New small car 30k budget

tayls316

I was hoping for advice on buying a new car, my dad used to help me with this stuff but he's not around any more. My budget is about €30k, looking at reasonably small cars preferably 3 door petrol.
I've been looking at merc a-series, bmws, Volkswagen scirocco, opel gtc. Will possibly be waiting until January to buy. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Henry Ford III

Fiesta ST. Fast fun and reasonably frugal.

biko

Is it for city driving mainly?
Do you want things like front and rear parking sensors?

Do you have a brand in mind?

jameshayes

I really like the little Audi A1 - well under budget and a lovely looking car http://www.audi.ie/ie/web/en/models/a1/a1-sportback.html

tayls316

biko wrote: »

Is it for city driving mainly?
Do you want things like front and rear parking sensors?

Do you have a brand in mind?

It's mainly for city driving but I've literally just started seeing someone so I could be doing a fair but if driving from Dublin to Carlow/Kilkenny...thats early days though ha.

Not too concerned about parking sensors or the likes. I don't have a particular brand in mind hence naming the 4 above more curious if people say get a Merc if you can afford it or the gtc is more reliable than the scirocco etc.

Toyotafanboi

What do you drive right now?

tayls316

Toyotafanboi wrote: »

What do you drive right now?

A 3 door corsa, the 2012 sports version. At 30 I feel it's a bit lame and girly for me by now!

Toyotafanboi

Had a GTC and honestly wouldn't recommend it, great looking car but a heavy car with questionable reliability.

Scirocco is similar, a good looking car too but a bit of an old hat at this stage. Reliability is probably better than the GTC but you'll struggle to get into one with €30k.

I must admit, my first inclination reading the OP was a Fiesta ST too.

tayls316

Toyotafanboi wrote: »

Had a GTC and honestly wouldn't recommend it, great looking car but a heavy car with questionable reliability.

Scirocco is similar, a good looking car too but a bit of an old hat at this stage. Reliability is probably better than the GTC but you'll struggle to get into one with €30k.

I must admit, my first inclination reading the OP was a Fiesta ST too.

Interesting, thank you for your feedback!
Any thoughts on the Merc a-series?

Nuw

The Merc is not what you'd call a small car. But it is a decent yoke, comfy, reliable and the petrol engines are quite enjoyable to drive.
In your position, I would also strongly consider a Lexus CT200h or even better an IS300h, even if I'd have to go back a year or two. Both are very nice to sit in, utterly reliable, easy on the juice (for what it is) and insurance, decent to drive, comfy etc...

Considering you won't need back seats, a Toyota GT86 or Subaru BRZ (same car) would also be a strong contender for me.

Soarer

Give yourself until the new year and import a Lexus RC300h from the UK.
€200 per year road tax.
56mpg.
And hopefully VRT would be down around the €5k mark.
And herself will definitely want to stay with you. You might be able to upgrade her though!

Autotrader Example

tayls316

Soarer wrote: »

Give yourself until the new year and import a Lexus RC300h from the UK.
€200 per year road tax.
56mpg.
And hopefully VRT would be down around the €5k mark.
And herself will definitely want to stay with you. You might be able to upgrade her though!

Oh My! That's pretty!

tayls316

Nuw wrote: »

The Merc is not what you'd call a small car. But it is a decent yoke, comfy, reliable and the petrol engines are quite enjoyable to drive.
In your position, I would also strongly consider a Lexus CT200h or even better an IS300h, even if I'd have to go back a year or two. Both are very nice to sit in, utterly reliable, easy on the juice (for what it is) and insurance, decent to drive, comfy etc...

Considering you won't need back seats, a Toyota GT86 or Subaru BRZ (same car) would also be a strong contender for me.

Will definitely investigate, much appreciated

fletch

A new Seat Ibiza FR with every option ticked? Granted its not 3 door but 3 doors are a pain in the a$s...it should be available with a 1.5 with 150bhp hopefully which should be nippy enough and frugal.

tayls316

fletch wrote: »

A new Seat Ibiza FR with every option ticked? Granted its not 3 door but 3 doors are a pain in the a$s...it should be available with a 1.5 with 150bhp hopefully which should be nippy enough and frugal

Any opinion on Seats in general?
1 or 2 people have said mercs are for old people, A1s are girly and I think the fiesta ST is a bit of a boy racer matchbox. Still like the idea of perhaps a not so brand new Lexus or audi

colm_mcm

Forget about pigeonholing brands. Buy what you like and feck everyone else.

