>2017 2 litre 50+mpg under £15Kstg

Greenlights16 · 23-02-2021 11:18AM #1

Budget - £14K sterling (buying from UK into NI)
Body type - Saloon, SUV/hatchback (in order of preference)
Transmission - automatic
Year from - 2017 (would consider a high spec very clean 2016)
Ideally 2.0litre engine upwards , but I’m aware 1.6s now can be just as powerful etc?

Fuel consumption - 50mpg+ a must. Will be doing 220km round trip 2-3 times per week. Rest of the time small short journeys of less than 20miles or barely moving.
Always been a diesel head, but no preference now, open to anything.

Looking at:

Audi - A6 saloon nice, test drove one a few weeks ago. A5s nice but a bit pricier. No to A4s or a3s

BMW - test drove a 520D M sport recently, great car, very comfortable, but I’ve heard a lot they’re expensive to service, tyres and repair etc? Very common. I just don’t get what the big attraction is, but I’d happily sail around in a 5 series.

Ford - new focus are class (2018 on).

Merc - C & E class deadly cars, maybe a bit too low to the ground and feel every bump in the road? That was an E400d AMG I drove of a friends.

Peugeot 508 - don’t know enough about them at all but look smart

Seat Ateca is a lovely jeep. Test Drove older 2014/2015 Leon and hated it compared with a golf or Audi.

Skoda superb - would be the sensible option, but cannot get away from the fact they’re a PSNI car and a Garda car. Just can’t.

VW Passat - looking very closely out of all of this list at Passat GT & R lines. Seem like a good match.

VW golf - I’ve driven Mk4, MK5, MK6 (current) and MK7, so I guess you could say I’m after a change! However this is class https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102189217730

Buddy Bubs · 23-02-2021 01:32PM

1.6 aren't as powerful as 2.0, they are as powerful as some older 2.0 but not like for like on modern stuff.

Most 1.6 will be in the 110bhp to 150bhp bracket, 2.0 cars generally start at 150bhp and go up to around 200bhp in the likes of Audi, Merc, BMW, Jag.

You've listed 11 cars in your shortlist as far as I can see! Quite diverse list. Saloons, hatchbacks and coupes in there. You may have the luxury of picking whatever car you like and thats great.

Tradeoff between newer machines like a golf or focus or dropping back a few years for the likes of the A5, A6, E Class, 5 series, Jag XE and XF which can be twice the price of the golf or focus when new.
They'll all do the job, the higher end stuff will be quieter and more comfortable in general but will cost more in long run, bigger tyres, more oil capacity, higher fuel consumption, servicing can be dearer in places.

I'd personally always drop back the years and get the car I want rather than the number plate I want.

Ranking your list for driving 220kms a day I'd go with the following:

1) A6/5 SERIES/E CLASS - TAKE YOUR PICK

2) C CLASS/PEUGEOT 508/SUPERB/PASSAT

3) A5

4) GOLF/FOCUS

5) ATECA

Greenlights16 · 23-02-2021 01:43PM

Thanks BuddyBulb.

Yep number 1 is comfort and fuel economy. After that a little bit of luxury feeling would be preferable. I want to feel like I’m getting into a newer car than a 2011 golf, that’s the only thing with the Passat it looks very similar inside with a few modern upgrades.

Thought an SUV might be more comfortable for longer drives but I don’t like anything out there in my budget, I’ve minor lower back issues occasionally. So I definitely won’t be going for a sports/bucket type seats you get in M sport BMWs etc.

On your ranking I’d prob agree.

From test driving the 2016 A6 saloon (not S line) and 2017 520D m sport a few weeks ago, I did prefer the BMW.
Audi was very sturdy, solid and stuck to the road.
BMW interior maybe a bit more luxurious but all the controls seemed a tad fiddly.

My mechanic doesn’t want me to stray outside VW/Audi/Seat/Skoda but he would say that as that’s what he’s used to working with!

23-02-2021 01:46PM

Volvo 190hp

https://www.usedcarsni.com/2017-Volvo-V40-2-0-D4-190-Inscription-5dr-Geartronic-278382115?search_type=1&make=33&fuel_type=0&age_from=2017&price_from=0&user_type=0&model=17108690&trans_type=2&age_to=0&price_to=15000&mileage_to=0&keywords=&location%5B%5D=0&body_style=0

Greenlights16 · 23-02-2021 01:49PM

Deleted User wrote: »

Volvo 190hp

https://www.usedcarsni.com/2017-Volvo-V40-2-0-D4-190-Inscription-5dr-Geartronic-278382115?search_type=1&make=33&fuel_type=0&age_from=2017&price_from=0&user_type=0&model=17108690&trans_type=2&age_to=0&price_to=15000&mileage_to=0&keywords=&location%5B%5D=0&body_style=0

Funnily enough I was looking at this car yesterday Lorenzo! They have a VW Passat up as well, SE business.

Other half is very keen on V40s for her next one but hasn’t driven one yet, coming from a Ford Fiesta. She’s done a bit of research and the reviews out there on V40s aren’t great?

colm_mcm · 23-02-2021 02:02PM

The V40 is quite small inside, the boot is especially tight.

