Best Family saloon...opinions please?

Wonda-Boy

Currently driving a 04 almera, non ABS and seats are as hard as a park bench. Car is very simple, but is reliable and has never let me down but looking to trade up for numerous reasons mostly safety and comfort and while I have the cash.

Budget 20K give or take and trade in of Almera....so around 22K looking for Diesel and no older then 2 yrs if possible.

I have 4 cars in mind at the moment, top of the list is the 2011 Ford Mondeo 2L Titanium according to reviews etc seems to be the be all and end all of cars.

2011 VW Passat 2L Bluemotion
2011 Hyundai i40 (not mad on it but the missus loves it)
2011 Renault Laguna 2L Initiale (all extras)

Also there is the possibility of the jeeps which I would prefer for the extra safety and viewing....

2011 Hyundai Ix35
2011 VW Tiguan
2011 Skoda Yeti
2011 Hyundai Santa Fe

Dont need 4x4 or any other mad gimmick to sell a car....

Am I missing anything car wise, I also like the idea of the Skoda Superb but I suppose I am ignorant of the Skoda badge like alot of people and its more or less the same price as the VW Passat.

Idbatterim

what about the new 5 series? see below link. Little over budget, but would be different league to the cars mentioned...

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/5-Series/520d-New/31813509180848940/advert?channel=CARS

one thing I would say about the mondeo is, that is is just about to be replaced by the new model...

NewApproach

RS6 for well inside budget. Excess can pay for fuel and maintenance.

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Audi/RS6/AUTO-TIP/5213309517225490/advert?channel=CARS

GE90

OPs currently driving a Almera, is looking to upgrade to a newer car with a 2 liter diesel. And what gets recommended ?... A ultra high performance saloon with a 4.2 petrol V8 O the mind boggles...

Kristopherus

A Higher grade Renault Fluence or Nissan Quasqai. Both have the same diesel engine and its well up there with the best of them.

ian87

Ah motors... Op wants an economical, family friendly, comfortable car.
Ok so, let's recommend a 3.0 plus petrol performance car.

On a lighter note, I ran a 2008 passat, still very like the 11 model. To say it is boring would be an understatement. If even a smudge of driver involvement is your thing, avoid the passat.

My mom had an 10 Renault fluence. Nice solid car, great on fuel but the interior is rather plasticy and has a general feeling of low quality over all.

How about a Citroen c5. You mentioned that the Almera wasn't the most comfy of beast. These are very comfortable and handsome too. Not sure on reliability mind you.

Hope this helps.

R.O.R

Op, you forgot the Insignia. In SE or elite spec it will run the Mondeo close but is just let down by the crap power delivery. If a 2012 spec can be found in budget then the nav makes a big difference to the interior.

Or, just buy a Superb and try to avoid your reflection in shop windows while driving.

Frankie Lee

I'd go for the i40 myself.

Foxhole Norman

2009-2010 Skoda Superb Elegance? Has a lot of equipment and are pretty good on fuel, we own a 2009 Ambition and over 200,000kms later there has been just one fault, which was the A/C hose which was faulty upon delivery. Average fuel consumption of the 1.9TDi we have is 50mpg, mostly motorway driving.

The Elegance will have gear like Heated leather interior, Sat Nav, Auto Lights/Wipers, Bluetooth, One touch windows all round and acres of space.

PaddyAnglican

Wonda-Boy wrote: »

Currently driving a 04 almera, non ABS and seats are as hard as a park bench. Car is very simple, but is reliable and has never let me down but looking to trade up for numerous reasons mostly safety and comfort and while I have the cash.

Budget 20K give or take and trade in of Almera....so around 22K looking for Diesel and no older then 2 yrs if possible.

I have 4 cars in mind at the moment, top of the list is the 2011 Ford Mondeo 2L Titanium according to reviews etc seems to be the be all and end all of cars.

2011 VW Passat 2L Bluemotion
2011 Hyundai i40 (not mad on it but the missus loves it)
2011 Renault Laguna 2L Initiale (all extras)

Also there is the possibility of the jeeps which I would prefer for the extra safety and viewing....