Autosport

Have a look at Volvo V40

Autosport

tayls316 wrote: »

Any opinion on Seats in general?
1 or 2 people have said mercs are for old people, A1s are girly and I think the fiesta ST is a bit of a boy racer matchbox. Still like the idea of perhaps a not so brand new Lexus or audi

Thanks for calling me old


Have you not seen the new look Merc have now :P

ShadowHearth

tayls316 wrote: »

Any opinion on Seats in general?
1 or 2 people have said mercs are for old people, A1s are girly and I think the fiesta ST is a bit of a boy racer matchbox. Still like the idea of perhaps a not so brand new Lexus or audi

I wanted to get the new seat ibiza with 1.5tsi engine myself, but that engine version only coming out next year, which sucks. I needed car now. The reviews for new one are great, its wider and bigger, better interrior too. I could not wait, so I picked up seat ibiza cupra current model instead and I just loving it to bits. 192hp, ton of toys, looks great, sounds amazing in sport mode, very nice to drive and cruise in normal mode. Goes in corners like a go kart.
I am 31 and driving so called boy racer pocket rocket. Some people at work kind of laigh at me for getting a small ibiza, but thats what I wanted. Love driving small powerful cars, they are just way too fun. I just would be miserable in something normal.
I would recommend it, or wait for new 1.5tsi model. Still though, seat ibiza cupra is soooo much of a car for the money and really under your budget too.

MidMan25

The new Seat Ibiza is meant to be a cracking car, it's the first model to get the new VW group platform that is shared by Ibiza/Polo/A1/Fabia.

There are new versions of the Audi A1 and VW Polo due early next year.

DaveyDave

I recently ordered a Golf so there may be some bias here...but have you tried a Golf? :P The 3 door top of the range Highline with the 1.4 150bhp TSI is €27,895, add some extra toys then knock €2,000 off for haggling? Or wait for the 1.5 150bhp that's due out soon.

Not sure what you're looking for in the Scirocco but it's 125bhp and you'll need to spend €29k on the Sport model if you want any sort of trim options. Just my opinion, I'd go for with more power The interior quality on the Golf (and presumably the Scirocco) is top class compared to the likes of the Focus.

Apparently the Seat Leon FR is a close rival, but also 125bhp TSI and price is similar to a Golf when you add some of the extras.

I'm sure others will give you more options here but as someone also looking at a €30,000 car this is what I was looking at. The Volvo V40 R-Design is also one of my favourite looking cars, but I'm not too familiar with those as I think they're a little out of budget and not 3 door.

Any love for the Civic?

Zurbaran

You could easily get a two year old Golf GTI for that money. It's certainly what I would do if I had your criteria.

In saying that I'd go for a 5 door. You never know how serious it could get with herself..

Cork Lass

Mercs definitely used to be for old people but that was in a time when you had to be old to be able to afford one. People of all ages are driving them now. I have an A180 and I love it. It's funky, nippy and very solid. I used to have a megane before this and there is no comparison.

tayls316

Autosport wrote: »

Have a look at Volvo V40

I will....looks like a nice car...dont know much about volvos generally speaking.

Mooooo

Friend got a Kia Rio nice car,

tayls316

DaveyDave wrote: »

I recently ordered a Golf so there may be some bias here...but have you tried a Golf? :P The 3 door top of the range Highline with the 1.4 150bhp TSI is €27,895, add some extra toys then knock €2,000 off for haggling? Or wait for the 1.5 150bhp that's due out soon.

.....

I'm sure others will give you more options here but as someone also looking at a €30,000 car this is what I was looking at. The Volvo V40 R-Design is also one of my favourite looking cars, but I'm not too familiar with those as I think they're a little out of budget and not 3 door.

Any love for the Civic?

You're a gent DaaaveyDaveyDaveDave
I'd have no problem getting a 5 door. It's probably between an a3 and one of the vw's... need to I vestigate this v40 curveball also.

JohnBoy26

Its not a 3dr but a toyota ch-r in 1.2t form might be worth a look at.