Greenlights16 · 23-02-2021 02:24PM

colm_mcm wrote: »

The V40 is quite small inside, the boot is especially tight.

Her fiesta is small inside and doesn’t feel safe on the motorway with any sort of a wind so that doesn’t sound great!

colm_mcm · 23-02-2021 02:32PM

It’s just a bit tight inside compared to some of the stuff on your list. Similar to an A3 Sportback. it’s still a Volvo and isn’t comparable to a Fiesta in terms of driving.

I’m trying to make sense of your list. You’d consider an A6 but not an A4, then you’re talking Golf/Ateca
Maybe it’s just personal preference and not based on things like size.

Greenlights16 · 23-02-2021 02:38PM

colm_mcm wrote: »

It’s just a bit tight inside compared to some of the stuff on your list. Similar to an A3 Sportback. it’s still a Volvo and isn’t comparable to a Fiesta in terms of driving.

I’m trying to make sense of your list. You’d consider an A6 but not an A4, then you’re talking Golf/Ateca
Maybe it’s just personal preference and not based on things like size.

Yeah it’s really looks to be honest. To a car enthusiast (I assume you are as one of the regulars on here!

) it prob doesn’t make sense.

I like the look of the Ateca and it ticks the mpg box but I haven’t driven one so I’m not sure.
The A4 is probably a fantastic car and suits my needs but I just personally would not want one, they’re nothing special to me.

Golf is what I know and hard to get away from but I won’t buy one next, would like something more premium (which I realize now an Ateca is prob not)
I don’t like cars which are very common and you see Mk7 golfs and A4s everywhere. I realize this is a bit hypocritical as you see most audis and BMW 3/5 series everywhere because that’s why they’re the best sellers..
I’ll admit lunacy

colm_mcm · 23-02-2021 02:46PM

I know they’re out a while, but would you so consider a Volvo S60/V60. That 2.0 190 engine is a cracker.
I couldn’t find one in the right colour/spec when I was changing last time, but it was in the shortlist.

Greenlights16 · 23-02-2021 02:51PM

Very nice car, looking at them now.

I love the new S90 until you see the back of it. The lights just ruin the whole thing and the big awkward back on it!!

colm_mcm · 23-02-2021 03:11PM

Greenlights16 wrote: »

Very nice car, looking at them now.

I love the new S90 until you see the back of it. The lights just ruin the whole thing and the big awkward back on it!!

It’ll grow on you.

AMKC · 23-02-2021 03:42PM

How about a BMW,

https://www.usedcarsni.com/2017-BMW-3-Series-SPORT-AUTO-268746928?keywords=&make=2&model=139959&fuel_type=0&trans_type=2&age_from=2017&age_to=0&price_from=0&price_to=15000&user_type=0&mileage_to=0&body_style=0&keywords=&location%5B%5D=0&location%5B%5D=0&homepage_search_attr=1&tab_id=0&search_type=1

The V40 is a lovely car too and the D4 is a good engine. The brother has it in an S60 and loves it.

The Peugeot 508 certainly stands out but if you have back problems it might not be for you as they are very low and might have a harsh ride. The Volvo seats are lovely and great for people with back issues.

Greenlights16 · 23-02-2021 04:08PM

AMKC wrote: »

How about a BMW,

https://www.usedcarsni.com/2017-BMW-3-Series-SPORT-AUTO-268746928?keywords=&make=2&model=139959&fuel_type=0&trans_type=2&age_from=2017&age_to=0&price_from=0&price_to=15000&user_type=0&mileage_to=0&body_style=0&keywords=&location%5B%5D=0&location%5B%5D=0&homepage_search_attr=1&tab_id=0&search_type=1

The V40 is a lovely car too and the D4 is a good engine. The brother has it in an S60 and loves it.

The Peugeot 508 certainly stands out but if you have back problems it might not be for you as they are very low and might have a harsh ride. The Volvo seats are lovely and great for people with back issues.

Class BMW! Very nice one.

I just think the S60 doesn’t look quite as nice as the other models. No doubt a good car though.

I am looking at UK auctions and on auto trader on mainland UK, you can get the odd decent deal in NI but most trade sellers have their cut on it from bringing it over from England. With a transporter to take it home and or/ferry over & back to look at it it’s prob 6 of one and half a dozen of the other.

23-02-2021 04:34PM

Small, but focus small, not fiesta small, the v40. Feels assured on the road

bazz26 · 23-02-2021 05:34PM

Volvo v40 shares a lot of DNA with the Mk3 Ford Focus. As said they are tight enough in the back and boot. Feels more upmarket though and they switched from 1.6d to their own 2.0d engine when Ford sold Volvo mid way through the v40's life.

Greenlights16 · 23-02-2021 05:36PM

Yeah I wouldn’t drive one now personally myself, it’s for the other half.. If I had the money the only Volvo I’d look at to splash money on would be an XC40/60/90, the new model jeeps.

Greenlights16 · 23-02-2021 07:24PM

Buddybulbs how does a 3 series feature in among your rankings?

