New car - €29,500 - help

laurpat

Hi Everyone,

I'm Really struggling with purchasing a new company car and I'm looking for direction.

Company vehicle - Yes
Budget - €29,500
Commute to Work Round Trip - 198 KM
Type of driving on Commute - Mainly motorway then Dublin City driving
Numbers of days Required to Commute - 3 Days per week
Annual Mileage - 45K KM per Year
Personal use also - Yes, 2 Adults and 2 kids >7 Yrs of age
Current car - 151 Mazda 6 (Fantastic car)
Requirements - Powerful engine / Comfort / Creature comforts

Car's I've looked at so far...

- Mazda 6
- Mazda 5
- Ford Mondeo
- Kia Optima
- Hyuandi Tuscon
- Toyota Rav 4
- Volvo S60
- Jeep Renegade

I'm really struggling this time around to fall in love with any of the above cars. I'd love quirky but there's nothing out there with real character for that budget...

HELP Pls

Nuw

From the list you provided, my choice would be the Volvo, followed closely by the Mazda 6 and the Ford... However, for that type of money and considering your commute, I'd also consider a Toyota Hybrid of some kind (C-HR, Prius...) not sure how much you can get them from though, I'd also look at a Lexus IS (might not fit the budget new, but worth a look nonetheless).

I'd also consider a Skoda with DSG box and every boxes ticked (Superb or Octavia depending on how much you can get them from and the space needed).

colm_mcm

Isn’t an s60 €35k?

laurpat

colm_mcm wrote: »

Isn’t an s60 €35k?

Colm, With Fleet and straight purchase discount they are just on the budget.

Wailin

Yeah S40 is out of that budget. Skoda superb too. A well specced Octavia? Large boot but way smaller than the likes of the mondeo which would probably be my choice on that list. Personally I'd prefer the passat but again, outside budget.

Wildcard7

If I were in your position, I'd probably go for a Passat or Octavia, but if you want something quirky then they're probably not the best bet.

I would steer clear of the Renegade, that car looks and feels like a Fiat. And not in a good way.

Just a few more ideas:
Toyota C-HR: https://www.toyota.ie/models/c-hr/index.json
I personally find the back fugly as the night, but tastes are different and it's certainly quirky.

Suzuki Vitara S: https://cars.suzuki.ie/cars/vitara-s
Not exactly a premium car, but if you like the chunky styling of the renegade, you might like this. The boxy/chunky form stands out between all the other crossover/SUVs. Comes with a host of equipment, and the 1.4 liter turbo powered engine receives a lot of praise. Might be worth a look. They're also rarer than most other SUVs/estates, so they're standing out.

laurpat

Wildcard7 wrote: »

If I were in your position, I'd probably go for a Passat or Octavia, but if you want something quirky then they're probably not the best bet.

I've had both and they were so boring. The 2.0 Octavia DSG style line would be a consideration but it's small enough inn the cabin. The Passat styling is not for me, very mature and sensible (Zzzz).

Wildcard7 wrote: »

I would steer clear of the Renegade, that car looks and feels like a Fiat. And not in a good way.

Ok - Trying to test drive the diesel has been a challenge so that rules it out

Wildcard7 wrote: »

Just a few more ideas:
Toyota C-HR: https://www.toyota.ie/models/c-hr/index.json
I personally find the back fugly as the night, but tastes are different and it's certainly quirky.

Suzuki Vitara S: https://cars.suzuki.ie/cars/vitara-s
Not exactly a premium car, but if you like the chunky styling of the renegade, you might like this. The boxy/chunky form stands out between all the other crossover/SUVs. Comes with a host of equipment, and the 1.4 liter turbo powered engine receives a lot of praise. Might be worth a look. They're also rarer than most other SUVs/estates, so they're standing out.

I love the styling of the Toyota C-HR, problem is I don't hate my kids enough to put them in the back. There's pretty much no vision from the rear. That was has drawn me to the Rav 4, but again it's a very dull inside and little better to drive.

