Best SUV for 150km/day for around 20k.

thomasfaller

I’m looking to replace my old 2008 Qashqai with a new SUV. My budget is around 20k (could consider 25k) and my requirements are the following:

- Needs to be a crossover or SUV, I’m used to being « tall on the road »
- I will be driving 45000 km a year mostly motorway (commuting from Dunleer to Dublin 2 days a week and to Swords the other 3 days)
- budget is 20/25k
- Needs to be reliable
- Good MPG, don’t want to refill the tank every 3 days
- Needs to be comfortable. I find my old Qashqai quite ok but would not say no to something smoother when it comes to holes and ramps.
- Needs to have room in the back to accommodate 1 kid seat with sole leg room and a convenient boot (a flat loading surface would be a dream)

Optional:
- Apple
carplay would be a plus

I’m not interested in premium or sporty stuff (and my budget would not allow it anyway).

Obviously, the long commute I do means I’d better get a diesel I guess. I’m not a fan of the « diesel » experience (my wife diesel car sounds like a tractor) but I guess it makes more financial sense. At some point I considered a Outlander PHEV but I’m not sure about the running cost vs a diesel.

What do you guys think?

kerten

Those quashqais are very refined cars for their time and class. I would check peugeot 3008 for similar comfort and economy.

bazz26

Yeah the 3008 is a good shout, the new model is a real step up and French cars are know for their comfort but you will probably spending closer to 25k for one than 20k as they seem to be retaining strong resale values due to their popularity:

This one is has fairly low mileage:
https://www.carsireland.ie/detail.php?ad_id=2348347&r=s.php%3Fm%5B%5D%3D67%26o%5B%5D%3D1457%26f%3D2%26yn%3D2017%26yx%3D2019%26pp%3D50%26g%3D0

If going to the UK is an option you might get a 2018 example cheaper.

thomasfaller

Thanks, I thought about the 3008, although I’m not sold about the interior. The price tag is a bit high.

I was thinking about a PHEV Outlander and charging it at home. I’m not entirely sure it makes financial sense in terms of running cost. I heard everything and the opposite on that topic. Some say they managed to commute on motorway for less bucks than on a diesel.

ShadowHearth

If you looking for comfort, I would suggest Citroen c5 aircross as it's the one in the market, which aims at comfort, not stiff sportiness paired with underpowered engine. It will be a bit out of budget for 1.5dci engine as there are no second hand ones. You would have to go new.

kerten

thomasfaller wrote: »

Thanks, I thought about the 3008, although I’m not sold about the interior. The price tag is a bit high.

I was thinking about a PHEV Outlander and charging it at home. I’m not entirely sure it makes financial sense in terms of running cost. I heard everything and the opposite on that topic. Some say they managed to commute on motorway for less bucks than on a diesel.

Opel grandland x is a 3008 underneath with a different interior. Didn't sit in one but I expect relatively cheaper material inside than a 3008 due to brand positioning. Probably cheaper to buy than 3008 too.

GavMan

https://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/renault/kadjar/used-2018-182-renault-kadjar-signatur-dublin-fpa-201902084740304

https://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/renault/kadjar/used-2018-182-renault-kadjar-signatur-dublin-fpa-201810191657974


Top end of the budge but would be gotten under 25k in a cash sale for sure. Should have Apple Car Play (our 172 Megane GC does)

My pick would be an auto one:
https://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/renault/kadjar/used-2018-181-renault-kadjar-dynamiqu-dublin-fpa-201902084740308.

Again under top end of the budget in a cash sale

AMKC

kerten wrote: »

Opel grandland x is a 3008 underneath with a different interior. Didn't sit in one but I expect relatively cheaper material inside than a 3008 due to brand positioning. Probably cheaper to buy than 3008 too.

A good car too with a classy, stylish interior and no its not cheap inside.

A Renault Kadjar is well worth a look at.

