Yet another "what should I buy" question!

pitstop

Right - I give up - can't make my mind up at all. I have 35k to spend, want the following:

It has to be:

NEW
Lots of room (especially boot for kids stuff)
Typically cover 400 miles a week (currently driving a petrol but thinking diesel given the miles I do now)
Don't need masses of speed in it
Comfortable driving on country roads


Oh and will probably trade in every 2 years or so (or maybe as I did with this car, keep it for oh about 10 years and pass to a family member).

Thoughts, Ideas??

littlejukka

a new corolla verso 2.2 D-4D comes in around 34-35k. big, economical, reliable car.

reverandkenjami

The new corolla??

pitstop

Interesting - wasn't considering a Toyota at all - (for no good reason) so putting that on the list.

Must go peek online at it now!

Thanks a million

Pitsy

littlejukka

reverandkenjami wrote: »

The new corolla??

ducks don't produce an echo

quack.

reverandkenjami

littlejukka wrote: »

ducks don't produce an echo

quack.

Considering when i went to post there was no replies i find it strange that its an echo!

littlejukka

a low-end 3-series touring will be 40-42k ish.

a 1.6D volvo v50 will be 35k or so.

littlejukka

reverandkenjami wrote: »

Considering when i went to post there was no replies i find it strange that its an echo!

my mistake.

copacetic

if planning on changing every couple of years and looking at diesels then wait until July and look at the prices then. you should get a 318d touring for around 38 then, not far off your price range. Otherwise the mondeo, passat, new mazda 6 estates are all in your range and have a fair bit of room.

pitstop

Thanks for all the suggestions - was thinking of the passat alright - test drove the mazda 6 (mazda 626 were a family car for years and we loved them) but was disappointed with the finish inside - I thought I would have loved it so that was a real pity.

Don't like Ford at all so feel like the passat is the only option but there is nothing that exciting about it. I'm thinking if this is my only option, I may as well save the bobs and buy a Skoda - liked the drive when I test drove it!!

Not really a BMW fan - would really love the new A4 but think, even in July, it's going to be too expensive.

Would ADORE a Volvo but not an estate! This would be my favourite actually.

Had a look at the Toyota www and that definitely warrants consideration I think - looks like a lot of car for the money!!

As you can see, I'm not all fussy!! :rolleyes:

Anyone have anything that would change my thinking from the above? Oh and July it is - I nearly had the Passat booked until I read the VRT threads on here - so thank you boards!

Pitsy

louie

I was just about to recommend the Passat until I red the last line in your post.

So I would say Toyota or Audi A4.

pitstop

Louie - I do like the external look of the Passat and there is nothing I can fault on the inside and the boot is massive which I need so it's still a strong contender - it's just there's nothing overly exciting about it.

That said, I bet it's what I end up buying but purely because I can't see anything else.

Pitsy

louie

It is a very good car I have to say. Very spacious indeed and comfortable but same is the Audi A4 which will be my ideal car but not as new (I just don't like buying new cars - the least 6 month old) as it is over-priced.

copacetic

pitstop wrote: »

Thanks for all the suggestions - was thinking of the passat alright - test drove the mazda 6 (mazda 626 were a family car for years and we loved them) but was disappointed with the finish inside - I thought I would have loved it so that was a real pity.

Don't like Ford at all so feel like the passat is the only option but there is nothing that exciting about it. I'm thinking if this is my only option, I may as well save the bobs and buy a Skoda - liked the drive when I test drove it!!

Not really a BMW fan - would really love the new A4 but think, even in July, it's going to be too expensive.

Would ADORE a Volvo but not an estate! This would be my favourite actually.

Had a look at the Toyota www and that definitely warrants consideration I think - looks like a lot of car for the money!!

As you can see, I'm not all fussy!! :rolleyes:

Anyone have anything that would change my thinking from the above? Oh and July it is - I nearly had the Passat booked until I read the VRT threads on here - so thank you boards!

Pitsy

what about a saab? I test drove the updated 9-3 and while nothing amazing it was smooth and felt great inside. the bipower versions are very good value and will prob go up in July.

