Help with car choice

GodlikeRed · 30-01-2023 3:34pm #1

Budget: 20-25k

Car Age: 3-5years

Size: Mid size (1.6L)

Fuel: Petrol preferred

Usage: Mon - Friday max 100km. Weekends are long trips typically 400km roundtrip

Hi all,

Any advice in the above? Was looking at Seat Leon FRs.

Thanks

chicorytip · 30-01-2023 11:49pm

Ford Focus 1.0 L EcoBoost.

GodlikeRed · 31-01-2023 10:54am

Thanks. Had one rented, they're a bit low for me that's all.

Dr_Colossus · 01-02-2023 9:41am

Merc C350e, with the PHEV you should be able to keep it to electric midweek and then petrol for the weekend trips. Very few petrol options available.

GodlikeRed · 01-02-2023 11:09am

Thanks, interesting tbh, never thought of it.

Could only stretch to 2017 model $ wise.

Thoughts on reliability?

Every 1/2k seems to get a much nicer car.

User1998 · 01-02-2023 1:33pm

They are fairly unreliable. Hybrid systems, air suspension etc

GodlikeRed · 01-02-2023 2:21pm

Sound, not for me so!

Hurrache · 01-02-2023 4:28pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120185998#Comment_120185998

You wouldn't get one anywhere near his budget and age range though?

Hurrache · 01-02-2023 4:29pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120187045#Comment_120187045

I thought air suspension was an option, did the hybrids have it as standard? Haven't seen too many complaints about reliability though, but having said that a colleague did have an issue with the battery so maybe it is indeed common enough.

User1998 · 01-02-2023 5:07pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120188006#Comment_120188006

Not sure, think its standard. My friend has one and has constant problems with the air suspension. And I was talking to a Merc mechanic and he said he fixes a lot of them.

BMW 530e or Passat GTE are known to be more reliable

Hurrache · 01-02-2023 5:45pm

Outside of the hybrid might be trim level dependent so, the couple I test drove last year, (petrol and diesel, no hybrid in the garage at the time) didn't have it and I read in a brochure about it being an option on some.

Killer K · 04-02-2023 9:08am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120188189#Comment_120188189

Air suspension is standard. Lovely car to drive in electric mode (even if it is only 10 -16 kms on a full charge). Fantastic acceleration and you really don't feel you are going that fast at higher speeds.

However, very poorly designed hybrid system which means a standard starter motor is constantly required in the transition between ev and ice mode. They don't last very long..

The air suspension as mentioned is another common issue as well as the thermostat and the 12v battery. From my experience there rarely is an issue with the battery or other components in the hybrid system.

Would only recommend purchasing one if it is relatively low mileage, has fsh, and one is mentally prepared for faults and intermittent issues. You will end up being good friends with your local mechanic.