My buying dilemma...

humberklog

I have an '05 1.6 2 door automatic Suzuki Vitara for the last 5 years and I want to change it. I really liked it but it's not suitable anymore. The car's in good shape.

I need a newer, high seating positioned (same as Vitara), 4 door automatic.

Newer because I'd like a 2 year NCT turn around with cheaper tax and better fuel economy. 4 door for passenger comfort. High seating and automatic for personal physical reasons.

The car is driven by me and my partner about 3-4 days a week, mostly weekend with a mix of motorway and city. We'd average about 11k km a year.

I know there's a dearth of '08 - '12 second hand cars because of the economy at the time and those that are on sale are holding their price and that there's a rake of 151/161 on the roads because of the PCP sales.

The Vitara was solid and useful but not pretty or economical. It has new tyres, recent service and 160k km on the clock.

Car's that are catching my eye are the Ford Kuga, Renault Captor/Kadjar , Citroen picasso, Mini cooper, Kia somethings....that sort of thing.

There's really only one brand which isn't catching my eye and that's Dacia- don't like'm.

I've a (maybe movable) budget of 12k and want to buy from a dealer.

I believe that in 2 years time the present PCP cars will start to flood onto the 2nd hand market.

I've broken my options into 3 but I'm not a wheeler dealer so maybe there's better options out there that I don't see.

1. Keep my present car for another 2 years and hope that the 2nd hand market will become more buyer friendly.

2. Buy a new car on PCP in the hope that I don't crash/exceed milage and hope the worth after 3 years has been conservatively estimated.

3. Buy an '08-'11 with the idea of trading that in against a '161 car in about 4 years time.

Option 3 is preferred by me at the moment (I don't know any better and am open to suggestions) and if option 3 is a goer would anyone have any suggestions as to a reliable, comfortable and affordable car that fits my criteria?

Critical is high seating position, automatic, comfortable interior, economical, dealership and about 12k-ish.

alastair

You'd just about get an original Skoda Yeti for that sort of money, but automatics would be a bit thin on the ground. Well regarded, better built than some of your list, and the 2WD diesel is supposed to be both frugal and pretty decent performance-wise. Not as stylish as the Kuga maybe, but will probably age better, and certainly more of a looker than the Vitara.

http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-reviews/long-term-tests/skoda/skoda-yeti-20-tdi-se-2010-long-term-test-review/

Roger Mellie Man on the Telly

Golf plus?

humberklog

@ Alastair great choice as far as I'm concerned. I like them, they remind me a little of the original Subaru Forrester which is a car a regret never owning (I had the option about 15 years ago). Unfortunately the OH thinks it looks like a wheelchair mobility vehicle. She's kinda right but I like it:).

@Mellie, never even considered one of those. I haven't noticed them on the road but I'll keep my eyes peeled when out in car parks next time. I browse around Donaghmede S.C and Clarehall car parks when I'm on the market rather than car sales forecourts. The VW could be a great option for resale in 3 years (I think). I've had 2 Golfs in the past, MK3 + MK4. Both company cars, I found them comfortable and solid although I never really got the broader love that people have for them. Except maybe a MK1 GTI:).

humberklog

A Citroen Picasso 1.6 d 2013 looks like a lot of car for the money. But there's loads of them for sale for some reason. Why would that be I wonder?

Autosport

VW Tiguan?

grogi

Those are my analysis

humberklog wrote: »

1. Keep my present car for another 2 years and hope that the 2nd hand market will become more buyer friendly.

It will. Unfortunately the insurance marketplace is getting more hostile.

humberklog wrote: »

2. Buy a new car on PCP in the hope that I don't crash/exceed milage and hope the worth after 3 years has been conservatively estimated.

It contradicts the point 1. I think the actual future value of a car will be much closer to the guaranteed value than many think...

However that does not effect you, nor the mileage limit - if you decide to keep the car.

humberklog wrote: »

3. Buy an '08-'11 with the idea of trading that in against a '161 car in about 4 years time.

Option 3 is preferred by me at the moment (I don't know any better and am open to suggestions) and if option 3 is a goer would anyone have any suggestions as to a reliable, comfortable and affordable car that fits my criteria?

Critical is high seating position, automatic, comfortable interior, economical, dealership and about 12k-ish.

CMax or SMax 2.0 TDCi 2009+. Solid engine with solid wet-clutch auto-box. But you'll find it difficult to find one of them with this monies...
You might also look for a EDC 1.5dCi Scenic - never driven one, but they seem to be rather nice...

Picasso is a decent car, but the ETG6/EGS6 automatic gearboxes are woful. It is only in late 2015 that the 1.6 HDI was paired with very good EAT6 boxes.
When it comes to older specimens, one would need to get a 2.0 HDI in order to get the hydraulic box - but they were never sold here due to horrendous CO2 emmision.

XR3i

get a ford

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/mk2-escort-mexico-rep-1600-xflow-fast-road/12347185

pablo128

If you are thinking of buying new, there's a new Toyota coming out, the C/HR. It's a mid size suv thingy. One of those in hybrid spec would be a nice yoke. They're coming out late this year. No idea of price though.

grogi

pablo128 wrote: »

If you are thinking of buying new, there's a new Toyota coming out, the C/HR. It's a mid size suv thingy. One of those in hybrid spec would be a nice yoke. They're coming out late this year. No idea of price though.

It is a hybrid. Period.

pablo128

grogi wrote: »

It is a hybrid. Period.

Any link to that? I assumed it would get a 1.2 turbo from the Auris as well as the hybrid.

grogi

pablo128 wrote: »

Any link to that? I assumed it would get a 1.2 turbo from the Auris as well as the hybrid.

You might be right.

A month or two ago it was advertised as a Hybrid only option, but I don't see it anymore...

pablo128

grogi wrote: »

You might be right.

A month or two ago it was advertised as a Hybrid only option, but I don't see it anymore...

Yeah, there's nothing concrete yet but I think the running gear will be borrowed from the Auris.

I should say that it is rumoured to have the option of an autobox with the 1.2 turbo too.

humberklog

XR3i wrote: »

get a ford

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/mk2-escort-mexico-rep-1600-xflow-fast-road/12347185

That was the 1st car I had (well insured on). It was the Elite version with go fast stipes, head rests and centre console. Cool number plate too- KIX 354.

humberklog

Decided to go for 1st option and keep the present car for another year.

The Skoda Yeti has really grown on me and if I wait another year the newer model will hopefully come into my price bracket on the 2nd hand market.
I think the 1.2 petrol auto 2wd might suit best and if I've more cash to play with than presently I might hold out and get a version with bells and whistles.
I sat in one that has a lovely big sunroof- that'd be nice.

Thanks Alastair, I wouldn't have thought too much about them until you suggested it.