JHMEG

Honda Accord. Stacks of space.

pitstop

A Saab - I love them!! Husband not keen but value for money might convince him - but I think boot space might be tight?? Definitely will look at them - had not thought of them at all.

Thanks for that!

Pitsy

copacetic

the boot in the 9-3 is about as big as the passat I'd say. you could always up it to the sportwagon if space is a premium, but they are dearer.
check out this review:
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/firstdrives/210722/saab_93.html

also prices on saab.ie for the biopower model, don't include the vrt rebate which starts at about 5k back.. this will change in july.

E92

Accord, Opel Vectra, Citroen C5 and Avensis are being replaced soon, when you say you are planning to change your car every 2 years this is very important, the old model is obviously going to be worth a lot less come trae in time, and Toyota are going on a massive cost cutting spree, so future Toyotas won't be living up to the "Best Built Cars in the World" claim, in fact the first Toyota to have "benefitted" from this is thew now almost a year old Auris, and some of the problems mentioned on websites about them are certainly more akin to what you might expect in a Fiat or Peugeot etc. So you can't have any of those.

VWs reputation for reliability is long gone, so they're out.

I don't know really, I would have thought the Mondeo or Mazda 6 would have been ideal. The Volvo V50 is small inside. What about the Renault Laguna, though the old one is a well know disaster for reliability, however the new one has a 3 year warranty, so maybe it will be better?

If you can hold off to July do, diesels should fall by a few gand in priuce and of course you will have the cheaper tax because of the lower emissions.

here.from.day.1

+1 for Volvo. I drive a 1.9TD S40 and mostly commute to Dublin on country roads, I and anyone whos with me always comments on how comfortable the car is (and the heated seats in winter ), plenty of room and its not slow either.

colm_mcm

the boot in the new S40 is quite small, smaller than a Focus (which the S40 is based on) in fact.

smcgiff

E92 wrote: »

VWs reputation for reliability is long gone, so they're out.

+1

(ditto for Audi)

pitstop

Interesting stuff, so I agree the S40 boot is too small for me. Looked online at the Toyota suggested - don't like the shape at all.

E92, I'm very interested in your comments there. I actually drive a Megane (classic so massive boot!) and to be honest, if it had a decent diesel I would have one again - 7 years old and NO trouble whatsoever. One of the things that I am finding hard to reconcile with the new purchase is that Renault give you alot of the extras as standard so it's killing me to pay for these now. I did look at the Laguna and TBH, I thought the 1.9(?) diesel was expensive compared to say, the Passat!

So based on what everyone is saying - I will hold off for a diesel until July. Can someone convince me on:

1. Mazda (I love Mazdas but I thought the inside was a major disappointment - was it just me on an off day - should I look again???)

2. Mondeo - I just don't like Fords, never have - is it really that good a car. It feels quite plastic to me and the other small niggle I had - I need a large boot opening so need the hatchback but when I opened it - it's a touch too high for me to close so I have to stand on tip toe and really stretch.

The SAAB is a definite possibility - himself is playing with specs as we speak - although price is slightly more that I want to spend (will the diesel reduce in July?)

The Diesel Accord is priced about the same as the Saab so again slightly above my range but I'm throwing it in for contention - the spec and look are spot on for me.

So IN SUMMARY (phew) I'd prefer to pay the Mondeo/Mazda price but the Saab/Honda appeal to me more.

Well, despite being more confused than ever, at least ye have given me some choices other than Passat or Passat!

Thanks

Pitsy!

greglo23

have a look at the Skoda Superb as well. bigger than a Passat and an enormous boot. http://www.skoda-auto.com/irl/model/superb/prices/

Cmar-Ireland

3 series touring is very cramped for rear passengers. The Skoda and Passat estates are very big. But for easy of ownership, the Corolla Verso would be hard to beat. (IMO):D

bazz26

Skoda Superb is being replaced in the next 6 months with a new model, depreciation of the current model is hefty too if changing every two years.

