Diesel car 30K budget

CIP4

Currently have an Octavia 2.0TDI 150bhp 2017. I am doing a lot of miles currently and will be for the next couple of years. I am at a bit of a cross roads and need to decide do I hold onto the Octavia for another couple of years clock up a lot of miles on it and move it on then. It's a great car but the spec is low on it and it makes it a bit plain and boring. Plus its high mileage for its year already.

I am conscious my last few cars are all VAG and just set this thread up to see if people have any good suggestions of other brands or indeed VAG ones my considerations at the minute are A4/A5 around 2018 or do I try get a high spec new model Octavia, Golf or Leon. I like the 3 and 4 series but know nothing about BMWs and would they be quite expensive maintenance wise if doing big miles.

The main criteria would be:

- Unfortunately has to be a diesel engine capable of doing 50+ MPG on long Motorway trips
-Ideally 150bhp upwards but not dead set on that
-Has to be reliable so I am going to say 2016 upwards as I really don't want something 10 years old with yearly NCTs and all that. I really don't want to go backwards from the Octavia here and have something troublesome
-Budget say around 30K ish
-A good spec is important Xenon/LED headlights, Cruise control, decent seats etc.
-Transmission wise can be Auto/Manual I don't really have a massive preference

TBH if I don't find something I am excited about buying I will plough on with the Octavia.

Buddy Bubs

It's ultimately your call if you prefer a new car in more or less same class as your own or if you'll be happy with a car a few years old in a higher class.

Personally, I'd go for a low mileage a6/5series if you're doing big miles just for the extra comfort but you'll struggle to get an 18 in either...maybe an 18 old model a6 but not the current one. You'll get a current model 520d but 18 might be tough.

Up to you of course but that's where I'd be headed. A4/a5 you'll get an 18 maybe a 19.

PaulRyan97

Something like a Volkswagen Arteon may interest you.
https://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/volkswagen/arteon/fpa/202103029637018?journey=Search

Or if you are interested in a Golf and want something sporty you could try a GTD.
https://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/volkswagen/golf/fpa/202103190343517?journey=Search

CIP4

@BB yes the current model 520d is a nice looking car not sure was it 2017 they came out which 17 reg would be fine. Only thing is not sure would they do 50 MPG I am just more conscious on economy as when doing 60K km a year it does add up.

@PR Yes I have always liked the Arteon drove a petrol one once and it was a nice car feels a bit more special than the Passat. GTD I had a GTI before probably wouldn't bother going the GTD route.

https://www.carzone.ie/search?make=Volvo&model=S90&minYear=2017%20(172)&maxPrice=35000&minPrice=25000
Long range motorway cruising and want comfort?
Volvo S90
D4 is officially 55mpg (so 45-50 in real world?)

passatman86

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/seat-leon-fr-2-0tdi-150bhp-dsg-st-2-9-apr-pcp/24516815

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/181-audi-a6-2-0-tdi-ultra-sline-black-edition/26968574

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-4-series-420-m-sport-estoril-blue-19-a/27024301

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/volkswagen-arteon-2-0tdi-elegance-huge-specificat/27645763

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/volvo-s90-inscription-190bhp-automatic/27418704

Few ideas. You seem to be in a grand car as it is tbh

Buddy Bubs

CIP4 wrote: »

@BB yes the current model 520d is a nice looking car not sure was it 2017 they came out which 17 reg would be fine. Only thing is not sure would they do 50 MPG I am just more conscious on economy as when doing 60K km a year it does add up.
.

Close to 50 anyway. If you want to get 50mpg you could achieve it, lots of motorway sticking to speed limit I reckon it would. I've an a6 2.0 tdi and I'd get 50 on a leisurely motorway drive, if I push it over the 120 it will go below it. My mixed long term average in it is 40 mpg but I wouldn't spend huge time on motorways. As far as I know the newer 520d is slightly more efficient than what I have.

Matthewjohn

BiTDI Passat:
https://www.carsireland.ie/2791498

CIP4

Matthewjohn wrote: »

BiTDI Passat:
https://www.carsireland.ie/2791498

I think that is so cool looks like a completely normal Passat quick google shows 37-40mpg so just not feasible for me if I was doing like 25k km per year I would be seriously consider it.

bazz26

That's not a BiTDi Passat in the advert. They never came with a manual gearbox and I think they were phased out by the time the facelifted infotainment system arrived in the Passat. Motorcheck shows it as a normal 2.0 TDI GT.