Shefwedfan

With mileage you are doing a diesel is best option. Electric would give huge savings on fuel but you would have to double the budget

Nissan is still the best crossover but maybe the Kadjar as it is a Qashqai with a Nissan badge.

Don;t go Outlander, you will be outside the electric range, better to go full electric or stick with your diesel

thomasfaller

I'm going to test drive the new Duster this week to get a feeling of how it is. I'll probably go with that option since it's the only car I could afford to buy brand new. It looks great too (but that's subjective)

Shefwedfan

thomasfaller wrote: »

I'm going to test drive the new Duster this week to get a feeling of how it is. I'll probably go with that option since it's the only car I could afford to buy brand new. It looks great too (but that's subjective)

Have a look and see

Friend of mine bought one new, great price etc. She hated it, absolutely hated it. Ended up selling and buying second hand Qashqai. She lost a fortune on it as well....

Maybe the newer model is better but that was her opinion

thomasfaller

Shefwedfan wrote: »

Have a look and see

Friend of mine bought one new, great price etc. She hated it, absolutely hated it. Ended up selling and buying second hand Qashqai. She lost a fortune on it as well....

Maybe the newer model is better but that was her opinion

That's interesting, was it the newer one (2019) she bought ?

I never actually drove one (not even the original Duster), I just sat in one for 5 min in the Duster showroom and I thought it looked quite nice.

Shefwedfan

thomasfaller wrote: »

That's interesting, was it the newer one (2019) she bought ?

I never actually drove one (not even the original Duster), I just sat in one for 5 min in the Duster showroom and I thought it looked quite nice.

It was older model....maybe was on a 17 plate or late 16......she only kept for 18 months and then sold

GavMan

Good luck OP. Not a Duster fan here but can see their merits.

New model is an improvement

AMKC

thomasfaller wrote: »

I'm going to test drive the new Duster this week to get a feeling of how it is. I'll probably go with that option since it's the only car I could afford to buy brand new. It looks great too (but that's subjective)

It does look quite good.

Shefwedfan wrote: »

Have a look and see

Friend of mine bought one new, great price etc. She hated it, absolutely hated it. Ended up selling and buying second hand Qashqai. She lost a fortune on it as well....

Maybe the newer model is better but that was her opinion

The first Duster was very basic in every way but also really good off road and perfect if you were a farmer but otherwise nothing special and certainly nothing great to drive. The new one is a huge improvement in every way.

thomasfaller wrote: »

That's interesting, was it the newer one (2019) she bought ?

I never actually drove one (not even the original Duster), I just sat in one for 5 min in the Duster showroom and I thought it looked quite nice.

The new one is a huge improvement over the old one which was very basic and simple.
The Suzuki Vitara is another car you could look at although there is no diesel version.
Nothing wrong with a second hand Renault Kadjar or a Kia Sportage either and with the SPortage you could get one in budget and still have some warranty. too.

listermint

I have to lol when people talk good mpg and have a high and heavy car.

It's literally not possible. With that sort of mileage id cop myself on and buy something appropriate and fuel efficient. Never mind notions of sitting up high.

Shefwedfan

listermint wrote: »

I have to lol when people talk good mpg and have a high and heavy car.

It's literally not possible. With that sort of mileage id cop myself on and buy something appropriate and fuel efficient. Never mind notions of sitting up high.

This is true but if already driving a crossover it ain’t going to get any worse

listermint

Shefwedfan wrote: »

This is true but if already driving a crossover it ain’t going to get any worse

Oh but it will. Try selling a diesel crossover in 3 or 4 years.

Big slap of cop on coming this way. The whole crossover diesel stuff will give people a shock.

Absolute madness buying one of these for the thrills of an extra foot in the air.

Shefwedfan

listermint wrote: »

Oh but it will. Try selling a diesel crossover in 3 or 4 years.

Big slap of cop on coming this way. The whole crossover diesel stuff will give people a shock.

