Need help to stop my dad buying another Renault

Voodoomelon

As a lot of posters can probably relate, my father who was 60 last year is stuck in his ways when it comes to cars. Time has come to change and I really don't want to get involved as he won't listen to me anyways. :pac:

But I do want him to get something decent for once. He's been driving Renaults for the last 30 years, and had had two Lagunas recently which are reliable enough in fairness but are boring as sin and my mother hates them. He always stuck with petrols though funnily enough, again set in his ways.

So any suggestions welcome.

He does about 14000 miles a year.
Will probably spend €19k tops from what I can make out.
Will consider diesels now.
Will consider downsizing to a hatchback but has to have 4 doors.
Probably nothing over 2 litre as thats "crazy talk".
Probably 2008+

Personally, i'd love him to get a nice 4-5 year old high spec €50-€60k Audi/BMW/Mercedes that has taken its whack of depreciation but I know he won't do it.

So the question is what do you recommend in the guise of a Laguna, that isn't a Laguna? :P

johnos1984

I test drove a Tom Tom 2010 Laguna yesterday in Wicklow town and thought it pretty nice but underpowered.

It had tiny mileage and seemed like the starting price of €18k was negotiable.

If your dad likes them why not certainly nicer than a boggo spec sales rep bmw

Voodoomelon

Well he hasn't actually commented on the new Laguna at all and he too doesn't really want one, but like last time he'll wander in to the same garage and be talked into getting another and that'll be his mind made up.

I personally love the Superb, theres a few 2009 examples about in that price bracket.

coolbeans

To be fair I don't know hoq anyone could love a Superb, they're an ugly bastard in saloon guise and needlessly big for most. I am sure that many will suggest thw Octavia but they're on the market mlre than eight years now and very dated. It'd be a bit of a sickener to drop the guts of 20k on a car only to see a new model out soon. If ypu don't want a Laguna why not the likes of Hyundai or Kia? The likes of the Ceed is up to date, should be reliable and is every bit asgood the accepted "class leaders". Good warranty too.

Voodoomelon

Ceed is a nice choice alright, was one of the first hatchbacks that popped into my head. The Superb to me is a decent looking car, however possibly too large for his needs as he has no family anymore to cart around the place.

Mikko Mallikas

Don´t be ridiculous Luke, he is your father. HE doesn´t want a €50-€60k Audi/BMW/Mercedes, My Dad is in the same age bracket and bought an´11 polo diesel, he doesn´t want the same things you want, oh but don´t let him buy a Renault .

-Corkie-

My father who is 77 has a Honda Civic (06) and he loves it. Its a 1.6 with a load of extras, he finds it easy for parking and so does my mother. He told me he prefers it a million times more than my Massey Ferguson..:rolleyes:

Voodoomelon

Mikko Mallikas wrote: »

Don´t be ridiculous Luke, he is your father. HE doesn´t want a €50-€60k Audi/BMW/Mercedes, My Dad is in the same age bracket and bought an´11 polo diesel, he doesn´t want the same things you want, oh but don´t let him buy a Renault .

He does want one, he just doesn't know it yet.
Ignorance is bliss to people of this generation. I don't want him to drop €60k on a car, I want him to come back a few years and get five times the car for the same money he's spending anyways, including a few years of tax and servicing. But that just makes too much sense.

Already i've heard the "get a Golf, theyre nice and reliable" suggestion. At the end of the day he'll get whatever the crowd tells him to get, just want to have a few alternative suggestions for him.

vectra

Get him a vRS tdi Octavia. He will love it

George Dalton

Don't get involved. Let him buy whatever he wants. Because if you push him towards buying a certain car that subsequently gives him trouble you will never hear the fecking end of it :pac:

Voodoomelon

Haha, I literally just thought of that. If he goes out of his way to get something different based on my recommendation, he'll be huntin me down when the turbo blows. Maybe i'll let him buy whatever he wants and then give him plenty of I told you so's.

Mikko Mallikas

Indeed, My fathers Polo has given serious trouble with DPF, but could he be telt at the time that he didn´t need a diesel?

EPM

Ford Mondeo? Comfy, reliable and in the right spec can be a very nice car.

vectra

Mikko Mallikas wrote: »

Indeed, My fathers Polo has given serious trouble with DPF, but could he be telt at the time that he didn´t need a diesel?

Budy of mine,his father had one as well.Same probs with the dpf. Had to hand it back and buy a petrol. To be fair though.. He was driving it like a JCB.. toka-toka-toka... 3rd gear and ticking over around town :pac:

listenup

Voodoomelon wrote: »

As a lot of posters can probably relate, my father who was 60 last year is stuck in his ways when it comes to cars. Time has come to change and I really don't want to get involved as he won't listen to me anyways. :pac:

But I do want him to get something decent for once. He's been driving Renaults for the last 30 years, and had had two Lagunas recently which are reliable enough in fairness but are boring as sin and my mother hates them. He always stuck with petrols though funnily enough, again set in sir..his ways.