Truckermal

bazz26 wrote: »

That's not a BiTDi Passat in the advert. They never came with a manual gearbox and I think they were phased out by the time the facelifted infotainment system arrived in the Passat. Motorcheck shows it as a normal 2.0 TDI GT.

No sense of occasion driving one either... OP how about a GTI?

GustavoFring

40-45 to the gallon do? 330d. Comfy, quick, drive well. Honestly compared to a 2l superb there was 5-10% difference in the economy and it was twice the car.

CIP4

bazz26 wrote: »

That's not a BiTDi Passat in the advert. They never came with a manual gearbox and I think they were phased out by the time the facelifted infotainment system arrived in the Passat. Motorcheck shows it as a normal 2.0 TDI GT.

I was thinking the spec was weird in terms of it only having Halogen lights, the manual gearbox and no 4 motion badging.

Ash.J.Williams

CIP4 wrote: »

Currently have an Octavia 2.0TDI 150bhp 2017. I am doing a lot of miles currently and will be for the next couple of years. I am at a bit of a cross roads and need to decide do I hold onto the Octavia for another couple of years clock up a lot of miles on it and move it on then. It's a great car but the spec is low on it and it makes it a bit plain and boring. Plus its high mileage for its year already.

I am conscious my last few cars are all VAG and just set this thread up to see if people have any good suggestions of other brands or indeed VAG ones my considerations at the minute are A4/A5 around 2018 or do I try get a high spec new model Octavia, Golf or Leon. I like the 3 and 4 series but know nothing about BMWs and would they be quite expensive maintenance wise if doing big miles.

The main criteria would be:

- Unfortunately has to be a diesel engine capable of doing 50+ MPG on long Motorway trips
-Ideally 150bhp upwards but not dead set on that
-Has to be reliable so I am going to say 2016 upwards as I really don't want something 10 years old with yearly NCTs and all that. I really don't want to go backwards from the Octavia here and have something troublesome
-Budget say around 30K ish
-A good spec is important Xenon/LED headlights, Cruise control, decent seats etc.
-Transmission wise can be Auto/Manual I don't really have a massive preference

TBH if I don't find something I am excited about buying I will plough on with the Octavia.

Saw two Volvo s90’s this week, beauts

CIP4

GustavoFring wrote: »

40-45 to the gallon do? 330d. Comfy, quick, drive well. Honestly compared to a 2l superb there was 5-10% difference in the economy and it was twice the car.

Thing with the 330d is were most not estate I only like the saloon shape in the 3 series. Generally not into estates. My biggest concern with going BMW would be servicing cost and cost of putting issues right.

GustavoFring

CIP4 wrote: »

Thing with the 330d is were most not estate I only like the saloon shape in the 3 series. Generally not into estates. My biggest concern with going BMW would be servicing cost and cost of putting issues right.

You can get them in saloon and estate, 4 series if you want something nicer looking then.

Servicing isn’t mad, but from a main dealer and you’ll get two years unlimited mileage warranty. At your mileage it’d make sense.

CIP4

Truckermal wrote: »

No sense of occasion driving one either... OP how about a GTI?

My preference is petrol cars but can't justify one to do 60k kms a year in. Diesels suit long motorway journeys day in day out. Also been there done that with the GTI the attention they attract is not worth it to me.

artanevilla

Get an Alfa into you:

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/alfa-romeo-giulia-2-2-jtd-super-sport-auto-sat-na/27149864

mgn

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/mercedes-benz-c-class-c220d-sport/27507927

Have a look at the likes of the MB C220d, nice smooth car on motorway and you can get up to 55/60 mpg.

bazz26

CIP4 wrote: »

Thing with the 330d is were most not estate I only like the saloon shape in the 3 series. Generally not into estates. My biggest concern with going BMW would be servicing cost and cost of putting issues right.

Here you go, it's expensive but prices are on the rise because Brexit and VRT increases have made them less attractive to import now:



https://www.carsireland.ie/2763907

L-M

At 60,000kms a year you're nuts to buy anything but a New Octavia.

