Trading down? Or sideways?

Jo75

Would appreciate any help or advice anyone might have on embracing the realities of family driving.

Have an '09 A5 Sportback that I imported from the UK. Goes fine and very happy with it but the OH is pregnant with no. 2 and wants something easier to get in and out of. Her back's at her at the moment so it's a bit low to get baby no. 1 (12 month old) in and out of easily.

So I have to change it for something bigger but I don't know what, and I dont know what makes sense for a trade in. Really dont want an SUV-stlye thing but would like something higher than the Sportback, with a decent bootspace and (ideally) space to take a 5th person in the back with the two car seats if I need to give granny a lift. The last isn't a deal breaker though. Dont think there's much point getting something fancy for the babies/toddlers to wreck either.

I usually buy 3 or 4 years old but most of the stuff people seem to recommend (Mondeo, Focus Estate, 307 SW, etc) looks cheaper or at best the same value as the Audi. Am I right in assuming you get fleeced if you're trading in for something in the same price range? Any suggestions as to an alternative plan (or car)?

Lardy

Sell the wife and kids and keep the A5?

ShaunieVW

Some sort of Avant? Allroad :cool:

Rob Thomas

If you're changing from what you have to a Ford or a Pug you won't get fleeced because you will easily sell your A5 privately and you can shop with cash at a dealer. If you trade it in, you will probably lose out alright.

But if you go the way you are thinking you are really going from a premium car to a lesser quality vehicle, that's not being disrespectful to the cars you mention, just they would be nearly 20k cheaper than what you have if you compared new prices so you have to expect quality to suffer.

There is a different argument around whether the A5 is deserving of the price it commands but that's not the issue for you.

In your position I would be trying to keep to a higher quality car while getting the practicality you need. I would be looking at an A4 s line estate or a nice spec 3 series tourer. If you want to move to a roomier car and keep the extras you are used to, what about a Top spec Superb or a Passat CC or something like that? You could expect to nearly swap your A5 for a year newer top spec CC.

bazz26

A Passat CC isn't going to be any more practical or taller than an A5 Sportback. Both cars are designed with the same concept in mind - 4 door coupe.

OP, you will never get the full trade-in value of your A5 by trying to trade it in against something of less or equal market value. Garages are in the business of making money so they will have to make money on the deal irrespective of the value of both your car or theirs. Remember they have to prep your car for resale and give the next buyer a warranty on it.

My advice is either try and sell the A5 privately or look at trading up to something of greater value. Maybe something like an A6 or Superb estate.

biko

You can google for "bad back cars" and see if you like anything suggested.
Maybe a Volvo crossover?

Moneymaker

I was thinking A6 or Superb as well.

520d would do grand too. Maybe a 525/530d if you want something a bit more special.

S60 is great for comfort and back support too if you want to consider that.

Jo75

Rob Thomas wrote: »

If you're changing from what you have to a Ford or a Pug you won't get fleeced because you will easily sell your A5 privately and you can shop with cash at a dealer. If you trade it in, you will probably lose out alright.

But if you go the way you are thinking you are really going from a premium car to a lesser quality vehicle, that's not being disrespectful to the cars you mention, just they would be nearly 20k cheaper than what you have if you compared new prices so you have to expect quality to suffer.

There is a different argument around whether the A5 is deserving of the price it commands but that's not the issue for you.

In your position I would be trying to keep to a higher quality car while getting the practicality you need. I would be looking at an A4 s line estate or a nice spec 3 series tourer. If you want to move to a roomier car and keep the extras you are used to, what about a Top spec Superb or a Passat CC or something like that? You could expect to nearly swap your A5 for a year newer top spec CC.

Thanks for all the suggestions, some of them really useful. Especially trading in the family. It may come to that yet!!

Rob, is there really that much difference between a premium car and say a higher specced non-premium model? Im not fussy about the badge but I do like having some of the premium features. But something like a Hyundai i40 seems to have a good spec sheet (even if I assume handling is more boring?).

You're also right that selling privately is probably best but I found it hassle before with a much lower value car so Im a bit wary of it again. But maybe it is the way to go.

TBi

Jo75 wrote: »

You're also right that selling privately is probably best but I found it hassle before with a much lower value car so Im a bit wary of it again. But maybe it is the way to go.

Go for a trade in and see how much they'll offer for your car, put the car online for that price and you'll sell quickly. Can be a bit annoying dealing with tyre kickers but personally i prefer having that 1-2k+ in my pocket.

Rob Thomas

Jo75 wrote: »

Thanks for all the suggestions, some of them really useful. Especially trading in the family. It may come to that yet!!

Rob, is there really that much difference between a premium car and say a higher specced non-premium model? Im not fussy about the badge but I do like having some of the premium features. But something like a Hyundai i40 seems to have a good spec sheet (even if I assume handling is more boring?).

You're also right that selling privately is probably best but I found it hassle before with a much lower value car so Im a bit wary of it again. But maybe it is the way to go.

I'm not badge fussy either but I'm just making the point that you have a premium motor at a good age to sell it and it's a shame to go back to the general population without considering some of the options. The i40 is an excellent example of a top spec car which really could be considered nearly as luxurious as an Audi or BMW in the right finish. Plenty of Audi and BMWs won't have some of the stuff you will find in an i40 or even in an Opel or a Honda Accord. With the top models, it's the quality of the switches, seats and general finish which sets them apart. For example, the finish in a Golf or Passat, while ahead of that in a Ford etc. feels infinitely less polished than an A4. That's what the price difference buys.

For me the main advantage of the premium models is the resale. If you consider that a 10 reg A5 is probably worth the same as an 11 or possibly even a 12 reg i40, which do you think will be worth more in 3 years time? I would always be happier trying to sell a 6/7 year old Premium car than a run of the mill marque.

Jo75

Thanks Rob - resale is a good point. Will probably be looking to change it again in a few years when kid's a bit bigger so I do want to avoid wasting the money I have in the A5 at the moment by seeing it all go on depreciation. That's why I usually buy a bit of an older car. Maybe an A6 or BMW might be worth a look so.

Tea 1000

Rob Thomas wrote: »

I'm not badge fussy either but I'm just making the point that you have a premium motor at a good age to sell it and it's a shame to go back to the general population without considering some of the options. The i40 is an excellent example of a top spec car which really could be considered nearly as luxurious as an Audi or BMW in the right finish. Plenty of Audi and BMWs won't have some of the stuff you will find in an i40 or even in an Opel or a Honda Accord. With the top models, it's the quality of the switches, seats and general finish which sets them apart. For example, the finish in a Golf or Passat, while ahead of that in a Ford etc. feels infinitely less polished than an A4. That's what the price difference buys.

For me the main advantage of the premium models is the resale. If you consider that a 10 reg A5 is probably worth the same as an 11 or possibly even a 12 reg i40, which do you think will be worth more in 3 years time? I would always be happier trying to sell a 6/7 year old Premium car than a run of the mill marque.

I'd disagree with some of this. A Passat is as well finished inside as an A4, and has much better seats and a more comfortable ride and more space. An A4 might have a better looking dash, but that's about it.