Seat Exeo a good option or alternatives

lleyn

I'm looking to replace an 03 1.2 Corsa. I started a new job recently that involves a lot of travel with mileage paid but no company car provided.
I have a budget of approximately 12k, preferably less though. I had considered a hatchback but I might be better with a saloon/estate to leave some room for test gear and luggage and if children appear in the future! My only requirement is that the car is from the Vag group due to that's all that my local indie mechanic works with and I trust the work he does.
From looking around would a Seat Exeo be a good option, they seem to have a good spec and the looks/resale value doesn't concern me as I intend to keep what ever car I purchase for the next 8 years. Any opinions or links to suitable cars?
Thanks

bazz26

As long as you don't mind driving a car that was designed over 15 years ago as the Exeo was basically an Audi A4 that was launched back in 2000. Interior is a bit cramped and boot of the saloon on the small size. Of course the Exeo's engines are much more modern and were the latest CR units from the VAG, from a few years ago.

lleyn

Well anything is better than doing a drive like Cork-Derry in a Corsa! I get what you're saying though, I reckon I would find it hard to buy a decent B8 A4 with my budget or indeed a B7 Passat.

NIMAN

Any larger car will be more comfortable, but you're going to be tired in any car if you are driving Cork-Derry regularly!

Pity you are limiting yourself to the VAG group. Look at a Volvo, apparently they have some of the most comfortable seats around.

What about an older, bigger car, like a Merc or BMW 5 series? Big cruisers will be smoother and easier to drive long distances in.

unkel

Great option. Basically an older model Audi A4 for less money than a Skoda Octavia. Nobody wants these cars, so negotiate hard. Real hard. and bag yourself a bargain.

colm_mcm

Cheap ones are rare as far as I can see. I've been keeping my eye on them and they're too close to new model a4 money.
Some very nice specs on some uk ones. Don't know if I could live with the styling though.

colm_mcm

Cheap ones are rare as far as I can see. I've been keeping my eye on them and they're too close to new model a4 money.
Some very nice specs on some uk ones. Don't know if I could live with the styling though.

unkel

colm_mcm wrote: »

Cheap ones are rare as far as I can see. I've been keeping my eye on them and they're too close to new model a4 money.

Ah that would be the end for me on that one so. They were cheap new and I was presuming they would be even cheaper now due to very low desirability (a bit like the Altea). But looks like my assumptions were wrong.

unkel

Cheap enough in the North, probably even cheaper in the UK. Import one?

2011 diesel for about £5k

Linky

JohnBoy26

unkel wrote: »

Cheap enough in the North, probably even cheaper in the UK. Import one?

2011 diesel for about £5k

Linky

Seat somehow managed to make them look cheap with the front and rear styling. Even an a4 from 14 years ago is better looking.

unkel

Yes, very true. I still quite like the look of that gen A4 even today.

colm_mcm

The rear end of the estate is much neater but surely a4 front lights and bumper would bolt on?

JohnBoy26

unkel wrote: »

Yes, very true. I still quite like the look of that gen A4 even today.

Ya they are a nice looking car, especially in the right color.

JohnBoy26

colm_mcm wrote: »

The rear end of the estate is much neater but surely a4 front lights and bumper would bolt on?

Probably but wouldn't you have to change the whole front end for it to fit properly?

colm_mcm

Nope AFAIK all the metalwork is the same

SE LUX with tech pack is tasty

166man

I know you said only VAG but take a look at this,

https://www.donedeal.ie/view/11343573
Saab 95 Vector 1.9T/D. Nct 2018

It's a 2008 car with the pretty bulletproof 1.9 150bhp Diesel engine. Good tyres and long test on it. If you got it for €4.5-€5k and held onto it for 8 years you'd be doing well.

Keep the other €7k for whatever else. These cars eat miles and while the chassis isn't exactly advanced that doesn't matter for motorway munching. Brilliant seats in these cars too.

Zurbaran

Somebody mentioned in another thread that a brand new Fabia Monte Carlo is 150 a month on pcp 0% APR. That would work out at around 11/12k over three years when you include the deposit. Obviously this doesn't account for the final payment although you could get a new one and keep up similar payments or re-finance and keep it for another few years.

colm_mcm

I think he wants to get out of driving small cars