Suggestions for cars to suit a new family

StevePH

Hi there. Have a new arrival on the way so would like to pick your brains on any good/bad* motors you've experience of as regards fittin car seats for babies/packing all assorted baby paraphernalia (pram etc) in boot.

I have a budget of about 5k (might stretch to 6) to buy in a few months so am startin to take a look around. Havin only ever owned small 3dr cars before, I'm now lookin out for somethin a big bigger but have no practical experience of bigger motors.

With the purse strings a bit tighter this year, I'm lookin for reliablity over performance (wouldn't mind buyin an older car as long as it didn't turn into a wee money pit maintenance wise/road tax isn't too steep).
I won't be doin big mileage - maybe 40/50mile per week with a 200mile trip once a month.

I don't fancy the thought of an estate or MPV....but maybe somebody out there thinks they're just deadly for what I need

* would also appreciate any thoughts on cars you've had which you thought would be good...but just weren't.

flyingsnail

How much bigger are you thinking of going? are you limited by engine size on insurance or just tax? You would get a nice ford mondeo for that money. Plenty of space and a big boot , very comfortable on longer journeys but I have no experience of putting a child seat in the back.

StevePH

RE insurance - I'm 37 with 6 years NCB. So not expectin too much insurance bother. Was thinkin a 1.4 - 1.8 engine size would help keep the tax down a bit.

heathersonline

I've a 07 vectra which would be spot on, I bought it for te same reason but am selling it on due to the family expanding

StevePH

Thanks Heathers. A Vectra actually appealed to me this morning when I started browsing a bit more.

A few motors that have appealed to me so far are...

Vectra
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Opel/Vectra/DIESEL,T/201109201477318/advert?channel=CARS

RAV4 - useful door for gettin a pram in the back
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Toyota/Rav4/5door,to/201126203154570/advert?channel=CARS

C5 - looks roomy enough for footerin round with buckles n baby seats in the back
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Citroen/C5/F%23S%23H,di/201124202907076/advert?channel=CARS
- seemed an OK price for a decent car at a what I would reckon to be not too high a milage.

Freelander - again, handy back door
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Land-Rover/Freelander/gs,f#s#h/201117202183698/advert?channel=CARS

Mazda 6 http://www.carzone.ie/search/Mazda/Mazda6/touring,/201113201854648/advert?channel=CARS

Mondeos and Octavias also seem to be looking OK for the job.

The models mentioned above might go against the earlier concern on highish road tax but am now thinking that any savings I make on cost could go towards a couple of years tax.

delly

I would also recommend a Vectra having had one for 150k km. Mine was an '06 with Isofix connections in the back and plenty of boot space, and even the base model is reasonably specd with AC and cruise control. I had a 1.6 petrol which would achieve 700 km on a tank of about 55 litres.

I have seen other posters complain that the interior is a bit boring, but I found it a good car to drive and had good reliability with only an electric window and shock absorber going in the whole time I had it. They are also have a timing chain instead of belt, so its something that you wouldn't have to worry about having replaced.

Just to note the one you linked to above is a Signum which was a Vectra hatchback/estate type of mix. They didn't sell very well and was aimed at the executive end of the market.

EPM

Do you want to buy straight or trade in? The only reason I ask is because there is very good value on used Mondeos and Vectras in the UK, particularly the Vectra. If you don't mind having a Vauxhall badge on it then it may be worth a look.

Anan1

I'd buy something like this: http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201127203268716

You might pay closer to 7 than 6 for it, but it'll likely more than make up for it in reliability. Plus, you'll still be mobile in the snow.

GavMan

Surprised an Octavia hasn't been mentioned here.

Would do the job alright

StevePH

Anan1 wrote: »

I'd buy something like this: http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201127203268716

You might pay closer to 7 than 6 for it, but it'll likely more than make up for it in reliability. Plus, you'll still be mobile in the snow.

...in different ways, that does appeal. However, though I might bend on tax bands, I have to stick closer to the 5K budget. Thanks anyway Anan - its posts like that which point out cars I hadn't even thought of. Much appreciated.

StevePH

Jaysis this is a head wrecker - comin from a background of small cars, a whole new world has opened up!