As for the Suzuki Vitara S, I'm not a fan of the Suzuki cabin. Hard plastic and very bare. When you compare the cabin to the Ford Mondeo or even the Kia optima it's like coming from a budget hostel to 4 star luxury.

Thanks for the suggestions though...

laurpat

Wailin wrote: »

Yeah S40 is out of that budget. Skoda superb too. A well specced Octavia? Large boot but way smaller than the likes of the mondeo which would probably be my choice on that list. Personally I'd prefer the passat but again, outside budget.

Just managed to scrape into the 2.0 D Volvo S60 with non mantellic paint, could be a possible runner.

The superb would be a runner but not with any decent engine.

The Mondeo is lovely car and the 2.0 150PS Titanium spec is fantastic with the LED lights etc. The one place where I did find it was let down was with the handling. The steering is non responsive and delivers zero feedback. On the other hand does that matter when I'm 80% of the time on motorway driving?

Am I simply looking for too much for such a limited budget?

Dublinstiofán

Ford Kuga, well within your budget, power (2.0) comfort and creature comforts. They recently reduced them from €33k to €28k so you’d get one for much less for a company.

Brian?

Seat Leon ST? The Xcellece model is right on budget.

Wildcard7

laurpat wrote: »

I love the styling of the Toyota C-HR, problem is I don't hate my kids enough to put them in the back.

Maybe work on that then

Quirky and practical seem to oppose each other, so you might have to prioritise.

Have you looked at Subarus? They're a bit exotic (in Ireland) and certainly more unique, but reliable and practical enough. The Forester would be out of your budget, but the XV with the 2l diesel would be doable:
http://www.subaru.ie/our-models/xv-crossover.html

I had a 2013 Impreza TDRS for a year (then I needed a bigger boot), and the engine is beautiful for a diesel.

laurpat

Brian? wrote: »

Seat Leon ST? The Xcellece model is right on budget.

Brian, I've spent last night looking at them on line. What's so special about the Xcellece. They are not very powerful or highly spece'd? Is it the 4wd system?

Brian?

laurpat wrote: »

Brian, I've spent last night looking at them on line. What's so special about the Xcellece. They are not very powerful or highly spece'd? Is it the 4wd system?

That’s just the spec level. Nothing exceptional.

The FR is the top spec. You can get that in a 184bhp 2.0Tdi. Same engine as the Passat essentiallly. Works out around 32k, but you may get it under your budget with your company discount.

They’re a very nice car, you’ll get more for your money than with VW or Audi, even though they’re really the same car underneath. I’ve an older petrol Leon and a mate has a 151 diesel Leon, decent cars.

GustavoFring

Tbh going a class down will probably feel like a compromise, especially at your mileage.

New insignia seems pretty well priced compared to others in that class. Might be worth a look.

colm_mcm

laurpat wrote: »

Colm, With Fleet and straight purchase discount they are just on the budget.

OK, that makes your RRP budget a bit better alright.
I’d probably get the Volvo for something a bit different.

AMKC

Wildcard7 wrote: »

If I were in your position, I'd probably go for a Passat or Octavia, but if you want something quirky then they're probably not the best bet.

I would steer clear of the Renegade, that car looks and feels like a Fiat. And not in a good way.

Just a few more ideas:
Toyota C-HR: https://www.toyota.ie/models/c-hr/index.json
I personally find the back fugly as the night, but tastes are different and it's certainly quirky.

Suzuki Vitara S: https://cars.suzuki.ie/cars/vitara-s
Not exactly a premium car, but if you like the chunky styling of the renegade, you might like this. The boxy/chunky form stands out between all the other crossover/SUVs. Comes with a host of equipment, and the 1.4 liter turbo powered engine receives a lot of praise. Might be worth a look. They're also rarer than most other SUVs/estates, so they're standing out.

