New Vehicle in 20k to 24k Price Bracket

Lemlin

Right folks,

Been looking at different makes and models of vehicle for a while now in the 20k to 24k price bracket.

I have little or no knowledge of cars though so was wondering if a few people could offer advice.

For example, perhaps someone knows about a vehicle that costs less than 20k to 24k and is worth speccing up to that price point.

Here's what's required:

1. Saloon type car or SUV with enough room for a bit of storage. Been driving a Corolla and hatchback Peugeot for years so need a 'family' wagon with a bit of room for car seat. Have two dogs as well. It's not a necessity that there's room for them but it was one of the reasons an SUV could be handy.
2. Has to be diesel.
3. Want something with as cheap a tax band as possible.
4. Something that will give good mileage as I have a 45 minute trip to work each morning and 45 minutes back in the evening.
5. Definitely has to be a new vehicle. I know I'll get plenty of people saying I should go for an '09 BMW or the like but I'd prefer to buy a brand new vehicle for once and ensure I'm not inheriting someone else's problems.

What I've looked at so far:

1. Nissan Quashqui - like the design but have heard very poor reviews re gearbox problems and other maintenance faults. Also heard it can be hard on juice.
2. Skoda Yeti - nothing but excellent reviews but I'm not fond of how it looks at all. On the ads, it looks like a proper jeep but it just looks totally different when viewed in the showroom. The first time I saw it, I couldn't believe it was the same vehicle as the ad.
3. Toyota Avensis - heard they're not as reliable as they used to be and they're very common.
4. Skoda Superb - heard the lower priced models are very poor and only worth buying if you spend 28k on a decent spec.

I'd be interested on hearing what people have to say about the above vehicles and any other suggestions. I probably won't take the plunge until next year but I want to put in the research now.

Zubeneschamali

Lemlin wrote: »

1. Saloon type car or SUV with enough room for a bit of storage.

With a kid and dogs I'd be looking at an estate or MPV, definitely not a saloon.

Focus estate, maybe, or an Opel Meriva.

R.O.R

Renault Grande Megane - €20k - €24k will get you a lot of car, that fits all your requirements, and comes with a 5 year warranty for peace of mind.

stimpson

Zubeneschamali wrote: »

With a kid and dogs I'd be looking at an estate or MPV, definitely not a saloon.

Focus estate, maybe, or an Opel Meriva.

+1 for the new Meriva. Suicide doors are cool (and handy for coralling the kids in). Big boot with flat loading. The new 1.7 Turbo Diesel puts out 130 BHP so it's no slouch. Nice interior too.

Satanta

I'd take a look at the new 508

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Peugeot/508/Diesel-./201106201190396/advert?channel=CARS

RobAMerc

Can I ask why you'd buy new ?
You'll get a lot more car for your money with a 2 - 3 year old car, it's still fairly new and will have done a large portion of its depreciating.

It shocks me how many people come on here trying to get a cheap to run car who go on to ignore the biggest cost in car ownership - depreciation, ( I'm not being specific to you OP )

Look at this SMax- practically new and at 24k almost 45% off what a dealer would ask for it new.
It's also an infinitely better family car than a new Astra or something of the same value which will be worth a lot less in 2 years time.

edit : Sorry OP - I see you wrote that for once you would like a new car. If you've never bought new before I can see the appeal - you'll soon learn though!

Zubeneschamali

RobAMerc wrote: »

Look at this SMax- practically new and at 24k almost 45% off what a dealer would ask for it new.

Steady on, you can't buy a 1.8 new anymore, but that 1.8 is is only 40% less than a new 6 speed 2.0 Titanium.

veetwin

RobAMerc wrote: »

Look at this SMax- practically new and at 24k almost 45% off what a dealer would ask for it new.

Thats freaky! Myself and a mate were looking a that car this morning and remarking what good value it was. Great minds and all that.

Agree with the general sentiment though. Buying new is nice but a bit crazy. Massive value to be had out there for barely used cars,

soccerc

Owner of a Yeti for almost 12 months now and have to say it's the best car I've ever owned.

It's very well built, feels very solid and equipped with a spacious cabin, plenty of leg room front and back with a high driving position giving a great forward view.

On long journeys I don't get uncomfortable and at motorway speed outside noise is low and on tight twisty country roads and lanes is very surefooted.

Consumption averages 45mpg on the 2.0CR TDI.

MrDerp

RobAMerc wrote: »

Can I ask why you'd buy new ?
You'll get a lot more car for your money with a 2 - 3 year old car, it's still
fairly new and will have done a large portion of its depreciating.

It shocks me how many people come on here trying to get a cheap to run car who go on to ignore the biggest cost in car ownership - depreciation, ( I'm not being specific to you OP )

Look at this SMax- practically new and at 24k almost 45% off what a dealer would ask for it new.
It's also an infinitely better family car than a new Astra or something of the same value which will be worth a lot less in 2 years time.

edit : Sorry OP - I see you wrote that for once you would like a new car. If you've never bought new before I can see the appeal - you'll soon learn though!

