Getting new car, advice?

Big Nelly

Hi guys

Getting a new car, well for the misses anyway. She has 01 Clio, poor little Cleo the Clio has done well and only has 49k miles on her but can't use on motorway anyway as the little bit of HP that was originally given to her have left the stables.

With the offers of scrappage I think it would be more worthwhile to just bite the bullet and buy a new car. We are looking at the following. With different buy in prices and offers of scrappage Not going to release pricing but more or less looking for reviews etc to give me an idea. I always buy Audi/Ford/Saab/VM but big cars with big diesel engine due to milage so havent a clue in this market

Audi A1 1.4 Petrol: Lovely little car. Advantage: Wife loves Audi, lovely inside, good resale, no back seat space to talk about
Disadvantage: No boot, trade in not good, dealer pushing this PSP thing which is a rip off and annoying me now. 3 calls today about it.

Nissan Juke 1.5 Diesel Sport Model: Advantage: Looks a bit funky the wife thinks, Sport model has nice interior, cruise control included
Disadvantage: Really need to go to sport model as base is brutal. Bit more expensive, dealer says they cant get them in without long order process

Renault Megane 1.6 Diesel: Advantage: Need the 5 door model and quite big according to wife, plain enough inside, same more or less as Clio, very good on fuel, cheapest on tax, good trade in
Disadvantage: Not a whole pile to be honest except not sure about reliability and resale value, would look to sell in about 5 years

Renault Clio 1.2 Petrol Royale: Advantage: Works out cheapest, quite a big car inside, better options inside than old Clio, good on juice in town
Disadvantage: Not than comfy inside, wouldn't like to bring onto motorway and see what MPG would be running at, not very exciting inside, anybody have any idea on reliability? most garages are saying they are not very reliable

VW Golf 1.2 TSI: Advantage: Very nippy for small engine, base model is quite nice inside, good options compared to older Golfs on base model
Disadvantage: Not great trade in, its nippy but fuel consumption seems quite high. HP is only 85????

Anyone any idea's? do people have these types of car and have feedback??

johnos1984

Out of that grouping I would take the Megane but are you really sure you need to get something new? there are good used cars out there if you look hard enough.

As for reliability and service, Renault appear to of improved a lot since 2007 in both of those areas. I don't know long how good they will be long term but the indications are encouraging

billyboy01

Well from that list. I would go for the Golf, as it will have the best trade in value in the future!

Atlantic Dawn

Id get a diesel Golf, will be easier to sell on than the petrol model. However if your wife is doing tiny mileage of trips here and there to the local shop avoid a diesel as the dpf filter will keep getting blocked due to lack of mileage.

spoon77

<snip>

colm_mcm

A base model diesel golf will be the guts of €23500 list price. Hard to justify the price on the basis that it would be worth considerably more than the megane.

As for putting your faith Io soneone wanting a 3 cylinder tsi golf ticking time bomb in 5 years time is a bit much.

Bear in mind the tiny warranty vw give, and their far from enviable reliability.

Zubeneschamali

Big Nelly wrote: »

Anyone any idea's? do people have these types of car and have feedback??

The Audi is nicely made, but very expensive. At that money, you could have a Mini Cooper, which your wife will love and you'll enjoy driving, too.

I think the Juke is hideous, and that Megane, Clio and Golf are all dull to drive.

Kashkai

What about the Hyundai i30 and Kia c'eed models that have 5 and 7 year warrantys? I've had Audi, Nissan, Renault and Kia cars in the past and out of the lot, the Kia was the best built, best equipped and most reliable. Got a good trade in price on it too.

fricatus

Prosperous Dave wrote: »

What about the Hyundai i30 and Kia c'eed models that have 5 and 7 year warrantys? I've had Audi, Nissan, Renault and Kia cars in the past and out of the lot, the Kia was the best built, best equipped and most reliable. Got a good trade in price on it too.

