Reliable petrol saloon?

flogen

Hey folks,

We're expecting a new addition to the family soon, so I'm looking to ditch my current clunker (05 Astra) in favour of something a bit bigger and newer.

I'd like to be able to jump forward as much as possible - but at least beyond 2010 - and would be hoping to keep the spend around the €10,000-12,000 mark (though I could go a bit higher if it was worth it or necessary).

In terms of requirements, I'd like something with a decent bit of backseat and boot space... would also like to stick with petrol because I can see diesel getting increasingly unattractive in the coming years (also not sure my driving suits a diesel).

Other bells and whistles - specifically ISOFix - would be nice too, though I'd imagine that's something to look for on a case-by-case basis.

It would mainly be used for city driving with the odd longer trip thrown in.

So what kind of cars should I be looking at or avoiding - Specifically in terms of the early-to-mid 2010 saloons that are out there?

In my search so far I've seen a few 1.3l Corollas - not sure if they're up to much though I know Toyota tend to be a good brand.

Also seen a few Octavias and Rapid Limos (not sure what the 'Limo' bit means and how it differs from a standard Octavia) as well as a few Jettas and Toledos (which I presume are similar beasts to the likes of the Rapid or Octavia?).

Stallingrad

Hard to beat a Passat for space and practicality. I have a 2011 1.4tsi and it is a great car. Quick, economical and super refined. Your budget may get you a 2011-12 but they are very rare. Mine has been utterly reliable bar a stretched timing chain covered by VW outside of warranty.

bazz26

Have a look at the likes of an Avensis or Passat petrol, they will offer more space than the likes of a Rapid, Jetta or Corolla. They didn't sell in large numbers in petrol but there are a few out there.

Stallingrad

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/volkswagen/passat/used-2012-volkswagen-passat-1-4-c-kildare-fpa-7067953645995858722

RiseToMe

Agrer with the above, both myself and my brother added to our family recently and he got a Passat and I got an Avensis.

We have a travel system compatible buggy which even folded is quite clunky and the boot takes it like hero even with two storage boxes for various stowed in there too.

Wildcard7

flogen wrote: »

In my search so far I've seen a few 1.3l Corollas - not sure if they're up to much though I know Toyota tend to be a good brand.

IMHO the 1.3l is struggling to move our Yaris forward, I wouldn't want to experience that in a heavier car.

flogen wrote: »

Also seen a few Octavias and Rapid Limos (not sure what the 'Limo' bit means and how it differs from a standard Octavia).

"Limo(ousine)" is the german word for saloon (and "Kombi" for estate). So that's probably all there is to it.

flogen

Stallingrad wrote: »

Hard to beat a Passat for space and practicality. I have a 2011 1.4tsi and it is a great car. Quick, economical and super refined. Your budget may get you a 2011-12 but they are very rare. Mine has been utterly reliable bar a stretched timing chain covered by VW outside of warranty.

bazz26 wrote: »

Have a look at the likes of an Avensis or Passat petrol, they will offer more space than the likes of a Rapid, Jetta or Corolla. They didn't sell in large numbers in petrol but there are a few out there.

RiseToMe wrote: »

Agrer with the above, both myself and my brother added to our family recently and he got a Passat and I got an Avensis.

We have a travel system compatible buggy which even folded is quite clunky and the boot takes it like hero even with two storage boxes for various stowed in there too.

Thanks - will have a look and see what's out there.

Now that you mention it a friend of mine who had a Passat did always comment on the boot ('fit a dead body in it', he reckoned).

It does seem as though they're a bit harder to come by in petrol, though. I suppose the pendulum has firmly swung towards diesel by 2010, though, especially for this type of car.

Stallingrad wrote: »

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/volkswagen/passat/used-2012-volkswagen-passat-1-4-c-kildare-fpa-7067953645995858722

Oh... nice. Shame it's an automatic but could be willing to look passed that!

Wildcard7 wrote: »

IMHO the 1.3l is struggling to move our Yaris forward, I wouldn't want to experience that in a heavier car.

I was thinking it seemed a little small for a car like that - though I know the Octavia tends to get around on a (on paper) relatively small engine.

"Limo(ousine)" is the german word for saloon (and "Kombi" for estate). So that's probably all there is to it.

Ah, that's probably it, so.

acronym Chilli

flogen wrote: »

Oh... nice. Shame it's an automatic but could be willing to look passed that!

I see what you did there, nice pun!