What new car to buy - €29,500 budget

laurpat

Folks,

I'm in the middle of changing car with a budget of €29,500. I have been searching around and have struggled to find anything I'm crazy about. I have thought about the following:

Skoda Superb Ambition 2.0 Diesel 170Bhp

Kia Optima 1.7 Diesel 136Bhp

Nissan Xtrail 1.6 Diesel

I'm coming out of a 132 Octavia (1.6 Diesel). Great car but the older model (had previously a 2.0 Diesel 2011) was a much better drivers car. Torsion beam suspension was a huge step backwards and that 1.6 engine... It's awful.

Ideally, I'd love a VRS but I can't get the figures to work... Any other suggestions guys? I'll be entitled to fleet discount, the car must be new and suitable for two kids.... I've no concerns about residual values.

JC01

laurpat wrote: »

Folks,

I'm in the middle of changing car with a budget of €29,500. I have been searching around and have struggled to find anything I'm crazy about. I have thought about the following:

Skoda Superb Ambition 2.0 Diesel 170Bhp

Kia Optima 1.7 Diesel 136Bhp

Nissan Xtrail 1.6 Diesel

I'm coming out of a 132 Octavia (1.6 Diesel). Great car but the older model (had previously a 2.0 Diesel 2011) was a much better drivers car. Torsion beam suspension was a huge step backwards and that 1.6 engine... It's awful.

Ideally, I'd love a VRS but I can't get the figures to work... Any other suggestions guys? I'll be entitled to fleet discount, the car must be new and suitable for two kids.... I've no concerns about residual values.

Why does the car have to be new? There is an amazing choice of car out there with that budget if you don't care too much about the numbers on the reg plate.

Foxhole Norman

Has to be the Superb, you get a lot of kit in that package plus it's the best Diesel in the range.

JC01 wrote: »

Why does the car have to be new? There is an amazing choice of car out there with that budget if you don't care too much about the numbers on the reg plate.

It has to be new because it's going to be a Fleet/Company car.

laurpat

JC01 wrote: »

Why does the car have to be new? There is an amazing choice of car out there with that budget if you don't care too much about the numbers on the reg plate.

I don't make the rules - I just abide by them...

JC01

laurpat wrote: »

I don't make the rules - I just abide by them...

Apologies I just skimmed through your post missed the point about fleet/company car.

mikehn

I hope to be in the market myself in about a month, what I am going to buy will be my "forever car" as due to my age it will prob be the last car I buy.(,hope it lasts a long time:)). I am seriously looking at the new C4 picasso as the running costs are really good, low emissions, roomy, good mpg and comfortable on a long journey.

MuppetCheck

If you'd like a VRS then a Leon FR184 might be worth a look. Same car but a good bit lighter and therefore feels livlier, nicer interior imo and can be had as an estate too. Only the 184 gets the more sophisticated rear suspension.

pm.

I have the Superb Elegance 170, got it last November has almost 70k on the clock and have to say its a great car, great power for overtaking also great mpg and having 3 kids a lot of room. You wont get a better car for the money imo

Damien360

I assume it is a lease car same as myself.

I got the 140bhp superb ambition estate and love it. The 170bhp was only a fiver extra on the lease but I was watching BIK and the fact that it was just over allowed lease value so I would have to contribute the fiver.

The superb is huge in the back for the kids. The boot is huge and comes with tools and guards to separate out the boot so you can take have the stuff out and clamp the rest in place. Satnav is through my phone via Bluetooth but the only downside is it refuses to play instructions through the radio unless I am in BT mode. SD slot, mp3 compatible 6 slot CD player and Bluetooth for your music also.

The car is loaded to the gills and it gets heated seats plus at the moment, all leather/leatherette ?

6 speed box with plenty of poke. Bit noisy on motorway as insulation not as good as the insignia which is mad money on lease at the moment. Very little to complain about.