So any suggestions welcome.

He does about 14000 miles a year.
Will probably spend €19k tops from what I can make out.
Will consider diesels now.
Will consider downsizing to a hatchback but has to have 4 doors.
Probably nothing over 2 litre as thats "crazy talk".
Probably 2008+

Personally, i'd love him to get a nice 4-5 year old high spec €50-€60k Audi/BMW/Mercedes that has taken its whack of depreciation but I know he won't do it.

So the question is what do you recommend in the guise of a Laguna, that isn't a Laguna? :P

his,his

1rishguy

He could go for a Corolla or Auris 1.4 D4d, bulletproof cars. But at the end of the day its his cash.

Mikko Mallikas

Ford Mondeo? Comfy, reliable and in the right spec can be a very nice car.

My car of choice, now I see where I get it from, Father- new Polo, Son- Mondeo, I shall give no more advice

vectra

If I were to go for a Mondeo I would have to wait to see the new model, looks interesting

Voodoomelon

Mondeo in the right spec certainly is a hell of a car. Much nicer than an Avensis/Passat too.

EDIT: One of few decent specced models on Carzone: http://www.carzone.ie/search/Ford/Mondeo/TITANIUM/201143205223141/advert?channel=CARS

Guy:Incognito

I really like the Laguna. If I wasnt buying one thought I wouldnt look any further than the C5.

1rishguy

Apart from Ball Joints, Inner Tie Rods and Rear Axle Bushings, the Laguna is not too bad.

Voodoomelon

Funny, he had tie rods done 2 weeks back and it failed on ball joints today.

Damien360

The mondeo appears huge inside and a big bugger for parking. If your dad is anything like mine it may overwhelm him.

Sit him in the mondeo, let him give out about the size and then put him in the Focus. Nice size and he may feel it easier to park. Will always be cheap to service as there are loads of them.

EPM

Voodoomelon wrote: »

Mondeo in the right spec certainly is a hell of a car. Much nicer than an Avensis/Passat too.

EDIT: One of few decent specced models on Carzone: http://www.carzone.ie/search/Ford/Mondeo/TITANIUM/201143205223141/advert?channel=CARS

Fathers one is practically identical to that but a petrol hatch. Some of the comfiest seats going too. If he could find a UK spec titanium s it would look sweet.

Mikko Mallikas

Well my Finnish Mondeo will be making it´s apperance in Ireland in about 6 weeks, so anyone sees one it is probably me.

Gophur

If Dad is happy with a Renault, then let him buy a Renault. Why should he buy another marque just because son doesn't like the Renault? He's the man who has to drive the car.

Given all the discounts on Renault over the past few years he should be able to get a lot of car for lowish money.

I went through similar crap when looking for my current car but ploughed on and got what I wanted, and it's a hell of a car. If I listened to so-called "advice" I'd be driving something else that someone else likes but doesn't drive.

Damien360

He may be stuck with a Renault. The only people who gave any value on a trade in renault, were renault themselves if you were buying another.

I like the look and interior of the new laguna but suffered a mechanical and electrical disaster with a 05 scenic and would'nt touch another.

suzie987

George Dalton wrote: »

Don't get involved. Let him buy whatever he wants. Because if you push him towards buying a certain car that subsequently gives him trouble you will never hear the fecking end of it :pac:

Yep this happened me. Convinced my Dad to change from Passats (he had been driving them for a good 10 years and Volkswagens for about 20+) to a lovely new BMW 316.

But he has a bad hip and apparently the BMW has very low seats . . . I'd say he curses me daily!!! That said though, other than that he loves the BMW and says he is glad he changed from Volkswagen

Mycroft H

suzie987 wrote: »

Yep this happened me. Convinced my Dad to change from Passats (he had been driving them for a good 10 years and Volkswagens for about 20+) to a lovely new BMW 316.

A lovely 316?

Ahhh yes. The poverty spec 316, a perennial favorite of irish people

Voodoomelon

Gophur wrote: »

If Dad is happy with a Renault, then let him buy a Renault. Why should he buy another marque just because son doesn't like the Renault? He's the man who has to drive the car.

Given all the discounts on Renault over the past few years he should be able to get a lot of car for lowish money.

I don't dislike Renault, I loved the 21s we used to have, and the 2000 shape Laguna looked great in its day. His current one isn't too bad either, just very "meh". He even said before he bought his current one "if ever I go to buy another Renault, stop me". And he still went and bought one anyway.

Damien360 wrote: »

He may be stuck with a Renault. The only people who gave any value on a trade in renault, were renault themselves if you were buying another.

This it the key thing, you're absolutely right. They'll offer him a great deal and at the end of the day, he's not really a car man so this is really all that matters.

suzie987

BX 19 wrote: »

A lovely 316?

Ahhh yes. The poverty spec 316, a perennial favorite of irish people

Ya it's fairly basic spec - but perfect for him! He wouldn't be one for extras . . he is too tight!!!!

