Second "runaround" car recommendations?

mojesius

Hello!

We need a second car as I'll be returning to work in a few months after maternity leave and I have no clue what I should be looking at

We have two young children and the main family car is a SUV. Second car will be mainly for me commuting 3 days a week, mostly 15k each way on windy roads (south Wicklow) to train station, with the odd drive into Dublin cc (70km each way).

Budget 10-12k
Not another SUV
5 door
Something comfy to drive
Diesel/diesel hybrid
Saloon/ hatchback
At least 1.4 engine
Oldest 2015

I saw a couple of 2015 Prius hybrids for this price range. Would that be a good option or am I better off sticking to Diesel?

Other cars I was looking at: Hyundai i30, octavia, ford focus.

Any advice or recommendations appreciated!

colm_mcm

I wonder if a Nissan Leaf would work for the Dublin CC runs?

bazz26

Look at either a petrol, hybrid or electric if have home charging facilities.

mojesius

colm_mcm wrote: »

I wonder if a Nissan Leaf would work for the Dublin CC runs?

Thank you Colm. I'm not a huge fan of the Leaf and wouldn't have access to a charge point where I park in Dublin. If I was going down that route, I'd prefer a self-charging hybrid

I was thinking about diesel as I'm so used to a diesel as our family car, and it definitely gets the long runs. However, maybe a petrol/petrol hybrid is better for this second car as I'll only be doing the longer drive in it 1-2 times max per week.

These new WFH norms are a bit of a headmelt when it comes to picking a car. Can't justify a huge budget, but need something reliable and comfy to drive!!

zg3409

Firstly will you use car to drop kids to creche or do you need kid car seats in the back?
Do you need buggy space in the boot?

Physically the best thing is to bring actual car seat with you and fit it in behind driver seat and see does driver fit. Also check partner if taller. Many child seats these days are massive and need large car. Similar with non push chair single or double buggies.

Full electric not worth it if doing little mileage. For 15+15km per day commute petrol, non hybrid is best. Pick a size car based on back seat and boot needs. Then search for that size and try actual car seat.Diesels aren't suited to short runs and electric are relatively expensive for what you get with little upside for short commute.

Hyundai have lots of small, medium, large cars, Toyota too, vw, seat too. You need to say for example bigger than a fiesta, focus, bigger than a golf etc. What exact car do you have now and do you need same boot size, same back seat distance to driver seat? Do you need room for a middle passanger in the back? You might be better going to a non main dealer and try a few if you do not know what you want.

mojesius

zg3409 wrote: »

Firstly will you use car to drop kids to creche or do you need kid car seats in the back?
Do you need buggy space in the boot?

Physically the best thing is to bring actual car seat with you and fit it in behind driver seat and see does driver fit. Also check partner if taller. Many child seats these days are massive and need large car. Similar with non push chair single or double buggies.

Full electric not worth it if doing little mileage. For 15+15km per day commute petrol, non hybrid is best. Pick a size car based on back seat and boot needs. Then search for that size and try actual car seat.Diesels aren't suited to short runs and electric are relatively expensive for what you get with little upside for short commute.

Hyundai have lots of small, medium, large cars, Toyota too, vw, seat too. You need to say for example bigger than a fiesta, focus, bigger than a golf etc. What exact car do you have now and do you need same boot size, same back seat distance to driver seat? Do you need room for a middle passanger in the back? You might be better going to a non main dealer and try a few if you do not know what you want.

Thanks a mill zg.

No plans to use this car for kids as the main family car will be the one we use for carrying them around and meets our needs in that regard. I suppose this car is a stop-gap to us needing two bigger cars when the kids get older and have separate schedules/activities etc.

Thinking about it more, would probably be looking at focus, i30, ceed sized car. I don't want something too small. Had an 08 sports astra pre kids and liked everything from the size to the handling, but probably best to get a 5 door for the odd time I need to transfer a car seat into the back.

Will check out second hand dealers for petrols that size. I love golfs, a few I know have them but they're a bit pricey for my price range unless I go a lot older.

NIMAN

mojesius wrote: »

Thank you Colm. I'm not a huge fan of the Leaf and wouldn't have access to a charge point where I park in Dublin. If I was going down that route, I'd prefer a self-charging hybrid

For your mileage you could do all your charging at home.

I think you'd be crazy to be buying a diesel, but that's just me I suppose. Not suited to low mileage as well.

If you are totally ruling out an ev, would you not consider one of the Toyota hybrids, like maybe an Auris or Prius?

mojesius

NIMAN wrote: »

For your mileage you could do all your charging at home.

I think you'd be crazy to be buying a diesel, but that's just me I suppose. Not suited to low mileage as well.

If you are totally ruling out an ev, would you not consider one of the Toyota hybrids, like maybe an Auris or Prius?

Yeah good points here regarding diesel. I guess I'm so used to driving them but doesn't make sense with the mileage. I saw a couple of priuses there and will also check out the auris. Thank you!