Yet another, What should I buy thread?

banie01

1st off apologies for the recurrence of such a common theme.

Currently I'm driving a 2006 Megane CC, doing about 10000kms a year mainly short commutes city based driving, with a weekly 120km round trip and a monthly 400km trip.
I'm running this car 5yrs now and I'm at the stage where it needs to be gotten rid of really.
The issues with Leaks and electrics are starting to accumulate and I'm at a stage now where the continuing small repairs along with the constantly leaky windows have broken me

Costwise,
Insurance and tax are costing me a 1k a year(And unlikely to reduce really)
Fuel use is hardly economical as I'm getting @8.2ltrs/100km so probably somewhere @1.5k a year
And I'm at a stage now where I'm coming due a timing belt change(I've @80000kms done interval is @100k or 5yrs)
So with repairs/maintenance owning my current car is gonna cost me in the region of north of 4k per year to run!!!

To be honest thats money I'd rather in my pocket!
I'm at a stage where looking at the sums it actually makes more sense to scrap the cabrio and buy something new

Theres my problem though....
Ideally I want something practical(More than 2 doors and plenty of boot!), durable, convenient and affordable.
Cruise control and decent interior comfort(I'm 6'5'') would also be high on my list.

I did test drive a Duster pre x-mas and it was ok.
But I am going around in circles in my mind trying to decide what to buy, ideally I'd like to stick at around the 15k range via finance/PCP.

Any advice folks?

Marty McFly

So 15k what engine size you be looking at? Diesel or petrol?

banie01

Marty McFly wrote: »

So 15k what engine size you be looking at? Diesel or petrol?

Hi Marty, Currently in a 1.6 petrol but I'm open to anything.
My current thinking is that perhaps a diesel in the same 1.5 size range will offer me lower fuel costs and I think my current driving needs(outlined in OP) would make Diesel a goer too.
That said, I've not actually made my mind up on that score.

I really am working from an open slate in choosing a car this time round, but with practicality and comfort probably my foremost concern(along with value of course)

I have found myself considering Duster's but also at the same time also considering various Estate's too.

Moneymaker

You'd get a lovely 2-3 year old Octavia for that budget and it ticks all the boxes for you.

Gael23

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Skoda/Octavia/1.6Tdi-1/37913869498002200/advert?channel=CARS
Octavia wont disappoint. When trade In is taken into account this should come within budget. With your mileage I think you could consider a petrol too so maybe something like a Civic 1.4.

ba_barabus

Moneymaker wrote: »

You'd get a lovely 2-3 year old Octavia for that budget and it ticks all the boxes for you.

He'd also get a brand new Duster and a 5 year warranty too.......

Moneymaker

ba_barabus wrote: »

He'd also get a brand new Duster and a 5 year warranty too.......

Sure. Well worth considering.

banie01

Octavia was high on my list, still is as is the Leon and a couple of others.
Petrol is also what I was leaning towards given my mileage, but I also have the regular longer trips which I'd hope would be enough to avoid any DPF issues
But TBH the Logan and the Duster have been creeping into my thoughts aswell given their price new with 5yr warranty versus a 2nd hand Octavia or similar

Moneymaker

banie01 wrote: »

Octavia was high on my list, still is as is the Leon and a couple of others.
Petrol is also what I was leaning towards given my mileage, but I also have the regular longer trips which I'd hope would be enough to avoid any DPF issues
But TBH the Logan and the Duster have been creeping into my thoughts aswell given their price new with 5yr warranty versus a 2nd hand Octavia or similar

Take one for a spin again, they aren't everyone's cup of tea but they represent extraordinary value.

I'd rather have a second hand Octavia personally but getting a Duster would make sense.

banie01

Moneymaker wrote: »

Take one for a spin again, they aren't everyone's cup of tea but they represent extraordinary value.

I'd rather have a second hand Octavia personally but getting a Duster would make sense.

Back out to arrange a new swathe of test drives then
Thanks for the input folks.

Gael23

I personally would rather go back a few years and get a car with decent spec rather than buy a Duster and get a 141 plate.