3 year 150,000km warranty. Rinse and repeat.

Order adaptive cruise.

You’re going to get nothing for your car with presumably 180kms plus on it unless you go new, and for the same franchise.

nsnoefc1878

Deleted User wrote: »

https://www.carzone.ie/search?make=Volvo&model=S90&minYear=2017%20(172)&maxPrice=35000&minPrice=25000
Long range motorway cruising and want comfort?
Volvo S90
D4 is officially 55mpg (so 45-50 in real world?)

Have a d4 v90, I'd recommend the polestar upgrade to anyone getting the d4.

Truckermal

artanevilla wrote: »

Get an Alfa into you:

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/alfa-romeo-giulia-2-2-jtd-super-sport-auto-sat-na/27149864

I still prefer the styling of the old model, lovely motor though..

nsnoefc1878

artanevilla wrote: »

Get an Alfa into you:

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/alfa-romeo-giulia-2-2-jtd-super-sport-auto-sat-na/27149864

You can't buy an alfa and get a diesel!
My brother has the Giulia veloce, its an amazing car.

nsnoefc1878

L-M wrote: »

At 60,000kms a year you're nuts to buy anything but a New Octavia.

3 year 150,000km warranty. Rinse and repeat.

Order adaptive cruise.

You’re going to get nothing for your car with presumably 180kms plus on it unless you go new, and for the same franchise.

That's the voice of reason there. Can't argue with that at all really.

CIP4

L-M wrote: »

At 60,000kms a year you're nuts to buy anything but a New Octavia.

3 year 150,000km warranty. Rinse and repeat.

Order adaptive cruise.

You’re going to get nothing for your car with presumably 180kms plus on it unless you go new, and for the same franchise.

Yes I did have this thought alright by buying new/demo you are guaranteeing yourself maintenance wise with the warranty plus Skoda cheap servicing. The car is in for a service next week so I will get a cost on a new one to see. A style spec new model is a lot nicer than my current model definitely.

There is 152k km on my own Octavia tried an Audi garage and they offered 10k trade in which I would assume is just the trade price for it as obviously they would send it straight off. No doubt would get more of Skoda. I would sell it privately for more than 10k I would say anyway.

bazz26

Whatever car the OP spends 30k on is going to lose a fortune doing 60k km per year in. In saying that, I cannot see the OP keeping whatever he buys for 3 years.

artanevilla

nsnoefc1878 wrote: »

You can't buy an alfa and get a diesel!
My brother has the Giulia veloce, is an amazing car.

I've an Alfa diesel. It brings me great shame but I love it.

Truckermal

bazz26 wrote: »

Whatever car the OP spends 30k on is going to lose a fortune doing 60k km per year in. In saying that, I cannot see the OP keeping whatever he buys for 3 years.

I'm doing 35k in a 09 Laguna!


Yes it's money pit

Rodin

CIP4 wrote: »

Yes I did have this thought alright by buying new/demo you are guaranteeing yourself maintenance wise with the warranty plus Skoda cheap servicing. The car is in for a service next week so I will get a cost on a new one to see. A style spec new model is a lot nicer than my current model definitely.

There is 152k km on my own Octavia tried an Audi garage and they offered 10k trade in which I would assume is just the trade price for it as obviously they would send it straight off. No doubt would get more of Skoda. I would sell it privately for more than 10k I would say anyway.

Hit them for a Superb Estate. Has a great spec

CIP4

bazz26 wrote: »

Whatever car the OP spends 30k on is going to lose a fortune doing 60k km per year in. In saying that, I cannot see the OP keeping whatever he buys for 3 years.

I know I say it everytime but in this scenario if I was going new I probably would keep it at least 2-3 years. There is a little bit of concern in me that if I buy something 17/18 reg whatever for 30k and it has issues in 6 or 12 months then the whole thing will end up being expensive. As you have spent a good bit on upgrading and are still being hit with unexpected bills and breakdowns etc.

If for example I bought a new Octavia you know all you have to spend is servicing items and tyres for basically 3 years you’ve guaranteed that part of the cost of ownership. I generally am not into brand new cars and certainly aren’t a reg snob but I am trying to consider every side.

selectamatic

2 year pcp deal is what you need cip. You change cars in a similar timeframe anyways and whatever about not being into new ya don't do older cars either so it would appear to be the logical choice.