Bigus

For peaceful city driving a hybrid Toyota chr with the Prius drivetrain and ieal for long runs , and its future proof Petrol , Diesel is falling out of favour with new taxes coming .

listermint

The new Renault zoe

http://www.linders.ie/web/renault-zoe?gclid=CjwKEAjw387JBRDPtJePvOej8kASJADkV9TLBTKzartq-kYBCWy9CUF6fHEGu_hB5uicpSswzr8xnxoClS_w_wcB

120 to tax.
Costs about 2.50 to fill the tank on it can do over 280km range and more than that again just around the city.
Can fill for free at charge points around the city too costing you nothing at all.

tayls316

ShadowHearth wrote: »

I would recommend it, or wait for new 1.5tsi model. Still though, seat ibiza cupra is soooo much of a car for the money and really under your budget too.

Thank you sir

Considering there was no mention of high performance models in the OP I'd struggle to consider a fiesta anyway comparable to a Mercedes CLA which might be in budget if merc continue their offers.

tayls316

Augeo wrote: »

Considering there was no mention of high performance models in the OP I'd struggle to consider a fiesta anyway comparable to a Mercedes CLA which might be in budget if merc continue their offers.

Thank you!
It's one of the main options I'm considering depending on price again. Not personally interested in a fiesta.

colm_mcm

Bigus wrote: »

For peaceful city driving a hybrid Toyota chr with the Prius drivetrain and ieal for long runs , and its future proof Petrol , Diesel is falling out of favour with new taxes coming .

What new taxes are actually coming?

Oh right, none.

noelf

If you don't need massive space perhaps one of these ..

JohnBoy26

Bigus wrote: »

For peaceful city driving a hybrid Toyota chr with the Prius drivetrain and ieal for long runs , and its future proof Petrol , Diesel is falling out of favour with new taxes coming .

The 1.2t is a better car to drive according to reviews, the hybrid system may be the same or similar to a prius but the system supposedly doesn't work as well in the c-hr. The hybrid is more expensive to buy too.

noelf

C-HR = Coupe High Rider

Soarer

Cork Lass wrote: »

Mercs definitely used to be for old people but that was in a time when you had to be old to be able to afford one. People of all ages are driving them now. I have an A180 and I love it. It's funky, nippy and very solid. I used to have a megane before this and there is no comparison.

Except the engine is Renault derived.

tayls316

Soarer wrote: »

Except the engine is Renault derived.

Any major objections to that?
From reading reviews of the CLA my reservations would be that the entry point seems to be quite a skeleton and may require a good chunk of upgrades before you are happy.
Apparently there is very little headroom in the back but I will obviously be able to check that myself!

GavMan

tayls316 wrote: »

Any major objections to that?
From reading reviews of the CLA my reservations would be that the entry point seems to be quite a skeleton and may require a good chunk of upgrades before you are happy.
Apparently there is very little headroom in the back but I will obviously be able to check that myself!

No downside to that Renault Engine. Extremely reliable Diesel

Soarer

GavMan wrote: »

No downside to that Renault Engine. Extremely reliable Diesel

I don't know about extremely reliable. My one broke my heart. They are extremely frugal though.

If you're doing less than 15k per year, I'd not be going diesel. I'd go Lexus hybrid. Similar economy to diesel, but less of the potential problems.

tayls316

Soarer wrote: »

I don't know about extremely reliable. My one broke my heart. They are extremely frugal though.

If you're doing less than 15k per year, I'd not be going diesel. I'd go Lexus hybrid. Similar economy to diesel, but less of the potential problems.

I actually had the petrol in mind

Stoner

DaveyDave wrote:

Any love for the Civic?

I'd agree here too. It comes down to what you mean by 30 k to spend. Is this something you want to change every 2 to 4 years or so you want a new car to drive for years. The Civic has decent kit and will not give you any trouble same for golf. I've had mercs from new and tbh. 30 K is not something to spend on one if you want it for years ie do you want to splash out on a car or is resale interesting to you?

If you want to splash out and have a new car I'd get something that held its value and will be easy to sell privately to keep you in a good cash buying position next time.

