>2017 2 litre 50+mpg under £15Kstg

Greenlights16

Budget - £14K sterling (buying from UK into NI)
Body type - Saloon, SUV/hatchback (in order of preference)
Transmission - automatic
Year from - 2017 (would consider a high spec very clean 2016)
Ideally 2.0litre engine upwards , but I’m aware 1.6s now can be just as powerful etc?
Fuel consumption - 50mpg+ a must. Will be doing 220km round trip 2-3 times per week. Rest of the time small short journeys of less than 20miles or barely moving.
Always been a diesel head, but no preference now, open to anything.


Looking at:

Audi - A6 saloon nice, test drove one a few weeks ago. A5s nice but a bit pricier. No to A4s or a3s

BMW - test drove a 520D M sport recently, great car, very comfortable, but I’ve heard a lot they’re expensive to service, tyres and repair etc? Very common. I just don’t get what the big attraction is, but I’d happily sail around in a 5 series.

Ford - new focus are class (2018 on).

Merc - C & E class deadly cars, maybe a bit too low to the ground and feel every bump in the road? That was an E400d AMG I drove of a friends.

Peugeot 508 - don’t know enough about them at all but look smart

Seat Ateca is a lovely jeep. Test Drove older 2014/2015 Leon and hated it compared with a golf or Audi.

Skoda superb - would be the sensible option, but cannot get away from the fact they’re a PSNI car and a Garda car. Just can’t.

VW Passat - looking very closely out of all of this list at Passat GT & R lines. Seem like a good match.

VW golf - I’ve driven Mk4, MK5, MK6 (current) and MK7, so I guess you could say I’m after a change! However this is class https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102189217730

Buddy Bubs

1.6 aren't as powerful as 2.0, they are as powerful as some older 2.0 but not like for like on modern stuff.

Most 1.6 will be in the 110bhp to 150bhp bracket, 2.0 cars generally start at 150bhp and go up to around 200bhp in the likes of Audi, Merc, BMW, Jag.

You've listed 11 cars in your shortlist as far as I can see! Quite diverse list. Saloons, hatchbacks and coupes in there. You may have the luxury of picking whatever car you like and thats great.

Tradeoff between newer machines like a golf or focus or dropping back a few years for the likes of the A5, A6, E Class, 5 series, Jag XE and XF which can be twice the price of the golf or focus when new.
They'll all do the job, the higher end stuff will be quieter and more comfortable in general but will cost more in long run, bigger tyres, more oil capacity, higher fuel consumption, servicing can be dearer in places.

I'd personally always drop back the years and get the car I want rather than the number plate I want.

Ranking your list for driving 220kms a day I'd go with the following:

1) A6/5 SERIES/E CLASS - TAKE YOUR PICK

2) C CLASS/PEUGEOT 508/SUPERB/PASSAT

3) A5

4) GOLF/FOCUS

5) ATECA

Greenlights16

Thanks BuddyBulb.

Yep number 1 is comfort and fuel economy. After that a little bit of luxury feeling would be preferable. I want to feel like I’m getting into a newer car than a 2011 golf, that’s the only thing with the Passat it looks very similar inside with a few modern upgrades.

Thought an SUV might be more comfortable for longer drives but I don’t like anything out there in my budget, I’ve minor lower back issues occasionally. So I definitely won’t be going for a sports/bucket type seats you get in M sport BMWs etc.

On your ranking I’d prob agree.

From test driving the 2016 A6 saloon (not S line) and 2017 520D m sport a few weeks ago, I did prefer the BMW.
Audi was very sturdy, solid and stuck to the road.
BMW interior maybe a bit more luxurious but all the controls seemed a tad fiddly.

My mechanic doesn’t want me to stray outside VW/Audi/Seat/Skoda but he would say that as that’s what he’s used to working with!

