Discussion
Good evening,
New to the forum and I'm sure the topic has come up before,but in need of some advice please!
Currently own a 13 plate focus and a 07 plate corsa. However with a dog and baby on the way in April, I'm looking to change the corsa for something bigger. It'll mainly be a second car for use when more space is needed (holidays away etc), and otherwise the daily rural commute to work (about 10 miles).
I've got a max budget of about £4500, but can't decide whether to go for an 04/05 5-series tourer, or whether I'd be better with a passat/ mondeo from the 07-09 period?
I'm not too worried with economy or tax band (although would like to avoid the £500 tax band if possible). Also keen to avoid any big repair bills (but realise these can be hard to predict). Read all the reviews but I genuinely can't choose between an older, higher mileage 'premium' brand that's been tried and tested, or a slightly newer, lower mileage option?
Keen to know what people think or if anyone has any other ideas/suggestions? Thank you!
New to the forum and I'm sure the topic has come up before,but in need of some advice please!
Currently own a 13 plate focus and a 07 plate corsa. However with a dog and baby on the way in April, I'm looking to change the corsa for something bigger. It'll mainly be a second car for use when more space is needed (holidays away etc), and otherwise the daily rural commute to work (about 10 miles).
I've got a max budget of about £4500, but can't decide whether to go for an 04/05 5-series tourer, or whether I'd be better with a passat/ mondeo from the 07-09 period?
I'm not too worried with economy or tax band (although would like to avoid the £500 tax band if possible). Also keen to avoid any big repair bills (but realise these can be hard to predict). Read all the reviews but I genuinely can't choose between an older, higher mileage 'premium' brand that's been tried and tested, or a slightly newer, lower mileage option?
Keen to know what people think or if anyone has any other ideas/suggestions? Thank you!
I'd go with a newer offering in your case given the intended use as a second car/ holdall. Have a look at the Ford Mondeo, Vectra, Mazda 6, Honda Accord and Volvo V70 if you want max space. All are good cars, reliable, and should be cheaper to maintain than a slightly older BMW or Merc.
.I would consider whether you actually 'need' a new car or 'want' a new car.
Babies in the first two years can need much stuff carried round with them. Many mates (and myself included) went out and bought an estate car when baby one was on the horizon.
The reality is, that you rarely need all the space - so maybe two/ three times a year. We have two kids now (currently five and two years old) and we have used a MINI Clubman as our 'big' travelling car for the last three or so years. A simple roof-box has enabled us to travel for weeks down to Devon, visits to grandparents and just recently Xmas for six days away. The roof box swallowed the pram, high chair, pushchair, scooter and small suitcase. The admittedly small boot took everything else.
So I reckon the Focus would easily fulfil your needs but maybe not your wants??
Mike
Babies in the first two years can need much stuff carried round with them. Many mates (and myself included) went out and bought an estate car when baby one was on the horizon.
The reality is, that you rarely need all the space - so maybe two/ three times a year. We have two kids now (currently five and two years old) and we have used a MINI Clubman as our 'big' travelling car for the last three or so years. A simple roof-box has enabled us to travel for weeks down to Devon, visits to grandparents and just recently Xmas for six days away. The roof box swallowed the pram, high chair, pushchair, scooter and small suitcase. The admittedly small boot took everything else.
So I reckon the Focus would easily fulfil your needs but maybe not your wants??
Mike
mike9009 said:
The reality is, that you rarely need all the space - so maybe two/ three times a year.
I can only presume you have no life 
My 5 series estate is an absolute godsend, can just chuck anything in the back without having to care or play tetris. Which is mega when you have babies and more important things to worry about. Win.
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