2011 Hyundai Ix35
2011 VW Tiguan
2011 Skoda Yeti
2011 Hyundai Santa Fe

Dont need 4x4 or any other mad gimmick to sell a car....

Am I missing anything car wise, I also like the idea of the Skoda Superb but I suppose I am ignorant of the Skoda badge like alot of people and its more or less the same price as the VW Passat.

I am on my 7th consecutive Mondeo since 1996 - currently driving a 2011 1.6 econetic. They are a fabulous car and the 2 litre engine in the 2010 onwards is very economical. It is actually probably a better bet than the current 1.6 if you have a heavy right foot as it is more flexible and returns better economy when pushed hard than the 1.6 - for eg it is more economical at motorway speeds than the 1.6. I am hoping to buy a new Titanium 1.6 in January as they are heavily discounted in advance of the new model (29K instead of 32K) - all body styles inc estate are the same price! The reliability road holding and comfort of the Mondeo is second to non.
Re your alternatives:
Passat is very boring and gives poor road feedback - not impressed
I40 eye candy but they don't stand up well to wear and tear on our country roads I am reliably informed
Laguna avoid like the plague - electrics are a disaster and very expensive to repair and you will need to repair them
Re the jeeps - my wife has a 07 Rav4 passenger model - nearly a grand to tax now A lovely car but impossible to offload.
I reckon Hyundai is best of your short list
Hope this helps
Happy shopping

ofcork

I believe the new lagunas are pretty reliable,op what about the 2012 avensis there are plenty on carzone which you should be able to get in budget now and not even boggo terra spec.

Matthewjohn

I'd get something like this.

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Volvo/S80/2.0-D-SE/32113528980908920/advert?channel=CARS

ltdslipdiff

I'd second the Laguna Initiale ! You'd have to go up to Volvo/Merc/BMW money to come close on spec! The 2011 ones had a five year unlimited mileage warranty if I'm not mistaken? Also, the 150 bhp engine is a gem, runs a timing chain, and is in tax band B (or B2 as it is now?). Can't say I was ever blown away with the economy, but the grunt, looks, handling and spec are up there with the best ! At least view and drive one before making a decision ! Sorry for all the !!!'s

Wonda-Boy

Jaysus lads many thanx for the replies....had to laugh at the 4.2 petrol Audi, nice car all the same.

Well had a test drive today in the 2011 Toyota Avensis Aura, very nice looking car and drives very well, inside the cabin is very bland and basic compared to others but talk about lack of grunt for a 2L engine. I was down shifting to overtake at crusing speed was very dissapointed TBH.

I also had a drive in the Skoda Yeti and what a super car/jeep it really is, it has everything going for it except the looks. It was extremely nippy and handles like its on rails.....shame about the looks.

I am booked in for a drive in the big boys on Tues, Ford Mondeo 2L Titanium, Skoda Superb Elegance and the Hyundai i40 and the ix35...should tell me alot about the pro's and con's of each....again I dont want a car that will set the world on fire, its safety and reliablility I am looking for. So a 2011 VW passat would not be the end of the world....lol.

Cungi

2.2tdci Mondeo Titanium X - €25,950



http://www.carzone.ie/search/Ford/Mondeo/2.2-TDCI/32013516199921030/advert?channel=CARS

Wonda-Boy

Cungi wrote: »

2.2tdci Mondeo Titanium X - €25,950



http://www.carzone.ie/search/Ford/Mondeo/2.2-TDCI/32013516199921030/advert?channel=CARS

Absolute Quality...that is still my no1, unless it drives like a pig. I have to take into consideration my "Queen Bee" will also be driving this so I hope she likes it. She was driving the dolphin shape primera for a while so the size will not faze her.

Cungi

Wish i could tell you what it drives like

But according to car reviews its apparantly not much better than a 2.0 tdci and not worth the extra cash. Thats a UK review though.
Seeing as the prices here are fairly similar i'd go with the 2.2

Bring the missus along when test driving and see what she thinks. There isnt much point in getting it if she hates driving it.
Otherwise she'll be telling you every day

_Kaiser_

I'm going to say the Passat from that list myself.