Volvo 190hp

https://www.usedcarsni.com/2017-Volvo-V40-2-0-D4-190-Inscription-5dr-Geartronic-278382115?search_type=1&make=33&fuel_type=0&age_from=2017&price_from=0&user_type=0&model=17108690&trans_type=2&age_to=0&price_to=15000&mileage_to=0&keywords=&location%5B%5D=0&body_style=0

Greenlights16

Deleted User wrote: »

Volvo 190hp

https://www.usedcarsni.com/2017-Volvo-V40-2-0-D4-190-Inscription-5dr-Geartronic-278382115?search_type=1&make=33&fuel_type=0&age_from=2017&price_from=0&user_type=0&model=17108690&trans_type=2&age_to=0&price_to=15000&mileage_to=0&keywords=&location%5B%5D=0&body_style=0

Funnily enough I was looking at this car yesterday Lorenzo! They have a VW Passat up as well, SE business.

Other half is very keen on V40s for her next one but hasn’t driven one yet, coming from a Ford Fiesta. She’s done a bit of research and the reviews out there on V40s aren’t great?

colm_mcm

The V40 is quite small inside, the boot is especially tight.

Greenlights16

colm_mcm wrote: »

The V40 is quite small inside, the boot is especially tight.

Her fiesta is small inside and doesn’t feel safe on the motorway with any sort of a wind so that doesn’t sound great!

colm_mcm

It’s just a bit tight inside compared to some of the stuff on your list. Similar to an A3 Sportback. it’s still a Volvo and isn’t comparable to a Fiesta in terms of driving.

I’m trying to make sense of your list. You’d consider an A6 but not an A4, then you’re talking Golf/Ateca
Maybe it’s just personal preference and not based on things like size.

Greenlights16

colm_mcm wrote: »

It’s just a bit tight inside compared to some of the stuff on your list. Similar to an A3 Sportback. it’s still a Volvo and isn’t comparable to a Fiesta in terms of driving.

I’m trying to make sense of your list. You’d consider an A6 but not an A4, then you’re talking Golf/Ateca
Maybe it’s just personal preference and not based on things like size.

Yeah it’s really looks to be honest. To a car enthusiast (I assume you are as one of the regulars on here! ) it prob doesn’t make sense.

I like the look of the Ateca and it ticks the mpg box but I haven’t driven one so I’m not sure.
The A4 is probably a fantastic car and suits my needs but I just personally would not want one, they’re nothing special to me.

Golf is what I know and hard to get away from but I won’t buy one next, would like something more premium (which I realize now an Ateca is prob not)
I don’t like cars which are very common and you see Mk7 golfs and A4s everywhere. I realize this is a bit hypocritical as you see most audis and BMW 3/5 series everywhere because that’s why they’re the best sellers..
I’ll admit lunacy

colm_mcm

I know they’re out a while, but would you so consider a Volvo S60/V60. That 2.0 190 engine is a cracker.
I couldn’t find one in the right colour/spec when I was changing last time, but it was in the shortlist.

Greenlights16

Very nice car, looking at them now.

I love the new S90 until you see the back of it. The lights just ruin the whole thing and the big awkward back on it!!

colm_mcm

Greenlights16 wrote: »

Very nice car, looking at them now.

I love the new S90 until you see the back of it. The lights just ruin the whole thing and the big awkward back on it!!

It’ll grow on you.

AMKC

How about a BMW,

https://www.usedcarsni.com/2017-BMW-3-Series-SPORT-AUTO-268746928?keywords=&make=2&model=139959&fuel_type=0&trans_type=2&age_from=2017&age_to=0&price_from=0&price_to=15000&user_type=0&mileage_to=0&body_style=0&keywords=&location%5B%5D=0&location%5B%5D=0&homepage_search_attr=1&tab_id=0&search_type=1

The V40 is a lovely car too and the D4 is a good engine. The brother has it in an S60 and loves it.

The Peugeot 508 certainly stands out but if you have back problems it might not be for you as they are very low and might have a harsh ride. The Volvo seats are lovely and great for people with back issues.