CLA 220 Mercedes might be worth a look

nsnoefc1878

artanevilla wrote: »

I've an Alfa diesel. It brings me great shame but I love it.

Ah I was joking, kind of 🤣
It's still an alfa that's the main thing.

BLUEZEN15

I changed from an Octavia tdi 150bhp dsg to a year old bmw 320d m sport about two years ago. The BMW is a nicer car to drive, more power but never thought the octavia lacked power in fairness. Do miss the space in the octavia (was an estate) and also found the seats in the BMW not the most comfortable over long journeys.. I do about 30k kms a year and find servicing not alot more than skoda. Run flat tyres are more expensive though and with m sport spec cant rotate tyres as different front and rear size tyres. Found it to be just as economical as octavia. Had no issues with it over 55k kms

nsnoefc1878

CIP4 wrote: »

Yes I did have this thought alright by buying new/demo you are guaranteeing yourself maintenance wise with the warranty plus Skoda cheap servicing. The car is in for a service next week so I will get a cost on a new one to see. A style spec new model is a lot nicer than my current model definitely.

There is 152k km on my own Octavia tried an Audi garage and they offered 10k trade in which I would assume is just the trade price for it as obviously they would send it straight off. No doubt would get more of Skoda. I would sell it privately for more than 10k I would say anyway.

10k seems pretty low to me, fleecing you I reckon.

CIP4

nsnoefc1878 wrote: »

10k seems pretty low to me, fleecing you I reckon.

Yes the Skoda dealer would actually sell my car whereas an Audi dealer will sell it straight onto the trade so they are only giving you trade price for it. Yes I think it would be worth more even in a private sale. Not sure what it’s worth against a new one but we will find out.

bazz26

CIP4 wrote: »

I know I say it everytime but in this scenario if I was going new I probably would keep it at least 2-3 years. There is a little bit of concern in me that if I buy something 17/18 reg whatever for 30k and it has issues in 6 or 12 months then the whole thing will end up being expensive. As you have spent a good bit on upgrading and are still being hit with unexpected bills and breakdowns etc.

If for example I bought a new Octavia you know all you have to spend is servicing items and tyres for basically 3 years you’ve guaranteed that part of the cost of ownership. I generally am not into brand new cars and certainly aren’t a reg snob but I am trying to consider every side.

You seem to be ignoring the large elephant in the room - depreciation. At 60k km per year you will have spend more in depreciation over 3 years that will blitz any maintenance costs. Your current car has already suffered it's steepest depreciation, you cannot spend your way out of depreciation by dropping 30k into another car doing 60k km per year.

CIP4

bazz26 wrote: »

You seem to be ignoring the large elephant in the room - depreciation. At 60k km per year you will have spend more in depreciation over 3 years that will blitz any maintenance costs. Your current car has already suffered it's steepest depreciation, you cannot spend your way out of depreciation by dropping 30k into another car doing 60k km per year.

I agree with what your saying but I am kind of screwed depreciation wise no matter what I do as any of the used cars linked at say 30k will actually still depreciate fairly hard because of the mileage I am putting up. Probably less than a brand new car but equally not as much less as you might expect.

The cheapest option is to keep what I have but let’s say for argument sake it’s worth 12k right now I’d still probably lose 3k a year on it for the next 3 years again because of the mileage increasing sharply so it’s not a zero cost either. Plus the potentially high maintenance costs as you would assume stuff will start to fail once it goes above 200k km.

Really what it comes down to is what is it worth to me to have a car with some creature comforts and ultimately to have a nicer car. Driving something with 200-300k km next year won’t be all smooth sailing I am sure.

For what it’s worth I have never looked at car costs as depreciation always just see whatever the cost of change is as an immediate cost to me and that’s it I don’t look at it as it being an asset that’s loosing money each month.

Lantus

Once you move away from an octavia the cost of everything goes up. Tyres, brakes, servicing and repairs. If that's ok then go for it. You are driving alot of miles. Should be a happy drive. But in rush hour everyone is equally fast and slow. Performance means very little.

Large bottle small glass

CIP4 wrote: »

I agree with what your saying but I am kind of screwed depreciation wise no matter what I do as any of the used cars linked at say 30k will actually still depreciate fairly hard because of the mileage I am putting up. Probably less than a brand new car but equally not as much less as you might expect.