I'd echo the above, only I'd buy this for my money

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Ford/Kuga/ZETEC-2./201108201352121/advert?channel=CARS

When they've been around a bit longer I'll probably pick one up. A 4WD version would be nice for bad weather, but who am I kidding, it's no jeep

VolvoMan

I think there's a Volvo S40 Classic now available with leather and everything for 23-24k.

-Corkie-

Satanta wrote: »

I'd take a look at the new 508

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Peugeot/508/Diesel-./201106201190396/advert?channel=CARS

Thats a very handsome looking motor.

Padraig Mor

Hard to see past the Grand Megane - your budget will easily get you the top spec TomTom with higher powered engine, with plenty of change. Drove one the other day and it fairly shifts for such a small engine. Watch out for the Yeti - spec it with a spare wheel (it only comes with a can of gunk as standard) and the boot is far from big.

Lemlin

Padraig Mor wrote: »

Hard to see past the Grand Megane - your budget will easily get you the top spec TomTom with higher powered engine, with plenty of change. Drove one the other day and it fairly shifts for such a small engine. Watch out for the Yeti - spec it with a spare wheel (it only comes with a can of gunk as standard) and the boot is far from big.

Thanks for all the advice so far. I'd prefer to stay away from Renault. Heard too many horror stories from people.

Please keep the suggestions coming though folks. Some very interesting ones.

Padraig Mor

Lemlin wrote: »

Thanks for all the advice so far. I'd prefer to stay away from Renault. Heard too many horror stories from people.

Please keep the suggestions coming though folks. Some very interesting ones.

Same engine as the Nissan you were looking at!

DubDani

Lemlin wrote: »

4. Skoda Superb - heard the lower priced models are very poor and only worth buying if you spend 28k on a decent spec.

The lowest spec Superb is still a very decent choice, and will most likely still have more options then the higher spec versions of comparable cars.

Even the lowest Comfort spec will have:

- Audio jack for iPod or MP3 connection to vehicle sound system
- Remote control central locking with two foldable keys
- Climatronic - dual-zone air conditioning with electronic regulation, odour filter with automatic circulation
- Electric front and rear windows with child safety lock
- Small leather package (leather steering wheel, leather handbrake handle and gear stick knob and sleeve)
- Swing radio with CD player,MP3 player and 8 speaker sound system
- Tinted windows
- Cruise control
- Auto-dimming rear view mirror with rain sensing wipers
- Height-adjustable front seats with lumbar support
- Rear armrest with access to the luggage compartment

colm_mcm

A tiguan might be an option, way more than its skoda cousin. Not a car I like, but might fit the bill. List price is 27.5k but a big discount should be possible as they're not exactly popular.

Lemlin

Padraig Mor wrote: »

Same engine as the Nissan you were looking at!

Well I did say that I don't know alot about cars!

Paraone

Kia Cee'd SW, only one spec available but good value and has that 7 year warrenty.

Mar4ix

When i was looking to buy car... i was watching on VW Golf PLUS . Sad, that i haven't so much money to buy, ... never been driven them tho ... but would say really good family car .. http://www.carzone.ie/search/results?searchsource=finder&nParam=4294910633&channel=CARS&cacheBuster=1299852037869173

Lemlin

The Hyundai ix35 looks good. Only saw an advertisement for it over the weekend.

vectra

Cheap tax = 104
Good on fuel
Pleny of boot space


Skoda Octavia Combi 1.6 TDI CR DPF ELEGANCE 5 dr Es


Should be had for your budget

colm_mcm

KIA sportage worth a look if you like the Hyundai. The ix looks great in pics but looks awkward from some angles. The kia uses the Hyuandai/KIA 1.7 twin turbo diesel engine which by all accounts Is a great yoke. The Hyundai uses an older 2.0 unit while they wait for 1.7 models, they were selling the 2.0 for the 1.7 price at the launch, dunno if they're still doing that.

the culture of deference

R.O.R wrote: »

Renault Grande Megane - €20k - €24k will get you a lot of car, that fits all your requirements, and comes with a 5 year warranty for peace of mind.

Padraig Mor wrote: »

Hard to see past the Grand Megane - your budget will easily get you the top spec TomTom with higher powered engine, with plenty of change. Drove one the other day and it fairly shifts for such a small engine. Watch out for the Yeti - spec it with a spare wheel (it only comes with a can of gunk as standard) and the boot is far from big.

I just got one of these in 1.5 dci 90bhp dynamique last week, lovely car, 5 year unlimited mileage warranty. You can pick one up for under 16,500 with scrappage. Its one of the best in its class and super to drive.

true

Lemlin wrote: »

The Hyundai ix35 looks good. Only saw an advertisement for it over the weekend.

its out of the o.p.'s price range though and as its a new design there are not really any secondhand ones around - think it only came out about 6 months ago but I could be out there a bit

R.O.R

colm_mcm wrote: »

A tiguan might be an option, way more than its skoda cousin. Not a car I like, but might fit the bill. List price is 27.5k but a big discount should be possible as they're not exactly popular.

While you don't see many around, VW could sell a lot more than they could secure production for this year! Won't see any sort of decent discount on one them unfortunately.