Seen a new Mazda 6 today and they do look very nice indeed. Definately worth another look.

groupb

Vw passats (I've had the current model) in my experience are as use ful as an ashtray on a motorbike. I've also had the previous shape mondeo and unless they have gone backwards the new mondeo should be a far superior car to the passat.If you cant take my word for it , try to find a motoring journal that chooses a passat in favour of a mondeo.

ninty9er

Merc B180 CDI 2l Sport is just higher than your budget. But is only 151 g/km so I'd hold off on it until July if you like it.

Tax 590->290, VRT 30%->20%. The B200 might even be in your price range!

pitstop

Groupb - very interesting to hear your view - will give it another look.

ninty9er - definitely having a look at that - not mad about the shape but like the kit and the badge!

Pitsy

E92

As bazz says, the Superb is being replaced soon, there is even a fairly recent thread about the replacement for it, so that's out and even if it wasn't, the current one depreciates like a lead balloon.


The Accord is also being replaced so that's out as well.

The following cars are due for replacement within the next 12 months, so these have to be excluded:
Toyota Avensis
Honda Accord
Citroen C5
Opel Vectra(to be replaced by the Insignia)
Skoda Superb.

The B-class is a Merc and all modern Mercs are nothing special, there hasn't been a properly built Merc in about 7 or 8 years. All the new ones are built very poorly compared to the 90s ones(especially the early 90s and before which were nigh on indestructible). It is expensive for what you are getting. Now I haven't sampled one, so maybe it feels properly made and maybe it's a nice car, but any reviews of it I have seen have been less than complimentary. It also has only 5 seats, what's the point of an MPV with only 5 seats?

A B180 CDI starts at €34,920 now and doesn't even have air-conditioning as standard(essential in a vehicle with a large glass area) or electric back windows.

As for Renaults and reliability, I know that reputations are sometimes exaggerated, but the current shape Mégane and the 01-07 Laguna are complete disasters. Anyone here involved in the motor trade will tell you that dealers hate to see people turning up with these cars as trade ins. The previous generation Mégane(the 96-02 one) was better made actually and more reliable too.

ninty9er

E92 wrote: »

The Merc B-class is a Merc and all modern Mercs are nothing special, there hasn't been a properly built Merc in about 7 or 8 years. All the new ones are built very poorly compared to the 90s ones(especially the early 90s and before which were nigh on indestructible).

Merc seem to have put an emphasis back on build quality in recent years in their restructuring operation. It certainly wouldn't be any worse than any particular car out there. Even Hondas go wrong these days.

E92 wrote: »

A B180 CDI starts at €34,920 now and doesn't even have air-conditioning as standard(essential in a vehicle with a large glass area) or electric back windows.

Using Unkel's calculator from the VRT thread the 37k 180 sport reduces to 32.5k in July.

Using the same figs the €40,500 B200 CDI Sport reduces to €35,500 and is 140BHP to the 180s 109BHP. I actually like the shape of it though. Strange for a 21 year old I know:D:D but then I've just abandoned buying an FTO for an Astra:rolleyes:

E92

All the other diesels will be falling in price too, so that is really a mute point as the Merc is still gonna cost a lot more than the family motors I and other people mentioned.

And as I mentioned earlier, it comes with less equipment than even a Polo these days(all Polos now have air con as standard).

A BMW 318i would come in just over the OP's budget after July as well at €35,569 for the 318i ES but it is small for what the OP needs, so that's out too.

ninty9er

Actually, now that you mention the family diesels, I was shopping on Saturday and called into the local Renault dealer. I was mightily impressed by the interior of the new Laguna...no bits falling off or loose, of course a test drive would be in order to ensure that no rattles do exist.

E92

Well the fact that Renault are in an alliance with Nissan should mean that some of the Japanese build quality and reliability standards should rub off into the Renaults, though some of the Nissans like the Qashqai are based on the current shape Mégane and we all know how bad that is for quality and reliability.

prospect

A 1.6 HDi Peugeot 407,

Well within your budget,
Huge boot,
Very, very comfy to drive,
Good spec (33K Solaire model has Sunroof, A/C, Bluetooth, Cruise Control & MP3)
Cheap to tax & insure,
Will get cheaper to buy and tax in June, so you would be better off to wait.

ninty9er

E92 wrote: »

Well the fact that Renault are in an alliance with Nissan should mean that some of the Japanese build quality and reliability standards should rub off into the Renaults, though some of the Nissans like the Qashqai are based on the current shape Mégane and we all know how bad that is for quality and reliability.