Yeah, while something deep in me doesn't like the idea of driving a Hyundai or Kia due to the sh!te they've produced over the years, it is true to say that their newer models are streets ahead of what they did before, and should not be ignored.

The 7-year warranty on the Kia is a fantastic deal, and it shows a lot of confidence in their product.

mickydoomsux

Prosperous Dave wrote: »

What about the Hyundai i30 and Kia c'eed models that have 5 and 7 year warrantys? I've had Audi, Nissan, Renault and Kia cars in the past and out of the lot, the Kia was the best built, best equipped and most reliable. Got a good trade in price on it too.

Was going to suggest either a diesel C'eed or Rio myself. 7 years of a warranty is pretty damn good.

Picked up my diesel 2011 Rio last week and i'm loving it. The fuel economy is nearly double what my 2004 Hyundai Coupe used to get (hardly surprising and the dealer said that the economy will improve again once the engine is run in but i'll take that with a pinch of salt), it has 1 :eek: bhp more than the coupe and is lighter and easier to park, it has aircon which the Coupe didn't have. All in all a much better car so far. The only thing i miss about the Coupe is the sunroof

/waits for traditional warnings of blocked DPFs and exploding turbos

colm_mcm

I get the feeling the op won't like the kia or hyundai interiors.

mickydoomsux

colm_mcm wrote: »

I get the feeling the op won't like the kia or hyundai interiors.

They are a bit old-fashioned/cheapo i suppose. Seems to be a thing with Korean cars.

RobAMerc

OP - I suggest you buy a nice 2 -3 yo well spec'd mini with leather etc, maybe even a rag top one.
They are well built, fun to drive, shouldn't depreciate too much, a well spec'd one will have her feeling a million dollars and I think at this stage they are fairly classless ( rich and poor drive them). And O/p you'll have a hoot in it too.

Have you considered the Fiat 500 ? tiny I know but fun.

New cars are for fools with too much money imo. depreciation is the biggest expense in owning a car even with our ridiculous running costs.

Big Nelly

Hey guys

Thanks for all the comments, in regards to the Kia and Hyundai, already had a look at them and got a big no. The Cee'd is very boxy she says?? but will not drive it. Looked at the Rio and she wasn't overly pushed but a test drive tomorrow could be in order. Looked at Rio last night and from numbers on web has a little bit less fuel economy than the Megane and same tax rate and actually works out more expensive so Megane would win there.

The main issue with Audi is boot space, she loves the A1 to drive but put a shopping bag in it and it is full. Thats a big no no if going to keep for 4-6 years and planning on kids:eek: Audi A3 is too big money

Think there was comment in regards to Clio been dull, that is issue, same as she has and no spice or anything to it. Also and I dont know if true people keep saying they are unreliable now compared to older ones.

Golf is really looking like a good option, but tax rate is larger than Megane and it is a petrol with poorer fuel economy at a larger price. Also as mentioned everyone on road has them and dull

The Juke is a bit of wow factor for her, thinks it is "cute" and as it is Nissan you know it is good engine etc. Would be looking at the SV model after a bit of research today, the sport model has nothing really extra and costs a good bit more.

The mini is the only one I didnt mention in original post. Got a high level quote yesterday for the Mini First, anyone have any experience of this? is it very small? I have heard from previous owner the suspension is very stiff and they are a terrible drive?? any comments??

colm_mcm

The Rio is based on the defunct hyundai accent, get her to drive a pro cee'd which is much nicer than the 5 door.

Tea 1000

The A1 is horrible though... has she not seen the outside of it properly?

Zubeneschamali

Big Nelly wrote: »

Got a high level quote yesterday for the Mini First, anyone have any experience of this? is it very small? I have heard from previous owner the suspension is very stiff and they are a terrible drive?? any comments??

I have a Mini, and it is small, but it's very well packaged.

It's currently the best small hatch to drive, if you actually like driving. If you like Yarisses, then you'll the suspension is hard, the steering is heavy and there's too much engine noise.

The First wouldn't pull the skin off custard, you want a Cooper.

