Family Car 45000km pa

ijooc

Hi,

After another trip to the garage, it's time to trade up the Focus. I'm currently considering a new
Ford Mondeo
VW Passat
Mazda M6
Toyota Avensis

Requirements:
Diesel
Good fuel consumption
Resonable comfort level
Good re-sale value
Good reliability
40-45k km p.a.

Any comments or recommendations?

Thanks,

Stevie Dakota

Avensis is so dull I couldn't live with it.

The other three have all just been updated so at least you are not getting cars at the end of their cycle.

Passat is far from reliable, the new model is just a reheated version of the previous car so I would not expect it to be any better. Probably the best feel good factor of the four though.

M6 is a nice, stylish drivers car but not as roomy or comfortable as the Mondeo.

For me it would be the Mondeo. Hard to beat as a family car and should be cheap to run. Also swallows miles with ease.

keithclancy

Mondeo Estate if you can.
Bags of space and doesnt look too bad.

Leonard Hofstadter

For me it's a toss up between the Mondeo and the Mazda.

The Mazda has a 2.2 diesel, which I believe is based on the old 2.0 diesel in earlier versions of the current model and the previous generation of the car, and that was a disaster of an engine.

ijooc

Hi Stevie, I had similar concerns about the Avensis. However, the reliablity of Toyota made me add it to the list. But, I'm not sure if they have the same reliability as before.

I'm tempted by the Mondeo, but trying to figure out if it is worth getting the Zetec spec! However, would be slightly nervous about getting a ford after having spent 180 euro for a wheel bearing yesterday, excluding labour!

I've driven a Passat comfortline a few times and thought it was nice. Haven't heard of specific reliability issues.

I don't really know a lot about the M6. Looks nice though.

PaulKK

I'd go for the passat. The early b6 ones werent great but the issues seem to have been ironed out since from roughly 07. Some on here will have you believe that it will fall apart if you look at it but they are a good car, and the b7 should be even better.

BrianD3

You should consider the Renault Fluence and Laguna, they have a big advantage over the cars listed in that they have a 5 year unlimited mileage warranty. The VW and Ford have 2 year warranties and the Mazda and Toyota have a 3 year or 100,000 km warranty - so someone doing 45k p.a will be covered for a little over 2 years.

In terms of Toyota reliability - Toyota and other Japanese manufacturers no longer have a significant (if any) advantage over the European makes. Most modern cars are generally reliable but when things go wrong on a modern diesel it can get very expensive and make a 180 quid wheelbearing seem like small change. This is where the long warranty comes in.

Hyundai and Kia also have great warranties and Kia may be introducing a Mondeo sized car next year if you can wait that long.
http://www.autocar.co.uk/CarReviews/FirstDrives/Kia-Optima-2.4-GDi-(US-spec)/254253/

J77

I'd say get a highline passat and trade it after 2 years, the B6 highlines are excellent so the B7s will only be better and it'll have the best residual value out of those 4 and be the nicest to drive. It has only has a 2 year warranty but its unlimited mileage.

highlydebased

Mondeo without a doubt.

J77

Also Is there a reason you're not considering an opel insignia?

Drummerboy08

J77 wrote: »

Also Is there a reason you're not considering an opel insignia?

+1, the Insignia is probably one of the nicest out of that bunch.... The only concern is that if you go for a model with nice wheels (SC with Plus pack upwards) they will cost you a fortune to replace (225+ VAT approx per corner). This is the only thing that would put me off the Insignia.

In my humble opinion, I think the Passat is overrated as a car, and sells only because its a VW. I think both the Mondeo and Insignia beat it as a car. If you do go down the road of VW, expect DMF problems, clutch problems, electronic handbrake problems, possible injector problems. VW say they have ironed out these issues, but I'm not so sure...

The Mazda is a nice car, but as its been pointed out, not as big as the Mondeo. In respect of your Ford reliability concerns, a wheel bearing is something that will need to be replaced at high mileage anyway, so that issue could happen to any car.

Take a look at the Skoda Superb too, you could probably swing a DSG version for the same money as a manual Passat, thus eliminating the DMF and clutch issues.

If it was my money, I'd go for the Mondeo.

Atlantic Dawn

I don't know the circumstances of how you are purchasing the vehicle whether is be cash, hp or a lease. If it was me and I was buying for cash I would purchase a 2008 model of one of them and this would save a good 30% off the new price of the vehicle. Considering the milage you are going to be doing after 4 years the vehicle will be worth little, makes more sense to buy the 2008 model for the cheap road tax and use that, also 2008 model of all cars mentioned is pretty much identical to the 2010 model.

Of the cars you suggested I would go with the Mondeo, then the Avensis.

bazz26

Mondeo or Insigna would be my choice.

ijooc

Don't really know much about the Insignia, but I'll have a look at it.


Edit: corrected typo

ijooc

Atlantic Dawn wrote: »

I don't know the circumstances of how you are purchasing the vehicle whether is be cash, hp or a lease. If it was me and I was buying for cash I would purchase a 2008 model of one of them and this would save a good 30% off the new price of the vehicle. Considering the milage you are going to be doing after 4 years the vehicle will be worth little, makes more sense to buy the 2008 model for the cheap road tax and use that, also 2008 model of all cars mentioned is pretty much identical to the 2010 model.

Of the cars you suggested I would go with the Mondeo, then the Avensis.

I feel that a 2008 model is probably too old and wil potentially have 60k + on the clock. Keeping it for 2 yrs, would end up with 150k+ on the clock.