Buddy Bubs · 23-02-2021 07:33PM

Greenlights16 wrote: »

Buddybulbs how does a 3 series feature in among your rankings?

Where you'd expect it really, in with the likes of the c class, Peugeot 508 etc. Maybe in with A5 for comfort. Still have one over golf, focus or ateca though.

I test drove a 330e msport plus over Xmas and I found it slightly too firm but that was over speed bumps etc. I'd say it would have been grand on an open road.
Nice car apart from that.

Personally, I like the a6 and 5 series comfort levels the others just below it. You've expressed a preference for SE and prioritising comfort so I don't think you're looking for a sporty machine, I'd stick with the a6 5 series and e class type. Peugeot will be very comfortable too, they always are. Closer to the 5 series than 3 series I'd say.

colm_mcm · 23-02-2021 07:55PM

What cars does your wife like?

kirving · 23-02-2021 08:38PM

Greenlights16 wrote: »

Class BMW! Very nice one.

Don't be fooled by the M Performance kit and the wheels, aside from the auto box that car is relatively low spec.

While you're in diesel territory, you'd probably only be paying a tenner a week more in a petrol given that it cost about the same as diesel in NI. Certainly worth considering, a 1k premium on a diesel would take up to 2 years to pay off.

For 450-700k per week, I'd be aiming for an E Class / 5 series / A6. You get out of a bigger car like that and don't feel the journey at all.

Greenlights16 · 23-02-2021 09:02PM

kirving wrote: »

Don't be fooled by the M Performance kit and the wheels, aside from the auto box that car is relatively low spec.

While you're in diesel territory, you'd probably only be paying a tenner a week more in a petrol given that it cost about the same as diesel in NI. Certainly worth considering, a 1k premium on a diesel would take up to 2 years to pay off.

For 450-700k per week, I'd be aiming for an E Class / 5 series / A6. You get out of a bigger car like that and don't feel the journey at all.

Yeah it’ll be 450km at the very most ever. Some weeks maybe only the 220km round trip once.

Agreed about the bigger luxury car

Zurbaran · 23-02-2021 09:16PM

I’d be prioritising something that has radar cruise if I was doing that mileage. Think it was standard on Volvo s90’s from 2017.

Not sure if standard on the ones in the list?

Greenlights16 · 23-02-2021 11:14PM

Just looked it up there, good extra to have. Is this not similar to adaptive cruise control?

Zurbaran · 24-02-2021 01:54AM

Greenlights16 wrote: »

Just looked it up there, good extra to have. Is this not similar to adaptive cruise control?

It’s the same thing. As you want comfort it would be a top priority along with seat and ride comfort if it was me.

Greenlights16 · 24-02-2021 09:25AM

Is WLTP the most realistic mpg figures out there?

Using the following website on my Golf 6 2011 it throws up the urban, extra urban and combined figures. However I’m taking from it that the “estimated test consumption” is more likely to be the real world figure of 47mpg?

https://motoreu.com/volkswagen-golf-1.6-tdi-bmt-mpg-fuel-consumption-technical-specifications-170674

I thought it would be hard to get something as easy on fuel as it, but looking at the figures from some of the cars on the list and suggested here , even the BMWs and Audis, they’re even better despite being bigger and more powerful.

Automatic and picking a higher spec / higher HP in the cars (which generally means nicer looking) over the entry level models seems to lower the mpg figures, but not in all cases.

Buddy Bubs · 24-02-2021 11:42AM

If you're talking about the likes of A6 and 5 series, it's very unlikely they'll be better than your golf on fuel.
Bigger engine, bigger car...more fuel. Might not be much heavier on a motorway run but in mixed use, they'll use a bit more

nsnoefc1878 · 24-02-2021 06:23PM

Deleted User wrote: »

Volvo 190hp

https://www.usedcarsni.com/2017-Volvo-V40-2-0-D4-190-Inscription-5dr-Geartronic-278382115?search_type=1&make=33&fuel_type=0&age_from=2017&price_from=0&user_type=0&model=17108690&trans_type=2&age_to=0&price_to=15000&mileage_to=0&keywords=&location%5B%5D=0&body_style=0

Why does that website bury the price right down the bottom? Very annoying.

nsnoefc1878 · 24-02-2021 06:26PM

colm_mcm wrote: »

I know they’re out a while, but would you so consider a Volvo S60/V60. That 2.0 190 engine is a cracker.
I couldn’t find one in the right colour/spec when I was changing last time, but it was in the shortlist.

The d4? I've that in my 2017 v90, its the biggest weakpoint in the car for me.

colm_mcm · 24-02-2021 07:49PM

nsnoefc1878 wrote: »

The d4? I've that in my 2017 v90, its the biggest weakpoint in the car for me.

Weak point in what way?

nsnoefc1878 · 24-02-2021 09:28PM

colm_mcm wrote: »

Weak point in what way?

It's a bit agricultural for me, could be a lot smoother. I'd expect better in a premium car.

>2017 2 litre 50+mpg under £15Kstg

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