SUV to car...

SeanoChuinn

Hey everyone,

I'm toying with the idea of changing out my current 2004 2.0l diesel SUV I have.

Know there has been a multitude discussions about MPG in various topics and forums and false economies with diesel, but just wanted to see what people were thinking.

Also understand that it all depends on driver habits, tire pressure, driving conditions, vehicle weight etc. etc. etc. so this is really just to try gather some more information to try to make the best decision.

Currently doing roughly about 30,000 MILES a year to work alone, not counting personal mileage in that number. I mainly travel the N7 to work, which technically is highway driving, but with the sh1t show the N7 becomes closer to Dublin most days it becomes city driving pretty quickly for about 50% of that journey.

With the amount of miles I'm doing I feel like I've no choice other than Diesel, am I wrong? Don't have the budget to get into a hybrid I don't think, but again don't think it would make any difference as its all long distances?? Budget is around the e10k mark.

I'm thinking a car would be better bet obviously, again probably diesel maybe 1.9 rather than 2.0 liter to try get as much value for my gallon as possible. Been thinking 2010 Audi A4 or VW Passatt but open to any other options, Audi and VW is simply personal taste. The original SUV was purchased to help with a house build for pulling power etc. Its served me well and need to update it now

Again just looking for opinions and people own experiences. Thanks everyone.

Nuw

With 10k, you should be able to find yourself a nice hybrid me thinks, a honda civic or insight, maybe a toyota prius/auris or lexus ct200h (pretty much the same as the toyotas but a nicer interior).

If you want to stick to diesel, the civic 1.6 dtec should be on your list of test drives. Sticking to VAG group, I'd also consider something like this.

micks_address

Nuw wrote: »

With 10k, you should be able to find yourself a nice hybrid me thinks, a honda civic or insight, maybe a toyota prius/auris or lexus ct200h (pretty much the same as the toyotas but a nicer interior).

If you want to stick to diesel, the civic 1.6 dtec should be on your list of test drives. Sticking to VAG group, I'd also consider something like this.

Yeah I'd recommend the 1.6 diesel civic or CRV. Great mpg close to 70

Otherwise a 2.0 litre Octavia or vw.

Sounds like some of your journey to work is at reasonable high speeds so it's not all stop start driving. I have a auto 2 litre diesel Octavia for few months and it's great. Nice power and mpg combination. I'd also suggest consider an auto. My stress levels have dropped considerably driving with the dsg box... Stop start traffic is a breeze..

colm_mcm

Look at a Seat Exeo too. It’s the older model A4 but with the newer 2.0 CR TDI engine. You’ll get a newer lower mileage car for your money.

SeanoChuinn

Yeah probably over 50% is 100-120km until I hit M9 interchange then its slow stop start type traffic. Personal taste is pushing me towards the Audi A4, simply because they look good, but I don't think it will be much of an improvement on the SUV, certainly more comfort and all but not in terms of value for your gallon.

I actually like the Exeo its not a bad car at all in fairness. The Honda MPG is amazing, its such a pity I don't like the look of them

colm_mcm

SeanoChuinn wrote: »

I don't think it will be much of an improvement on the SUV, certainly more comfort and all but not in terms of value for your gallon.

Why wouldn't it be?

Also why would the Passat / A4 be on your list?

SeanoChuinn

colm_mcm wrote: »

Why wouldn't it be?

Also why would the Passat / A4 be on your list?

Not sure what either are like for fuel efficency but like look of both cars. Simple as that really.

colm_mcm

The size of the engine isnt that important a factor for fuel economy, things like aerodynamics and weight are bigger factors.

You might get an earlier Lexus CT200h within budget, it's basically a nice Prius. Not a big car though, especially in the boot.

SeanoChuinn

colm_mcm wrote: »

The size of the engine isnt that important a factor for fuel economy, things like aerodynamics and weight are bigger factors.

You might get an earlier Lexus CT200h within budget, it's basically a nice Prius. Not a big car though, especially in the boot.

That's good to know. Had thought the efficiency was built into the engine primarily and then the weight and aerodynamics were factored in after.

The CT seems to be coming in somewhere around the 45MPG on any reviews I've read.

colm_mcm

The CT will tend to be used by drivers who use them in urban situations.

SeanoChuinn

Ok probably not for me then as the majority of the driving I do is still mainly motorway.