Another 'help me pick a car' thread. :)

Zascar

Hey guys, I would really appreciate some help here. My dad is about to go out and get himself a new car, and I just know he's going to go and buy something stupid, so i want to try to guide him in the right direction. Basic requirements are, 2007 or newer, Diesel - about 2 Litre, As low milage as possible, nothing over 40k mikes on the clock, Preferaby Automatic and he's not really a fan of leather seats. Max 17k but preferably less if possible.

He does quite a lot of driving and wants something comfy with a bit of luxury. He does not want a really big car, although he might go for an estate as he does carry around equipment for his job. Currently he's looking at this which I just don't think is a smart move.

I think he'd be better off with a 320d or 520d - but I have not really considered a lot of other options - hoping for some advice from the experts here

Thanks!
Z

mailforkev

Mondeo is fairly sizable if he doesn't want a big car, I would try for a 2.0 too. My old man has a nice spec 2.0 TDCi which I've driven a few times and it's a nice motorway muncher. Not the best residuals though if it's his own money.

How about a Honda Accord? Should get a decent one for that price. Or for something a bit more compact on the road but with a decent boot and spec how about a Volvo V50 2.0D? And as you mentioned yourself, there's always the 320D of course.

john kinsella

Will he be hanging on to the car for long? If so yeah the Mondeo is a great car but the depreciation on them is very very bad.

I would agree with a 320d for comfort and ride quality though.

With that kind of money the world is his oyster though. If I were him I would be looking at 08 and newer due to the road tax aspect.

Maybe the likes of a 1.9 tdi Passat, Octavia VRS or a Honda accord. They are all relatively cheap second hand but be careful of clocked ones (which I have seen a lot of)

MAJJ

08 2.0TDI highline Passaat Auto with DSG gearbox - estate.

I had one of these on loan for a w/e and really liked it, even though I am not a fan of autos. I've driven the saloon too and again liked them.

I'm suggested the 08 for the 2.0tdi as there are problems with that engine but I believe they are pre 08, otherwise as John said there's the 1.9tdi option.

Zascar

For some reason there do not seem to be many 320d's around with low mileage, and its hard to find automatics too!

Importing from the UK might be a better option but there is zero chance he'd go to the hassle himself. Are there still companies that find the cars and bring them in for you?

MrDerp

I think he'd get over the leather:

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volvo/V50/V50-2.0-/201130203574190/advert?channel=CARS

- 2008, Diesel, Automatic
- SE-LUX so it's Toys'r'us

If you can get a 2008 320d/520d SE for that kind of money then go for it. Most likely you'd be spending more on a 318d ES BMW with not even half the toys the Volvo has.

For me luxury is all about the interior and the toys. Don't get me wrong. I really really want a BMW some day. But not until I can afford a 3-4 year old with a big engine and a decent spec.

Zubeneschamali

john kinsella wrote: »

the depreciation on them is very very bad.

Once again: this is a good thing if you're buying 2nd hand, since most of the depreciation happens at the start, before you buy it.