riced anyway.

Spotted a 1.5 VTEC which looks good

CLICKY

Going to see about that, can possibly go view it this weekend if I'm lucky. Bit higher on the insurance (and possibly tax) but much better mpg than the 1.4i

They're a really good car. My uncle andy had one in Coupe form before his CTR, and he really liked it. Was quick for a 1.5 too.

The civic went in a couple of hours of going up

Kindof looking at a Seat now, as the 95+ models are mostly VW engines etc if I understand correctly, and a 2.0 Ibiza GTi isn't too bad on insurance

http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/www/de ... 2339480378
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1348283.htm

I think the latter might need some TLC but I think it's worth a look

http://tinyurl.com/y86566s

Looks like a sleeper, but has a 2.0 vtec under the bonnet, 0-60 in under 10s, only 44k on the clock and insurance is £20 more than a civic

I think we have a new favourite (especially with all the extra spec over the civic it has)

That looks ideal.

It appears to be in very good condition. Impressively low mileage too, if it is accurate.

Looks like a bargain. It won't last long, you should grab it PDQ.

Unfortunately, my kids would destroy that colour interior in no time at all. I'm limited to dark interiors or leather.

Light colours are the domain of single or elderly folk.

MMmm it's real velour.

Grab it with both hands, right now. Looks perfect for what you're after!

20mpg in town is pretty pants though

1.6 Ford Focus maybe? It's a little over budget but I learned in one, good visibility and really low insurance (and it's unmolested)
CLICKY

not too much a slouch either

Seen a Mazda 323 Executive 1.8i that has taken my eye, insurance is the same as a Civic, yet a lot faster and nimbler (and full leather etc)

The Accord will be a backup due to the gas guzzling around town (and size)

I think you should pick you make and model and then search for the car. Jumping around all these models means you might make a rash decision.

I used to run a 2.2l Accord.
I can't say the mileage bothered me at all, to be honest. If it's an issue, then get the bus.

Buying second hand means you're looking out for a good deal, but it sounds like you're in a bit of hurry. There's a lot of cars on the market, but there's probably not that many right now that meet your needs.

I know it should be obvious and you probably have, but:

1. set a strict budget. Don't mess around, work it out properly.
2. decide the max insurance group you can honestly afford to run.
3. decide what you need from the car, such as good economy and reliability.
4. decide what would be nice; air, leather etc..
5. keep looking, and every time you find a better car look for an even better one.

When you run out of time, buy the sexiest car you found.

For what it's worth, I drive a 3 year old 1.6 L Focus, and it's "alright". It handles quite well, much more comfy and less noisy than my Vectra although the ride is pretty firm, and it's quick enough not to be really annoying.

I much preferred my old Mondeo 2.0 TDi, but my situation changed and it was well outside the budget. If I could swap, I'd have the Mondeo back in a second. It was actually cheaper to run, as well as being better spec'd in every way...

1. £1000, £1100 if it's higher spec and low mileage
2. Insurance under group 12, some lower cars come out higher than some higher ones (the 323 1.8i is group 12 but lower than some Civics)
3. Reliability, decent economy
4. (I would put air as an essential or I would suffocate ), anything really past elec windows, PAS, ABS, even a tape deck radio will do me
5. I'm nearly out of time, I'm back at uni next week (part time following the op) and need a means to get in and back when I go in, train is really expensive at £5 each way and a lot slower as its a 2+ hour journey door to door

Matt: I don't realyl car what I end up with, looks don't matter a huge amount to me. I'm probably going to settle on a civic, focus or similar car

Well I have learned a lot of things today

I'm too long legged for a primera or almera

BMWs are too small also for a 31x

Civics are ok, Accords are a bit of a snug fit
Corollas seem a decent fit

The good cars go before the weekend, the Civic and Primera I was looking at had sold on the Thursday before I got there, they had literally washed the Civic before it had gone

Going to have another shot next weekend, going to focus on the larger cars more now, the place that had the civic had a few other cars (the 323 was an ok fit but the one they had the doors didnt lock!)