Stella Virgo

mikehn wrote: »

I hope to be in the market myself in about a month, what I am going to buy will be my "forever car" as due to my age it will prob be the last car I buy.(,hope it lasts a long time:)). I am seriously looking at the new C4 picasso as the running costs are really good, low emissions, roomy, good mpg and comfortable on a long journey.

well thats a conversation/thread stopper if i ever saw one.....:eek:

For Forks Sake

MuppetCheck wrote: »

If you'd like a VRS then a Leon FR184 might be worth a look. Same car but a good bit lighter and therefore feels livlier, nicer interior imo and can be had as an estate too. Only the 184 gets the more sophisticated rear suspension.

This.

knucklehead6

Stella Virgo wrote: »

well thats a conversation/thread stopper if i ever saw one.....:eek:

Not really. My dad is in the market now too, he's 'only' 72, but being realistic he knows that he's only got about 5 years driving left in him before he has to hang up the keys due to age. His father stopped driving at 75 after a hip replacement.

Sorry for going OT but I see where the other poster is coming from.

bazz26

Mazda 3 2.2d Platinum:


http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Mazda/Mazda3/Mazda3-2.2D/91014126131439320/

Very well speced and the 150bhp SkyActive engine is deceptively brisk with almost petrol engine like characteristics.

Moneymaker

You'll be hard pressed to get better value for money then the Superb, alright.

The 3 is nice but would it suit the OPs needs?

ba_barabus

Moneymaker wrote: »

The 3 is nice but would it suit the OPs needs?

I see no reason it wouldn't. Can be gotten in a hatch, lots of power, good handling, very well equipped, looks great etc etc.

The Superb is a huge car but its nothing like a VRS in the handling department if that's what the OP seems to want.

Old diesel

ba_barabus wrote: »

I see no reason it wouldn't. Can be gotten in a hatch, lots of power, good handling, very well equipped, looks great etc etc.

The Superb is a huge car but its nothing like a VRS in the handling department if that's what the OP seems to want.

I know the OP mentions "drivers car" - but is it to do with ride or handling he or she doesn't like the new model Octavias rear suspension with the torsion beam????.

A number of reviews ive read suggest that the new Octavia when fitted with torsion beam suspension (not all do - like the VRS or anything above a certain bhp level) have a firm ride.

The Mk 1 and 2 - ime - tend to ride very well - so an owner may well be less then impressed with the new one - if the reviews are correct.

laurpat

Old diesel wrote: »

I know the OP mentions "drivers car" - but is it to do with ride or handling he or she doesn't like the new model Octavias rear suspension with the torsion beam????.

A number of reviews ive read suggest that the new Octavia when fitted with torsion beam suspension (not all do - like the VRS or anything above a certain bhp level) have a firm ride.

The Mk 1 and 2 - ime - tend to ride very well - so an owner may well be less then impressed with the new one - if the reviews are correct.

I just find the new MK 3 Octavia has been left wanting and suffers from oversteer quite badly. I got caught a few times facing the way I was coming but in saying that I probably was pushing hard. I thought this was a problem with the Mk 2 but it was nothing to that of the Mk 3

Moneymaker wrote: »

You'll be hard pressed to get better value for money then the Superb, alright.

The 3 is nice but would it suit the OPs needs?

I love the look of the 3 but it's just a bit small. Is it a focus chassis? If I had some more €€€ I would be buying the 6 - I love the Mazda 6

ba_barabus wrote: »

I see no reason it wouldn't. Can be gotten in a hatch, lots of power, good handling, very well equipped, looks great etc etc.

The Superb is a huge car but its nothing like a VRS in the handling department if that's what the OP seems to want.

Comparing the Superb to the VRS is a very different proposition. There is no point going down the route of average handling Skoda unless i have the space of a superb...

If I'm honest - I am struggling with how ugly the superb is... In fact it's not ugly it's Fugly....

ba_barabus

laurpat wrote: »

In fact it's not ugly it's Fugly....

I think the estate is quiet nice if you'd consider that.

laurpat

ba_barabus wrote: »

I think the estate is quiet nice if you'd consider that.

