New estate options

bogmanfan

Looking for some advice from the knowledgable people on here. I'm looking at a new estate car, and the options seem to have shrunk since I last bought one. I want space in the back, and I can't have a high driving position as I regularly bring my father (a wheelchair user) to hospital appointments etc. Most of the crossover/suv types are too high for him to get into. I'm currently driving a Cupra Formentor which is low enough for Dad, but the boot is quite small (it's a PHEV). I looked at the new Terramar which is bigger, and which has a low enough seat position also, but just looking for other options.

I had a Skoda Superb Combi for 6 years which gave lots of trouble. And I found Skoda terrible to deal with, so would prefer to stay away from them. Budget would be up to €60k and it has to be new as I can avail of the Disabled Drivers & Passengers scheme. So either a fully loaded Leon/Terramar or a poverty spec BMW/Audi.

Not pushed on hybrid or petrol/diesel, but not interested in electric as we can't charge at home. The ones I've been looking around at are, but keen to hear about any others I've missed.

Cupra Leon Sportstourer

BMW 330e Touring

Audi A5 Avant

Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake

Chippy01

Put a Toyota Corolla Touring Sport on your list as well.

ec18

volvo v70?

bogmanfan

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123359539#Comment_123359539

Volvo starts at €65k so out of budget I’m afraid

circadian

Full spec Corolla Touring, not the GR though (very firm ride). Won't have all the gadgets going but it's probably one of the most comfortable and refined rides for an estate in your budget.

I got one recently and love it, I had a go in a Cupra Leon Sportstourer which was definitely more fun to drive but there's something relaxing and calming about the Corolla. CVT takes a little getting used to but it's the best one I've come across and as long as you're not forcing it, it's smooth as butter.

This replaced an Optima PHEV estate which I loved but felt it was time to move onto something newer as I was starting to put money into it.

Kir

What about a Dacia Logan MPV Estate. It's sensibly priced, and is spacious. The boot is seven feet long when the rear seats are folded. Economical to drive too.

mikewest

Peugeot 508 SW, comfortable car and in budget.

bogmanfan

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123360436#Comment_123360436

stunning looking car. But would be worried about depreciation

bazz26

I cannot imagine depreciation being much worse than a Cupra Leon.

GPoint

OP says looking at BMW Audi and people suggesting Corolla. It is a very noisy car and you don’t have to drive a premium car to realise that . Yes practical, economical etc but you’d go mad from the noise and you’d hate to be in the car. Avoid it. Real shame Mondeos and Passats are gone now. BMW 320d touring would be very nice drive though. Very practical boot without batteries underneath. Budget option - Ford Focus estate st line x diesel 8 speed automatic (not powershift) also very practical size and nice ride.

bazz26

Diesel engines were dropped from the 3 Series late last year.

Gusser09

Skoda superb 2.0 TDI. Every day of the week.

Appletart Upsetter

VW Arteon Estate!

mikewest

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058406275/new-estate-options

Can you not buy a used UK/ Japanese car under this scheme also? As I vaguely understand it this scheme also applies to a vehicle not previously registered in ireland.

Check this out as it may increase your options to a nice 5 series touring (I have a soft spot for these)

mikewest

I wouldn't worry too much about depreciation as these Peugeot's are a nice place to sit when driving and they are cheap compared to the competition when buying for the comfort level.

Hmm.. speaking of which pity you can't get a nice Alfa estate over here - just dreaming......

User1998

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123361169#Comment_123361169

Arteon was discontinued

Appletart Upsetter

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123361271#Comment_123361271

I did not know that.

bogmanfan

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123361165#Comment_123361165

Bought one new in 2015. Was perfect for 4 years, then slowly fell apart. Sunroof stopped working and entire module needed to be replaced (I didn't bother - just left it closed). Infotainment screen stopped working so no radio, satnav etc. This was about 6 months after the warranty expired. Was quoted €5k for a total replacement of dashboard!!!

Then I dropped it into a main dealer for a timing belt replacement and on the way home the engine packed up. It was recovered to the dealer who proceeded to deny all responsibility and they fitted (and charged me for) a new fuel pump, diesel pump and high pressure pump (over €2k). This all took over 7 weeks.

At this point I just wanted rid of it, and they offered me €5k trade in value against a new Kodiaq. Car was 6 years old. Ended up getting €12k for it from a Cupra dealer. Would never buy a Skoda again.

bogmanfan

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123361206#Comment_123361206

The new 508 is a stunning looking car alright but I just think it's too expensive. At €56k it's only slightly cheaper than a 330e Touring, which would have to be a better buy?

bogmanfan

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123361197#Comment_123361197

Thanks, will look into this for sure

User1998

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123362342#Comment_123362342

You can definitely import a car. Doesn’t have to be new either. No VAT or VRT due.

circadian

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123361120#Comment_123361120

I wouldn't consider it noisy and I do motorway runs semi-often. I am running Falken tires so maybe that takes the edge off but in general, it's quiet enough. Not as quiet as a premium car but you'd be saving 20 grand. Horses for courses.