My Aunt has a 04 Megáne Saloon that has given NO trouble whatsoever, as opposed to the Polo Saloon she had which caused nothing but grief for 2 years. I've actually heard less complaints about the current Megáne than the VW Passat.

E92

407 is has the smallest boot in the class at 407 litres, so it's not really suitable for someone who wants a car with space in it.

E92

ninty9er wrote: »

My Aunt has a 04 Megáne Saloon that has given NO trouble whatsoever, as opposed to the Polo Saloon she had which caused nothing but grief for 2 years. I've actually heard less complaints about the current Megáne than the VW Passat.

Ah well the current shape VW Passat is a well know disaster, claiming that a Renault is better than a Passat is entirely believable because the current Passat is meant to be woeful for reliability, like all modern VWs. Their reputation for reliability has long since vanished in my eyes!

And the current Mégane regularly comes down towards the bottom in JD power surveys, and I've heard several complaints about it on Motors, just because one person had no trouble with it doesn't mean they are all like that no more than the fact that the parent's Avensis has been less than trouble free means that all Toyotas are badly made either.

(as an aside I know I've said on several occaisons that Toyota are going to be cutting corners in future models and the new Auris has been the first car to be "infected" with this, but most Toyotas prior to this would live up to the "Best Built Cars in the World" claim)

meathstevie

Country roads + space + quality + diesel + 35k and a good bit of change = Skoda Octavia Estate 4x4 TDi.

E92

meathstevie wrote: »

Country roads + space + quality + diesel + 35k and a good bit of change = Skoda Octavia Estate 4x4 TDi.

Skoda Octavia Estate 4x4 TDi=depreciation like a lead balloon!

meathstevie

Could very well be but do you buy a car to drive it for a couple of years or do you buy a car to trade it in after 6 months ? I'm quite convinced the initial depreciation on a Volvo or a low end BMW or Merc is going to be significantly worse in absolute numbers. Never mind depreciation on any French car. If you'd calculate the percentages you'd be coming close to the average banana republic annual inflation figure.

RedorDead

pitstop wrote: »

Thanks for all the suggestions - was thinking of the passat alright - test drove the mazda 6 (mazda 626 were a family car for years and we loved them) but was disappointed with the finish inside - I thought I would have loved it so that was a real pity.

Don't like Ford at all so feel like the passat is the only option but there is nothing that exciting about it. I'm thinking if this is my only option, I may as well save the bobs and buy a Skoda - liked the drive when I test drove it!!

Not really a BMW fan - would really love the new A4 but think, even in July, it's going to be too expensive.


Pitsy

There will be a 2.0TDI e model come July with low emissions which should see it fall in bracket A or B. Might bring it sub 35k.

prospect

E92 wrote: »

407 is has the smallest boot in the class at 407 litres, so it's not really suitable for someone who wants a car with space in it.

Well, I dunno about facts and figures, But I had a rented one on holidays for 4 adults and the boot was more than big enough.

Biro

pitstop wrote: »

I'm thinking if this is my only option, I may as well save the bobs and buy a Skoda - liked the drive when I test drove it!!

Not really a BMW fan - would really love the new A4 but think, even in July, it's going to be too expensive.

I think going for the Skoda Superb over the Passat would be a mistake, the Passat is a better car. Reliability seems to be sorted now on them, and anyone I know with one has had a couple of issues but nothing major. Still, anything you buy will be under warranty, so wouldn't worry too much! Anyway, the A4 is in the same league as the passat for reliability, actually even worse from the experience of people I know!
If you want the S40 you're better off going for the 2 litre diesel, a Volvo power plant.
I was a fan of the Saab 93 until I drove one. It's shocking how poorly assembled it was inside, and fairly dull. I'd actually go for the Alfa 159 instead. Same diesel engine, slightly cheaper, far far nicer design, 3 year warranty and free servicing!! Holding it's value just as well as the Saab too.