Was thinking more along the lines of a low mileage 09 car, or else a 10 car.

Stheno

Just a word here for the Skoda Superb, I've never owned one, but spent a lot of time in the North and a lot of taxi drivers used them.

The space inside, and particularly in the back and the boot was fantastic. Every taxi driver I asked about the car thought it was the best car they'd had.

Sleepy

The Superb was a Top Gear car of the year too...

J77

Yeah actually +1 on the superb. Jam packed with kit on elegance models, supposedly more reliable than parent VW's cars (not sure how though) great engine if you get the 170bhp.

Best bet is to get a 10 reg demo car like this

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Skoda/Superb/ELEGANCE/200951196242062/advert?channel=CARS

Thats a crackin price for what you get.

johnos1984

J77 wrote: »

Yeah actually +1 on the superb. Jam packed with kit on elegance models, supposedly more reliable than parent VW's cars (not sure how though) great engine if you get the 170bhp.

Best bet is to get a 10 reg demo car like this

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Skoda/Superb/ELEGANCE/200951196242062/advert?channel=CARS

Thats a crackin price for what you get.

If you can find an estate they are very handsome and the controversial looks are far more pleasant.

vectra

J77 wrote: »

Yeah actually +1 on the superb. Jam packed with kit on elegance models, supposedly more reliable than parent VW's cars (not sure how though) great engine if you get the 170bhp.

Best bet is to get a 10 reg demo car like this

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Skoda/Superb/ELEGANCE/200951196242062/advert?channel=CARS

Thats a crackin price for what you get.

OP could also get a new un-regd Octavia vRS CR170 with leather for less than that.
Also swallows up the miles with ease and returns average of 44mpg while enjoying it

J77

vectra wrote: »

OP could also get a new un-regd Octavia vRS CR170 with leather for less than that.
Also swallows up the miles with ease and returns average of 44mpg while enjoying it

Good point! If OP is a family man the superb would be a better call as there's much more space. If not though would be as well off to get a new vRS!

Zubeneschamali

I don't understand why cars like the Superb (and Mondeo/Passat/Avensis etc) follow the old pattern of two-seats-plus-a-hump in the back. This seating is normal on high-end Mercs and BMWS because a) they are RWD with a transmission tunnel and b) they aren't family cars, they are designed for Four Suits Going For A Round Of Golf.

Yeah, I know, with three kids you can buy an MPV and get three seats, but what's the point of buying a yoke as massive as a Superb or Mondeo Estate, and still only getting two proper rear seats? Stupid.

johnos1984

Zubeneschamali wrote: »

I don't understand why cars like the Superb (and Mondeo/Passat/Avensis etc) follow the old pattern of two-seats-plus-a-hump in the back. This seating is normal on high-end Mercs and BMWS because a) they are RWD with a transmission tunnel and b) they aren't family cars, they are designed for Four Suits Going For A Round Of Golf.
.

Don't forget the Superb is available as a 4x4 in some markets so the transmission tunnel is there to serve a purpose.

But I agree with your point

frankie2shoes

I agree with a previous poster the op should take a look at the renault fluence. its go plenty of room, cheap to run (65+mpg) low tax(104 euro), lots of toys, a nissan engine and chasis, and a 5 year unlimited mileage warranty!
its quite a smart looking car too and if he/she's got an old car for scrappage the price is unbeatable!

coolbeans

The Fluence - It's not based on a Nissan at all, it's shares its underpinnings with a Samsung which is based on a Renault. The engine is completely Renault. People should check their facts before they post pub talk. :rolleyes:

I know people are gay for Octavias but think about it, nobody wants to spend 30,000 miles per annum, a hell of a lot of time, in an Octavia. The OP is definitely right in selecting from the class above. The same goes for the Fluence.

I'd probably go for the Mondeo as they really are designed for massive mileage. I think the new Passat is a cynical attempt by VW to call an old car an all new model. In that light it would be very poor value when compared to the all new competition and the old model really was overrated with a rough ride, creaky trim indicating dodgy build quality and questionable reliability.
I'd fall asleep at the sight of an Avensis and I don't like the looks of the Mazda which is such a disappointment after the very pretty old model. Maybe look at a Laguna too, you might like it and it does a have a decent rep and a big warranty. Peugeot are also about to launch the new 508 too...bit of a dark horse though.
The Superb is very ugly in saloon guise and maybe needlessly big for your needs.

colm_mcm

J77 wrote: »

I'd say get a highline passat and trade it after 2 years, the B6 highlines are excellent so the B7s will only be better and it'll have the best residual value out of those 4 and be the nicest to drive. It has only has a 2 year warranty but its unlimited mileage.

Heres someone who kept one for 3 years

-Corkie- wrote: »

Howdie.

I thought hard about upgrading my wifes 08 Passat. Its a 2.0 TDI Highline with all the extras.I seen the new model advertised and discussed here so I went to look at one this evening.

I would be buying a Highline again which is the top of the range model. Firstly no sports seats like the old model. They cost 900 euro extra no cruise control its 500 extra. No parking sensors they are 500 euro extra. The list goes on. When I seen new model I thought all this and more would be standard and not extra. The car is way less specced than the old model.

Anyway I asked for a price for a 2.0 TDI with just the cruise control as extra and nothing else. 21 thousand euros they wanted..:mad:

If I wanted all the extras thats on our own I would be looking at another 3 grand. I think this is complete madness. What do the rest of you think?? Our own car has only 70k on it btw.