The cheapest option is to keep what I have but let’s say for argument sake it’s worth 12k right now I’d still probably lose 3k a year on it for the next 3 years again because of the mileage increasing sharply so it’s not a zero cost either. Plus the potentially high maintenance costs as you would assume stuff will start to fail once it goes above 200k km.

Really what it comes down to is what is it worth to me to have a car with some creature comforts and ultimately to have a nicer car. Driving something with 200-300k km next year won’t be all smooth sailing I am sure.

For what it’s worth I have never looked at car costs as depreciation always just see whatever the cost of change is as an immediate cost to me and that’s it I don’t look at it as it being an asset that’s loosing money each month.

I used to do 50k km a year for over 20 years, I down to about 30k km a year now.

IME of driving that, with just 4 car all bought 2nd hand, this idea that cars start falling asunder at 200k km or whatever is a myth. If you keep your car serviced* mileage is just a number. 2 punctures in over 1M km are the only roadside repairs in that time.

Of the 4 cars I've had the 09 Octavia estate has been unbelievably cheap to run compared to the rest. From 110k to 420k other than basic servicing (fluids, filters, tyres etc) I have never need to put a suspension part in other than 4 shocks about 6 months ago. Two sensors gave issues in 9 years of ownership. I think I've tracked it once.

I haven't used the Octavia as my car for over 4 years(my wife now drives it) and I would find the idea of 60k km a year in one a bit grim.

I would be inclined to go up a class and look at S60/E Class/A6 with auto. The Volvo seats always seemed a step up to me compared to most others but it is probably a personal thing.

Your current car, if you have a full documented history, is worth more than 10k.
I have no interest in saloons but would have no hesitation in buying a well looked after car almost irrespective of mileage. There is plenty people like me out there

*I'd be inclined to ignore the long interval servicing and do oil every 15k km, it's a tiny extra cost if you do your own servicing

maddness

Get yourself a nicely equipped 520d M Sport.
For big millage they are hard to beat, I managed well over 50 mpg on long runs and high 40’s the rest of the time.
They are not exciting cars to drive but are a lot more refined than your Skoda and a lovely place to sit.
I’d also say if you have to put big millage on a car a used 520 with big mileage will still sell.
If you don’t like BMW’s I’d have a Volvo S90/V90, another very comfortable cruiser.

The_B_Man

Skoda superb in saloon or estate will have plenty of room and are comfortable enough.
Skoda dealers were doing a 0% APR on Superbs up until Feb/March so if they have any in stock, either late 20 or early 21, they might still qualify for the 0% now.

CIP4

Lantus wrote: »

Once you move away from an octavia the cost of everything goes up. Tyres, brakes, servicing and repairs. If that's ok then go for it. You are driving alot of miles. Should be a happy drive. But in rush hour everyone is equally fast and slow. Performance means very little.

I am getting my car serviced the end of this week so I am going to get a price to change to a new Octavia one with a good spec. Then I will weigh it up from there. How long it would actually take to get one would factor in also not sure what the delays on new cars are like these days.

The_B_Man wrote: »

Skoda superb in saloon or estate will have plenty of room and are comfortable enough.
Skoda dealers were doing a 0% APR on Superbs up until Feb/March so if they have any in stock, either late 20 or early 21, they might still qualify for the 0% now.

Id probably prefer the new model Octavia to the superb looks a bit more modern.

CIP4

I got prices back from garages on a new Octavia. Biggest issue is 150bhp model is a 4 month lead time at least and no one has them in stock. So that basically won’t work as it will be more mileage on my car and will be worth even less and getting to the point of not being desirable at all to dealers. I test drove a 2.0TDI 115bhp today and IMO the new engine is a big improvement on the 1.6TDI. It’s 6 speed and not sluggish at all engine feels fine in the car. The car itself is nice and a big step up on the old model.

The best deal I am getting is on buying a new car from stock 115bhp one and garage is offering me 2.5k more than I would get selling it privately and they are offering more than any of the others I priced with. Unfortunately they are also a 3 hour drive away. It’s as good a price as I will get.

