Suzuki SX4 or Hyundai i30

eoferrall

Hi just wondering on peoples opinion - well im not my mum is, shes getting a new car and liked these two. she took i30 for drive and liked it alot.

She was asking me which would be better, i have no idea really so i said i would try and find out.

it would be mainly a city run around, but would make frequent enough trips to wexford so needs some poke behind it. she always needs good space in it. last car was an 05 Mitsubuishi colt 5dr.

Thanks!

colm_mcm

i30 definately. get the 1.6 CRDI diesel engine.

SX4, (now available in a saloon :eek: ) like the Liana and Baleno that came before it is never popular second hand. It has a nice 1.6 DDIS diesel engine, but the Hyundai has had a strong marketing campaign, which should help it a few years down the line. In my opinion it's the better car. it also falls into the very cheap motor tax category.

Also look at the Kia Cee'd, it's essentially the same car as the i30 but has a longer warranty. seems to be well nailed together too.

eoferrall

Ya think she looked at cee'd alright, pretty sure seen that brochure around the place!

Cool will pass that on anyways as resale value is always a factor! thanks Colm

colm_mcm

Seems an unusual final choice of cars though. there are more mainstream cars that should hold second hand value better than the 3 mentioned.

Depends on how much she has to spend, and what she wants out of a car.

eoferrall

Ah she never likes to spend much! budget would be maximum 20-25k. she wants to be able to put freezer (not fridge and freezer, the waist height things) size objects in it(and has done on many occasions). basically as i said around city car with flexibilty. the colts back seat came out and it became a van and very flexible.

what other options would there be? she would be open to suggestions as she is only looking at the minute. she drove cee'd for a week or so and didnt really like it. she looked at brochures for toyota auris etc also. But as I said make suggestions and I shall pass them on for consideration by her!

Thanks!:)

colm_mcm

with up to 25k you're into high spec VW Golf/Ford Focus/Toyota Auris territory.
but if she wants minimal depreciation, spending less may be the way to go. Banking on residuals isn't a dead cert any more.

If she has the time, I'd suggest she drives the following and see how she likes them:

Mazda2 1.6 TDI
Suzuki Swift 1.3d
Toyota Yaris D-4D
Ford Fiesta TDCI (could be bargains to be had, new model imminent, Steel model well equipped)

bazz26

Kia Cee'd is also available as an estate if she needs extra practicality:

ninty9er

colm_mcm wrote: »

Toyota Yaris D-4D

You being in the know and all. Is this likely to be available in spec options other than Terra any time soon? Will we be seeing the non de-tuned engine either?

pred racer

I know nothing (mechanical wise) about any of theses cars, but (and im slightly ashamed to say it) I really like the look of that SX4:o

colm_mcm

ninty9er wrote: »

You being in the know and all. Is this likely to be available in spec options other than Terra any time soon? Will we be seeing the non de-tuned engine either?

Dunno, the Yaris will be due its minor change in November 2008, so we might see something then.

The 1.4 D-4D diesel engine in the Yaris is 90bhp, same as a Corolla or Auris, only the old shape Yaris (and the Mini One D) had to make do with the original (2002) 75bhp engine

Bluefoam

I would suggest looking at the Fiat Bravo, for that kind of money you would get a very well specked model & the engines are great.

Zonda999

Have been disappointed to see so few new bravos on the road tbh.Who can say it aint by far the best looking car in its class??



Fantastic IMO

colm_mcm

Resale value on the Bravo is miles out though, Look at the Grande Punto, great car, but resale is dismal.

fenris

A new Bravo is great for a couple of months, but my experience is that fiat live up to their unfortunate reputation for dodgy electrics and a constant stream of little niggley problems, that when combined with their really bad warranty support leaves you feeling like a complete mug.
That feeling then rapidly turns to seething anger when you try and trade it in and cannot even get a decent price from a fiat dealer against another fiat!

See how they turned me from someone who thought - "nice car, good price, good bit of poke, feck the begrudgers, sure are aren't all modern cars made from common components any way" to "how am I going to get rid of this thing before it really lets me down, open book pricing my arse, I would have been better off with a lada - at least then I would have known that I was buying a disposable car with no residual, never buying a fiat again or any car from a fiat dealership as they are obviously just as low life as fiat ireland (whose number I knew by heart, oddly I never had cause to call Nissan, BMW or Renault head office)"

Me - still bitter? - never

Anyway rant aside don't forget that if you are recommending a car to mother dearest you are the first port of call, so go for reliable, even if it is ugly, as ugly generates less phone calls. For the record Mum in law bought a SX4 and loves it because it just works.

eoferrall

Cheers lads, pity you had a crap time with the bravo fenris it looks really good!!