Greenlights16

AMKC wrote: »

How about a BMW,

https://www.usedcarsni.com/2017-BMW-3-Series-SPORT-AUTO-268746928?keywords=&make=2&model=139959&fuel_type=0&trans_type=2&age_from=2017&age_to=0&price_from=0&price_to=15000&user_type=0&mileage_to=0&body_style=0&keywords=&location%5B%5D=0&location%5B%5D=0&homepage_search_attr=1&tab_id=0&search_type=1

The V40 is a lovely car too and the D4 is a good engine. The brother has it in an S60 and loves it.

The Peugeot 508 certainly stands out but if you have back problems it might not be for you as they are very low and might have a harsh ride. The Volvo seats are lovely and great for people with back issues.

Class BMW! Very nice one.

I just think the S60 doesn’t look quite as nice as the other models. No doubt a good car though.

I am looking at UK auctions and on auto trader on mainland UK, you can get the odd decent deal in NI but most trade sellers have their cut on it from bringing it over from England. With a transporter to take it home and or/ferry over & back to look at it it’s prob 6 of one and half a dozen of the other.

Small, but focus small, not fiesta small, the v40. Feels assured on the road

bazz26

Volvo v40 shares a lot of DNA with the Mk3 Ford Focus. As said they are tight enough in the back and boot. Feels more upmarket though and they switched from 1.6d to their own 2.0d engine when Ford sold Volvo mid way through the v40's life.

Greenlights16

Yeah I wouldn’t drive one now personally myself, it’s for the other half.. If I had the money the only Volvo I’d look at to splash money on would be an XC40/60/90, the new model jeeps.

Greenlights16

Buddybulbs how does a 3 series feature in among your rankings?

Buddy Bubs

Greenlights16 wrote: »

Buddybulbs how does a 3 series feature in among your rankings?

Where you'd expect it really, in with the likes of the c class, Peugeot 508 etc. Maybe in with A5 for comfort. Still have one over golf, focus or ateca though.

I test drove a 330e msport plus over Xmas and I found it slightly too firm but that was over speed bumps etc. I'd say it would have been grand on an open road.
Nice car apart from that.

Personally, I like the a6 and 5 series comfort levels the others just below it. You've expressed a preference for SE and prioritising comfort so I don't think you're looking for a sporty machine, I'd stick with the a6 5 series and e class type. Peugeot will be very comfortable too, they always are. Closer to the 5 series than 3 series I'd say.

colm_mcm

What cars does your wife like?

kirving

Greenlights16 wrote: »

Class BMW! Very nice one.

Don't be fooled by the M Performance kit and the wheels, aside from the auto box that car is relatively low spec.

While you're in diesel territory, you'd probably only be paying a tenner a week more in a petrol given that it cost about the same as diesel in NI. Certainly worth considering, a 1k premium on a diesel would take up to 2 years to pay off.

For 450-700k per week, I'd be aiming for an E Class / 5 series / A6. You get out of a bigger car like that and don't feel the journey at all.

Greenlights16

kirving wrote: »

Don't be fooled by the M Performance kit and the wheels, aside from the auto box that car is relatively low spec.

While you're in diesel territory, you'd probably only be paying a tenner a week more in a petrol given that it cost about the same as diesel in NI. Certainly worth considering, a 1k premium on a diesel would take up to 2 years to pay off.

For 450-700k per week, I'd be aiming for an E Class / 5 series / A6. You get out of a bigger car like that and don't feel the journey at all.

Yeah it’ll be 450km at the very most ever. Some weeks maybe only the 220km round trip once.

Agreed about the bigger luxury car

Zurbaran

I’d be prioritising something that has radar cruise if I was doing that mileage. Think it was standard on Volvo s90’s from 2017.

Not sure if standard on the ones in the list?

Greenlights16

Just looked it up there, good extra to have. Is this not similar to adaptive cruise control?

Zurbaran

Greenlights16 wrote: »

Just looked it up there, good extra to have. Is this not similar to adaptive cruise control?

It’s the same thing. As you want comfort it would be a top priority along with seat and ride comfort if it was me.

