Automatic: >45km a year 15k-20k budget

Rossdarragh1

Looking for a few recommendations here if anyone gets a chance. I'm not too well up on cars myself. Looking for an automatic for my wife, she could do over 45k a year with work. Two kids so need a bit of room in it when weekend driving. Budget between 15 and 20k. Looking for comfort and reliability with a decent spec...bluetooth etc. She owns a company but not sure whether to buy it through the company and pay BIK or to buy it privately and charge back the mileage to the company,

In a year or two we may look at buying a new car for her and myself taking her car depending upon how finances are at the time.

Have mainly looked at Passat, Octavia and Superb up to this. All recommendations appreciated.

route66

I'd recommend a Lexus IS300H - for these reasons:

• It's not a diesel (I'm very biased against diesels)
• It doesn't sound like a diesel - because it's a petrol hybrid
• It's a saloon and not an SUV
• It's one of the most reliable cars in it's class (no massive diesel surprise bills like Dual mass flywheel, EGR valve, etc)
• It's not based on a VW
• It has the low tax
• Its fuel consumption isn't too far behind a diesel

Click here to see a 2014 on sale for €16,900:


Spend a couple of grand over your budget and you could get the newer model - like this 2017 example: link

bazz26

Yeah a Passat or Superb would be a good choice. They will eat the miles in comfort and have plenty of room inside. The Superb would have the extra advantage of being a hatchback.

Something like these:

https://www.carsireland.ie/2708990
https://www.carsireland.ie/2659920

Rossdarragh1

Thanks for the reply route66, a bit from left field but I'll look into it .

darragh o meara

Rossdarragh1 wrote: »

Looking for a few recommendations here if anyone gets a chance. I'm not too well up on cars myself. Looking for an automatic for my wife, she could do over 45k a year with work. Two kids so need a bit of room in it when weekend driving. Budget between 15 and 20k. Looking for comfort and reliability with a decent spec...bluetooth etc. She owns a company but not sure whether to buy it through the company and pay BIK or to buy it privately and charge back the mileage to the company,

In a year or two we may look at buying a new car for her and myself taking her car depending upon how finances are at the time.

Have mainly looked at Passat, Octavia and Superb up to this. All recommendations appreciated.

Looked at a few of the above cars recently when changing, I found the Superb to be a better bang for the buck option to the Passat. They were much better specced when compared to a similar Passat.

I too tick most of your requirements above and recently went with a 2015 Mercedes E Class Night Edition and it’s a fantastic car with plenty of spec and comfort.

Rossdarragh1

How much mileage is too much when looking at buying these as used cars? I guess it's all relative to budget to a certain extent.

bazz26

If doing 45k+ km per year I cannot see an IS300h being anywhere near as frugal as a diesel. With this sort of mileage this is where diesel is superior unless all her miles are in the city. Also she won't be able to claim any VAT back on petrol, only diesel.

kermitpwee

route66 wrote: »

I'd recommend a Lexus IS300H - for these reasons:

• It's not a diesel (I'm very biased against diesels)
• It doesn't sound like a diesel - because it's a petrol hybrid
• It's a saloon and not an SUV
• It's one of the most reliable cars in it's class (no massive diesel surprise bills like Dual mass flywheel, EGR valve, etc)
• It's not based on a VW
• It has the low tax
• Its fuel consumption isn't too far behind a diesel

Click here to see a 2014 on sale for €16,900:


Spend a couple of grand over your budget and you could get the newer model - like this 2017 example: link

I have done 43k in a is300h in the last 13 months. Class car, 2017 on have the better cruise control. Seats are very comfy, eats miles comfortably. Very reliable

Negatives
Smallish boot
Low to get into
Hard to better 45mpg, around town very good
Servicing with the dealer is expensive relative to a passat etc
I would probably get a newer shape Prius as I hate modern diesels.
If going diesel I would go for a Superb very comfortable in 2 litre or a 2 litre Octavia

Rossdarragh1

Ya forgot about not being able to claim the VAT on the hybrid. That would rule it out straight away.

kermitpwee

bazz26 wrote: »

If doing 45k+ km per year I cannot see an IS300h being anywhere near as frugal as a diesel. With this sort of mileage this is where diesel is superior unless all her miles are in the city. Also she won't be able to claim any VAT back on petrol, only diesel.

I am averaging 40mpg so a diesel would do a lot better

bazz26

Indeed, I'd expect a 2.0 litre Passat/Superb to average low 50s mpg on long runs all day long.

bazz26

bazz26 wrote: »

If doing 45k+ km per year I cannot see an IS300h being anywhere near as frugal as a diesel. With this sort of mileage this is where diesel is superior unless all her miles are in the city. Also she won't be able to claim any VAT back on petrol, only diesel.

Is300h does about 45mpg on motorway..... Around city they aren't great TBH.

