Little advice - €31,400 to spend company car

RE*AC*TOR

Company car allowance of €31,400 - no sports cars, no soft-tops has to be at least 1.8litre (petrol).

Current considerations - Peugeot 407, Volkwagen Passat.

Price has to be list price - no "deals"

What might you suggest??

crang

How about the toyota avensis or the honda accord

unkel

Alfa 156 1.8 plus €2.5k of options or convince them that they'll save a lot of money getting a suberb Diesel by letting you go €2k over budget. Now's your chance to drive an Alfa without the risks

unkel

crang wrote:

How about the toyota avensis or the honda accord

Even the cheapest Accord is out of budget and so is the Passat unless you get the cheapest Diesel. An Avensis as a company car? Madness imho

You only need a boring ultra reliable car if you pay for it yourself!

prospect

What is the pricing on the Superb like?

prospect

unkel wrote:

Now's your chance to drive an Alfa without the risks

An ideal situation....

RE*AC*TOR

ok here's a little more info - the car is for my mum - who works in a well know banking company. AFAIK they don't allow Alfas anymore due to having a lot of problems with them.

I've suggested the superb to her, but she's too much of a snob to buy a skoda :rolleyes:

Her current car is an '01 Audi A3 - which is a great *little* car.

BrianD3

Subaru Legacy 2.0 litre or high spec Mazda 6.

RE*AC*TOR

The legacy looks nice - but coming in at €31,295 - that doesn't even allow money for metallic paint.

The mazda would leave a lot of room for extras though - which are always nice. But compared to a mondeo or avensis what advantages does it have?

unkel

prospect wrote:

What is the pricing on the Superb like?

Superb starts at €27k, €4k less than the Passat with the same engine (same car, older looks, smaller)

RE*AC*TOR wrote:

I've suggested the superb to her, but she's too much of a snob to buy a skoda :rolleyes:

What size would she consider? So far we've only suggested family saloon size cars. If she's a bit of a snob, maybe another A3 or a BMW 1-series although they're both just outside of budget if you have to go 1.8 or higher. Why is this?

Borzoi

Look at CBG.ie, using the advance search on new cars from 25K to 31.4K returns 165 options

Depending on how sporty looking you want to go - but I've a soft spot for the Hyundai Coupe

RE*AC*TOR

unkel wrote:

Superb starts at €27k, €4k less than the Passat with the same engine (same car, older looks, smaller)



What size would she consider? So far we've only suggested family saloon size cars. If she's a bit of a snob, maybe another A3 or a BMW 1-series although they're both just outside of budget if you have to go 1.8 or higher. Why is this?

she can get a 1.6litre but the price drops down a level. (i'm not sure to what). She's thinking of going for a saloon jobby alright, for a change more than anything - comfort.

The Hyundai Coupé would be a front runner - if its allowed - which it may not be.