I have passed on your advice and suggestions so she's going to take a few others for test drive and more information on them.

Thanks again!:)

Bluefoam

fenris wrote: »

For the record Mum in law bought a SX4 and loves it because it just works.

BTW, SX4 is designed & made by Fiat...

Biro

eoferrall wrote: »

Cheers lads, pity you had a crap time with the bravo fenris it looks really good!!

I have passed on your advice and suggestions so she's going to take a few others for test drive and more information on them.

Thanks again!:)

I'd say Fenris didn't have a crap time with the Bravo, they're too new for him to have gone through that, he's probably talking about Fiats of old(er). They're screwed together a lot better this past year.
The Mazda 2 doesn't come in a 1.6 diesel, 1.4 diesel - 1.3 and 1.5 petrol.
Other than the aforementioned, and I hesitate before saying the following.... but the Octavia should be added to the possibilities also. (Something not right about me suggesting that!! All the fanboys will think I'm converted!)
The Leon is nice too and spacious. Not sure on prices of that though, and Seat dealers seem to be working under cover or something!

fenris

It was a 00 Bravo

- my main point would be that you seem to need the service organisation more when you buy a fiat, but the service organisation is as shoddy as the cars!

Maybe things have improved - but life is just too short for second chances when there are other good options out there and fiats track record is so long and consistent!

re screwed together better, that was what I though when I bough a new fiat, turned out that the only party that was screwed was me!

colm_mcm

I'd agree with Fenris here. having gone through my Italian car phase a few years ago.
In the old days, Italian cars were about the only ones you could buy new for decent money that looked good and had decent equipment, the competition has seriously improved in recent years, and in my opinion the newer Italian cars have lost some of their fun nature and their adventurous styling. the reason for buying a Fiat over other cars has gone.
The Bravo is a pleasant enough car, so was the Stilo, but they're not nice enough to have to put up with Fiat dealers, patchy build, and the poor resale they suffer.

Bluefoam

fenris wrote: »

It was a 00 Bravo

- my main point would be that you seem to need the service organisation more when you buy a fiat, but the service organisation is as shoddy as the cars!

Maybe things have improved - but life is just too short for second chances when there are other good options out there and fiats track record is so long and consistent!

re screwed together better, that was what I though when I bough a new fiat, turned out that the only party that was screwed was me!

Thats from the olden days. Fiat have moved on since then - the '00 Bravo has been replaced twice. Fiat are the fastest growing Car manufacturer in Europe right now because they have changed their reputation.

fenris

If you like fiat enough to buy one yourself - fair play to you, best of luck and don't forget to renew your AA subscription!

As for fiat's reputation - well deserved, but it takes a bit more than "morketing fluff" to change that, you can't even get a good trade in from fiat on a fiat against another fiat - why would you bother?

I have to admit that I smiled to myself when I saw Victor motors close down and felt that justice was done!

Europe is a bit bigger these days, sales in eastern europe where in some countries in 2001 cars with reflectors for indicators and wipers were an optional extra, would probably see a fiat as a true chariot of the gods!

As for recommending a car to an in-law - be very afraid, think back to showing your mum how to use e-mail - keep it bullet proof and simple!

Bluefoam

fenris wrote: »

If you like fiat enough to buy one yourself - fair play to you, best of luck and don't forget to renew your AA subscription!

As for fiat's reputation - well deserved, but it takes a bit more than "morketing fluff" to change that, you can't even get a good trade in from fiat on a fiat against another fiat - why would you bother?

I have to admit that I smiled to myself when I saw Victor motors close down and felt that justice was done!

Europe is a bit bigger these days, sales in eastern europe where in some countries in 2001 cars with reflectors for indicators and wipers were an optional extra, would probably see a fiat as a true chariot of the gods!

As for recommending a car to an in-law - be very afraid, think back to showing your mum how to use e-mail - keep it bullet proof and simple!

What a load of ****e

ninty9er

The Mid-West no longer has a Fiat/ Alfa dealership now that ICR have given up on them for Kia.