Audi for consideration
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Audi/A4/TAX-03%231/130832631652572/advert?channel=CARS

Its hit the 10 year/annual NCT requirement but milage doesn't look all that bad (and has had timing belt changed). Any recommendations on this?

Q - are automatics guzzlers? Throught I heard that somewhere before.

bazz26

You will struggle to get a pram/buggy into the back of an A4 saloon. Also €5k+ is crazy money for an undesirable 9 year 2.0 litre petrol model with a slush box.

I'd be looking for a practical hatchback with decent access to the boot. This Mondeo might fit the picture, it's 4 years younger and alot more roomier:

http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201123202813014

vince9

a 1.6 vw bora or passat never give trouble

StevePH

bazz26 wrote: »

You will struggle to get a pram/buggy into the back of an A4 saloon. Also €5k+ is crazy money for an undesirable 9 year 2.0 litre petrol model with a slush box.

I'd be looking for a practical hatchback with decent access to the boot. This Mondeo might fit the picture, it's 4 years younger and alot more roomier:

http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201123202813014

Thanks for that Bazz. The mondeos do look plentiful out there.

Seems to be plenty of miles left in this one - http://www.carzone.ie/search/Ford/Mondeo/PLATINUM/201124202922273/advert?channel=CARS

When the time comes to replace the timing belt, how much would you be lookin at?

Idbatterim

5 series or mondeo?

bazz26

StevePH wrote: »

Thanks for that Bazz. The mondeos do look plentiful out there.

Seems to be plenty of miles left in this one - http://www.carzone.ie/search/Ford/Mondeo/PLATINUM/201124202922273/advert?channel=CARS

When the time comes to replace the timing belt, how much would you be lookin at?

That example looks rough and has some battle scars, i'd take that 19k miles with a pinch of salt too. 1.8 Zetec engine has a timing chain afaik.

StevePH

The Mondeos are lookin to be good value...but I'm just not feelin any love for them.

Searched a few threads on A3s and didn't come across much bad feedback.

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Audi/A3/1.6-ATTR/201125203031708/advert?channel=CARS
(Possibility of buying/taxing/insuring within 5k)


or

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Audi/A3/1.6-102H/201126203080370/advert?channel=CARS
(Not as many extras but well under my budget)


Before I get too excited, maybe they're one of the less roomy hatchbacks - ie tight squeeze for pram/assorted baby guff
However, maybe with one back seat down, bob's your uncle - pram in?
I do like the look of these. Many 'A3 mammies/daddies' out there happy with what they've got?

bazz26

StevePH wrote: »

The Mondeos are lookin to be good value...but I'm just not feelin any love for them.

Searched a few threads on A3s and didn't come across much bad feedback.

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Audi/A3/1.6-ATTR/201125203031708/advert?channel=CARS
(Possibility of buying/taxing/insuring within 5k)


or

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Audi/A3/1.6-102H/201126203080370/advert?channel=CARS
(Not as many extras but well under my budget)


Before I get too excited, maybe they're one of the less roomy hatchbacks - ie tight squeeze for pram/assorted baby guff
However, maybe with one back seat down, bob's your uncle - pram in?
I do like the look of these. Many 'A3 mammies/daddies' out there happy with what they've got?

Might as well look at the Skoda Octavia or Seat Leon so as they are the same car underneath as the A3 but have alot more room, bigger boot and cheaper to buy.

If this one is genuine then it is a good price:

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2276994

Sobanek

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-Series/320-SE-D/201123202775600/advert?channel=CARS

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volkswagen/Passat/TDI-Esta/131066175971048/advert?channel=CARS

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Skoda/Octavia/COMBI-AM/201126203059962/advert?channel=CARS

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Opel/Vectra/LIFE-1.8/201123202815523/advert?channel=CARS

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volvo/S40/1.7-SE-S/201127203176438/advert?channel=CARS

StevePH

Sobanek wrote: »

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-Series/320-SE-D/201123202775600/advert?channel=CARS

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volkswagen/Passat/TDI-Esta/131066175971048/advert?channel=CARS

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Skoda/Octavia/COMBI-AM/201126203059962/advert?channel=CARS

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Opel/Vectra/LIFE-1.8/201123202815523/advert?channel=CARS

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volvo/S40/1.7-SE-S/201127203176438/advert?channel=CARS

Dzienki.
I do like the look of that Volvo........words, I never thought I'd hear myself say :rolleyes:

Sobanek

Dzienki.