I looked at some 17/18 cars and I am just put off secondhand stuff between things being clocked, damaged, sprayed etc you could think your buying a good car and end up with a load of problems. It doesn’t make sense for me to spend all the money and to still have the risks that come with a secondhand car when I am doing a lot of driving.

My own car went through it service ok but by the end of the year it will need timing belt, front pads / discs, rear pads and possibly shocks none of the stuff needs doing now but they just said to me in 1-2 services it will need doing.

So I am really just at a cross roads ill never see close to the money I am being offered for my current Octavia again. But no doubt it’s cheaper to keep it but then new cars have benefits also.

kermitpwee

CIP4 wrote: »

I got prices back from garages on a new Octavia. Biggest issue is 150bhp model is a 4 month lead time at least and no one has them in stock. So that basically won’t work as it will be more mileage on my car and will be worth even less and getting to the point of not being desirable at all to dealers. I test drove a 2.0TDI 115bhp today and IMO the new engine is a big improvement on the 1.6TDI. It’s 6 speed and not sluggish at all engine feels fine in the car. The car itself is nice and a big step up on the old model.

The best deal I am getting is on buying a new car from stock 115bhp one and garage is offering me 2.5k more than I would get selling it privately and they are offering more than any of the others I priced with. Unfortunately they are also a 3 hour drive away. It’s as good a price as I will get.

I looked at some 17/18 cars and I am just put off secondhand stuff between things being clocked, damaged, sprayed etc you could think your buying a good car and end up with a load of problems. It doesn’t make sense for me to spend all the money and to still have the risks that come with a secondhand car when I am doing a lot of driving.

My own car went through it service ok but by the end of the year it will need timing belt, front pads / discs, rear pads and possibly shocks none of the stuff needs doing now but they just said to me in 1-2 services it will need doing.

So I am really just at a cross roads ill never see close to the money I am being offered for my current Octavia again. But no doubt it’s cheaper to keep it but then new cars have benefits also.

Herself picked up a 115 BHP style on 9th of January, over 10 thousand kilometers on it already, it ticks a lot of boxes and is quite a good car

carsfan2

CIP4 wrote: »

I got prices back from garages on a new Octavia. Biggest issue is 150bhp model is a 4 month lead time at least and no one has them in stock. So that basically won’t work as it will be more mileage on my car and will be worth even less and getting to the point of not being desirable at all to dealers. I test drove a 2.0TDI 115bhp today and IMO the new engine is a big improvement on the 1.6TDI. It’s 6 speed and not sluggish at all engine feels fine in the car. The car itself is nice and a big step up on the old model.

The best deal I am getting is on buying a new car from stock 115bhp one and garage is offering me 2.5k more than I would get selling it privately and they are offering more than any of the others I priced with. Unfortunately they are also a 3 hour drive away. It’s as good a price as I will get.

I looked at some 17/18 cars and I am just put off secondhand stuff between things being clocked, damaged, sprayed etc you could think your buying a good car and end up with a load of problems. It doesn’t make sense for me to spend all the money and to still have the risks that come with a secondhand car when I am doing a lot of driving.

My own car went through it service ok but by the end of the year it will need timing belt, front pads / discs, rear pads and possibly shocks none of the stuff needs doing now but they just said to me in 1-2 services it will need doing.

So I am really just at a cross roads ill never see close to the money I am being offered for my current Octavia again. But no doubt it’s cheaper to keep it but then new cars have benefits also.

I don’t know you personally CIP4, only from your contributions on the motoring forum. You seem to enjoy your cars and as such I can’t really see you buying a brand new Skoda octavia diesel and keeping it for any length of time or being over the moon with it.
No doubt they are super cars and a great workhorse but no way will it satisfy the car enthusiast in you.
If this is a decision purely based on finance then you’re probably best staying with your current car and just paying to maintain it as required.

GustavoFring

CIP4 wrote: »

I got prices back from garages on a new Octavia. Biggest issue is 150bhp model is a 4 month lead time at least and no one has them in stock. So that basically won’t work as it will be more mileage on my car and will be worth even less and getting to the point of not being desirable at all to dealers. I test drove a 2.0TDI 115bhp today and IMO the new engine is a big improvement on the 1.6TDI. It’s 6 speed and not sluggish at all engine feels fine in the car. The car itself is nice and a big step up on the old model.