Haven't driven the "new" one but as it's really just my own B6 model with a new front and rear end I'd say it's similar enough to it.

- Huge boot
- Lots of rear legroom
- Economical on diesel
- Fairly-very reliable (as much as any modern car really) if serviced on time
- Quality feel to the interior (get a Comfortline/SE or above spec though - preferably with cruise control and so on)
- High safety ratings in tests

These are the factors that would strike me as important to a family man looking for a car suitable for the day-to-days of life with the kids and missus.

I mean, RS6's?? Sure if he was a single sales rep type with all the expenses of running such a car paid for by his employer. As for this "driving involvement" argument.. I find mine fine actually, but then I want it to be a comfortable long distance cruiser that I still feel fresh enough getting out of at the end of the trip, with enough space for everything I might need to carry - if I wanted a "sports car" I'd buy a 3 series or something

THall04

Kaiser2000 wrote: »

I'm going to say the Passat from that list myself.

Haven't driven the "new" one but as it's really just my own B6 model with a new front and rear end I'd say it's similar enough to it.

- Huge boot
- Lots of rear legroom
- Economical on diesel
- Fairly-very reliable (as much as any modern car really) if serviced on time
- Quality feel to the interior (get a Comfortline/SE or above spec though - preferably with cruise control and so on)
- High safety ratings in tests

Fairly-very reliable ??????????
What the f**k is that
Once upon a time I bought a brand new Nissan Micra.
Owned it for 2 years....1 service.....1 windscreen rubber wiper replaced...and that was that.
Once upon a time I bought a brand new Nissan Almera.
After 10 months there was a factory re-call.....local Nissan garage gave me 4 new tyres..even though there was nothing wrong with my old tyers....
After a sh**load of problems with cars in America and Israel,I got back to reality with a good old 00 reg Primera .....drove that 100,000 miles without a problem.

Then I bought a Skoda Suberb.
Bought it because of reported reliability.
After 40,000 miles I was inconvenienced..for two days!!! for a faulty sensor that cost me E65 euro to replace.
60,000 miles on the the clock now.....so far no more problems.

Although I love me ould Skoda.........I am still supremely pissed off with the faulty sensor incident.

No car made in the last 40 years.....thats been regularly serviced ...should ever break down.........and no responsible motorist should comprise on reliability.

Subaru ,Toyota and Nissan knew how to make reliable cars back in the 90's.
I have an 80 year old uncle who still watches his Mitsubishi Blue Diamond telly....still as good as it was 30 years ago.

Faulty components breaking down is all a con.
We have the technology now to produce consumer items to last hundreds of years.....car parts and other items only break down to satisfy econimic demand.
.
.
.
.
Anyway ...who is goin' to win X factor....don't like that scouse c**t......

sean1141

You can't compare an older car to a newer one for reliability. Manufacturers have been forced by demand/environmental and safety laws to make a lot of changes to how cars are put together.

Compare a modern micra to a late 80s one. There is a hell of a lot more stuff in them and so the risk of something going wrong increases.

Its inevitable with any machine. Things wear out, its the nature of things

Casati

Cungi wrote: »

Wish i could tell you what it drives like

But according to car reviews its apparantly not much better than a 2.0 tdci and not worth the extra cash. Thats a UK review though.
Seeing as the prices here are fairly similar i'd go with the 2.2

Bring the missus along when test driving and see what she thinks. There isnt much point in getting it if she hates driving it.
Otherwise she'll be telling you every day

That Mondeo looks sweet- it will drive much better than any other car on your list & you'd have a queue of lads looking to buy it off you in a few years- aka the old Mondeo ST 2.2 which attract a bit of a cult following now

spiggotpaddy

From your list WONDA I would choose the mondy although it is a fairly large car if your darling is intimidated by size.
Have you looked at the accord.

166man

Alfa 159 diesel OP?

_Kaiser_

THall04 wrote: »

Fairly-very reliable ??????????
What the f**k is that

It means that with over 230,000km on the clock in 4.5 years, I haven't had anything major go wrong that wouldn't be considered wear and tear or a fact of life with any modern diesel (eg: the DMF).

