Accord saloon big enough for 2 toddler family car? Or recommend me an alternative

lukester

I'm relatively new to this corner of boards, so be gentle

We're looking to upgrade our current car, a VW Golf 2.0 TDI to something bigger as we have a second child on the way. I've mainly been looking at estate cars, at the outset I was considering A4/A6 Avants, but was put off by the pricing, and the fact that basically the car was my VW in an Audi suit- a nice looking suit, but it galled me nonetheless.

I'm kind of open to a change, and having never bought a Japanese car before, and because I'm getting old and miserly, I started leaning towards cars with a reputation for reliability.

Anyway, it's kind of come down to an Avensis Tourer for which I can get a 2009 model with my budget. However, I started hankering after the Accord, which by all accounts is a superior car.

But an Accord estate is kind of beyond my budget (I want something lowish miles) but the saloon fits my budget perfectly, I can pick up an 08 for around the price of the Avensis.

My question is this- is the saloon going to be adequate for lugging us and 2 babies, buggies and luggage, or should I just go for an estate?

I'd be open to any other suggestions- my criteria are: punchy performance and low road tax, so probably has to be diesel, lowish mileage, i.e. about 20k miles/30k kms, no older than July 08, and über reliable. Budget is up to 24k, but cheaper is fine

I wouldn't buy a Ford or a BMW, and don't really want another VAG group car. I also don't particularly fancy an MPV or a 4x4/SUV.

Thanks

bazz26

If you are looking at 08 Accords then you most likely looking at the old model, rear legroom and boot size are ok but it will not have the practicality of an estate.

Here are some other suggestions that might be worth looking at:

Alfa Romeo 159 Sportswagon:
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201028198827463

Citroen C5 estate:
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201036199456362

Renault Laguna Tourer:
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201028198806833

L-M

bazz26 wrote: »

Alfa Romeo 159 Sportswagon:
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201028198827463

That would be a sweat car, leather as well so it would be easy get the spills out :P I wouldn't pay near 23k for it though.

What is your budget OP? Are you trading in the Golf etc.?

lukester

Nice suggestions, especially the Alfa, I already looked at that, but I said above that the car has to be super reliable. I also want pretty low depreciation, so on both of those counts I'd rule out the Alfa and the french marques.

I also said above, my budget is about 24k. Currently looking to trade in the Golf, but am considering just trying to sell it privately, not sure how well they're selling right now though. It's in good nick, with 65k miles. Very sweet engine, basically the GT TDI engine.

L-M

What year is it? Have a look on donedeal.ie for similar vehicles and throw yours up priced accordingly. Get trade in prices too!

This is a tiny bit over budget, but it would tick all the boxes for me and should have the low tax band.

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Skoda/Superb/201032199193338/advert?channel=CARS

smokingman

I've an accord (diesel '05) and one kid.
Plenty of room for two seats in the back but it depends on what kind of buggies you have - you'd easily get two strollers in the boot with luggage but if it's a bigger one then you'll have problems.

Oh and the diesels only come in 2.2L so make sure you get a post jan '08 version, otherwise the tax will be murder
Nice bit of poke in it, comfy as hell and you get a lot of extras for less money than the competition.

rugbug86

I know you don't want another VWG car, but have you considered an Octavia?

Huge amount of legroom in the back, and the boot would be ample size for two buggies.

Tea 1000

rugbug86 wrote: »

I know you don't want another VWG car, but have you considered an Octavia?

Huge amount of legroom in the back, and the boot would be ample size for two buggies.

Enough with the Octavia suggestions! It's really no bigger than an Accord, which is a much better car to begin with.
As said above, buying the car within budget and 2 neat strollers is cheaper than buying a car outside budget!

adamshred

This would be my choice -

Subaru Forester
http://www.cbg.ie/Car_Detail.aspx?ID=3875028

Punchy performance - Check
Low Road Tax - Check

I contend that it doesn't truly fit within any of the SUV or MPV constraints.

I know it's a 4x4 but I drive an older Forester and the quality and reliability factor is excellent.

Spacious - 44.8MPG - GREAT to drive - Within your budget also

rugbug86

Tea 1000 wrote: »

Enough with the Octavia suggestions! It's really no bigger than an Accord, which is a much better car to begin with.
As said above, buying the car within budget and 2 neat strollers is cheaper than buying a car outside budget!

I'm speaking from personal experience of having an octavia with two toddlers and all of their accessories, and two other adults in the car, and comfortably too.

24k is a reasonable budget for an Octavia - could get one new for that...

Tea 1000

rugbug86 wrote: »

I'm speaking from personal experience of having an octavia with two toddlers and all of their accessories, and two other adults in the car, and comfortably too.

24k is a reasonable budget for an Octavia - could get one new for that...

But the only way you could speak from experience of recommending an Octavia over an Accord is if you had both.
The Accord is a better car.

BrianD3

lukester wrote: »

Anyway, it's kind of come down to an Avensis Tourer for which I can get a 2009 model with my budget. However, I started hankering after the Accord, which by all accounts is a superior car.