So you want something quirky. Citroen maybe a C3 Aircross or a C4 Cactus.

If you like the Renegade and get get to test one then go for it. Just because someone else does not like them does not mean the OP does not.

Wildcard7 wrote: »

Maybe work on that then

Quirky and practical seem to oppose each other, so you might have to prioritise.

Have you looked at Subarus? They're a bit exotic (in Ireland) and certainly more unique, but reliable and practical enough. The Forester would be out of your budget, but the XV with the 2l diesel would be doable:
http://www.subaru.ie/our-models/xv-crossover.html

I had a 2013 Impreza TDRS for a year (then I needed a bigger boot), and the engine is beautiful for a diesel.

There is a new XV due out soon so better to wait for that than buy a model that has been around for 7 years. The new one should be out early next year. Its much better with a much nicer interior and dash.

GustavoFring wrote: »

Tbh going a class down will probably feel like a compromise, especially at your mileage.

New insignia seems pretty well priced compared to others in that class. Might be worth a look.

That,s a fine car.

Mr. Incognito

I rent cars a lot and have driven every make and model out there.

The Astra is my favourite and is within your budget

http://www.opel.ie/cars/astra/notchback/model-overview.html

minikin

Have you considered the ioniq?
Saving on bik (and fuel) a consideration!

begbysback

Op list is terrible - you could get a 2015 4 series BMW

Don't see how you can say the Passat is boring, it's light years ahead of anything on that list in both interior looks and quality and exterior styling etc.

micks_address

What about a Skoda Karoq?

Not sure how company budget works but a 2 litre dsg diesel style octavia would be north of 32k

Karoq review.. looks nice
https://youtu.be/UbmY2-yaH9I

colm_mcm

begbysback wrote: »

Op list is terrible - you could get a 2015 4 series BMW

Company car.

bazz26

begbysback wrote: »

Op list is terrible - you could get a 2015 4 series BMW

What good is a second hand BMW to the OP since it's a company car and has to be brand new?

Wailin

Randy Bewildered Birdseed wrote: »

Don't see how you can say the Passat is boring, it's light years ahead of anything on that list in both interior looks and quality and exterior styling etc.

Agreed. Passat cabin is a much nicer place to be in than all of the cars mentioned...possibly only the Volvo coming anywhere close. Needs to be specced up though so probably outside the budget.

Skylinehead

Randy Bewildered Birdseed wrote: »

Don't see how you can say the Passat is boring

At a guess, he says it's boring because he finds it boring.

laurpat

Randy Bewildered Birdseed wrote: »

Don't see how you can say the Passat is boring, it's light years ahead of anything on that list in both interior looks and quality and exterior styling etc.

Wailin wrote: »

Agreed. Passat cabin is a much nicer place to be in than all of the cars mentioned...possibly only the Volvo coming anywhere close. Needs to be specced up though so probably outside the budget.

Guys, I'm really sorry if I've offended regarding the Passat. It really has came on so much from previous models. I appreciate your input and stand corrected.

Johngoose

Seeing as it's not your money, the Kia Optima looks quite stunning and I'd imagine should fit the bill.

laurpat

micks_address wrote: »

What about a Skoda Karoq?

Not sure how company budget works but a 2 litre dsg diesel style octavia would be north of 32k

Karoq review.. looks nice
https://youtu.be/UbmY2-yaH9I

Would fancy a 2.0L DSG Octavia Style but... the cabin is that little bit tight. As I always hear - It's got a great booth....

laurpat

Johngoose wrote: »

Seeing as it's not your money, the Kia Optima looks quite stunning and I'd imagine should fit the bill.

I've test drove the Kia but to be honest it's a not the most exciting drive. That 1.7 is such hard work. I couldn't live with it, possibly if an auto but not the manual. IT's a nice place to be inside.

bazz26

Would the Superb be a contender?

laurpat

minikin wrote: »

Have you considered the ioniq?
Saving on bik (and fuel) a consideration!

