15000 to spend

shamrock55

We need a new car something reliable with not too big an engine to keep down tax and insurence,we have 2 kids, id be looking at a saloon or hatchback,herself doesnt like suvs,id be hoping for a 14 or 15 year also,so far ive pencilled in the seat toledo which isnt too big but has a great boot and good engine choice,the skoda rapid which is pretty much the same as the toledo, the seat leon but i think that seems a bit small i like the look of it though,a ford focus,an opel astra hatch or saloon,anyone have any imput or ideas,thanks

colm_mcm

The Toledo/rapid are based on the Polo, you'll notice the rear room isn't great, they're like a modern day Seat Córdoba.

Have a look at a Kia Ceed. They're roomy and will have loads of the 7 year warranty left.

bazz26

Have a look at the Renault Fluence too, they have a decent size boot and interior space. They are pretty reliable and well equipped too.

For example:
http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Renault/Fluence/R-LINK/6508314732702537776/

shamrock55

bazz26 wrote: »

Have a look at the Renault Fluence too, they have a decent size boot and interior space. They are pretty reliable and well equipped too.

For example:
http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Renault/Fluence/R-LINK/6508314732702537776/

I have a megane,just thinking of a change even though i really like the look of the new megane coupe

the kelt

Im in the same boat myself here.

Just wondering if anyone has experience of the Volvo v40 1.6 diesel and whats their impression?

shamrock55

I was also thinking of an Octavia or avenensis but I've gone off that idea after driving around today and realising the amount of them on the road,i d like something a bit different

bazz26

Volvo V40:


http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Volvo/V40/D2-1.6L/1560911011877021503/

shamrock55

bazz26 wrote: »

Volvo V40:


http://www.driving.ie/used-cars/Volvo/V40/D2-1.6L/1560911011877021503/

Very tempting

cros13

If a 24kWh (the lower capacity battery) suited, you could pick up a high spec (Tekna, same as the SVE here) ex-demo 2016-reg Leaf with less than 5000km on it from the UK.
Production of the 24kWh pack ended late last year, the next Leaf is due to be announced in september so the dealers are clearing out the non-30kWhs.

No VRT. €120 tax.
5 year warranty.
Leather interior.
360 view cameras
Bose sound system
Heated seats front and rear + steering wheel
LED headlights

Practically free to run. No maintenance beyond tire rotations and night rate electricity is 10-12 times cheaper than diesel (not joking.. €1.27 from empty to full at what energia charge me).

Bigger car than the V40, more space and a higher more crossover-ish seating position. And of course quicker...

Some options:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201702172420526

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201703042918890

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201605103817494

shamrock55

Thanks for your imput,but the leaf are a dreadfull looking yolk

cros13

It's an acquired taste... the 2nd gen Leaf will be a lot more conventional looking.
And it drives well, you get electric torque, good handling and it's built like a tank.

It's still astonishing value, for many people the running cost advantage is equivalent of a substantial raise in salary.

I save around €500/month in fuel and maintenance driving my i3 vs a 2L diesel (I do ~60,000km / year).

Maybe an EV's not for you yet... but worth serious consideration.

It's also worth doing the math on something newer like a Hyundai Ioniq, since the running costs would make up the difference in price for a lot of drivers.

pm.

Head to the UK and get a CT 200h, it's only 180 per year to tax and they are ultra reliable and a miser on fuel

You also don't see too many on our roads

shamrock55

What kind of warranty should i hope to get with a 2015 car,at least 12 mths i presume?

Larbre34

Id avoid prev gen Astras, the engines are old tech and fuel economy poor by class standards

Skoda Octavia for my money

bazz26

shamrock55 wrote: »

What kind of warranty should i hope to get with a 2015 car,at least 12 mths i presume?

Depends on who you buy it from. It may still have some manufacturer's warranty left on it but I would expect 12 months from a main dealer where smaller non franchised dealers may only give you 6 or 3 months. Minimum I'd look for would be 6 months on a car that is only 2 years old.

shamrock55

Im gonna test drive a few cars at the wkend when i have a bit of time,im leaning towards a focus saloon but its hard to find one at that price,would the hatchback be a bit small for a family car,im gonna have a look at seat leon or toledo too,and maybe even a fluence

bazz26

The only difference will be the boot. The saloon has a deeper boot than the hatchback but access to the boot on the saloon will be limited to the opening due to being a boot lid rather than a hatchback. So if you want to put something bulky in the boot it may not fit in the saloon. Best go test both versions.

cocoman

shamrock55 wrote: »

Im gonna test drive a few cars at the wkend when i have a bit of time,im leaning towards a focus saloon but its hard to find one at that price,would the hatchback be a bit small for a family car,im gonna have a look at seat leon or toledo too,and maybe even a fluence

What about a focus estate. Very handy for carry all that comes with having small kids.

shamrock55

Took a 151 focus and seat toledo 151 for a spin today, i liked both,the toledo felt bigger but focus seemed more well put together,it was the basic focus which tbf is very basic,small boot,only 2 electric doors,tiny glovebox,very little storage,the dash looks nice but too many buttons,the seat is a far more practical car,massive boot all elecric doors and mirrors,sat nav,great storage and very comfy seats,the focus was a bit nicer to drive, but the seat was better overall,both cars were a bit too expensive for me anyway and the dealers werent prepared to come down much so the search continues

shamrock55

Just a little update,i got a 15 renault fluence r link,black with half leather seats and way more gadgets then im used to,delighted with it,very comfy,nice to drive,big boot,lots of interior space,very economical but still has enough pep,the missus is happy too so that helps.
Thanks for all the suggestions btw

cocoman

shamrock55 wrote: »

Just a little update,i got a 15 renault fluence r link,black with half leather seats and way more gadgets then im used to,delighted with it,very comfy,nice to drive,big boot,lots of interior space,very economical but still has enough pep,the missus is happy too so that helps.
Thanks for all the suggestions btw

Very nice. Best of luck with it. Safe driving

colm_mcm

The fluence is a good choice. Not the sexiest car out there but they're proving to be robust and you get a lot for your money.