New (to me) car choices

funkey_monkey

Looking at the following for new car:

Audi A3 saloon, A4, A5.

Merc CLA

Lexus IS300H

Haven't put the 3-series on my short list as I'm not fussed on them, but could be swayed in that direction.

Looking at a manual diesel. Would want something with good mpg, comfort and low road noise. Auto wipers (or variable intermittence). Decent dipped lights.

Something around 2016/17 maybe with sub 100k miles on the clock. Mainly used for commuting (mostly motorway) pipe of times per week and some scooting about.

Which of of the above would be on your shortlist or struck off it?

Like the looks of an Alfa Guilia, but nervy about their reliability reputation.

Stallingrad

From that list I would take an A4 with non S-Line suspension. You could also get a fully loaded Superb that would put a lot of the 'premium' brands to shame.

High miles and DSG but you get the idea.

https://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/skoda/superb/fpa/3539560?journey=Search

goochy

a high spec. superb with a lower mileage than this a nice place to be

AMKC

A high spec skoda Octavia or Superb much nicer place to be than any of the 3 cars you mentioned. Maybe even get yourself a Skoda Octavia vRS

bazz26

Not sure why you specifically want a manual diesel especially with motorway driving where you won't be changing gears much plus the Guilia doesn't come in manual.

A3 and CLA are smaller than the others on the list so the cabins are much more snug

funkey_monkey

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121587834#Comment_121587834

Just used to Diesels I guess. No preference really. Will mostly be myself in the car so don't need anything big, but something comfy on the drive would be ideal.

drunkmonkey

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121589170#Comment_121589170

You haven't said your budget and why a saloon? More load space in a hatchback.

funkey_monkey

@drunkmonkey I'll be buying in NI. Budget would be up to £15,000.

Saloon - just want something with a decent size for effortless motorway driving.

shabaranks

Funkey drive a Lexus IS300h and see what you think. Lovely motorway cruiser and great piece of mind, better build quality & reliability than anything else mentioned here. All auto petrol Hybrids / 45MPg if you want it. A 3 series will be far better around corners, Lexus steering is dull but it was not a concern for me.

Get it serviced with Toyota/Lexus (much cheaper than you might think) and it can remain under Lexus warranty until 10 years old/185k km on the clock. I would expect it to retain its value better than anything else mentioned also, they are rare and valued. Check specs Exec models have lots of toys.

funkey_monkey

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121589731#Comment_121589731

What happens if the main dealer service record has been broken? Does this void the warranty?

Like the look of the cla, the screen in them has a very large border.

Will take a look at the skoda.

goochy

Yes it does void the warranty

funkey_monkey

What would you expect to haggle off a second hand car if doing a straight sale - no trade in (my car would be scrapped)?

goochy

every deal is different , if a dealer has priced a car to sell by a dealer theres not room to discount

morritty

I've an A3 1.6 diesel and if size isn't an issue, they're ideal. I'll average 900km to a tank half motorways half national roads. think my avg MPG over 25k is around 58mpg. my S-Line can be a bit rough on the roads but perfectly fine on the motorway. Road noise will depend on tyres with them.

Let's be honest, a superb will destroy it in size and comfort. just don't buy a 1.6, it'll be awful for the size of the car

funkey_monkey

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121663568#Comment_121663568

Was looking at an a3 saloon, but gone off it now.

Are the auto boxes in the Skodas okay? How are they for mpg in comparison to manual boxes?

morritty

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121664496#Comment_121664496

tbh ive no idea, never driven a DSG

funkey_monkey

Is the Peug 508 with 1.5hdi a decent car? Looking at a 2020 model with 40k on clock.

bazz26

They are a good car. A nice difference in a world full of crossovers and SUVs. The 2.0 litre would be nicer than the 1.5 litre but rarer to find.

funkey_monkey

Yeah, it's only 129hp. It seems a big bus for the horses.