If buying privately the VAT reclaim on diesel is a non issue.

bazz26

OP, as it's here own company would she consider leasing as an option? I would presume she has an accountant, I'd talk to them about the possibility of leasing a brand new car through her business. The leasing charges will cover servicing, tyres, depreciation, etc. She will pay BIK but if most of that 45k km annual mileage is business mileage then the BIK might be more reasonable. She should definitely talk to her accountant and then based on that conversation look at leasing costs if it's workable.

kermitpwee

bazz26 wrote: »

Indeed, I'd expect a 2.0 litre Passat/Superb to average low 50s mpg on long runs all day long.

I would buy a diesel estate auto if I could turn back the clock, A6/Superb etc
I am risk averse so bought the is300h but paying for it at the pump

kermitpwee

Augeo wrote: »

Is300h does about 45mpg on motorway..... Around city they aren't great TBH.

If buying privately the VAT reclaim on diesel is a non issue.

Around the city they are brilliant and it won't do 45mpg at 120km/h if using cruise control

Rossdarragh1

Ya the leasing is something we need to look at a little closer. I had looked at it initially but the monthly fees associated with a lease put me off. Maybe when you weigh it all up the lease option might be best.

kermitpwee

kermitpwee wrote: »

Around the city they are brilliant and it won't do 45mpg at 120km/h if using cruise control

It will Cork to Dublin return..... Flicks into EV regular enough.
Around the city on short spins it does crap enough, 30mpg but on runs in 80kph limits we've seen high 50s mpg.
One I've experience of is on 17s

kermitpwee

Augeo wrote: »

It will Cork to Dublin return..... Flicks into EV regular enough.
Around the city on short spins it does crap enough, 30mpg but on runs in 80kph limits we've seen high 50s mpg.
One I've experience of is on 17s

Fair enough mine is a f sport so on 18s.
I have never seen mine go into EV mode at motorway speeds with cruise control on. In the city I find it brilliant tbh 55 plus if you put it in eco mode it runs the battery more.
Cruising at 70 to 80 kmh it will do high 50s alright

vectra

Mondeo 2.0 powershift,
Much more comfortable than the Passat.

maddness

As mentioned already a Superb is hard to beat for the money.
Cheap to run, massive inside and boot, reliable and plenty of choice.

kermitpwee

kermitpwee wrote: »

Fair enough mine is a f sport so on 18s.
I have never seen mine go into EV mode at motorway speeds with cruise control on. In the city I find it brilliant tbh 55 plus if you put it in eco mode it runs the battery more.
Cruising at 70 to 80 kmh it will do high 50s alright

If you are in the city for long periods / extensively 55 plus is impossible as the battery will be charged mainly from the engine. You'll see 55 plus alright but not over a tank of urban exclusive use. Regenerative braking isn't removing much in cities etc etc.

On motorways with cruise control on surely everytime you go down a gentle slope it goes into EV mode?

When I quote city mpg I'm referring to a week +or so of urban short spin use without going out of a 50kph zone.
Self charging hybrids are not great in that.

kermitpwee

Augeo wrote: »

If you are in the city for long periods / extensively 55 plus is impossible as the battery will be charged mainly from the engine. You'll see 55 plus alright but not over a tank of urban exclusive use. Regenerative braking isn't removing much in cities etc etc.

On motorways with cruise control on surely everytime you go down a gentle slope it goes into EV mode?

When I quote city mpg I'm referring to a week +or so of urban short spin use without going out of a 50kph zone.
Self charging hybrids are not great in that.

Hope your enjoying your Is300h, in cities in traffic I find it very easy to get very good mpg, I would actually get a lot better than 55mpg. Hybrids are designed for city use and that is where they are are at their best mpg wise for me anyway.
In regards to the EV light on a motorway. Yes if going downhill the EV light will off course come on when you have your foot off the throttle or when using cruise control the engine shuts off to stop the car accelerating above the required speed.
What mode do you use in the city? Eco or Normal?

For Forks Sake

The largest diesel Volvo you can get into budget for munching miles in comfort.

Probably won't get into an S90/V90 unless you go the leasing route, they've not depreciated that much on a straight deal.

route66

Some MPG Stats from my 3 years of IS300H use:

• Average over 3 years: 39.39 MPG (Calculated)
• Difference between Summer and Winter driving: Approx 10 MPG
• Best/Worst calculated tank to tank figure: 47.85/31.82 MPG
• Best trip MPG: 62.7 MPG (Gentle 50 mile M50 Motorway trip in summer)
• Best 120 KMPH Motorway trip: Galway to Dublin in summer 50.8 MPG

Fun Fact: In stop/start winter driving on a short run, switching the heater on to keep things demisted and warm means the engine runs 100% of the time so the Hybrid adds nothing. This is why consumption on short journeys in winter is nothing special. However, if you switch off the heating, the hybrid can work again - you just need to keep the windows open to prevent misting and you will also need to wrap up warm - bring the duvet from the bed

But the car you get is more than just about MPG. See my previous post for some of the other advantages. Your wife may also benefit from the green credentials associated with running a hybrid instead a diesel (however true).