Go and look at it without the wife, though, because she'll want one even if you hate it. Avoid stripes and flag stickers, they look cat after a few years.

Big Nelly

Tea 1000 wrote: »

The A1 is horrible though... has she not seen the outside of it properly?

Test drove one of them and looked at 5 of them, different models etc, wouldn't go for the colour strips down the side but she loved them, personal taste, it wouldnt be my favour but then I ain't going to drive it

Big Nelly

colm_mcm wrote: »

A base model diesel golf will be the guts of €23500 list price. Hard to justify the price on the basis that it would be worth considerably more than the megane.

As for putting your faith Io soneone wanting a 3 cylinder tsi golf ticking time bomb in 5 years time is a bit much.

Bear in mind the tiny warranty vw give, and their far from enviable reliability.

What you mean by ticking time bomb? is the 1.2TSI not a reliable engine?

colm_mcm

I would have serious concerns, that 1.2 engine wasn't the best in the polo when it came out, forced induction, direct injection, high compression, and a dislike for 95 octane or e5 fuel would steer me away. Listen to any 5 year old ibiza, polo, fabia 1.2, they sound like a bag of spanners.

Shane732

The mini isn't a good drive?? Let me know who told you that so I can hunt him down and smoke him out of his hole!

I've had both a Cooper and a Cooper S JCW. They were both unbelievable to drive. Both would just stick to the road. You could pretty much throw the car anywhere and it would just stick.

There's a road I used to travel a good bit between Trim and Kildalkey - it's a small country road, tight and twisty. I used to look forward to my weekly drive on it just to let the Mini loose around the corners. You won't get anything that comes near the Mini for driving.

If you buy and 2 year Mini then the residual sales value of it will be much better than buying an A1 or any of the other cars you mentioned.

I wouldn't know nearly as much as some of the guys in here about engines but I've have to agree about the 1.2 TSI engine in the Golf.

I want a Mini back!!!!!!!

Big Nelly

Shane732 wrote: »

The mini isn't a good drive?? Let me know who told you that so I can hunt him down and smoke him out of his hole!

I've had both a Cooper and a Cooper S JCW. They were both unbelievable to drive. Both would just stick to the road. You could pretty much throw the car anywhere and it would just stick.

There's a road I used to travel a good bit between Trim and Kildalkey - it's a small country road, tight and twisty. I used to look forward to my weekly drive on it just to let the Mini loose around the corners. You won't get anything that comes near the Mini for driving.

If you buy and 2 year Mini then the residual sales value of it will be much better than buying an A1 or any of the other cars you mentioned.

I wouldn't know nearly as much as some of the guys in here about engines but I've have to agree about the 1.2 TSI engine in the Golf.

I want a Mini back!!!!!!!

Yes I have driven a mini, remember doing a nice speed around a round about and it stuck to road, that is not issue. First from person who has just sold one they are hard to say the least on juice. Not something I want with the current pricing of petrol.

Also they are very very bumpy and not a smooth ride, it is like sitting on the road I have been told, and you can feel every bump and crack in the road, and there is plenty on Irish roads. Just looked on website and they have option for sports suspension, I would say this resolves the issue but a huge add on cost.

RobAMerc

sports suspension would make the ride worse normally ( not that I have heard they ride badly - firm is sporty! ) and they do a diesel if you are worried about running costs. I cannot comment on the diesel engine but whomever told you they are a terrible drive should have their licence taken away.

again - buy a 2 or 3 yo car or you'll cry when it comes to resale.

Big Nelly

Anyway will test Mini, has anyone bought the Megane or the Juke?

How are the engines in the Qashqai after a few years?

Kashkai

Before I start my rant, let me say that the majority of my cars to date were Renaults, all but the current one were good reliable cars. However at the prices Renault are knocking their current crop of cars out for, you'd have to take into consideration that the trade in value on them would also be greatly reduced in a few years time. Citroen made this mistake of selling them cheap a few years back and their resale values went through the floor. Renaults traditionally do not have good trade in values anyways. I tried to trade my then 4 year old Megane hatch in (30,000 miles on it) a couple of years ago and was only offered €3,500 for it. I tried again a few months back and was offered just €2,000 for it. This car is in perfect nick, low mileage and full service history but garages, even Renault garages just don't want to know.