How in da world?!

I know that Volvo's pretty
I've an estate version of it

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volvo/S40/1.8-SE--/201114201889512/advert?channel=CARS
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2305507

For around 6500 you can get a nice spec S40 or otherwise for around 7-8k you can import the V50 from the UK. Although you can buy it here:
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volvo/V50/DIESEL-L/201120202459654/advert?channel=CARS
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volvo/V50/1.8-SE-5/201114201874709/advert?channel=CARS
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volvo/V50/V50-2.0-/201126203103636/advert?channel=CARS

pah

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2186735i know it's nothing like the rest of the suggestions but has great space.

Sobanek

pah wrote: »

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2186735i know it's nothing like the rest of the suggestions but has great space.

Renault Scenic and 1.4 just don't go together :pac:

Arciphel

You should take a look at the Seat Altea or the Altea XL. 1.6 petrol engined version should be right up your street. Massive boot space and a nice slightly elevated seating position, makes putting kids into car seats easy. We are on our second one now, a 08 XL, having had many years of trouble free driving in our first one which was just an Altea (the XL wasn't around then). Really couldn't fault it. Good value second hand too.

StevePH

Seat Altea....I'm sure its v functional....but man, that's ugly

Sobanek

StevePH wrote: »

Seat Altea....I'm sure its v functional....but man, that's ugly

That's why we picked the Volvo over it

Arciphel

Each to their own I guess :-)

StevePH

Arciphel, the ugly comment was a flippant one

Opinions like..."elevated seating position, makes putting kids into car seats easy. We are on our second one now, a 08 XL, having had many years of trouble free driving"...is exactly the kinda info on various motors that I'm lookin for.
Thanks for takin the time to answer.

Sobanek

StevePH wrote: »

Arciphel, the ugly comment was a flippant one

Opinions like..."elevated seating position, makes putting kids into car seats easy. We are on our second one now, a 08 XL, having had many years of trouble free driving"...is exactly the kinda info on various motors that I'm lookin for.
Thanks for takin the time to answer.

V50s had integrated booster seats as an optional extra. You can find some of these.
It has a spacious boot and is VERY comfortable :pac:

StevePH

Sobanek wrote: »

V50s had integrated booster seats as an optional extra. You can find some of these.
It has a spacious boot and is VERY comfortable :pac:

As lovely as they look, they're lookin to be over the 5k bugdet i'm now gonna stick to. As a matter of interest, what annual tax are ye payin on the volvo Sobanek?

Sobanek

1998cc - €614.00 per annum.
€174.00 - every 3 months.

What's more - AXA has some discount on VOLVO insurance since all the models past 2002 have 5-star ratings in Euro NCAP.

StevePH

Have heard more good things than bad on the Vectra so am looking into it..along with the mondeo - head/pocket seems to be siding with mondeo...but the heart fancies a change after a few years of driving a fiesta.
Still have a couple of months to look...but sure am glad I'm that I started doin a bit of the legwork now!

At the start of my search, I was initially looking for a low mileage motor. However considering that I might not even do 5,000miles per year, this isn't prob much of a concern. (Earlier in the thread a poster talked about getting 150k out of his Vectra so thought the 95,000mile stated in this example might suit my needs ie keep it for 4/5 years without needing too many miles from it.)
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Opel/Vectra/NEW-MODE/201111201675845/advert?channel=CARS

Comes with full service history - what should I be looking to see on that for a 2002/95,000 model?

delly

The spec listed on that car is BS i'm afraid, just a copy and paste of other specs, so I would take the service history with a pinch of salt. The first thing I would be looking for is some way to verify the mileage, be it through one of the car check websites or through an old service stamp. TBH if a dealer can't even get the spec right, it would not fill be with good thoughts.

alias no.9

Just a thought...

You're changing car now because there's a baby on the way. How long do you intend to keep the car? Are you likely to be considering a second during that timeframe?