Absolute madness buying one of these for the thrills of an extra foot in the air.

With the mileage on it in 3-4 year the value will be minimal....

kerten

I see no point of dropping all budget to a duster for sake of buying brand new while doing 45k per year.

Buy 2 years old something nicer than a duster.

Depreciation will be quick due to mileage you do anyway. At least have some comfort for the long drives.

Shefwedfan

kerten wrote: »

I see no point of dropping all budget to a duster for sake of buying brand new while doing 45k per year.

Buy 2 years old something nicer than a duster.

Depreciation will be quick due to mileage you do anyway. At least have some comfort for the long drives.

I agree....I always prefer to go with an older more comfortable car than a newer lesser car

thomasfaller

Shefwedfan wrote: »

I agree....I always prefer to go with an older more comfortable car than a newer lesser car

Fair point, I’m also looking at used Qashqai and Kadjar and they do look interesting.

Another + although not crucial would be an automatic transmission as I really find it convenient and relaxing for long drives (and short ones too aha)

thomasfaller

listermint wrote: »

Oh but it will. Try selling a diesel crossover in 3 or 4 years.

Big slap of cop on coming this way. The whole crossover diesel stuff will give people a shock.

Absolute madness buying one of these for the thrills of an extra foot in the air.

I’ve been hearing “Try selling a diesel crossover in 3 or 4 years. ” for the last couple of years and I’m not really seeing the gasoil appeal going down yet.
With some models using 5l/100kms and à litre of gasoil still 10cts under unleaded, I’m not really seeing the end of diesel, certainly not for long commuters and certainly not with “big” cars (bigger than compacts I mean)

Shefwedfan

thomasfaller wrote: »

Fair point, I’m also looking at used Qashqai and Kadjar and they do look interesting.

Another + although not crucial would be an automatic transmission as I really find it convenient and relaxing for long drives (and short ones too aha)

Yes auto all the way. I am the same. Can't be dealing with manual anymore

thomasfaller

It looks like Dacia doesn’t sell automatic gearbox on their Dusters in Ireland so I’m going to have to go for a used Kadjar or used Qashqai

Shefwedfan

thomasfaller wrote: »

It looks like Dacia doesn’t sell automatic gearbox on their Dusters in Ireland so I’m going to have to go for a used Kadjar or used Qashqai

Tells you a lot about Dacia doesn’t it 😊

Wildly Boaring

Ateca diesel?
1.6 auto.

Not gonna set world alight but efficient as crossovers go, wife has the 1.0 petrol. Grand car.

thomasfaller

Wildly Boaring wrote: »

Ateca diesel?
1.6 auto.

Not gonna set world alight but efficient as crossovers go, wife has the 1.0 petrol. Grand car.

Yeah that’s one of the models I’m considering. It feels like you get VW quality for a lower price tag.
I heard reviews and comments saying that the Ateca was a bit harsh when it comes to suspension, when driving on ramps and that other models where probably more comfy.

kennethsmyth

Look at some Honda CRV’s - I had a 2008 one and was very comfortable over any bumps, check out the newer ones from 2014 on. They’re very clever with 90 degree opening rear doors for kid access etc. Mine was extremely relio

Wildly Boaring

thomasfaller wrote: »

Wildly Boaring wrote: »

Ateca diesel?
1.6 auto.

Not gonna set world alight but efficient as crossovers go, wife has the 1.0 petrol. Grand car.

Yeah that’s one of the models I’m considering. It feels like you get VW quality for a lower price tag.
I heard reviews and comments saying that the Ateca was a bit harsh when it comes to suspension, when driving on ramps and that other models where probably more comfy.

Can't say I've noticed the ride being too solid. Lot more forgiving than my old 3 series. Lot better than my kuga.

Plastics wise it's good not great. Not sat in tiguan but doubt ateca on a par. Ahead of troc but it's shockingly bad for a vw