What should I buy?

Secret Seven

Currently driving a 13 year old car which although still going strong and just passed the NCT, I'd like to retire.

My budget is 15k. I like a high driving position as I'm short and I'd prefer an MPV/SUV. I also have an elderly mother to ferry around so it can't be too low to get into or have high sills. I'd like an automatic if possible. My current car is a diesel but I don't need one anymore as I'm only doing short distances. My partner has a diesel for longer runs if I need it.

I like the idea of a hybrid but don't like the look of the Yaris. Have thought of the Honda Jazz but not too many of the automatic hybrids around and those that are are Jap imports which could impact my insurance?

Not ready for an electric car yet. Did test drive the Leaf but found it too low for me and my mother would struggle to get in/out of it.

Any suggestions?

bazz26

Skoda Yeti:

https://www.carsireland.ie/detail.php?ad_id=2158848&r=s.php%3Fm%5B%5D%3D80%26o%5B%5D%3D2115%26f%3D1%26t%3D2%26g%3D0

Secret Seven

Thanks, but a bit too big for me.

ghrghd

Secret Seven wrote: »

Thanks, but a bit too big for me.

How about a ford b-max? It is a bit smaller than the yeti.
There's a 141 1.6 petrol auto on carsireland for just under 10k. I can't post links yet.

colm_mcm

A Skoda Yeti is surprisingly small in terms of exterior dimensions

Secret Seven

ghrghd wrote: »

How about a ford b-max? It is a bit smaller than the yeti.
There's a 141 1.6 petrol auto on carsireland for just under 10k. I can't post links yet.

Thanks but I swore I would never buy another Ford again. Bought a Ka as soon as they were released and I had nothing but trouble with it from day one. Worst car ever.

I also want something that would give me good mileage. My diesel is very frugal and I'm afraid if I switch to a 1.6 petrol I'll be filling the tank every week

James Bond Junior

Prius? Highish enough but not too high either.

James Bond Junior

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/toyota-prius-hybrid-luxury-4dr-auto/20691018

Secret Seven

James Bond Junior wrote: »

Prius? Highish enough but not too high either.

Thanks, but the body is a bit too long for me.

Secret Seven

James Bond Junior wrote: »

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/toyota-prius-hybrid-luxury-4dr-auto/20691018

Hmmmm....it is a beauty though!

ba_barabus

colm_mcm wrote: »

A Skoda Yeti is surprisingly small in terms of exterior dimensions

+1, straight sides all round, good glass area meaning you can see out of it easily for parking and definitely a lot smaller outside than it looks. Couldn't recommend one highly enough. We've had 2 in the family.

Duke O Smiley

You could always have parking sensors and/or a reverse camera fitted to the Prius if you think it will be difficult to park and manoeuvre due to its length.

There is the Lexus CT200h also, which uses the same mechanical bits as the Prius but is a bit nicer/more refined inside etc, and it is slightly shorter too

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/lexus-ct200h-s-design-hybrid-auto/20390735

James Bond Junior

Duke O Smiley wrote: »

You could always have parking sensors and/or a reverse camera fitted to the Prius if you think it will be difficult to park and manoeuvre due to its length.

There is the Lexus CT200h also, which uses the same mechanical bits as the Prius but is a bit nicer/more refined inside etc, and it is slightly shorter too

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/lexus-ct200h-s-design-hybrid-auto/20390735

Don't know why I didnt think of that. Much nicer than a prius.

Secret Seven

Duke O Smiley wrote: »

You could always have parking sensors and/or a reverse camera fitted to the Prius if you think it will be difficult to park and manoeuvre due to its length.

There is the Lexus CT200h also, which uses the same mechanical bits as the Prius but is a bit nicer/more refined inside etc, and it is slightly shorter too

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/lexus-ct200h-s-design-hybrid-auto/20390735

Thanks but too dear for me and not sure it would be high enough. My partner has a Renault Captur and I find that a bit too low even with a thick cushion

James Bond Junior

This might suit you so.

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/lexus-ct200h-200h-s-cvt-5dr-auto/20554460

Only thing to do is go sit in one and see.

Mad_maxx

Secret Seven wrote: »

Currently driving a 13 year old car which although still going strong and just passed the NCT, I'd like to retire.

My budget is 15k. I like a high driving position as I'm short and I'd prefer an MPV/SUV. I also have an elderly mother to ferry around so it can't be too low to get into or have high sills. I'd like an automatic if possible. My current car is a diesel but I don't need one anymore as I'm only doing short distances. My partner has a diesel for longer runs if I need it.

I like the idea of a hybrid but don't like the look of the Yaris. Have thought of the Honda Jazz but not too many of the automatic hybrids around and those that are are Jap imports which could impact my insurance?