That's true...The estate aint bad looking at all!

smcgiff

Damien360 wrote: »

I got the 140bhp superb ambition estate and love it. The 170bhp was only a fiver extra on the lease but I was watching BIK and the fact that it was just over allowed lease value so I would have to contribute the fiver.

Extra €5 per month? What's that, €180 total over 3 years?!?

Hand over your licence now! :pac:

codrulz

Have you looked at the new Alfa Romeo giulietta sportiva nav unreal specs best diesel 2.0ltr out there imho and unreal looking.
It's very practicle, great mpg,great interior,good bit of grunt and some new features for 2014.

Damien360

smcgiff wrote: »

Extra €5 per month? What's that, €180 total over 3 years?!?

Hand over your licence now! :pac:

I would make your average scot and Cavan man blush. I refuse to pay extra for what is basically my tool box.

MuppetCheck

codrulz wrote: »

Have you looked at the new Alfa Romeo giulietta sportiva nav unreal specs best diesel 2.0ltr out there imho and unreal looking.
It's very practicle, great mpg,great interior,good bit of grunt and some new features for 2014.

Nice car but that engine is an evolution of the old 1.9 and very similar to the one in Opels. It was a great engine in its day but it's well past it at this stage.

bazz26

The Giulietta isn't any bigger than a Mazda 3.

What about the new Ford Mondeo?

Dia1988

Maybe try a Mazda 2.2d 150 BHP Platinum, looks identical to a Mazda 6 but handles far better!

Idbatterim

new passat op? you arent far from entry level 3 series money at that stage, they start at 35k ish...

http://www.whatcar.com/car-news/volkswagen/passat-saloon/2015-volkswagen-passat-review/1316432

laurpat

Idbatterim wrote: »

new passat op? you arent far from entry level 3 series money at that stage, they start at 35k ish...

http://www.whatcar.com/car-news/volkswagen/passat-saloon/2015-volkswagen-passat-review/1316432

Not bad the new facelift - I have always put them as a "Boring motor" - Wonder where the Passat CC sits on the €€€ scale?

ianobrien

Another vote for the 184hp Leon FR here OP

laurpat

ianobrien wrote: »

Another vote for the 184hp Leon FR here OP

OK OK - I'm going to check out the LEON.... Didn't even consider cos of the size but will check it out...

Breffnigolfer

Damien360 wrote: »

I assume it is a lease car same as myself.

I got the 140bhp superb ambition estate and love it. The 170bhp was only a fiver extra on the lease but I was watching BIK and the fact that it was just over allowed lease value so I would have to contribute the fiver.

.......

You need to sack your buyer. Anyone who couldn't negotiate a €5 reduction in cost to meet a budget should get his/her walking papers.

ianobrien

laurpat wrote: »

OK OK - I'm going to check out the LEON.... Didn't even consider cos of the size but will check it out...

I'll make it slightly easier. I was in a similar situation to you and having examined the others I went for the Leon. The VRS was too "flashy" and a terrible waiting list. The Mazda 3 dash was too "higgildy piggildly" and the Golf GTD was too eexpensive.

The options I went for was 18" wheels and half leather interior.

laurpat

ianobrien wrote: »

I'll make it slightly easier. I was in a similar situation to you and having examined the others I went for the Leon. The VRS was too "flashy" and a terrible waiting list. The Mazda 3 dash was too "higgildy piggildly" and the Golf GTD was too eexpensive.

The options I went for was 18" wheels and half leather interior.

What about the space for two kids. I'm strugling with an Skoda Octivia at the minute - Can really manage any smaller....

ianobrien

laurpat wrote: »

What about the space for two kids. I'm strugling with an Skoda Octivia at the minute - Can really manage any smaller....

Comparing to the fathers '11 Octavia, the interior space is very similar. Plenty rear leg room and plenty of space up front and across the rear seat. The rear has attachments for two kids seats via isofix. The boot isn't as long as the Octavia's but may be very slightly deeper.

MuppetCheck

laurpat wrote: »

What about the space for two kids. I'm strugling with an Skoda Octivia at the minute - Can really manage any smaller....