Greenlights16

Is WLTP the most realistic mpg figures out there?

Using the following website on my Golf 6 2011 it throws up the urban, extra urban and combined figures. However I’m taking from it that the “estimated test consumption” is more likely to be the real world figure of 47mpg?

https://motoreu.com/volkswagen-golf-1.6-tdi-bmt-mpg-fuel-consumption-technical-specifications-170674

I thought it would be hard to get something as easy on fuel as it, but looking at the figures from some of the cars on the list and suggested here , even the BMWs and Audis, they’re even better despite being bigger and more powerful.

Automatic and picking a higher spec / higher HP in the cars (which generally means nicer looking) over the entry level models seems to lower the mpg figures, but not in all cases.

Buddy Bubs

If you're talking about the likes of A6 and 5 series, it's very unlikely they'll be better than your golf on fuel.
Bigger engine, bigger car...more fuel. Might not be much heavier on a motorway run but in mixed use, they'll use a bit more

nsnoefc1878

Deleted User wrote: »

Volvo 190hp

https://www.usedcarsni.com/2017-Volvo-V40-2-0-D4-190-Inscription-5dr-Geartronic-278382115?search_type=1&make=33&fuel_type=0&age_from=2017&price_from=0&user_type=0&model=17108690&trans_type=2&age_to=0&price_to=15000&mileage_to=0&keywords=&location%5B%5D=0&body_style=0

Why does that website bury the price right down the bottom? Very annoying.

nsnoefc1878

colm_mcm wrote: »

I know they’re out a while, but would you so consider a Volvo S60/V60. That 2.0 190 engine is a cracker.
I couldn’t find one in the right colour/spec when I was changing last time, but it was in the shortlist.

The d4? I've that in my 2017 v90, its the biggest weakpoint in the car for me.

colm_mcm

nsnoefc1878 wrote: »

The d4? I've that in my 2017 v90, its the biggest weakpoint in the car for me.

Weak point in what way?

nsnoefc1878

colm_mcm wrote: »

Weak point in what way?

It's a bit agricultural for me, could be a lot smoother. I'd expect better in a premium car.

LasersGoPewPew

nsnoefc1878 wrote: »

It's a bit agricultural for me, could be a lot smoother. I'd expect better in a premium car.

You can get the polestar remap done at a Volvo dealer for 800 euro. It fixes the gearbox issues, makes gear changes smoother and gives it a bit of extra poke.

https://engineered.polestar.com/ie/product/optimisation/s90-d4-drive-e-fwd-automatic-2017

kirving

I test drove the D4 and liked it smooth enough and powerful, but the gearbox was rubbish. Couldn't decide on a gear when accelerating to save its life.

nsnoefc1878

LasersGoPewPew wrote: »

You can get the polestar remap done at a Volvo dealer for 800 euro. It fixes the gearbox issues, makes gear changes smoother and gives it a bit of extra poke.

https://engineered.polestar.com/ie/product/optimisation/s90-d4-drive-e-fwd-automatic-2017

Have it already, makes a huge difference.

nsnoefc1878

kirving wrote: »

I test drove the D4 and liked it smooth enough and powerful, but the gearbox was rubbish. Couldn't decide on a gear when accelerating to save its life.

Yeah, it can take a bit of time especially in eco mode, can be very slow to react. Has plenty of torque tho

Greenlights16

Thanks for all the help.

Have narrowed it down to the following, probably try to pick one up in the next month or so once I sell my own:

Merc E220D 9G Tronic 194hp 2016-18 - 51mpg £14995 2017 42kmiles

BMW 520d eff dyn steptronic 2017-18 190hp - 51mpg £16500 2017 60kmiles

Audi A6 2.0TDi ultra SE exec S-tronic 190bhp - 46mpg AT £14300 2017 35kmiles


Outliers were the VW Passat, Peugeot 508 and Volvo S90. I just can’t like the S90s looks at the back, find it quite ugly.