If and when I ever get rid of it (its had its fair share of problems), I won't buy Renault again.

R.O.R

Even though the depreciation on the Renaults is forecast to be pretty dire, they are so cheap to begin with that the overall cost of ownership over 4 years (haven't done 5 year comparisons) is cheaper than the competition.

Big Nelly

R.O.R wrote: »

Even though the depreciation on the Renaults is forecast to be pretty dire, they are so cheap to begin with that the overall cost of ownership over 4 years (haven't done 5 year comparisons) is cheaper than the competition.

This is what I need to work out, maybe a higher cost up front for other cars and then better trade in value but if keeping over a 5 year period are you still losing the same value of the car?

Also can all the "people" who keep pm'ing me with there crap cars trying to flog them off quit it. If I want a second hand car I would look on adverts/donedeal.

As I said I am looking for a new car, not a 6 year old BMW piece of cr*p with huge tax and the ass driven off it, next one to PM I will send onto mods

bazz26

How about something like an Alfa Romeo Giulietta or even a Mito?

Giulietta:


Mito:

Big Nelly

bazz26 wrote: »

How about something like an Alfa Romeo Giulietta or even a Mito?

haha, you just read my mind, was just on there website looking at the Mito. Nice looking motors and the best looking website so far for a car company. Would like to test one but again is there issues with reliability??:D

Big Nelly

Big Nelly wrote: »

As I said I am looking for a new car, not a 6 year old BMW piece of cr*p with huge tax and the ass driven off it, next one to PM I will send onto mods[/B]

Awful that folks are PMing you trying to flog their cars That would boil my p1ss if I was you. However calling a 6 year old Bimmer a piece of crap (2005 would be 6 now) is a tad rich given the muck you are considering spending the guts of €20,000 on

Big Nelly

RoverJames wrote: »

Awful that folks are PMing you trying to flog their cars That would boil my p1ss if I was you. However calling a 6 year old Bimmer a piece of crap (2005 would be 6 now) is a tad rich given the muck you are considering spending the guts of €20,000 on

Since you have posted again, its a 6 year old car with 100k miles on it. Already said the car I am looking for is a new car and my wife.

Why would I buy a car that is worthless now? as you said it is 6 years old. Has 100k miles on it already which means it is already losing massive value day by day. What is the tax on it? it is under the old emissions and car now past 08 have lost all value because of the tax. Argue this all you want but if I kept that for 2 years after buying it would be worthless.

Also the 46 mpg? pull the other one.

Read the post on first page as well, the car is too big, wife does not like big cars, that car is longer than my current car. So stopping wasting my time and thread spoiling and try and flog it to some other poor bast**d!!

If it is such a great car, why are you troiling thru forums like this trying to get people to even look at the ad??????

Big Nelly

Big Nelly wrote: »

Since you have posted again, its a 6 year old car with 100k miles on it. Already said the car I am looking for is a new car and my wife.

Why would I buy a car that is worthless now? as you said it is 6 years old. Has 100k miles on it already which means it is already losing massive value day by day. What is the tax on it? it is under the old emissions and car now past 08 have lost all value because of the tax. Argue this all you want but if I kept that for 2 years after buying it would be worthless.

Also the 46 mpg? pull the other one.

Read the post on first page as well, the car is too big, wife does not like big cars, that car is longer than my current car. So stopping wasting my time and thread spoiling and try and flog it to some other poor bast**d!!

If it is such a great car, why are you troiling thru forums like this trying to get people to even look at the ad??????