I just don't think we're there yet with the EV's. I love the idea of it and I'd have the extra benefit of zero BIK.

Would consider the 40KW model of the Leaf... 350/400 KM range

laurpat

bazz26 wrote: »

Would the Superb be a contender?

Could get into one all right but the figures would be tight. Are they a blown up Octavia or do they deserve some credit?

2.0 Diesel Ambition - could be possible ??? Throw some fleet on it and drop the metallic... Had parked the idea of a Superb

bazz26

The Superb is the sister car of the Passat rather than a blown up Octavia. Would be a big step up over an Octavia.

blindside88

I have a Mondeo as my company car op and it's a nice place to be. The titanium spec is well worth having. I did have a rental superb for about a month while waiting on my Mondeo and I'd have it hands down over the Mondeo. It's a. If step up from the Octavia and has plenty of space in the front and back. At your business mileage the 0% BIK on an EV probably makes little difference to you as you'll be paying the lower rate if BIK anyway

minikin

laurpat wrote: »

I just don't think we're there yet with the EV's. I love the idea of it and I'd have the extra benefit of zero BIK.

Would consider the 40KW model of the Leaf... 350/400 KM range

They may not be perfect yet but from what I see it (ioniq) could easily handle your daily commute & would make sense from a business point of view (cashflow) in terms of fuel alone. The way I look at it - there are incentives at the moment (home charger installation / vrt reductions / bik reductions / free charging) that will be withdrawn in a few years time... when's the last time the government offered you anything?? Grab it while it's going!

I'm a massive skoda fan and two years ago would have immediately said a diesel superb (found it incredibly comfortable on five hour long journeys) was exactly what you needed, I'm now convinced that ev is the way to go, purely from a financial perspective.

begbysback

bazz26 wrote: »

What good is a second hand BMW to the OP since it's a company car and has to be brand new?

Ok then 2017 4 series

Wailin

laurpat wrote: »

Guys, I'm really sorry if I've offended regarding the Passat. It really has came on so much from previous models. I appreciate your input and stand corrected.

Not offended at all OP! Just think the passat is well ahead of anything on your original list. The superb would be a lovely car too. Good luck with the search and let us know what you get.

minikin

minikin wrote: »

They may not be perfect yet but from what I see it (ioniq) could easily handle your daily commute & would make sense from a business point of view (cashflow) in terms of fuel alone. The way I look at it - there are incentives at the moment (home charger installation / vrt reductions / bik reductions / free charging) that will be withdrawn in a few years time... when's the last time the government offered you anything?? Grab it while it's going!

I'm a massive skoda fan and two years ago would have immediately said a diesel superb (found it incredibly comfortable on five hour long journeys) was exactly what you needed, I'm now convinced that ev is the way to go, purely from a financial perspective.

They are small cars with cheap platsic interiors and look terrible (unless you are getting a tesla) though not a place I'd like to be spending my time driving around everyday. A superb or Passat would be my two top choices hands down, you couldn't even compare with a EV in terms of comfort, quality etc. Also the range just isn't there yet imo, they are a city car for someone doing a few hundred kms a week. Especially as a company car where the fuel is free for the op and his mileage makes the BIK low there is no real advantage to an ev from that perspective.

Mini850

Ask for a bigger budget and get the Alfa Giulia.

End thread:D

Jobs OXO

laurpat wrote: »

Hi Everyone,

I'm Really struggling with purchasing a new company car and I'm looking for direction.

Company vehicle - Yes
Budget - €29,500
Commute to Work Round Trip - 198 KM
Type of driving on Commute - Mainly motorway then Dublin City driving
Numbers of days Required to Commute - 3 Days per week
Annual Mileage - 45K KM per Year
Personal use also - Yes, 2 Adults and 2 kids >7 Yrs of age
Current car - 151 Mazda 6 (Fantastic car)
Requirements - Powerful engine / Comfort / Creature comforts

Car's I've looked at so far...