LasersGoPewPew

nsnoefc1878 wrote: »

Yeah, it can take a bit of time especially in eco mode, can be very slow to react. Has plenty of torque tho

What's the gearbox like when in comfort mode with the polestar remap? Would it be close to the DSG box of a 520d or Audi S-Tronic??

Buddy Bubs

Greenlights16 wrote: »

Thanks for all the help.

Have narrowed it down to the following, probably try to pick one up in the next month or so once I sell my own:

Merc E220D 9G Tronic 194hp 2016-18 - 51mpg £14995 2017 42kmiles

BMW 520d eff dyn steptronic 2017-18 190hp - 51mpg £16500 2017 60kmiles

Audi A6 2.0TDi ultra SE exec S-tronic 150bhp - 46mpg AT £14300 2017 35kmiles


Outliers were the VW Passat, Peugeot 508 and Volvo S90. I just can’t like the S90s looks at the back, find it quite ugly.

Theres a 190bhp A6 too, most of them would be 190 actually. That's what I have, I almost bought a 150 accidentally. Not sure what it's like, but I'd imagine I'd miss the 40bhp.

roryj

For variety, look at an top spec Alfa Giulietta Quadrifoglio. 2.0 Jtdm diesels will do towards 60mpg. <£15k should get you a 2017/ 2018.
You'd need £18k to get into a Giulia.
😱😱. Seriously have a look , after you get over the ludicrous suggestion 😀.

Greenlights16

Buddy Bubs wrote: »

Theres a 190bhp A6 too, most of them would be 190 actually. That's what I have, I almost bought a 150 accidentally. Not sure what it's like, but I'd imagine I'd miss the 40bhp.

Yeah I’m just seeing the 190hp put out the same mpg figures as well so that’s a no brainer. Worth paying extra for an S line in your opinion?

Greenlights16

roryj wrote: »

For variety, look at an top spec Alfa Giulietta Quadrifoglio. 2.0 Jtdm diesels will do towards 60mpg. <£15k should get you a 2017/ 2018.
You'd need £18k to get into a Giulia.
&#55357;&#56881;&#55357;&#56881;. Seriously have a look , after you get over the ludicrous suggestion &#55357;&#56832;.

Ahh no I can’t like them! I’d say they’re an acquired taste, my father drove one in England on hire from the airport though and loved it.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012147088309

The Giulia on the other hand is very nice though

Buddy Bubs

Greenlights16 wrote: »

Yeah I’m just seeing the 190hp put out the same mpg figures as well so that’s a no brainer. Worth paying extra for an S line in your opinion?

In my opinion, yes. They look much better. Doesn't have to be S Line to get 190 though

nsnoefc1878

LasersGoPewPew wrote: »

What's the gearbox like when in comfort mode with the polestar remap? Would it be close to the DSG box of a 520d or Audi S-Tronic??

Polestar map has no impact on comfort mode as far as I'm aware, it's a standalone driving mode. Comfort mode is ok, much better than eco which is frankly shocking and I can't believe they sell the car like that.
Not driven either of those two so can't say unfortunately.

nsnoefc1878

roryj wrote: »

For variety, look at an top spec Alfa Giulietta Quadrifoglio. 2.0 Jtdm diesels will do towards 60mpg. <£15k should get you a 2017/ 2018.
You'd need £18k to get into a Giulia.
😱😱. Seriously have a look , after you get over the ludicrous suggestion 😀.

My brother has a Giulia veloce petrol, drove it for the first time yesterday, the handling is incredible.

LasersGoPewPew

Greenlights16 wrote: »

Thanks for all the help.

Have narrowed it down to the following, probably try to pick one up in the next month or so once I sell my own:

Merc E220D 9G Tronic 194hp 2016-18 - 51mpg £14995 2017 42kmiles

BMW 520d eff dyn steptronic 2017-18 190hp - 51mpg £16500 2017 60kmiles

Audi A6 2.0TDi ultra SE exec S-tronic 150bhp - 46mpg AT £14300 2017 35kmiles


Outliers were the VW Passat, Peugeot 508 and Volvo S90. I just can’t like the S90s looks at the back, find it quite ugly.

