CHR or Kona

angel eyes 2012

My car (2012) failed the nct and will cost at least a grand to bring it up to a passable condition. I have already spent this amount for the service during the summer and feel it's time for an upgrade.

I've been offered 4k for the car from a local dealer and had my eye on a 2019 Kona they have but the mileage is quite high.

Have always loved the look of the CHR but it may not be practical, as we have a baby on the way - back windows are quite small and the space isn't great. Also considering Ford Puma or Renault Captur but I think Kona is slightly winning considering its spec, space and reliability.

Looking at 2018 or 2019 petrol model, budget around 20k.

Any thoughts?

colm_mcm

You’d get a 2023 Dacia Duster for €22k

ba_barabus

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119977908#Comment_119977908

And it would win all day long as family transport over the small Kona

Damien360

We had a 1L petrol Kona after selling our 07 avensis. The Kona was a horrible place to be. The old avensis was a much better car. Noisy cabin, slipping clutch from very low mileage. Should have kept the avensis. Sold the Kona and we went back to Toyota and bought a CHR. Lovely car, quiet cabin but it’s a town car. The gearbox needs getting used to. Around town it’s fine but pushing it out on the motorway, it’s makes a lot of noise getting to speed but once there it’s lovely again. Well spec’d but drive one and ask what kind of driving you intend to do. As for your other choice, my young lad works in Ford and swears the Puma is the most reliable Ford they have ever seen. Absolutely no trouble whatsoever. Haven’t driven it but it’s a lovely cabin.

theteal

I must admit, I'd find everything you've listed as small considering there's a new addition on the way - we had a Captur as a rental once, we actually had to remove the wheels of the buggy to get it in the boot.

I'd do what we did, 2nd hand CR-V (Rav 4 would be as good). Proper amount of space, reliable and boring as hell. We got a 2010 EX model with high mileage a few years ago and not had an ounce of trouble and don't expect any either - it is thirsty though which was to be expected. I imagine you'd get a lot of car for €20k

angel eyes 2012

Thanks everyone, I'm more confused than ever! I'm sorry, the Dacia, while great value, wouldn't be for me. We test drove the Kona and CHR Hybrid today, loved both to be honest coming from a Hyundai i20. The Kona had the familiarity of a Hyundai but with much more features. We will mostly be driving in Dublin.

There was nearly an €8k difference cost wise between the two, which is too significant for us at this time.

Might have to check out the Puma but the colour has to be right!

colm_mcm

The Puma will be just as expensive as the CHR.

I drive a CH-R hybrid, absolutely the most trouble-free motoring I’ve ever experienced. Second most trouble-free was an old Skoda Octavia.

angel eyes 2012

Yes, I'm just learning that the Puma is the same price as the CHR, Puma doesn't seem to have heated seats as standard. Maybe in a few years time the CHR might be more realistic budget wise.

bazz26

Cheapest Puma for sale I could see is 23k and that's a 2020. None of these cars have heated seats as standard, you have to go towards the higher spec models for that.

CHRs are also crazy expensive second hand which nearly makes buying a new one more sense if your taking out a loan.

ba_barabus

The Kona is very small inside for family transport and the boot isn't able to fit a pram, even a buggy will be awkward.

It's also just as cheap inside as the Duster.

Honda HRV would be worth a look tbh.

colm_mcm

Skoda Karoq / Seat Ateca would be worth considering too.

roosterman71

Have a CHR and would 100% advise not buying one with a child on the way. Once the kid is out of the removable car seat (the first one for babies - forget the proper name and it's only 4 years since I used it) then the front seat becomes unusable. More so as the kids legs grow. Boot space is non existent too once a buggy goes in

angel eyes 2012

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119989105#Comment_119989105

Thanks for feedback, I think it's not practical at this time.

Nickindublin

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119989315#Comment_119989315

Would you not consider an estate car like an Octavia. Far more practical than small SUV.