The back seats are fine, have had baby seats in mine without issue. There's
an estate too that would swallow everything anyway.

Damien360

laurpat wrote: »

What about the space for two kids. I'm strugling with an Skoda Octivia at the minute - Can really manage any smaller....

Do you need space for carrying loads in the boot. Demo equipment etc. If yes then you need to look at estates and look at the floor plan for ease of loading. The superb estate has very easy access and a good size boot.

What do the others in the company drive and what do they carry in the boot. Mine is always full to the brim with tools and stock.

If on the other hand you will have clients in the car and not equipment then your options are wider.

Have you are large list to choose from and open to pretty much anything ? Some companies have a policy which limits choice. Don't get your hopes up until you know for sure. Can you add specification. Careful choosing a Leon and ending up with a base model yoke as the accountants are often choosing the car off a list and I have never met an accountant with taste.

laurpat

Damien360 wrote: »

Do you need space for carrying loads in the boot. Demo equipment etc. If yes then you need to look at estates and look at the floor plan for ease of loading. The superb estate has very easy access and a good size boot.

What do the others in the company drive and what do they carry in the boot. Mine is always full to the brim with tools and stock.

If on the other hand you will have clients in the car and not equipment then your options are wider.

Have you are large list to choose from and open to pretty much anything ? Some companies have a policy which limits choice. Don't get your hopes up until you know for sure. Can you add specification. Careful choosing a Leon and ending up with a base model yoke as the accountants are often choosing the car off a list and I have never met an accountant with taste.

I'm on my 7 car with the same company . Once it's diesel there's no other restriction. No need to carry stock or customers...

Going to seriously look at the Seat but I do fear it's going to be tight. Other cars in the company range from Mini Clubmans, Sportage, 508's, Passats, Astra coupe, Superbs, Xtrail and more...

Damien360

laurpat wrote: »

I'm on my 7 car with the same company . Once it's diesel there's no other restriction. No need to carry stock or customers...

Going to seriously look at the Seat but I do fear it's going to be tight. Other cars in the company range from Mini Clubmans, Sportage, 508's, Passats, Astra coupe, Superbs, Xtrail and more...

So boot space not required and your only concern is kids space. No need for the superb then.

I had a Leon FR on rental for 2 weeks recently in Germany and there is plenty of space in the rear. It is like a rocket and had all the bells and whistles. Not sure if it comes in on your budget to avoid massive BIK which would take the fun out of it.

Old diesel

My understanding is that with the move the new platform in the last few years - the Mk 7 Golf platform - rear legroom is a lot better then on older Leons/Golfs/Octavias

MuppetCheck

Old diesel wrote: »

My understanding is that with the move the new platform in the last few years - the Mk 7 Golf platform - rear legroom is a lot better then on older Leons/Golfs/Octavias

Miles, though the shape of the mark 2 Leon seats was done in such a way that it was huge in the back but harder to get into. The mark 2 octavia pushed then forward for boot space.

The newer models are actually nearly as big inside as my old Mazda 6, the difference being the front seat space is kind of sculpted out of unused dash area. The steering column for example is paired back to almost nothing.

R.O.R

Mazda have just taken €1,000 off the retail price of the Mazda 6. Exec SE 2.2d now retails at €30,795 + €525 for metallic (or €675 for Soul Red) + Delivery. Should be able to get hold of one of them for €29,500.

Rear seat space is almost as big as the Superb. Boot is very, very deep but hampered a bit by the aperture for larger stuff going in. 150ps engine is a very good engine, and gives pretty good economy. It's also a great looking car, slightly let down by the interior not being quite up to European standards, but it's a big improvement over the cabin of the older model.

There is a facelift in the pipeline, hence them taking money off at the moment, but that won't hit Ireland until July next year. It's mainly (so I'm told) interior changes - will be getting a new infotainment system and more interior storage, which is a good thing as there's no door pockets on the driver/passenger doors.

Based on criteria given, as long as stuff will go in to through the opening of the Saloon boot, it seems like the best solution.