I'd imagine the aftersales headache caused that.

fenris

I am stunned into submission by your sheer eloquence

I shall go out and pick some nettles and thistles to weave into an underpants and a nice pair of socks to wear on my way to a fiat dealership (if I can find one), where I shall afflict myself with a test drive in a second hand punto in a public place!

ninty9er

I wouldn't be put off a Grande Punto, but the Bravo'll need a little testing to prove itself.

Bluefoam

fenris wrote: »

If you like fiat enough to buy one yourself I drive an Alfa if that counts, as does my mother, little bro has Fiat - fair play to you, best of luck and don't forget to renew your AA subscription! Fiat comes with 3 years AA free

As for fiat's reputation - well deserved, but it takes a bit more than "morketing fluff" to change that, you can't even get a good trade in from fiat on a fiat against another fiat - why would you bother? please provide something to back this up???

I have to admit that I smiled to myself when I saw Victor motors close down and felt that justice was done! there are probably many and varied reasons for them shutting down, if Fiat were that bad they could easily have switched brands

Europe is a bit bigger these days, sales in eastern europe where in some countries in 2001 cars with reflectors for indicators and wipers were an optional extra, would probably see a fiat as a true chariot of the gods! Don't know what you have against eastern Europe but:


Germany, market up 1.5%
Fiat @ 7108, up 7.4%
Lancia @ 223, up 38.5%

France, market down 0.2%
Fiat @ 6964 up 44.2%
Lancia @ 571 up 52.3%

Portugal, market down 4.4%
Fiat @ 954, up 65.6%
Lancia @ 71, up 65.1%

Australia, market down 4.5%
Fiat @ 110 up 168.3%

Netherlands market up 2.6%
Fiat @ 1224 up 17%
Lancia @ 57 up 103.6%

Belgium, market down 0.9%
Fiat @ 1173 up 29.3%
Lancia @ 155, down 18.8%

Finland, market up 7.1%
Alfa @ 24, up 9.1%

.

fenris

Maybe if I add poison ivy to the underpants and make that test drive during the day?

Family of fiat lovers - like I said fair play, there are lots of things that run in families that are worse than dodgy fiats - sorry did I say run, I mean are bought.

3 years AA - must resist cheap shot or add gorse to socks - phew!

fiat trade ins - personal experience and more recently (6 months ago) that of a friend who actively wanted (bizarre I know) to trade to a new stilo from the 206 model and is now driving a focus and doesn't know her mechanics name!

RE eastern Europe - I saw those cars in 2001, lada rivas were a bit posh, the volga was the one with reflectors for brake and indicator lights.I also saw people removing their windscreen wipers (where fitted). So yes a fiat was a real step up.

Well done on the stats - quite meaningless in that context like 98.4% of statistics, but a much better use of time than looking at the pictures in the goth/emo chick thread like I was

fiats are a bit like high maintenance girls, nice to look at, you live for those few perfect moments while trying to aviod the invisible minefield, but ultimately realise that life is too short to put up with their crap, and then find out that your friends that you though liked her, were only tolerating her for your sake, but will rip the piss out of your for years to come!

Bluefoam

Apologies to the OP for hijacking the tread & I agree, this is getting tiresome, but:

fenris wrote: »

A new Bravo is great for a couple of months

fenris wrote: »

It was a 00 Bravo

A 00 Bravo is not new, it is 3 generations ago...

fenris wrote: »

(6 months ago) that of a friend who actively wanted (bizarre I know) to trade to a new stilo from the 206 model

I'm not sure there was such thing as a new Stilo six months ago, no wonder your friend had difficulty getting one.

fenris

In the year of our lord 2000 AD, a 2000 fiat bravo was considered new! Honest- I was there!

As for stilo models I only rember her dismay at fiats unwillingness to give a decent price for a fiat against a fiat.

There I was thinking that I was going to bed thinking of cute goth/emo chicks now I will have to dream of dodgy cars!
And this being 'dinternet I bet you are not even a real girl :-)

r3nu4l

The new Bravo does need to prove itself but so far there's no problems with it. There are plenty of them on the road in the UK so far compared with the old Stilo, that everyone hated. The Fiat 500 is really big over here. I honestly believe they have turned things around but their dealerships still leave a lot to be desired.

On topic. The i30 would be my choice out of those two. It looks good and the diesel engine would be the one I'd go for. Try Parkers and Whatcar for reviews of both models.

eoferrall

Thanks guys, she has taken the i30 diesel out for a test drive and was very impressed with it, comfort-wise and performance wise. not sure if she will pick this one but i think at this moment it is leading the pack!

Thanks again for your suggestions (and discussions on the merits of fiat! )