RAV4 / C Class / 5 Series

whatchagonnado

A 2018/2019 RAV 4 / C Class / 5 Series, which would you go for?

RAV 4 a Petrol Hybrid

C Class / 5 Series Plug-in Hybrids

Driving is usually 10 - 15km a day, short trips and maybe a small motorway drive 2/3 days a week (20km each way).

Open to any other suggestions too.

Buddy Bubs

5 series. But that's just me.

bazz26

It's an odd list to compile. Other than all 3 being petrol/electric hybrids, they really don't have much in common with each other.

brokenangel

Whats the budget? 30k?

Killer K

Would definitely go for the 5 Series over the C Class. I take it you are looking at a C350e and a 530e?

The driving you are doing would be well suited to a PHEV but the EV range on both of those won't be great. Reliability is an issue with the C350e. The BMW 330e or 530e would be better bets but would still be expensive if they go wrong. If looking at PHEVs I would broaden your search.

Would go for the RAV4 if it is the newer model - came out in 2019.

If I was limited to those three I would go for the RAV4 - but agree somewhat with bazz26 on the list as is.

whatchagonnado

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118715429#Comment_118715429

I might be you... Tells us why?

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118715605#Comment_118715605

Let's say up to 33k

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118715584#Comment_118715584

Well manufactured, similar power source, similar size (other than C Class maybe), nice interiors, around the same price...

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118717386#Comment_118717386

Yes 530e and C350e... Would it not be better to go PHEV rather than Petrol charging the battery with the RAV4? 330e should do 70mpg (!), right? 530e is what, 60 ish, and about 20km on the battery? 330e is another option, yes.

Yes, 2019 RAV4 is what we're looking at.

What would I broaden to search to? Open to suggestions...

bazz26

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118718919#Comment_118718919

My point is that they are all from different segments. The RAV4 is a SUV, the C Class is a midsize premium saloon while the 5 Series is a large premium saloon. Yes if your only looking at hybrids withing the same price range then that all they have in common but somebody looking at Rav4 would rarely consider a C Class or 5 Series and vice versa.

Regarding mpg, you may get those figures if your driving on ev mode most of the time and are able to charge it every night or day. But with the small driving you say you are doing then I don't think mpg should really be your main deciding factor.

whatchagonnado

"Regarding mpg, you may get those figures if your driving on ev mode most of the time and are able to charge it every night or day. But with the small driving you say you are doing then I don't think mpg should really be your main deciding factor."

Ok, why wouldn't I look to mpg? If my driving distance increases over, let's say, next 3 years (it's unlikely to reduce) - and petrol/diesel continues its trend, would it not be wise to have it higher up the list?

What other things would you consider as priorities? 2 kids under 8, spend a lot of summer time heading to do things with kids, parks/beaches/sports etc. with all the equipment that requires. Mrs. whatchagonnado would like premium interior. I would like something reliable, nice interior, low maintenance costs, and a decent resale value in 3 years. Oh, and an audio system that doesn't sound like the music is coming from inside a tin can.

bazz26

Ok but you mentioned none of that stuff in your earlier posts.

The reason I said mpg should not be the most important factor was based on what you originally said about your typical driving. Your currently not doing enough mileage imo to warranty it. So unless you plan to move location or job in the near future then is your driving going to increase by enough? Remember that plug in hybrids have only a pure electric range of 50 km or less realistically in certain driving conditions so you would probably need to charge one at starting and ending journey points to maximise it's use in my view.

And regarding kids well that would rule out the C Class unless you go with an estate version as the saloon boot contains batteries which reduces it's size and practicality. 5 Series is bigger but again it's not a young family car and they did make an estate 530e until 2020. So that leaves the Rav4 which while is a good practical car for it's class, it doesn't have a premium interior like a C Class or 5 Series.

So to summarise this how I would list your priorities based on what you have said:

1. Practicality.
2. Reliability.
3. Fuel economy.
4. Premium quality.

whatchagonnado

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118720497#Comment_118720497

Ok, appreciate that, thank youuu.

bazz26

No problem. I would suggest go test drive examples of all 3 and then score them out of 10 against that list to see which one does best.

whatchagonnado

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118720824#Comment_118720824

Have driven the RAV4 - was very nice. Will give the others a whirl this weekend.

Killer K

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118718919#Comment_118718919

I would avoid the C350e due to reliability. Lovely car but will break your heart.

PHEV would make sense for you. You could also consider the Outlander PHEV or the Kia Niro PHEV. The Ceed SW PHEV 2021 is also within your budget or you could stretch a little further and get a new one (0% APR so wouldn't work out very much more expensive).

brokenangel

You could see about a second hand Tesla which would suit your requirements. You mention a 5 series so a Model S second hand. Your driving style suits electric more than petrol/diesel

The RAV is lovely, my mate has one but they are a big lump of a yoke and the battery is small in them, the newer model does have a better engine in them compared to the older but don't expect low MPG