Yes the fuel pump had to be replaced early this year, and one of the brake calipers needed changing recently but aside from that all it's really cost me is tyres, regular on-time servicing and basically looking after it.

Hence, "fairly-very reliable" - no car will run flawlessly forever if you don't look after it, but given all the mileage I've done, although it's cost me a fair bit too, it hasn't thrown up anything that would put me off the road with a few grand's worth of bills either.

mickdw

ian87 wrote: »

On a lighter note, I ran a 2008 passat, still very like the 11 model. To say it is boring would be an understatement. If even a smudge of driver involvement is your thing, avoid the passat.

Hope this helps.

Just from experience of driving 08 passat and new model passat back to back, Im very surprised to find that the new one is a completely different drive. While, it is plain to see that its far from an all new model, they really have done alot of work on the suspension and steering imo. The new one is much more taut, with better body control, much better steering feel and weighting, much improved drive now. The last one, I really couldnt feel at all and felt terrible at the rear.

bazz26

Have a look at the Mazda 6 also:


http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Mazda/Mazda6/2.2D-SPORT/31513504003328860/

NewApproach

I don't think the RS6 suggestion was that absurd. OP has a budget of €22k plus running costs. Depending on the predicted lifespan of the vehicle he buys, he could run the RS6 all in for about the same price, depending on mileage of course. Not to mention the RS6 would be in a totally different league to a 2l diesel.

166man

NewApproach wrote: »

I don't think the RS6 suggestion was that absurd. OP has a budget of €22k plus running costs. Depending on the predicted lifespan of the vehicle he buys, he could run the RS6 all in for about the same price, depending on mileage of course. Not to mention the RS6 would be in a totally different league to a 2l diesel.

A low tax diesel saloon will hold it's value better and have very low day-to-day running costs compared to the RS6.

Coming on here and suggesting the polar opposite choice to what the OP has asked for advice on is a tad absurd IMO.

Supergurrier

My dad before he got his black 2012 D4D Avensis had a 2010 D4D Avansis in silver and tbh it was a really really nice car, the new Kia/Hyundai cars in that bracket look really nice too. Would have one over a VAG car or any French/Ford car in that bracket personally. Volvo D5 diesel would be nice too, was talking to some chap from the Traffic corps who had one and he said they get them remapped and they make 200bhp+ handy, he had a nice 9mm on his hip too

the culture of deference

Test drive a Renault grand Megane 1.5dci.

You should be able to get a Brand new dynamique spec for about 20k.

Car will do 60mpg, 5 year warranty. Band A tax.

ankles

bazz26 wrote: »

Have a look at the Mazda 6 also:


http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Mazda/Mazda6/2.2D-SPORT/31513504003328860/

With the new Mazda 6 out in February there will be some sweet deals on late versions of the current model. Good driver's car, huge boot, great diesel engines. Only negative I find is a fair bit of tyre roar when you're shifting

vectra

Well.
Somebody had to do it

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Skoda/Octavia/RS-2.0-T/30813488265573030/advert?channel=CARS

junkyarddog

The mondeo would be my choice,it's a good all rounder.
Plus if you are coming from a petrol engined car to a diesel,
Fords capless refulling system is a godsend,
the petrol nozzel wont open the flap so you can't missfuel it.
Heated windscreen is a nice feature too.

colm_mcm

The mondeo is a fine car no doubt, it has all the right ingredients. For some reason there's no way I'd buy one though.

Wonda-Boy

Thanx for the honest replies lads,

I will be in a much better position on Tues evening after a day of testing the cars. I have the Passat, Mondeo, Laguna, Superb and i40 all booked to drive. I will also try the Ford Kuga and the 2012 Focus saloon for good measure if I can.

Just have to listen to the bull**** that comes with it from the reps. I can tune out and walk away but the missus feels she has to listen to them....lol.

http://http://www.autotrader.ie/search/Ford/Kuga/ZETEC-2./3213288077013420/advert?channel=CARS

Wonda-Boy

vectra wrote: »

Well.
Somebody had to do it

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Skoda/Octavia/RS-2.0-T/30813488265573030/advert?channel=CARS

Lovely machine but too flash for my missus, I dont need that kinda of raw power/speed in a car I have my motorbike for my speed trills. Plus you have the bold boys looking at that left right and centre.

colm_mcm

Wonda-Boy wrote: »

Thanx for the honest replies lads,

I will be in a much better position on Tues evening after a day of testing the cars. I have the Passat, Mondeo, Laguna, Superb and i40 all booked to drive. I will also try the Ford Kuga and the 2012 Focus saloon for good measure if I can.