The best deal I am getting is on buying a new car from stock 115bhp one and garage is offering me 2.5k more than I would get selling it privately and they are offering more than any of the others I priced with. Unfortunately they are also a 3 hour drive away. It’s as good a price as I will get.

I looked at some 17/18 cars and I am just put off secondhand stuff between things being clocked, damaged, sprayed etc you could think your buying a good car and end up with a load of problems. It doesn’t make sense for me to spend all the money and to still have the risks that come with a secondhand car when I am doing a lot of driving.

My own car went through it service ok but by the end of the year it will need timing belt, front pads / discs, rear pads and possibly shocks none of the stuff needs doing now but they just said to me in 1-2 services it will need doing.

So I am really just at a cross roads ill never see close to the money I am being offered for my current Octavia again. But no doubt it’s cheaper to keep it but then new cars have benefits also.

Straight up - you’re overthinking the unreliability bit and anything you’re mentioning is routine maintenance.

You like your cars, once the new car smell wears off a 115bhp Octavia you will be bored or it.

If you want total piece of mind and something saleable at the end an M-Sport approved used 20d of some sort with the 2 year unlimited mileage warranty is ideal - nicer car, economy, anything that breaks is covered, resale is strong and you’ve plenty of choice.

colm_mcm

Is there anything to be said for buying an 09 or 10 A4 and something enjoyable for the weekend?

Buying new cars that you don’t particularly like or actually need is bizzare.

CIP4

carsfan2 wrote: »

I don’t know you personally CIP4, only from your contributions on the motoring forum. You seem to enjoy your cars and as such I can’t really see you buying a brand new Skoda octavia diesel and keeping it for any length of time or being over the moon with it.
No doubt they are super cars and a great workhorse but no way will it satisfy the car enthusiast in you.
If this is a decision purely based on finance then you’re probably best staying with your current car and just paying to maintain it as required.

I actually really like the new Octavia I wouldn’t have reserves about it that way. My biggest reserve would be the engine and not specing extra options on it if having to buy from stock.

On the finance thing it’s more a self imposed limit as opposed to I am sinking everything I have into this car. I am not borrowing for whatever I buy and could easily get a 50k car but putting massive mileage on a 50k car and losing loads on it wouldn’t be the best idea.

GustavoFring wrote: »

Straight up - you’re overthinking the unreliability bit and anything you’re mentioning is routine maintenance.

You like your cars, once the new car smell wears off a 115bhp Octavia you will be bored or it.

If you want total piece of mind and something saleable at the end an M-Sport approved used 20d of some sort with the 2 year unlimited mileage warranty is ideal - nicer car, economy, anything that breaks is covered, resale is strong and you’ve plenty of choice.

I do think on the Octavia route I would be better off just to order a 150 as I probably would get sick of a 115bhp after a while. On the BMW/Audi used approved the issue is there is no value your down 3-4K on trade in price before you start and I don’t think selling privately at the moment is the easiest. Plus a lot of the stuff is poor spec and I am not a fond of the older shape BMW as I would be with the likes of the G20. I don’t want to feel ripped off just to get into a BMW or Audi.

Also I am not trying to say brakes and a timing belt are big jobs and a reason to change a car :pac:

colm_mcm wrote: »

Is there anything to be said for buying an 09 or 10 A4 and something enjoyable for the weekend?

Buying new cars that you don’t particularly like or actually need is bizzare.

I keep saying it but the weekend car is coming regardless won’t be this year though.

I suppose everyone’s situation is different. For me I could argue keeping my Octavia trying to put 300k km on it just to prove I could is just unnecessary but I get that buying a new car you are throwing a certain amount away on depreciation that you wouldn’t need to.

No doubt the most logical and financially savvy thing to do is keep the Octavia drive it until it starts to become unreliable and then change it.

colm_mcm

CIP4 wrote: »

No doubt the most logical and financially savvy thing to do is keep the Octavia drive it until it starts to become unreliable and then change it.

Nail on head.
The most you can lose is what you paid for it last year.

CIP4

kermitpwee wrote: »

Herself picked up a 115 BHP style on 9th of January, over 10 thousand kilometers on it already, it ticks a lot of boxes and is quite a good car

Yes they are a big step up from the old model plus the new radio and virtual dash is really nice.