But an Accord estate is kind of beyond my budget (I want something lowish miles) but the saloon fits my budget perfectly, I can pick up an 08 for around the price of the Avensis.

In what way do you think the Accord is a superior car "by all accounts"? Reliability?

Posters in this forum love the Honda Accord but for your purposes it sounds like an Avensis estate is going to be a better bet than an Accord saloon. Whereas for someone with no children who likes to think of themselves as a car enthusiast, the Accord would be a better choice.

Re: reliability and depreciation and Italian/French cars, buy at the right price and keep the car a few years and depreciation on any 08 car will not be a major issue. If you buy a Laguna for 18k it'll be worth less in a few years time than an Accord bought for 22k. But by that time both will be worth feck all and the more you pay at the start, the more you lose.

PS you could get a new Megane estate for around 16-20k with a 5 year unlimited mileage warranty. Boot might not be quite big enough though. And performance isn't exactly "punchy"

R.O.R

Tea 1000 wrote: »

But the only way you could speak from experience of recommending an Octavia over an Accord is if you had both.
The Accord is a better car.

But the Octavia is much more practical for someone with kids, than the Saloon Accord.

Boot in the Accord is pretty big, but the saloon opening does restrict access a bit. I wouldn't fancy trying to get 2 prams in there with the other stuff you'd need.

The Octavia you could open the hatch and lob everything in.

Have an Accord and came out of an Octavia.

OP - maybe a Saab 9-3 1.9Tid Estate. Price has fallen a lot recently, but it's a good looking car with a pretty decent reliability record that you can buy for well under budget.

Tea 1000

R.O.R wrote: »

But the Octavia is much more practical for someone with kids, than the Saloon Accord.

Boot in the Accord is pretty big, but the saloon opening does restrict access a bit. I wouldn't fancy trying to get 2 prams in there with the other stuff you'd need.

The Octavia you could open the hatch and lob everything in.

Have an Accord and came out of an Octavia.

OP - maybe a Saab 9-3 1.9Tid Estate. Price has fallen a lot recently, but it's a good looking car with a pretty decent reliability record that you can buy for well under budget.

The hatch back gives better access, but you won't need it with strollers. The Accord is a more comfortable car to be fair, and it's a better car.
I'd go with a 159 over a Saab 9-3 to be honest.

lukester

lukester wrote: »

a VW Golf 2.0 TDI ......................and because I'm getting old and miserly,

lol, leaving a Golf for an Accord and you reckon you're getting old and miserly :pac:

Scruff

Here is a punchy Octavia
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Skoda/Octavia/RS-2.0--/201033199214395/advert?channel=CARS

.Longshanks.

Scruff wrote: »

Here is a punchy Octavia
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Skoda/Octavia/RS-2.0--/201033199214395/advert?channel=CARS

White trim on the seats would be a nightmare with toddlers

DubDani

I would agree with the previous suggestion of the new Superb estate. Probably the best value estate on the Market atm, with pretty decent specs and afaik one of the biggest boots available.

Gets great reviews everywhere you look (according to many reviews better then Mondeo, Passat, Accord, Passat etc.), and you might be able to pick up a 2010 one with less then 15k km for only slightly more then your budget.

edit... just checked, and a brand new one 1.9tdi Comfort spec has a list price of €25,415, so 25k might even get you a brand new one.

pburns

If you're leaning towards the Accord and away from VAG brands (why does every thread end with a bunch of bloody Skoda-pushers) what about this:

http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201030199036642

The Avensis? I had one once, at a time when I was far too young for such a car. Most boring car I've ever had and the worst buy, despite great after-sales service. Superb would be better in every way and it's great value but...still bland as fook...

Absurdum

Mazda 6

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Mazda/Mazda6/1.8-Esta/201035199399253/advert?channel=CARS

or http://www.carzone.ie/search/Mazda/Mazda6/1.8-Exec/201013197476559/advert?channel=CARS

Green Hornet

I've an Accord and 1 six month old and the Accord is big enough and also has the perks of comfort and enough pep for me. However, the wife has a Civic hatch and can carry all of the baby stuff much easier. The high boot opening of the hatch will always beat the saloon with its half height opening.

lynski

my sis has 2 toddlers and a golf and was only telling me today that she can manage to get 3 car seats into it and would not consider changing it.
We have a volvo s40 and 2 toddlers and have no probs with boot space and have even managed to get a 3rd adult into the back between the seats.

lukester

Some interesting suggestions, plenty I wouldn't have even considered. Thanks!

To refine the criteria further, I should add that I'd prioritise driver enjoyment over practicality, within reason

I had considered the Mazda 6, but wouldn't be keen on a 1.8 petrol. I've driven Mazdas in the past and liked their characteristics.

Cursory scans of What Car don't fill me with enthusiasm for the Legacy or Superb, but I'd be open to a test drive.