Just have to listen to the bull**** that comes with it from the reps. I can tune out and walk away but the missus feels she has to listen to them....lol.

http://http://www.autotrader.ie/search/Ford/Kuga/ZETEC-2./3213288077013420/advert?channel=CARS

Give the Kia optima a shot too.

TheBazman

colm_mcm wrote: »

Give the Kia optima a shot too.

Test drove one recently - seriously impressed .

GERMAN ROCKS

peugeot 508?

Squ

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Skoda/Octavia/RS-2.0-T/30813488265573030/advert?channel=CARS

Wonda-Boy

Yeah Kia, I love the new shape Sportage SUV. I was told surprise surprise by a Hyundai rep that although the Kia offer 7 yr warranty its "Limited" to 150,000 klm or which ever comes 1st. Which lets face it is gonna be 150Klms. So really you would quite easily do that in 4 yrs if out and about like I am. Where as the Hyundai 5yr warranty is unlimited milage.....

Deffo no Peugeot, had 2 when I was younger and had serious trouble never again. Will check out the Kia options after the big boys on Tues.

Thanx

scwazrh

vectra wrote: »

Well.
Somebody had to do it

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Skoda/Octavia/RS-2.0-T/30813488265573030/advert?channel=CARS

What is with boardies on motors , that some of them keep going on about skoda ?i like a sensible economical motor as much as the next bloke but while ever my choice is not walking or a skoda , I will not buy a skoda.Seat used to be the cheap VW and now we have skoda fighting for the cheap VW badge and tbh Skoda are not actual that cheap anymore.

166man

scwazrh wrote: »

What is with boardies on motors , that some of them keep going on about skoda ?i like a sensible economical motor as much as the next bloke but while ever my choice is not walking or a skoda , I will not buy a skoda.Seat used to be the cheap VW and now we have skoda fighting for the cheap VW badge and tbh Skoda are not actual that cheap anymore.

Damn good cars though.

Wonda-Boy

As was posted, seriously good looking motor and very well spec'ed if you can get past your own ignorance and the Kia Badge...lol

I know VRT etc is due just posted for the picture of the motor.

http://www.autotrader.ie/search/KIA/Optima/1.7-CRDI/201245210860395/advert?channel=CARS

GE90

scwazrh wrote: »

What is with boardies on motors , that some of them keep going on about skoda ?i like a sensible economical motor as much as the next bloke but while ever my choice is not walking or a skoda , I will not buy a skoda.Seat used to be the cheap VW and now we have skoda fighting for the cheap VW badge and tbh Skoda are not actual that cheap anymore.

Your misguided opinion is exactly what the big "premium" brands are feeding off.

Wonda-Boy

Absolute cracker of a car.......shades of Aston Martin here me thinks. But what a beaut!

http://www.caradvice.com.au/154033/2012-ford-mondeo-revealed-official-pictures-and-details/

GE90

Ya i have been keeping a eye on that one. Beautiful looking car from every angle but i have reservations with the fact that its a carbon copy of the fusion in the US. If they put that body on to the current mondeo it would be a cracker of a car.

bazz26

You will not buy a new shape Mondeo for anywhere near €22k though.

bazz26

The new Mondeo is being called Fusion in the US, other than bigger petrol engines and some trim differences it will be the same car sold in Europe from March.

pred racer

GE90 wrote: »

Ya i have been keeping a eye on that one. Beautiful looking car from every angle but i have reservations with the fact that its a carbon copy of the fusion in the US. If they put that body on to the current mondeo it would be a cracker of a car.

It has been for years!

GE90

Is the fusion a copy of the mondeo or the mondeo a copy of the fusion do ? I don't like the interior in them photos the touch buttons on the center console and the weird digital instrument cluster those noting for me.