Reliable and durable family car

[Jag_NE]

Evening All,

I want to buy a new car for my wife that will be used for a short daily commute and weekend use, annual mileage up to about 5k. 2 kids. Budget 25k to low 30's maximum. I might use the car once its 5 or 6 year old as a daily runner however which would take it up to 12k per annum.

Key criteria are:

Reliability (key) - it will be a keeper, potentially 10 years+ due to the low usage, low hassle required
Durability (key) - it needs to wear well
Space - reasonable size but not huge, we aren't campers our outdoorsy
Shape - saloon or SUV, perhaps a hatch, no estates
Brand - not overly fussy but as she knows nothing about cars a premium badge is preferred
Fuel - im not anti diesel at all but hybrid or petrol slight preference
Economy - not a top priority but as I may use it as a daily in the future, the lower the consumption the better
Transmission - auto essential

I have been thinking about E-Class, Avensis, Forester, CR-V, A4/6, 3 series, CX-5, S90

Any suggestions very welcome based upon the key criteria of quality and longevity.

Thanks in advance.

[crimelol]

Too much money to spend for wifes car )))

[lucido grigio]

Forget diesel,your wife's mileage isn't high enough and DPF issues might ensue.

[crimelol]

GOLF 7 GTI, it will keep high price good car, cheap to maintain...

[bearman68]

If your planning to keep it over 10 years, forget the German ste, especially if you don't buy it new.. Japanese, Korean, and possibly Ford all the way. French may be an outside bet.
You gotta be thinking of an Accord or Avensis surely?

[Jag_NE]

bearman68 said:

If your planning to keep it over 10 years, forget the German ste, especially if you don't buy it new.. Japanese, Korean, and possibly Ford all the way. French may be an outside bet.
You gotta be thinking of an Accord or Avensis surely?

yes mate avensis is high on list, just the only option is a petrol auto which is lethargic and not that frugal. not top criteria however hence its a serious contender.

accord would be right up there if they were still making them.

regarding germans, my view is that the reliability is maybe not top drawer but body and interior is very durable. i presume e class are still pretty solid due to the huge german taxi market?

[Deerfoot]

Your budget will get you a nearly new Lexus IS300h, if it's big enough for your needs it's where I'd look...

[Jag_NE]

Deerfoot said:

Your budget will get you a nearly new Lexus IS300h, if it's big enough for your needs it's where I'd look...

lexus is a great shout, thanks

[ZX10R NIN]

Mazda CX-5 Sport Nav

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Mercedes GLA 45 AMG

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Audi RS Q3

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Ford Kuga Vignale

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Q5 S Line Plus

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Kia Sportage GT Line S

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[tonyb1968]

Have you tried something like this?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/peugeot/3008/suv/1.6-...

They also do a 1.2 EAT6 speed auto which is cheaper but the 165ps 1.6 petrol should be pretty pokey and still give great fuel economy

[jonny70]

If you will stretch to low 30's as you stated then without a doubt the new Volvo XC60 that was just released, perfect family car for that budget.