prospect

ALFA ROMEO 147
Variant Body Type Transmission Price
1. 2.0 SELESPEED MTS 3 dr Hatchback Manual € 30,840
2. 2.0 SPORTIVO 3 dr Hatchback Manual € 29,900
3. 2.0 SPORTIVO 5 dr Hatchback Manual € 30,720
ALFA ROMEO 156
Variant Body Type Transmission Price
8. 1.8 T.SPARK LUSSO 4 dr Saloon Manual € 28,950
9. 1.8 T.SPARK LUSSO 5 dr Estate Manual € 29,950
CHRYSLER PT CRUISER
Variant Body Type Transmission Price
25. 2.0 CLASSIC 5 dr Mini MPV Manual € 26,995
26. 2.0 TOURING 5 dr Mini MPV Manual € 29,946
CITROEN C5
Variant Body Type Transmission Price
27. 1.8 16V SX 5 dr Hatchback Manual € 26,200
28. 1.8 16V VSX 5 dr Hatchback Manual € 27,600
FIAT BARCHETTA
Variant Body Type Transmission Price
29. 1.8 16V 2 dr Cabriolet Manual € 29,500
FORd FIESTA
Variant Body Type Transmission Price
30. 2.0 ST 3 dr Hatchback Manual € 27,000
FORD FOCUS C-MAX
Variant Body Type Transmission Price
31. 1.8I GHIA 5 dr Mini MPV Manual € 29,225
FORD MONDEO
Variant Body Type Transmission Price
32. 1.8I 110PS LX 5 dr Estate Manual € 26,175
33. 1.8I 125PS ZETEC 4 dr Saloon Manual € 28,860
34. 1.8I 125PS ZETEC 5 dr Hatchback Manual € 29,365
35. 1.8I 125PS ZETEC 5 dr Estate Manual € 30,170
36. 2.0I 145PS LX 4 dr Saloon Manual € 29,015
37. 2.0I 145PS LX 5 dr Hatchback Manual € 29,620
38. 2.0I 145PS LX 5 dr Estate Manual € 30,425
HONDA FR-V
Variant Body Type Transmission Price
41. 1.7 VTEC SE 5 dr Mini MPV Manual € 27,475
HONDA HR-V
Variant Body Type Transmission Price
42. SI 4WD 5 dr Sports Utility Vehicle Manual € 26,395
43. SI 4WD CVT 5 dr Sports Utility Vehicle Auto € 27,700
HYUNDAI COUPE
Variant Body Type Transmission Price
45. 2.0 FX 3 dr Coupe Manual € 29,000
HYUNDAI SANTA FE
Variant Body Type Transmission Price
46. 2.0 2WD 5 dr Sports Utility Vehicle Manual € 30,850
HYUNDAI SONATA
Variant Body Type Transmission Price
47. 2.4 GLS 4 dr Saloon Manual € 28,495
HYUNDAI TRAJET
Variant Body Type Transmission Price
48. 2.0I GLS 5 dr MPV Manual € 29,000
HYUNDAI TUCSON
Variant Body Type Transmission Price
49. 2.0 16V 2WD 5 dr Sports Utility Vehicle Manual € 27,750
KIA SEDONA
Variant Body Type Transmission Price
50. 2.5 L 5 dr MPV Manual € 27,995
KIA SPORTAGE
Variant Body Type Transmission Price
51. 2.0 EX 5 dr Sports Utility Vehicle Manual € 29,995
LAND ROVER FREELANDER
Variant Body Type Transmission Price
52. 1.8 E SOFT TOP 3 dr Sports Utility Vehicle Manual € 29,790
MAZDA MAZDA6
Variant Body Type Transmission Price
53. 1.8 COMFORT 5 dr Estate Manual € 26,840
54. 1.8 SPORTS TOURING PACK 4 dr Saloon Manual € 28,950
55. 1.8 SPORTS TOURING PACK 5 dr Hatchback Manual € 29,650
56. 1.8 TOURING PACK 4 dr Saloon Manual € 26,540
57. 1.8 TOURING PACK 5 dr Hatchback Manual € 27,240