port

Ford Mondeo 1.8 Tdci Zetec (125 bhp) Metalic for c.€30k and €290 pa road tax from July.Spacious,economical,comfortable,reliable and solid on the road.Saloon offers a 'small' spare wheel and as a result the boot opening is considerably greater than Mondeo with normal spare wheel.Take it for a test drive and see if it ticks all the boxes.

pitstop

OK - I'm still no further along - actually I should clarify something - the 35K is a cash price so I would expect (and did get this for the Passat) 2/3k off the list price. This may get me my Audi come July??? (I know it actually doesn't meet all my criteria but I have a thing about this badge).

Will definitely look at the Mondeo again and am putting the Laguna on the list because I do like them alot. The new one certainly is nice.

Taken the Merc off based on comments here - doesn't sound like great value for money.

Now, there is nothing forcing me to change in July - I could actually wait until next January - so I could put those cars in that are going to change models (although I would wait awhile to let them iron out any problems). I took a look online at the Honda Accord - like that - anyone know when exactly the new one is due???

Thanks

Pitsy

E92

Biro wrote: »

If you want the S40 you're better off going for the 2 litre diesel, a Volvo power plant.

Nope. Its a PSA engine. The only Volvo engines in the new S40/V50 are the 5 cylinder models i.e. the 2.4/i, T5 and D5.

Other petrols are Ford, other diesels are PSA.

Biro

pitstop wrote: »

OK - I'm still no further along - actually I should clarify something - the 35K is a cash price so I would expect (and did get this for the Passat) 2/3k off the list price. This may get me my Audi come July??? (I know it actually doesn't meet all my criteria but I have a thing about this badge).

Will definitely look at the Mondeo again and am putting the Laguna on the list because I do like them alot. The new one certainly is nice.

Taken the Merc off based on comments here - doesn't sound like great value for money.

Now, there is nothing forcing me to change in July - I could actually wait until next January - so I could put those cars in that are going to change models (although I would wait awhile to let them iron out any problems). I took a look online at the Honda Accord - like that - anyone know when exactly the new one is due???

Thanks

Pitsy

What is it with wimmin and the 4 rings!
I think the Accord is due in November. Should be a nice bus. I wouldn't rate the C-class as much as poor value as the Audi would be... the A4 is terribly cramped. The C-Class would hold it's value well too. They are over priced alright.
I don't think the Audi will be attainable for 35k in July, I'd be very surprised if it was. You should test drive the new Mazda 6 (make sure it's the new model!), Alfa 159, Volvo S40, Passat and Mondeo and then form a better opinion. Nothing like driving a car to change your mind on it!

Biro

E92 wrote: »

Nope. Its a PSA engine. The only Volvo engines in the new S40/V50 are the 5 cylinder models i.e. the 2.4/i, T5 and D5.

Other petrols are Ford, other diesels are PSA.

I thought that, but a Volvo source told me otherwise.

pitstop

I drove a 626 for years a while back (executive that I brought back from UK) - it was a beauty and I had loads of offers (for the car:p).

My thoughts:

Mazda 6
So I was really excited about the new 6 - when I test drove it - was very disappointed - HATED the inside - there was just nothing exciting about it. Maybe I will have another look though.

Mondeo
God, I hate the badge but also the inside is so plastic - it makes the car feel like a tin can.

S40
Loved it - a tad too small though

Alfa 159
Actually like these and haven't test drove but don't think (from a previous test drive) that it will drive well on the very bad country roads - I need a really soft suspension - that's why I ended up with a Renault last time.

Might be prepared to wait for the Accord - anyone any details on it??

Pitsy

ninty9er

Current list price for the *NEW* A4, which would be big enough methinks, is €44,200, before alloys, metallic or any of the like are added. that just shy of €38,750 in July (again using Unkel's calculator....that thing's very informative). I imagine the price will remain at €44k and alloys, climate control and a few other bits will be added to the standard spec.

ninty9er

The Civic Saloon is well within your budget and has buckets of space too. Replaced in late 2006. I've been in one as a taxi and it's definitely worth a look. Much better looking than the hatch too!!