If you're in any way likely to have two babies less than 2 years apart, you're entering double buggy territory, and they ain't small. They can humble the biggest of boots and are next to impossible to get into most saloons. Something like a Scenic or Altea now, could mean the difference between being forced to change again (inevitably to something like a Scenic or Altea) before you might have intended to, or not.
What's that line the economic pundits like to bandy about, kicking the can down the road .

StevePH

alias no.9 wrote: »

...entering double buggy territory, and they ain't small...Something like a Scenic or Altea now, could mean the difference between being forced to change again (inevitably to something like a Scenic or Altea) before you might have intended to, or not...

Fair comment, from someone in the know by the sounds of it
The Altea was mentioned earlier...and I may indeed live to regret ignoring the advice....but looking around, I'm seeing manys a family do ok with a hatchback.

For the moment, I'm looking more closely at mondeos/vectras but I'd be happy to build a bit of knowlegde on other options should they present themselves on the forecourt.
For example, the practicalities of the Rav4 - the height off the ground must make reaching in/buckling up kid(s) easier?
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Toyota/Rav4/GX-4X2-L/201128203372043/advert?channel=CARS
..and that back door's lookin a v handy option for loading/packing stuff in. But maybe its not so spacious as it may seem at first glance. Any Rav4 owners out there who can tell me if their boot space does the job for them?

alias no.9

StevePH wrote: »

Fair comment, from someone in the know by the sounds of it
The Altea was mentioned earlier...and I may indeed live to regret ignoring the advice....but looking around, I'm seeing manys a family do ok with a hatchback.

For the moment, I'm looking more closely at mondeos/vectras but I'd be happy to build a bit of knowlegde on other options should they present themselves on the forecourt.
For example, the practicalities of the Rav4 - the height off the ground must make reaching in/buckling up kid(s) easier?
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Toyota/Rav4/GX-4X2-L/201128203372043/advert?channel=CARS
..and that back door's lookin a v handy option for loading/packing stuff in. But maybe its not so spacious as it may seem at first glance. Any Rav4 owners out there who can tell me if their boot space does the job for them?

If you go for a mondeo or vectra, make sure they're hatches. Getting a weekend away worth of luggage, when travelling with babies, in and out of a saloon is a pain in the ass. At least with a hatch, you can get at just about anything that's in the boot, without taking everything else out.

StevePH

Over the next month or two, I'll be lookin at Vectras and Mondeos (and maybe passats) with 80-100,000 miles on the clock.

Apart from timing belts - tho I've heard of timing chain in some mondeos - what else should def be in the service history for these cars at that stage

Anan1

StevePH wrote: »

Over the next month or two, I'll be lookin at Vectras and Mondeos (and maybe passats) with 80-100,000 miles on the clock.

Apart from timing belts - tho I've heard of timing chain in some mondeos - what else should def be in the service history for these cars at that stage

The service book in each car will tell you what's due at each service, check invoices and/or ring the garages who serviced the car to see whether the work's been done.

StevePH

Well folks, been checkin out Octavias.
For me, performance isn't the be all, end all.
Most of my driving would be town driving with an odd motorway trip every month or so. With that, I thought a 1.3 would be handy for tax/insurance.

This offer didn't seem too bad
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Skoda/Octavia/AMBIENTE/201128203372626/advert?channel=CARS

I've noticed a few 1.3 Octavias with 60,000 miles and less bein advertised.
Is there a reason people are tryin to shift these models before rackin up more miles? Maybe just not enough for some?

-Corkie-

StevePH wrote: »

Well folks, been checkin out Octavias.
For me, performance isn't the be all, end all.
Most of my driving would be town driving with an odd motorway trip every month or so. With that, I thought a 1.3 would be handy for tax/insurance.

This offer didn't seem too bad
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Skoda/Octavia/AMBIENTE/201128203372626/advert?channel=CARS

I've noticed a few 1.3 Octavias with 60,000 miles and less bein advertised.
Is there a reason people are tryin to shift these models before rackin up more miles? Maybe just not enough for some?

The 1.4 engine is terrible OP so is the 1.6 petrol too.