58. 2.0 SPORTS TOURING PACK 4 dr Saloon Manual € 28,950
59. 2.0 TOURING PACK 5 dr Estate Manual € 29,940
MAZDA TRIBUTE
Variant Body Type Transmission Price
60. 2.0 2WD 5 dr Sports Utility Vehicle Manual € 29,415
MERCEDES A-CLASS
Variant Body Type Transmission Price
78. A 200 AVANTGARDE 3 dr Hatchback Manual € 30,918
79. A 200 CLASSIC 3 dr Hatchback Manual € 28,050
80. A 200 CLASSIC 5 dr Mini MPV Manual € 29,190
81. A 200 CLASSIC AUTO 3 dr Hatchback Auto € 30,750
82. A 200 ELEGANCE 3 dr Hatchback Manual € 30,918
MITSUBISHI GALANT
Variant Body Type Transmission Price
87. 2.0 GLS S/R 4 dr Saloon Manual € 29,995
NISSAN PRIMERA
Variant Body Type Transmission Price
92. 1.8 SVE 4 dr Saloon Manual € 27,595
93. 1.8 SVE 5 dr Hatchback Manual € 28,195
94. 1.8 SVE AUTO 4 dr Saloon Auto € 29,395
95. 1.8 SVE AUTO 5 dr Hatchback Auto € 29,995
96. 1.8 SX AUTO 4 dr Saloon Auto € 26,995
OPEL ASTRA
Variant Body Type Transmission Price
98. 1.8 16V 2 dr Coupe Manual € 26,995
99. 1.8 16V SRI 5 dr Estate Manual € 27,245
100. 2.0I 16V TURBO SRI 5 dr Hatchback Manual € 30,695
101. 2.0I 16V TURBO SRI 3 dr Hatchback Manual € 30,695
102. CABRIO 1.6 16V 2 dr Cabriolet Manual € 29,495
OPEL VECTRA
Variant Body Type Transmission Price
105. 1.8 16V DESIGN 4 dr Saloon Manual € 28,800
106. 1.8 16V DESIGN 5 dr Hatchback Manual € 29,300
107. 1.8 16V DESIGN 5 dr Estate Manual € 30,400
108. 1.8 16V NJOY 4 dr Saloon Manual € 26,300
109. 1.8 16V NJOY 5 dr Hatchback Manual € 26,800
110. 1.8 16V NJOY 5 dr Estate Manual € 27,900
111. 1.8 16V SRI 5 dr Hatchback Manual € 30,200
112. 1.8 16V SXI 5 dr Hatchback Manual € 29,100
113. 1.8 16V SXI 5 dr Estate Manual € 30,700
114. 1.8 XE COMFORT CVT 5 dr Estate Auto € 30,970
115. 1.8 XE ESSENTIA CVT 5 dr Estate Auto € 29,180
116. 1.8I 16V LIFE 5 dr Estate Manual € 26,900
OPEL ZAFIRA
Variant Body Type Transmission Price
120. 1.8 16V DESIGN 5 dr Mini MPV Manual € 28,725
121. 1.8 16V NJOY 5 dr Mini MPV Manual € 28,125
PEUGEOT 206
Variant Body Type Transmission Price
124. 2.0 GTI 180 3 dr Hatchback Manual € 30,530
PEUGEOT 307
Variant Body Type Transmission Price
125. 2.0 16V XSI 3 dr Hatchback Manual € 27,865
PEUGEOT 407
Variant Body Type Transmission Price
129. 1.8 ST COMFORT 4 dr Saloon Manual € 27,270
130. 2.0 ST COMFORT 4 dr Saloon Manual € 30,600
131. 2.0 ST SPORT 4 dr Saloon Manual € 30,600
PEUGEOT 407 SW
Variant Body Type Transmission Price
132. 1.8 SR 5 dr Estate Manual € 27,575
133. 1.8 ST COMFORT 5 dr Estate Manual € 29,275
SEAT LEON
Variant Body Type Transmission Price
144. 1.8T 180 BHP TOP SPORT 5 dr Hatchback Manual € 27,900
SEAT TOLEDO
Variant Body Type Transmission Price
145. 2.0 FSI S 150 BHP 5 dr Hatchback Manual € 29,320