Not ready for an electric car yet. Did test drive the Leaf but found it too low for me and my mother would struggle to get in/out of it.

Any suggestions?

Dacia duster

Secret Seven

James Bond Junior wrote: »

This might suit you so.

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/lexus-ct200h-200h-s-cvt-5dr-auto/20554460

Only thing to do is go sit in one and see.

Thanks for all the help. You've shown some models I wouldn't have thought of. I still prefer the smaller, taller car though. My mother wouldn't be able to get into the saloon style cars, she finds it awkward enough in the Captur!

banana_bear

Small and high(ish) seating position, reliable and lots of value for money? How about a suzuki ignis?

Secret Seven

Mad_maxx wrote: »

Dacia duster

I did think of them but I don't think they come in automatic?

Secret Seven

banana_bear wrote: »

Small and high(ish) seating position, reliable and lots of value for money? How about a suzuki ignis?

Yes, I've seen them around. Not sure they come in automatic and in my price range though?

Secret Seven

Secret Seven wrote: »

Yes, I've seen them around. Not sure they come in automatic and in my price range though?

They do! Out of my price range though

colm_mcm

CT200 doesn’t have anything resembling a high driving position.

Renegade Mechanic

Secret Seven wrote: »

Yes, I've seen them around. Not sure they come in automatic and in my price range though?

They do indeed, but they're rare to the point that you'd probably get one sooner specifying it when buying new...
If stick-out sills annoy you though, I'd leave it anyway. I'm 6'4" and I hit the sills most times I get in or out of one

Duke O Smiley

What about a Fiat 500L?

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/fiat-500l-pop-1-4-16v-95hp-4dr/20784939



Or a 500X?

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/fiat-500x-500x-pop-1-6-e-torq-110hp-4x2/19974981



Both examples linked are manual, but they're available with an auto box too

Secret Seven

Duke O Smiley wrote: »

What about a Fiat 500L?

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/fiat-500l-pop-1-4-16v-95hp-4dr/20784939



Or a 500X?

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/fiat-500x-500x-pop-1-6-e-torq-110hp-4x2/19974981



Both examples linked are manual, but they're available with an auto box too

Yep, have considered the 500L. Haven't seen a decent auto for my price range though. So many white, black and silver ones out there. Love the green one with the white roof!

elperello

You might consider keeping the car you have if it is as you say going well with a new NCT.
It's probably worth less as a trade in than the discount you will get for a cash deal on the replacement.
Also you can put away a bit more money and when you do buy your budget will get you something nicer.

Duke O Smiley

Secret Seven wrote: »

Yep, have considered the 500L. Haven't seen a decent auto for my price range though. So many white, black and silver ones out there. Love the green one with the white roof!

Yep, couple of nice autos on Donedeal but diesel which is a pity. Not sure where in the country you are but it could be worth paying a visit to a Fiat dealer and asking if they can help you find something to suit your criteria.

You might also consider a BMW 2 series Active tourer - but a petrol auto within budget might be a stretch.

Secret Seven

elperello wrote: »

You might consider keeping the car you have if it is as you say going well with a new NCT.
It's probably worth less as a trade in than the discount you will get for a cash deal on the replacement.
Also you can put away a bit more money and when you do buy your budget will get you something nicer.

You're quite right. My car is great and gives me no problems. It's just old (like myself!) and I've been driving it for nearly 11 years. When I drive my partner's car I get jealous and I'd like a little bit of luxury of my own. I know I'd get feck all as a trade in and I feel guilty at the thought of getting rid of it as it's still going strong and there's probably a good few years left in it. It's nice to dream though

Idbatterim

Keep the current car and save the 15k! Alternatively You can bring in an Audi A7 for 13k. 10k for a 2011, 3 k vrt. Few hundred for ferry and flight ...

elperello

Secret Seven wrote: »

You're quite right. My car is great and gives me no problems. It's just old (like myself!) and I've been driving it for nearly 11 years. When I drive my partner's car I get jealous and I'd like a little bit of luxury of my own. I know I'd get feck all as a trade in and I feel guilty at the thought of getting rid of it as it's still going strong and there's probably a good few years left in it. It's nice to dream though

Yes, hang in there and you can dream bigger

There will always be a nice replacement when you need it.

colm_mcm

I would recommend considering these models:

Nissan Note
https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/nissan-note-1-2-petrol-sve-auto/20125464?campaign=3

Ford B Max
https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/ford-b-max-1-6-zetec-105ps-5dr-auto/20447195

Hyundai iX20
https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/hyundai-ix20-1-6-deluxe-auto-loe-mileage/19215804


The Hyundai is probably the best long termer.