I'm quoting this in full so it is apparent to all what a confused nutter you are :pac:
I've never PMd you, and I don't have a 2005 Bimmer for sale

johnos1984

RoverJames wrote: »

I'm quoting this in full so it is apparent to all what a confused nutter you are :pac:
I've never PMd you, and I don't have a 2005 Bimmer for sale

I was wondering what the hell he was on about. Sure you drive an 03 MGZT which is essentially a BMW with a HONDA engine.

Everyone knows that :pac:

Big Nelly

RoverJames wrote: »

I'm quoting this in full so it is apparent to all what a confused nutter you are :pac:
I've never PMd you, and I don't have a 2005 Bimmer for sale

So why are you posting? if you have nothing to add then don't bother posting c**p

johnos1984

Big Nelly wrote: »

So why are you posting? if you have nothing to add then don't bother posting c**p

I think someone may find it hard to get help if they refer to suggestions as cr@p.......

Big Nelly

Big Nelly wrote: »

So why are you posting? if you have nothing to add then don't bother posting c**p

It's a motoring forum, calling 6 years old BMWs pieces of crap generally wouldn't go without comment on a motoring forum

I wouldn't mind but I was being polite and everything :pac:

Big Nelly

RoverJames wrote: »

It's a motoring forum, calling 6 years old BMWs pieces of crap generally wouldn't go without comment on a motoring forum

I wouldn't mind but I was being polite and everything :pac:

Ok this is not a thread about a 6 year old "bimmer" or whatever you like to call it. I was just bringing it to everyone's attention I didn't want anymore people sending me PM's about there second hand car as I don't want to buy them. What is the problem with that? sorry I didnt know I had to get loads of SPAM mail once I post a thread on here about buying a car???

Sorry I got you mixed up with the person that was trying to sell the car but as I posted I have reason not to bother looking at the "bimmer"

Also I had got 3-4 other PM's about all sorts of other second hand cars for sale and it was just the case the "bimmer" was the last one I had received.

Now can we get back on topic? or you want to post some other pointless comments about second hand cars on a thread that is about buying a new car???????

Next you will be telling me I should buy an MG!!

johnos1984

Big Nelly wrote: »

Next you will be telling me I should buy an MG!!

You can buy a new MG6 from April/May :pac:

Shane732

Big Nelly wrote: »

Also can all the "people" who keep pm'ing me with there crap cars trying to flog them off quit it. If I want a second hand car I would look on adverts/donedeal.

As I said I am looking for a new car, not a 6 year old BMW piece of cr*p with huge tax and the ass driven off it, next one to PM I will send onto mods

Yeah because 6 year old BMW's are all piece of ****.

YouTookMyName

1.4 diesel Auris? 21500 list price.

Shane732

Big Nelly wrote: »

Why would I buy a car that is worthless now?

I don't know but you're considering buying one that will be worthless when you go to sell it...

fudgie101

Make sure the wheels go round and round...

Big Nelly

YouTookMyName wrote: »

1.4 diesel Auris? 21500 list price.

Yeah looked at Auris as well, need to test drive. I had rang the garage and they said best they could do on trade in was 1250. It was only last night when I checked the web it is 3,500 on the Auris.

Will have to get her to test drive. I know her mum has the Yaris so that is a no go area so not sure if Auris is a similar drive?

Shane732

Big Nelly wrote: »

Yes I have driven a mini, remember doing a nice speed around a round about and it stuck to road, that is not issue. First from person who has just sold one they are hard to say the least on juice. Not something I want with the current pricing of petrol.

Also they are very very bumpy and not a smooth ride, it is like sitting on the road I have been told, and you can feel every bump and crack in the road, and there is plenty on Irish roads. Just looked on website and they have option for sports suspension, I would say this resolves the issue but a huge add on cost.

I used to get 38 - 40 mpg off the Cooper easy. I don't think anyone would have that much of a problem with circa 40 mpg out of a petrol engine.

In relation to the price of petrol - yes I agree with you that it's going to go up. Just of a matter of interest have you compared the average price of petrol with the average price of diesel?