SKODA OCTAVIA
Variant Body Type Transmission Price
149. 1.8 TURBO RS COMBI TOUR 5 dr Estate Manual € 27,630
150. 1.8 TURBO RS TOUR 5 dr Hatchback Manual € 26,330
151. 2.0 FSI AMBIENTE 5 dr Estate Manual € 26,610
152. 2.0 FSI ELEGANCE 5 dr Hatchback Manual € 27,075
153. 2.0 FSI ELEGANCE 5 dr Estate Manual € 28,310
154. 2.0 FSI TIPTRONIC AMBIENTE 5 dr Hatchback Auto € 27,245
155. 2.0 FSI TIPTRONIC AMBIENTE 5 dr Estate Auto € 28,470
156. 2.0 FSI TIPTRONIC ELEGANCE 5 dr Hatchback Auto € 28,945
157. 2.0 FSI TIPTRONIC ELEGANCE 5 dr Estate Auto € 30,170
SKODA SUPERB
Variant Body Type Transmission Price
158. 1.8T EXCLUSIVE 4 dr Saloon Manual € 30,035
159. 1.8T EXPRESSION 4 dr Saloon Manual € 28,025
160. 1.8T EXPRESSION TIPTRONIC 4 dr Saloon Auto € 30,895
161. 2.0L EXCLUSIVE 4 dr Saloon Manual € 30,805
162. 2.0L EXPRESSION 4 dr Saloon Manual € 28,645
SUBARU FORESTER
Variant Body Type Transmission Price
166. 2.0 X 5 dr Sports Utility Vehicle Manual € 30,995
TOYOTA AVENSIS
Variant Body Type Transmission Price
167. 1.8 VVT-I AURA 4 dr Saloon Manual € 26,945
168. 1.8 VVT-I AURA 5 dr Estate Manual € 28,570
169. 1.8 VVT-I AURA AUTO 4 dr Saloon Auto € 29,245
170. 1.8 VVT-I LUNA 4 dr Saloon Manual € 29,445
171. 1.8 VVT-I LUNA 5 dr Hatchback Manual € 30,045
TOYOTA COROLLA VERSO
Variant Body Type Transmission Price
175. 1.8 VVT-I MMT LUNA 5 dr Mini MPV Manual € 30,280
176. 1.8 VVT-I MMT TERRA 5 dr Mini MPV Manual € 28,640
TOYOTA PRIUS
Variant Body Type Transmission Price
177. 1.5 VVT-I HYBRID 5 dr Hatchback Auto € 29,495
TOYOTA RAV4
Variant Body Type Transmission Price
178. 1.8 VVT-I 4X2 AURA 3 dr Sports Utility Vehicle Manual € 28,450
179. 1.8 VVT-I 4X2 LUNA 3 dr Sports Utility Vehicle Manual € 29,000
VOLKSWAGEN BORA
Variant Body Type Transmission Price
180. 1.8T HIGHLINE 4 dr Saloon Manual € 29,945
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
Variant Body Type Tranission Price
182. 2.0 FSI SPORTLINE 3 dr Hatchback Manual € 27,665
183. 2.0 FSI SPORTLINE 5 dr Hatchback Manual € 28,685
VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE
Variant Body Type Transmission Price
186. 1.8T HIGHLINE 3 dr Hatchback Manual € 29,330
VOLVO S40
Variant Body Type Transmission Price
199. 1.8I (125BHP) S 4 dr Saloon Manual € 29,050
200. 1.8I (125BHP) SE 4 dr Saloon Manual € 30,840
VOLVO V40
Variant Body Type Transmission Price
203. 1.8 122BHP 5 dr Estate Manual € 28,320
204. 1.8 122BHP CLASSIC SE 5 dr Estate Manual € 29,000
205. 1.8 122BHP SPORT 5 dr Estate Manual € 29,000
206. 1.8 SE 5 dr Estate Manual € 29,640
VOLVO V50
Variant Body Type Transmission Price
208. 1.8I (125BHP) S SPORTSWAGON 5 dr Estate Manual € 30,900