The main thing for me is that it isn't a diesel. The smell, the noise, the maintenance costs.

Did I mention that I don't like diesels?

AMKC

route66 wrote: »

I'd recommend a Lexus IS300H - for these reasons:

• It's not a diesel (I'm very biased against diesels)
• It doesn't sound like a diesel - because it's a petrol hybrid
• It's a saloon and not an SUV
• It's one of the most reliable cars in it's class (no massive diesel surprise bills like Dual mass flywheel, EGR valve, etc)
• It's not based on a VW
• It has the low tax
• Its fuel consumption isn't too far behind a diesel

Click here to see a 2014 on sale for €16,900:


Spend a couple of grand over your budget and you could get the newer model - like this 2017 example: link

That is a class car. I looked for one when my brother was changing he had thought about buying a Prius but in the end went for a Volvo S60 diesel. They Lexus seem to hold there value very well and there was none at that price then. It's a good car the S60 but he was very disapointed that it does not have fog lights as standard and it's not as economical as his Peugeot 207 1.6 diesel was. The dealer said he would fit fogs but never did. Otherwise it has been very good.

maddness

route66 wrote: »

Some MPG Stats from my 3 years of IS300H use:

• Average over 3 years: 39.39 MPG (Calculated)
• Difference between Summer and Winter driving: Approx 10 MPG
• Best/Worst calculated tank to tank figure: 47.85/31.82 MPG
• Best trip MPG: 62.7 MPG (Gentle 50 mile M50 Motorway trip in summer)
• Best 120 KMPH Motorway trip: Galway to Dublin in summer 50.8 MPG

Fun Fact: In stop/start winter driving on a short run, switching the heater on to keep things demisted and warm means the engine runs 100% of the time so the Hybrid adds nothing. This is why consumption on short journeys in winter is nothing special. However, if you switch off the heating, the hybrid can work again - you just need to keep the windows open to prevent misting and you will also need to wrap up warm - bring the duvet from the bed

But the car you get is more than just about MPG. See my previous post for some of the other advantages. Your wife may also benefit from the green credentials associated with running a hybrid instead a diesel (however true).

The main thing for me is that it isn't a diesel. The smell, the noise, the maintenance costs.

Did I mention that I don't like diesels?

Yes but it has a cvt transmission...

route66

maddness wrote: »

Yes but it has a cvt transmission...

Because it has a CVT transmission

yes there

kermitpwee wrote: »

Around the city they are brilliant and it won't do 45mpg at 120km/h if using cruise control

It will and more 100%. I have one and does roughly 50 give or take.

99nsr125

route66 wrote: »

The main thing for me is that it isn't a diesel. The smell, the noise, the maintenance costs.

Did I mention that I don't like diesels?

Nothing like a bit of bias eh

A6 / 5-series / E-class / Big Volvo

Drive them all see which ones for you

Superb is a good car, or for variety a big Citroen with the proper hydrapneumatic suspension

Rossdarragh1

https://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/skoda/superb/fpa/202102139035682?journey=Search


I'm getting confused with the different ranges of superb. Is this the lowest spec?

Rossdarragh1

It seems like decent value? Not sure on the different ranges, is there a base model and then an SE range? I know the alloys are different but unsure after that.

bazz26

That SE is a UK spec. Ireland got Active, Ambition, Style, Sportline and the rare L&K. UK got alot more S, SE, SE Business, SE L, SE L Executive, Sportline and L&K I think.

Rossdarragh1

bazz26 wrote: »

That SE is a UK spec. Ireland got Active, Ambition, Style, Sportline and the rare L&K. UK got alot more S, SE, SE Business, SE L, SE L Executive, Sportline and L&K I think.

Does that mean the above car I posted originally came in from the UK. Whats the difference in the names active , ambition etc?

I'm also looking at this accord, had one before and loved it. Probably a little pricey

https://www.johnadamshonda.ie/Vehicles/Stock/1085897/1174/honda-accord-ex-diesel-automatic-low-mileage

bazz26

Yes it's a UK import. What would worry me about it is the cheap looking shiny leather seats. They could be aftermarket and given that Superbs are popular as taxis in the UK and fitting aftermarket leather seats is common enough on them.

The Accord is prehistoric at this stage, they were a good car but designed over a decade ago. As tidy as that car looks I wouldn't pay 10k for a 10 year old one.

kirving

99nsr125 wrote: »

Nothing like a bit of bias eh

A6 / 5-series / E-class / Big Volvo

Drive them all see which ones for you

For 45k km per year, I would find it very hard to look past this advice. For that kind of milage, you really want to be in a want to be in a well specced E-segment car like above.