What are the optional extras for each of zee germans? I would pick the E220D if it has the upgraded command screen. I believe the w213 comes with pre-sense/collision mitigating braking as standard. And it is generally more reliable than the other two. The A6 would feel very underwhelming at 150hp. I was a passenger in a 2018 E220d in Germany, it was really comfortable and felt quick for the size of the car.

Greenlights16

LasersGoPewPew wrote: »

What are the optional extras for each of zee germans? I would pick the E220D if it has the upgraded command screen. I believe the w213 comes with pre-sense/collision mitigating braking as standard. And it is generally more reliable than the other two. The A6 would feel very underwhelming at 150hp. I was a passenger in a 2018 E220d in Germany, it was really comfortable and felt quick for the size of the car.

Im not sure on that to be honest. Are optional extras not something you only have the choice for when ordering new from a dealer/manufacturer?

Yeh I updated it there to 190bhp.

Haven’t heard that many bad reports about Merc or Audi, it’s the BMW everyone tells me to stay away from with regard to servicing costs, parts, tyres etc.

Back wheel drive in the Merc and BMW would lean me towards the Audi

PowerToWait

Greenlights16 wrote: »

Thanks for all the help.

Have narrowed it down to the following, probably try to pick one up in the next month or so once I sell my own:

Merc E220D 9G Tronic 194hp 2016-18 - 51mpg £14995 2017 42kmiles

BMW 520d eff dyn steptronic 2017-18 190hp - 51mpg £16500 2017 60kmiles

Audi A6 2.0TDi ultra SE exec S-tronic 190bhp - 46mpg AT £14300 2017 35kmiles


Outliers were the VW Passat, Peugeot 508 and Volvo S90. I just can’t like the S90s looks at the back, find it quite ugly.

I have the Merc. It’s a very impressive cruiser, seriously comfortable, sits at 150 kph at 1800 rpm, magic carpet. Don’t notice the journey as another poster remarked. It’s a big bus mind you.

Greenlights16

PowerToWait wrote: »

I have the Merc. It’s a very impressive cruiser, seriously comfortable, sits at 150 kph at 1800 rpm, magic carpet. Don’t notice the journey as another poster remarked. It’s a big bus mind you.

How do you find it on fuel?

Wailin

Greenlights16 wrote: »

Haven’t heard that many bad reports about Merc or Audi, it’s the BMW everyone tells me to stay away from with regard to servicing costs, parts, tyres etc.

They're all pretty much identical when it comes to servicing, parts, tyres etc. It just comes down to personal preference.

Out of the three brands, BMW warranty and goodwill is top notch (if buying main dealer).

vectra

Passat 2.0 B8 is a very economical car.
Comfortable as well, could be worth a look.

Mondeo MK5 is very comfortable, You wont see 50+ mpg though out of the 2.0 diesel unless you drive very easy.

Ateca is very comfortable as well but because of it being an SUV you will hardly get the mpg there either.

Best of both worlds would be the Passat 2.0

Greenlights16

vectra wrote: »

Passat 2.0 B8 is a very economical car.
Comfortable as well, could be worth a look.

Mondeo MK5 is very comfortable, You wont see 50+ mpg though out of the 2.0 diesel unless you drive very easy.

Ateca is very comfortable as well but because of it being an SUV you will hardly get the mpg there either.

Best of both worlds would be the Passat 2.0

Looked at them very closely, the most economical ones are the 1.6 TDI or bigger 2.0 Bluemotion at 150bhp. If I was buying I preferred the GT and R line models for their looks but I’ve read that because these models have bigger 18” wheels it takes away a bit of comfort and adds road noise.
Same with all really! Looks vs comfort .

Not sure if changing from a standard Audi to an S line affects comfort or its suspension is any lower..

AMG in Merc and M Sport in BMW are prob for me to avoid.