Eric Cartman

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/5-Series/523-523I/201202206509072/advert?channel=CARS

are you sure he couldnt be tempted

Leonard Hofstadter

That 523i is one of those Efficient Dynamics models, which are notorious for coil pack and injector failure.

It's a very nice car apart from that alright!

Voodoomelon

Eric Cartman wrote: »

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/5-Series/523-523I/201202206509072/advert?channel=CARS

are you sure he couldnt be tempted

Thats hilarious, was looking at the exact same one. :pac:

Sleepy

Show him an episode of The Apprentice. Explain to him he'll be lining that prat's pockets if he buys a Renault.

carbon nanotube

Voodoomelon wrote: »

As a lot of posters can probably relate, my father who was 60 last year is stuck in his ways when it comes to cars. Time has come to change and I really don't want to get involved as he won't listen to me anyways. :pac:

But I do want him to get something decent for once. He's been driving Renaults for the last 30 years, and had had two Lagunas recently which are reliable enough in fairness but are boring as sin and my mother hates them. He always stuck with petrols though funnily enough, again set in his ways.

So any suggestions welcome.

He does about 14000 miles a year.
Will probably spend €19k tops from what I can make out.
Will consider diesels now.
Will consider downsizing to a hatchback but has to have 4 doors.
Probably nothing over 2 litre as thats "crazy talk".
Probably 2008+

Personally, i'd love him to get a nice 4-5 year old high spec €50-€60k Audi/BMW/Mercedes that has taken its whack of depreciation but I know he won't do it.

So the question is what do you recommend in the guise of a Laguna, that isn't a Laguna? :P

honda accord executive

pburns

I'm not a big fan of Renaults but they're probably better now than they've ever been reliability-wise. (faint praise, I know).

Thing is, although it didn't set the world alight, I think the Laguna is a decent car. Reliability vastly improved AFAIK, genuinely nice interior, comfy. And it's small for it's class - which sounds ideal if it's just for the parents. For 19 grand he'll get a fully loaded one only a year or two old:
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201133204008207

Other suggestion (if petrol) would be a Mazda 6. Mondeo virtues without the big arse.

Al Capwned

Mikko Mallikas wrote: »

Well my Finnish Mondeo will be making it´s apperance in Ireland in about 6 weeks, so anyone sees one it is probably me.

I should hope so....

dmc17

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Audi/A4/1.8T-SE-/201150206070801/advert?channel=CARS

or

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Honda/Accord/2.0-I-VT/1313275037250870/advert?channel=CARS

Voodoomelon

I like the idea of an Accord.

Heres a beaut of an X-type: http://www.carzone.ie/search/Jaguar/X-Type/2.0-D-SP/201149205966398/advert?channel=CARS

carbon nanotube

a honda accord executive is more...erm user friendly

the thoughts of owning any jag of any type somehow brings huge $$$$$$ in my face.

a 2.4 ex, pre 08 is a winner.

In fact i will probably get one in the summer.

F-Stop

Sorted, and I assume he gets to decide what car you'll drive? Enjoy your new Renault.

JJJJNR

Lucky, my auld lad still drives a 94 mondeo, that got a 'new' engine 10 years ago, and it (engine) only has 70,000 miles therefore its still new..ahh bless

Guy:Incognito

Sleepy wrote: »

Show him an episode of The Apprentice. Explain to him he'll be lining that prat's pockets if he buys a Renault.

Not unless he buys in one of Bill Cullens garages he isnt.

galwaytt

So, your Dad has had several Renaults, no major problems, and you quite liked them, really.

Now, though, you don't.

Explain why your Dad should listen to you now?

Oh, and whatever he buys, avoid small diesels. Older people do not drive the way that they need to be driven, to avoid DPF issues.

Buy a simple, efficient petrol.

Yes, even if it's a Renault. If could unload my dinosaur, I'd be buying a small petrol, and quite think the Clio 1.2 would be a good choice.

bazz26

How about a Mazda 6? Great value in the petrol models, very little goes wrong with them and the laughable thing is that the motor tax is actually cheaper on the Co2 system than the old engine size system.

This one looks tidy:
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=913273294672900

Voodoomelon

My underlying point is he's gonna die having never owned a nice car. That makes me sad.

richardsheil

Voodoomelon wrote: »

My underlying point is he's gonna die having never owned a nice car. That makes me sad.

So what. It is his life.

Voodoomelon

...and I want him to improve it with a nicer car than a Laguna for the same money.
I emailed him a full list of links for everything mentioned and a few of my own choices. Will be interesting to see the reaction.

bazz26

I think the problem here is that what you would consider a "nice" car and what your dad considers a "nice" car are poles apart.

My dad recently bought a Toyota Auris, I wanted him to buy a Ford Focus but there was no talking to him. The Auris does exactly what he wants it to do dispite it being inferior in alot of ways to the Focus but it's an impossible argument to win in the end so I just left it.

carbon nanotube

jeremy clarkson would have a field day with this thread.