New car: Toyota Prius, Merc B/C Class, other ideas?

embraer170

Looking to buy a new car.

I get a once off contribution from my employer in the 20 to 35 % range so I am looking at it as a medium/long term car.

Ideally it should be something reasonably economic (do a lot of mileage), a bit different/fun for the moment and that could serve as a small family car in a few years... the idea of a long warranty appeals to me too.

What I've looked at so far:

Toyota Prius: comes to about €18k which strikes me as a lot of car for reasonable money. Auto box which I am looking for comes as standard and five year warranty. While it has a small boot, the seats fold flat which is a massive + point. Only problem is that it's a Prius.

Mercedes C180D: comes to about €25k, or €23k without an auto box (I suppose I could sarcrifice it). Currently drive a golf and often load furniture, frigdes etc without problem. Wonder if I could get used to it?

Mercedes B180D: €22k with an auto box and a few other options. Super practical car but I don't like its looks.

Tried the BMW 3series and found it cramped inside. Skoda Superb is too big. Passat CC only has four seats.

Any other suggestions?

Stevie Dakota

embraer170 wrote: »

Skoda Fabia is too big. Passat CC only has four seats.

Skoda Fabia too big?

I thought the VW were doing away with the 2 seats in the back making it a 5 seater? Certainly makes it more appealing, nice car.

pajero12

Stevie Dakota wrote: »

Skoda Fabia too big?

I thought the VW were doing away with the 2 seats in the back making it a 5 seater? Certainly makes it more appealing, nice car.

I assume they mean a superb!

No think they're keeping the cc a four seater. What about a normal passat?

Bigus

People in motoring forums hate Prius'. I like them
check out priuschat .com

Where can you get a new one for 18k?

mickdw

How about an alfa 159 diesel? Buy it a couple of years old & get a bargain

Edit: thought from prices quoted it was used cars being considered.

Chippy01

embraer170 wrote: »

Only problem is that it's a Prius.

QUOTE]


I just can't figure out these types of comment.
What exactly do you mean?

L-M

Bigus wrote: »

People in motoring forums hate Prius'. I like them
check out priuschat .com

Where can you get a new one for 18k?

Assuming that's including his 30% contribution!

mickdw

Chippy01 wrote: »

embraer170 wrote: »

Only problem is that it's a Prius.

QUOTE]


I just can't figure out these types of comment.
What exactly do you mean?

Maybe that its pretty ugly & promotes the image of the owner being a tree hugger of sorts. Now I tried a GS450h myself this weekend. There is not an awful lot wrong with the hybrid idea in itself apart from the transmission (as fitted to gs at least) being unsuited to quick backroad driving but in the form of the prius it is pretty crap.

Chippy01

mickdw wrote: »

Chippy01 wrote: »

Maybe that its pretty ugly & promotes the image of the owner being a tree hugger of sorts. Now I tried a GS450h myself this weekend. There is not an awful lot wrong with the hybrid idea in itself apart from the transmission (as fitted to gs at least) being unsuited to quick backroad driving but in the form of the prius it is pretty crap.

A 5 door hatchback is going to look like a 5 door hatchback, no matter how you try to style it.

Ahhhh, social stereotyping, like BMW driver being p****s, Merc drivers being j***s, and MX5 drivers are hairdressers?

The GS450h is a very nice piece of kit not really suited for quick backroad shenanigans. For that you'd want an old MGBGT, or similar.


Whooops - thread hijack.
Sorry OP.

embraer170

Thanks for the replies.

Sorry, yes I meant Superb instead of Fabia. Will edit the original post.

The €18k Prius includes my employer's contribution (a few % more than other cars for various reasons).

I like the car a lot (remember going wow the first time I saw the latest generation Prius in real life), have read Priuschat and the Toyota Owner's club forums extensively for a few months, taken it on two test drives, my parents drive an Avensis and I like like it a lot... but I just can't convince myself it's the car for me. Part of the reason might be that most people I see driving them are retirees... not that's anything wrong with that but I was hoping for something a little more fun.

In a sense I'm wondering if one can justify €6k more for a Mercedes (thinking a C180 Diesel in this case) which has higher running/insurance costs, a shorter warranty and is, at the end of the day, less practical. On the other hand, I can still see myself driving the C Class in 7-8 years time but I am less sure about the Prius.

mickdw

Chippy01 wrote: »

mickdw wrote: »

A 5 door hatchback is going to look like a 5 door hatchback, no matter how you try to style it.

Ahhhh, social stereotyping, like BMW driver being p****s, Merc drivers being j***s, and MX5 drivers are hairdressers?

The GS450h is a very nice piece of kit not really suited for quick backroad shenanigans. For that you'd want an old MGBGT, or similar.


Whooops - thread hijack.
Sorry OP.

The prius has poor styling whatever way you wish to look at it.
The treehugger idea is not just a stereotype. The decision to buy a prius has everything to do with attempting to be very environmentally minded, (misguided many would say) as certainly styling couldnt be the deciding factor nor could it be fuel efficiency as a diesel is just as efficient. This leaves us with a buyer who want to be seen to be green.
In relation to the GS, it was not up to the standards I was expecting. Far too much toyota in there, typical avensis style seats that seem to sit the driver on top of the car rather than in it, poor plastics, indicator stalks similar to a 1980 datsun sunny.

Bigus

first let meI'll repeat myself. People in motoring forums generally hate Prius'.

I'm lucky i have access to a lot of different cars everyday or weekend. However i have no problem jumping in the Prius for long journeys in Ireland, its easy to drive within the legal limits and very relaxing under all conditions. Quick enough too when you need it.I havent driven the latest one yet.

If i was in europe i'd go for a bm or merc diesel.

Buy the Pruis and by a classic or a cheap convertable(3k) for fun.

johnos1984

mickdw wrote: »

Chippy01 wrote: »

The prius has poor styling whatever way you wish to look at it.

The Prius isn't styled, it's a wind tunnel and computer developed style meant to be the most efficient shape possible................just like an Enzo with economy in mind

Everything about it is designed to make the car more efficient. It isn't meant to be stylish it's meant to be functional. It all serves a purpose.

While it's not a perfect master piece it should be applauded for the technical tour de force that it is and also a car which has inspired makers to really try and go green.

Granted for a young person I wouldn't have it...........nor a C-Class.....

Pkiernan

If you were thinking of a Prius, have you looked at a Honda Insight. Can be had for less than a Prius, and have the same features.

They look better too imo.

marc1

I can't believe you are comparing the Prius to a Merc... :-)

I would go for the C180 - they are a great cars! Great mpg as well!

Otherwise you could look at the Audi A3 and A4 (or event A4 avant) - and they use the VW DSG automatic gear-box, they are brilliant!