The average price of petrol is 146.9 and diesel is 141.9. Relative to petrol the price of average diesel has dramatically increased over the last three months. Gone are the days when diesel was 15c a litre cheaper than petrol. Grant a diesel car might get more MPG than a petrol.

If you don't like the ride of a mini then there's no point in looking at sport suspensions!

Raskolnikov

Big Nelly wrote: »

Thanks for all the comments, in regards to the Kia and Hyundai, already had a look at them and got a big no. The Cee'd is very boxy she says?? but will not drive it.

Has she looked at the Kia Pro'Ceed? That car looks great and is packed with features. €19k will get you the diesel model with all loads goodies as standard. You should be able to get on the road for €19k.

Big Nelly

Raskolnikov wrote: »

Has she looked at the Kia Pro'Ceed? That car looks great and is packed with features. €19k will get you the diesel model with all loads goodies as standard. You should be able to get on the road for €19k.

Looked at Kia and going to test drive tomor, I will be able to get the Juke on the road for about another 500 euro so it will be a losing battle but will see:D

R.O.R

Another one to throw in to the mix for you:
http://www.carzone.ie/new-cars/Citroen/C4/1.6HDI-110HP-VTR+/792056520101122/

Wouldn't usually be a fan of Citroens, but it drives well, returned 5.2L/100km (54mpg) over 930km (still 220km to empty according to the OBC from a full 60L tank). Climate Control, Cruise Control, Bluetooth, Armrest, confusing Multi Function Steering Wheel, parking sensors, cornering lights, hill hold, decent enough leg room in the back, big boot for the sector. Think it looks very well from the front, average from the side and back, but not too bad overall.

There is a 90ps version for €1,000 less which should still be quick enough, and a lower spec (VTR) available as well - not sure what the difference is. Wouldn't bother paying the extra for the start/stop version though.

Model I had, had the Sat Nav (€800 option) but it wasn't great as a Nav. Did have a nice big colour dash in the middle of the screen. Can change the colour of dials through various shades - and you can also turn on the interior light from the steering wheel!

Zubeneschamali

YouTookMyName wrote: »

1.4 diesel Auris? 21500 list price.

I'm sure it's a fine car*, but it's not on the same page as a Mini Cooper or Audi A1.

(*By which I mean I'd rather walk both ways over broken glass than spend my own money on such a cynically designed soulless appliance)

Zubeneschamali

Big Nelly wrote: »

mini... Just looked on website and they have option for sports suspension, I would say this resolves the issue but a huge add on cost.

Sports suspension will be stiffer and more uncomfortable! Steer clear of the bigger alloys, too, if you're after comfort.

Kashkai

Wow, just popped back to look at this thread and saw the hammering the OP was getting. Jeez, the guy just wanted a few opinions on a car for his wife and he gets what looks like a coordinated attack from a few petrolhead snobs.

Look guys, we all acknowledge BMW's are superior to the likes of an Auris/Megane etc, but we all can't afford to buy and run even second hand BMW's (that are still under the old tax regime and thus have annual motor tax bills in the thousands) nowadays and some of us lesser mortals have to settle for bog standard average cars that are band a or b and thus annual motor tax of 104 - 156 yo yos.

Why don't you go off and start your own thread on the merits of buying a premium car over a lowly family hatchback and let this guy get opinions/advice from people who actually want to help him out as opposed to looking down their noses at his "poor choice of car":rolleyes:

Oh btw, I drive a 2005 Megane hatch, which I hate and would love to change for a BMW but wage cuts, tax hikes, mortgage hikes, supporting a family etc just happen to put a stop to that. I, like a lot of others, have to live in the real world.

Zubeneschamali

Prosperous Dave wrote: »

some of us lesser mortals have to settle for bog standard average cars that are band a or b and thus annual motor tax of 104 - 156 yo yos.

Some of us do, but the OP is talking about dropping 23K on a posh Polo.

I don't think it's out of line to point out that there's a lot of value to be had in 2nd hand premium cars at that kind of money.

It is out of line to bombard him with PMs, though, which is what got his nose out of joint.