bazz26

I would look at the likes of the Avensis, Mazda 6, new Passat or even Volvo V40.

The above have a reputation for being boring similar to that of Alfa Romeo's reputation for being unreliable. :rolleyes:

comanche

RE*AC*TOR wrote:

she can get a 1.6litre but the price drops down a level. (i'm not sure to what). She's thinking of going for a saloon jobby alright, for a change more than anything - comfort.

The Hyundai Coupé would be a front runner - if its allowed - which it may not be.

Can she go above 1.6 (not to sure what you mean in OP) if so Skoda Octavia RS 1.8T

Repli

I'd go for the Toyota Avensis, have heard of these cars doing 500k miles without any engine problems

lomb

RE*AC*TOR wrote:

ok here's a little more info - the car is for my mum - who works in a well know banking company. AFAIK they don't allow Alfas anymore due to having a lot of problems with them.

yes thats aib shes working for, a guy i know had the same dillema. they wont accept alfa unless u can justify it somehow by making a business case for it. they had no end of problems with them....
anyway the friend choose the cash option and bought a several year old 323ci fully loaded to the gunwhales. i think she is better taking the money and buying used as there is nothing really interesting at that price point new. the golf gti is 35 grand i think

prospect

If it is a company car, i am sure she is not concerned with reliability.

lomb

prospect wrote:

If it is a company car, i am sure she is not concerned with reliability.

but aib are, they get worried when their employees dont show up for work when the timing belt snaps................

prospect

lomb wrote:

but aib are, they get worried when their employees dont show up for work when the timing belt snaps................

True, but companies that are clever enough to think these things through usually tell you what car you are getting.
Otherwise, forget about reliability, depreciation, running costs etc. Get the finest damn car you can for your allowance

Squirrel

Hyundai Sonata, a well stocked car

Winning Hand

Id go with the Volvo S40, stylish, safe and reliable. Not sure on the performance on that model though. My dad had the T4 model a few years back and it was fast as fck

MercMad

I'd go for the Toyota Avensis, have heard of these cars doing 500k miles without any engine problems

........I'd sooner give up driving altogether than have to stik with one of those for 500K miles !!

Based on the above list I would take the Superb but since she may be a badge snob there is now only one choice the................. Volvo S40. Not my cuppa tea though....I think the looks work well on the bigger wider cars but not on this one ! JMHO

bazz26

prospect wrote:

If it is a company car, i am sure she is not concerned with reliability.

An unreliable company car that spends more time off the road than on it is a company liability not an asset.

bazz26

MercMad wrote:

........I'd sooner give up driving altogether than have to stik with one of those for 500K miles !!

Based on the above list I would take the Superb but since she may be a badge snob there is now only one choice the................. Volvo S40. Not my cuppa tea though....I think the looks work well on the bigger wider cars but not on this one ! JMHO

If you have driven an Avensis and didn't like it then fair enough but the Superb is hardly anything to write home about in comparison, based on a 9 year old Passat shape and using old VW switch gear, with the handling and drive of a shopping trolly with a dodgy wheel. Even with its low price it is not a huge seller. I test drove it along with a few others before choosing the Avensis and haven't had any regrets.

full forward

Try the New Octavia 140bhp TDi with DSG automatic gearbox.

lomb

full forward wrote:

Try the New Octavia 140bhp TDi with DSG automatic gearbox.

that should be a very good car actually, based on the new MKV with the TT automatic

and for all those that knock the avensis they are nuts. toyota are fine cars. tops for sweet engines and a sweet drive and reliable. people who say the avensis is crap have probably never diven one.

prospect

bazz26 wrote:

An unreliable company car that spends more time off the road than on it is a company liability not an asset.

I am aware of that, but is hardly the OP's concern.
Also, If it is company, it is 99% likely that it'll be new, so under warranty for the duration of its lease. And afaik AIB and most big financial companies buy all-in leases which cover everything except insurance and fuel.

BrianD3

How about a Fiat Stilo Abarth
2.4 litre 20v petrol
170 bhp
~30k

I've always liked the look of these and they are a bit different to the norm. They have lots of toys too. Depreciation might be high but that's not a concern if someone else is paying. One downside is that the car isn't that fast considering it has 170 bhp, however it's still "nippy"

eljono

Re: O.P. I think your mother should pick a 407 before the Passat. It is a much nicer car to drive and she could get a 2.0 ST Comfort with that budget. Very good spec with that trim level. Personally I think it's a also a better looking car and the Passat is due a new model, so the current range will look outdated in a year or two.