I like Saabs, I used to drive a 9-3 turbo, but its value dropped like a stone and I had major trouble selling it on. I'm loath to buy another, sadly.

I'm resistant to some of the French marques because of their reliability record- I'm sure most of them are better these days, although my local mechanic has nothing good to say about them.

I love Alfas, but would be wary for the same reasons.

On reflection, I realise I'm not totally fixed on a diesel- I'd go for a petrol engine that had strong performance if road tax wasn't going to be excessive, i.e. no greater than about 300 euro.Our annual mileage isn't huge- so I'm going for diesel based on driving characteristics (I like torque) and lower running costs. Diesels also generally have stronger residuals and are easier to resell.

@lynski Yes, we don't absolutely need to change car just yet, certainly not for everyday use. But for going on holiday where we have all the stuff we need for 2 kids, including buggies/strollers, etc, well let's just say it'll be a squeeze.

dotz

i would definitly recommend the avensis but go for the 03-08 model. this one http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/reviews/toyota/avensis-tourer-2003.aspx the reason i say this model is because basically if there was any recalls to be done to them. . . they would be done already. i worked as a mechanic for toyota for years and i can honestly say these avensis's are by far the best. every avensis of this model that ever came into the garage was only in for a service. they might not be as much of head turning as the other cars that have been suggested but they will go around the clock for you if they are minded. and dont think because you are spending alot of money on a car that you are guarented it is good. by the way, dont be so concerned about high milage on any car, its just a thing people have in their heads. an engine will start to get comfortable about 50-60,000 miles. basically this means that all the parts are wearing with eachother evenly and running smoothly. (if an engine hasnt broken down by this stage then it never will) id be glad to answer anymore that you might have.

Absurdum

lukester wrote: »

I had considered the Mazda 6, but wouldn't be keen on a 1.8 petrol. I've driven Mazdas in the past and liked their characteristics.

the 1.8 will see 40+mpg quite easily, boot is huge, drive is firm but sporty, petrols are bullet-proof, tax is €447 however...

bazz26

Another suggestion would be the Opel Insignia hatchback:

http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201034199278779

Boot is fairly big with easy access.

lukester

dotz wrote: »

i would definitly recommend the avensis but go for the 03-08 model. this one http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/reviews/toyota/avensis-tourer-2003.aspx the reason i say this model is because basically if there was any recalls to be done to them. . . they would be done already. i worked as a mechanic for toyota for years and i can honestly say these avensis's are by far the best. every avensis of this model that ever came into the garage was only in for a service. they might not be as much of head turning as the other cars that have been suggested but they will go around the clock for you if they are minded. and dont think because you are spending alot of money on a car that you are guarented it is good. by the way, dont be so concerned about high milage on any car, its just a thing people have in their heads. an engine will start to get comfortable about 50-60,000 miles. basically this means that all the parts are wearing with eachother evenly and running smoothly. (if an engine hasnt broken down by this stage then it never will) id be glad to answer anymore that you might have.

I spoke to a taxi driver tonight who swears by this model too. I can't get very excited about it as a car, the looks do little for me-although I can appreciate the engineering involved. I guess the 2.2 diesel could be fun to drive- I've read reviews of this that rate it very highly. I have test driven the latest model Avensis, both in petrol and diesel form. Magazine reviews and forums sniff at it, but it was a much more enjoyable drive than I expected. The diesel was very very smooth. The petrol was surprisingly torquey low down, although it showed its true lack of power vis-a-vis the diesel on an uphill stretch.

@Absurdum I recently rented a Mazda 3 2.0 petrol in Canada, I really liked it, and certainly the reviews of the 6 are excellent. Sounds like there have been issues with the early diesel models, particularly the 2.2.

dotz

oh please stay away from reviews. the boys behind the words havent a f**king notion. sure, they will talk and talk absolute waffle and bore you to death with the details, stats and specs. DRIVING POSITION, HANDLING, LOOKS, etc. . . thats all his opinion, not your. keep doing what you are doing. . . . talking to people, find out about common problems, price's on parts, realilabity etc. just remember though. . . electrical gismos in cars like electric seats, electric morrors, fancy radios that consume the dash. these are all expensive to replace if broken (eg. an electric wing mirror for my 03 corolla was 180.00 euro and i needed two because they were kicked off) and chances are they will break so just stay away from anything unnecessary and electric. the more ****e you have in a car then the more ****e you have that can break down.

anyway, i hope you get sorted.

ps. stay away from the european manafactures.:D

best of luck.

useless

lynski wrote: »

We have a volvo s40 and 2 toddlers and have no probs with boot space and have even managed to get a 3rd adult into the back between the seats.

A 2004-on S40? How the hell did you manage that? They must have been supermodel-thin!
Seriously- what brand of child seats do you have? ATM I've one kid and another on the way, and I can't see how I'm going to get 2 child seats+ granny into the back seat...

Sorry for derailing the OP's thread. FWIW, if it were my money I'd have a used Volvo V70 D5.