- Mazda 6
- Mazda 5
- Ford Mondeo
- Kia Optima
- Hyuandi Tuscon
- Toyota Rav 4
- Volvo S60
- Jeep Renegade

I'm really struggling this time around to fall in love with any of the above cars. I'd love quirky but there's nothing out there with real character for that budget...

HELP Pls

Seat Ateca might be worth a look. Have test driven a lot of this type of SUV and it's the best in terms of driving experience.

Mantis Toboggan

Optima definitely the best looking car from the list but as you said at just 140 bhp can be sluggish enough. Other than that I'd probably go S60.

bazz26

begbysback wrote: »

Ok then 2017 4 series

Ah come on, your not going to buy a 2017 4 Series for €29500.

begbysback

Well he can't have it both ways, either he increases his budget, or buys a 2015 4 series

micks_address

bazz26 wrote: »

The Superb is the sister car of the Passat rather than a blown up Octavia.  Would be a big step up over an Octavia.

Big is the word when it comes to the Superb... much bigger than the Octavia and the interior space is huge... I always feel small in my friends..  definitely a class above the Octavia and id suggest almost half a class above the Passat (others wont agree)

Wailin

micks_address wrote: »

Big is the word when it comes to the Superb... much bigger than the Octavia and the interior space is huge... I always feel small in my friends..  definitely a class above the Octavia and id suggest almost half a class above the Passat (others wont agree)

Isn't it built on the same platform as the passat?

dil999

Wailin wrote: »

Isn't it built on the same platform as the passat?

The Superb is a very nice car, but definitely not a class and a half above the Passat.

If the OP can stretch to a Superb style, or Passat highline then I think either would be a good choice. Otherwise the Mondeo would be a good choice. The titanium spec should fall within your budget.

bazz26

begbysback wrote: »

Well he can't have it both ways, either he increases his budget, or buys a 2015 4 series

Listen I'm not trying to be an ass here but did you read the original post and criteria the OP put in it? A 4 Series whether new or second hand just doesn't fit into that no matter what way you look at it.

I'll move on now.

bazz26

micks_address wrote: »

Big is the word when it comes to the Superb... much bigger than the Octavia and the interior space is huge... I always feel small in my friends..  definitely a class above the Octavia and id suggest almost half a class above the Passat (others wont agree)

Superb certainly has a bit more space but it's not in a different class to the Passat, they are both built on the same platform and compete with each other. Same with the Octavia which has more space than a Golf, it's still built on the same platform as the Golf and competes with it.

VictorRomeo

If you're looking at Passats & Mondeos I suppose you'd have to look at the new Insignia. It's a nicer looking car inside and out than the last gen and it does offer that mid-size option within your price range. But when all is said and done, I'd have a Passat/Superb all day long if in your shoes.

micks_address

dil999 wrote: »

The Superb is a very nice car, but definitely not a class and a half above the Passat.

If the OP can stretch to a Superb style, or Passat highline then I think either would be a good choice. Otherwise the Mondeo would be a good choice. The titanium spec should fall within your budget.

I said half a class above... I'd consider it to be based on interior space and comfort.. I've driven my friends style superb dsg and a highline Passat which would be similar money in manual and I know which id be choosing. Anyhow this isn't a Skoda versus vw debate. Happy shopping OP

dixiefly

Just going from personal experience, I have gone from a Mondeo TDI to a Skoda Octavia Style / Sport model and love my new car so far. Loads of extras and I really like the seats, steering wheel, infotainment system, reversing cameras and general add-ons make it a lovely car to drive.

The Octavia is certainly a little smaller than the Mondeo but,to me, that's a bit of an advantage. And I got 56mpg last week.

Not dirt cheap, the Style / Sport will set you back the guts of €31k.