Wynner05

ShadowHearth wrote: »

I wanted to get the new seat ibiza with 1.5tsi engine myself, but that engine version only coming out next year, which sucks. I needed car now. The reviews for new one are great, its wider and bigger, better interrior too. I could not wait, so I picked up seat ibiza cupra current model instead and I just loving it to bits. 192hp, ton of toys, looks great, sounds amazing in sport mode, very nice to drive and cruise in normal mode. Goes in corners like a go kart.
I am 31 and driving so called boy racer pocket rocket. Some people at work kind of laigh at me for getting a small ibiza, but thats what I wanted. Love driving small powerful cars, they are just way too fun. I just would be miserable in something normal.
I would recommend it, or wait for new 1.5tsi model. Still though, seat ibiza cupra is soooo much of a car for the money and really under your budget too.

I second the Ibiza Cupra, serious amount of car for the money... you could tick every extra on the list and still come in 5k under budget! All that power in such a small frame will keep a smile on your face!

GavMan

Soarer wrote: »

I don't know about extremely reliable. My one broke my heart. They are extremely frugal though.

If you're doing less than 15k per year, I'd not be going diesel. I'd go Lexus hybrid. Similar economy to diesel, but less of the potential problems.

With every rule, an exception. You must be it...

rainbowtrout

Cork Lass wrote: »

Mercs definitely used to be for old people but that was in a time when you had to be old to be able to afford one. People of all ages are driving them now. I have an A180 and I love it. It's funky, nippy and very solid. I used to have a megane before this and there is no comparison.

I'd agree. I've had an A160 for almost 2 years and I love it. It is very solid, and comfortable and a nice finish. It's had a lot of compliments since I bought it, there aren't too many around.

I had a Civic before that and would have considered another one, before the A-class caught my eye.

tayls316

Stoner wrote: »

I'd agree here too. It comes down to what you mean by 30 k to spend. Is this something you want to change every 2 to 4 years or so you want a new car to drive for years. The Civic has decent kit and will not give you any trouble same for golf. I've had mercs from new and tbh. 30 K is not something to spend on one if you want it for years ie do you want to splash out on a car or is resale interesting to you?

If you want to splash out and have a new car I'd get something that held its value and will be easy to sell privately to keep you in a good cash buying position next time.

I wouldn't be selling the car too quickly. My current car is a 2012 and I would prefer to sell it now while it still holds value rather than run it into the ground. My approach would probably be similar with the next car I get.

The cla and the vw scirocco are the 2 I have my eyes on but I'm very much open to suggestions from you lot who probably know a lot more about cars than I do!
I'm ok with this one Tim splashing the cash. Would the cla have a poor resale value?

tayls316

Any thoughts on this A3 deal?

http://www.audisouthdublin.ie/new-car-offers/audi-a3-saloon-inspiration-172-offers/

colm_mcm

It's a lot of Audi for the money, but not a lot of car for the money.

Just as an example, you could get a massively specced, identically engined Golf for that money. The basic A3 aren't particularly nice in the flesh.

bazz26

Renault Megane GT:

http://www.carsireland.ie/detail.php?ad_id=1765398&r=s.php%3Fm%5B%5D%3D72%26o%5B%5D%3D619%26f%3D1%26yn%3D2014%26yx%3D2017%26pp%3D50%26g%3D0

Bigus

colm_mcm wrote: »

What new taxes are actually coming?

Oh right, none.

Oh right so, don't think ahead .

It's no harm to have a bit of foresight on blindingly obvious trends when advising people on buying depreciating asset.

All over Europe governments are wondering how to discourage diesel and we have a great habit here in Ireland of copying other taxes and duties.

So something's actually coming regarding diesel fuel excise , taxes and usage charges ,in Europe Ireland and worldwide.

But don't take my word for it as you seem to particular disdain for my opinion Colm.

http://www.independent.ie/life/motoring/car-news/diesel-tax-fears-fuel-a-return-to-petrol-35797305.html

colm_mcm

No problem with your opinion, but I think the distinction has to be made between discouraging further sales of new diesels down the road, and outlawing diesels altogether, where the OP could be stuck with a car a few years old that can't be driven.
The latter is very very unlikely to happen.

There are no taxes or changes announced for Ireland. I stand by my original post.

There is nothing of substance in the indo article you've linked, only conjecture.