Idbatterim

R.O.R even with the 1,000 off, residual wise, unless the facelift is more expensive, the 1k off seems fairly meagre, given that the one out in July, will have better residuals?

Casati

Idbatterim wrote: »

R.O.R even with the 1,000 off, residual wise, unless the facelift is more expensive, the 1k off seems fairly meagre, given that the one out in July, will have better residuals?

I looked at one this week and was told as the price waa dropping by 1000, that the cash discount would also drop by 750 to 1000! Still a nice car and a minor facelift won't change resale value

R.O.R

Idbatterim wrote: »

R.O.R even with the 1,000 off, residual wise, unless the facelift is more expensive, the 1k off seems fairly meagre, given that the one out in July, will have better residuals?

I'd say the car will go back up the €1,000 in July, and if it's just radio/infotainment and other interior changes, it won't make a jot of difference to the resale value. People aren't choosing the Mazda6 for it's interior, it's the engine and looks that are selling the car, and people are settling for the interior.

d1234

New Ford Mondeo - should come in at around that; http://www.ford.ie/Cars/NewMondeo

laurpat

d1234 wrote: »

New Ford Mondeo - should come in at around that; http://www.ford.ie/Cars/NewMondeo

They seem crazy money for what you get.... Seems very over rated...

Noccy_Mondy

laurpat wrote: »

They seem crazy money for what you get.... Seems very over rated...

There isn't as much commotion over this one compared to the predessor though. Even looking at the Uk boys' review, they aren't exactly over rating it.

Leonard Hofstadter

Noccy_Mondy wrote: »

There isn't as much commotion over this one compared to the predessor though. Even looking at the Uk boys' review, they aren't exactly over rating it.

Ford have really mucked up the prices of the new Mondeo. €36k for a 2.0 TDCi Titanium is mad money for what you're getting.

I also don't like the fact that on the Zetec model, it's nearly €3k more expensive to get a proper sized engine (the 2.0), and there is no saloon option available.

I can't see them shifting too many with the absence of a four door model (really ironic considering this car was designed for the US originally) and the sky high pricing.

Damien360

captainspeed wrote: »

Ford have really mucked up the prices of the new Mondeo. €36k for a 2.0 TDCi Titanium is mad money for what you're getting.

I also don't like the fact that on the Zetec model, it's nearly €3k more expensive to get a proper sized engine (the 2.0), and there is no saloon option available.

I can't see them shifting too many with the absence of a four door model (really ironic considering this car was designed for the US originally) and the sky high pricing.

Not sure if ford rely on the lease market heavily. There was a time when every salesman on the road and his buddies had a Mondeo. At those prices it goes way over the limit for most that market.

The current car of choice is base A4 (if you get lucky), mid to high spec superb and mid spec insignia. Very few mondeos as the current model is ancient and this will not help. I would have jumped at the new Mazda 6 but the lease price is silly.

When you start reaching 36 for a car, you begin to look further up the chain and ask serious questions. If ford think they are going to compete with the higher end of the market, they are fooling themselves.

Leonard Hofstadter

My apologies, I got my €36k figure from the Ford.ie configurator. According to Carzone, a 2.0 TDCi Titanium hatchback is €34,345, which is a bit better. Still too expensive in my opinion, and only offering the hybrid as a saloon is a major mistake for saloon obsessed Ireland.

The more interesting option is the 1.5 158 bhp Ecoboost petrol, which is quite good value at €32,470 and with CO2 emissions of 134 g/km and thus motor tax of €280, would make an eminently sensible buy for any low mileage motorist. But alas, nobody will buy it because it's the "wrong" fuel.

Donie75

Have you looked at the new Passat? The 105bhp 1.6 Tdi has been boosted to 120bhp. The prices haven't gone up from the previous model either. The PCP offerings look good too. Unusually the interest rate on the highline is lower than the trendline and comfortline at 1.9%. There was a VW magazine in Saturdays paper with all the details. The new passat looks very nice.

Cleveland Hot Pocket

Would you consider a Leaf?