Thumper Long

definitely a 407 with the budget and since its a company car the depreciation and service costs are not her worry, she's probably better off going for a well specced 407 than a basic spec prestige motor, and it definitely will drive better than a sonata or the superb. although the new octavia turbo diesel is also a nice motor.

DubTony

prospect wrote:

I am aware of that, but is hardly the OP's concern.
Also, If it is company, it is 99% likely that it'll be new, so under warranty for the duration of its lease. And afaik AIB and most big financial companies buy all-in leases which cover everything except insurance and fuel.

Fleet companies generally look after the cars themselves. While they may make claims on warranties, they still don't want to have to do major work. (Means that the customer is without a car, and when the customers don't have their cars, they get pissed off and blame the fleet company). As a result Waldens delisted the 156 a few years ago due to the problems it gave from new. My wife changed jobs recently and the new fleet company she deals with don't supply any Alfas at all.

prospect

DubTony wrote:

the new fleet company she deals with don't supply any Alfas at all.

Bummer, ah well, thats life :rolleyes:
No harm in the OP asking for one though, maybe, just maybe, her company has different rules!

RE*AC*TOR

they don't - no alfa's.

Thanks for all the advice lads. I'd say the Volvo S40, the 407 and maybe (if allowed) the Hyundai Coupé are the front runners.

prospect

RE*AC*TOR wrote:

they don't - no alfa's.

Thanks for all the advice lads. I'd say the Volvo S40, the 407 and maybe (if allowed) the Hyundai Coupé are the front runners.

Double bummer, could she argue discrimination!

407 and S40 are good choices.

Praetorian

The new Hyundai Sonata looks like great value if you want amazing comfort. One of the guys in our office is picking one up, pick up a brouchure or take a test drive.

I scanned in a picture for you.

RE*AC*TOR

didn't realise there was a new one out!! that looks really sweet.

got any more scans?

fletch

RE*AC*TOR wrote:

didn't realise there was a new one out!! that looks really sweet.

got any more scans?

Has a look of Mazda 6/Xedos 9 about it...nice

eljono

I had a look at one of the new Sonata's on Sunday. While it's a huge improvement over the old model, it's still not in the same league as Avensis, 407, Mondeo. Interior plastics were very cheap and that was also the overall impression.

Praetorian

http://worldwide.hyundai-motor.com/dataPDF/e-brochure/Sonata.pdf

RE*AC*TOR

that looks a great car - definte test drive.

commited

Can you wait til june for the new Passat?

If not - go for the legacy imho

Paul (MN)

"I just got rid of my A3"
"What did you replace it with"
"A Hyundai Sonata"
"HAHAHAHAHAHA"

RE*AC*TOR

commited wrote:

Can you wait til june for the new Passat?

If not - go for the legacy imho

Yeah - won't be bought till August. At the minute the the Passat is slightly out of the completely infelxible price range.

Lockster

I actually had a very similar decision myself last year. I originally decided on the Avensis, but when looking to place the order was put off by the very long waiting time of 5 months from delivery to order, I don't know whether this has changed now though. So in the end I went for a Mazda 6 and I must say that I made the right decision. The car is lovely to drive, handles beautifully and the Sports Touring model has every bit of kit that you would need in a car. I've also not had even the slightest problem with it and that's in a year with around 25,000 miles. I've had three other company cars a golf, a mondeo and a laguna and I have to say that this is the best by far. I was originally put of a little by the interior as it is grey and I would usually prefer more black, but I soon got used to it.

In terms of value for money and what you get for your euro I think she should definately at least consider the Mazda.

If I was due to change myself again I would also look at the Volvo S40 / V50 as this wasn't out when I had to make my mind up last year.