Yet another car recommendation thread

CitizenFloor

Hi all – Looking for some advice. I am planning on upgrading my car in the next couple of months. Maybe around the switchover to the second half of the year.



Budget is ~20K. Plan would be to own the car for at least 5 or 6 years.



Just two of us right now, but that could change in the relatively near future.



I do around 10-12K a year. I have a short round trip commute to work 16KM. Trips at the weekend then etc. And maybe a 5 or 6 500KM round trips a year.



I want to get a Saloon, and was looking at Audi A4 petrol, but now I am thinking a Passat GTE maybe, as I have a charge point at work, so it seems like it would make sense. Maybe an older IS300H although that might not be as practical.



I don’t know much about any of these cars, in terms of maintenance costs, or driving experience etc.



Anyone got any advice/opinions/suggestions that I may not have considered?

James Bond Junior

I am literally in an identical situation, down to the budget, except mine will be next year.

Half the fun of buying a new car is the research and I'm doing plenty WELL in advance. I had planned on going for a hot hatch but I've already got a fun car so something practical makes more sense.

My list is as follows:

IS300H

Volvo S60/V60

Merc C300h/E300H

BMW 530E is above budget as is the newer 330e. The older versions have crap battery range so I've not even bothered looking. My wife owns a 420d Gran Coupe which is a lovely car but I'd rather something different but I'd highly recommend them. The GC will swallow an absolute load but the small back doors make putting a small person in and out hard. We don't have kids but did have a child seat installed for a time for a relative's kid.

User1998

Passat GTE is great. Would suit your commutes perfect

CitizenFloor

Passat GTE does seem to be a good job alright....I'm a little concerned about the battery. Specifically if I went for a 2016/2017. Do the batteries tend to go in them? Id try to get one with at least 2 or 3 years manufacturers warranty (I think 8 years)....and milage to come in under the 160km. Apart for expected battery degradation, which I don't think will massively affect my commute, are there other difference between a 2016 vs say 2018. Kind of getting close feet, despite knowing it is perfect for my commute.

User1998

Theres nothing really too concerning about the battery. They have a 100k mile warranty. My GTE was fine with 105k miles. One of my mates had one with lower mileage and had the hybrid battery replaced under warranty

I wouldn’t really worry about battery degradation either

Newer models have an upgraded infotainment system