Daily vehicle for work up to 13k

[RikkiStephens]

Hi all,

I'm new to the forum and have been having a good look around all of the sub categories - certainly some interesting reading. I've seen similar posts to this but I was hoping for a bit of advice.

I am after a new vehicle - i know not an ideal time to be buying a car hence why I'm doing my best to figure out what I want first.

I have a budget of around 12-13k for a car i will be using every day. I do approximately 20k miles a year which is a mix of B roads and local driving and something I can use and enjoy at the weekends also. I'd hope in 2-3 years time it would not loose a huge amount in value,

I really like the look of the mk7 GTD , has anyone had one of these on here and if so how did you find it? I'd be keen to hold out for one with a few options,

Ideally I need a hatch back for the dog, and would like something fairly sporty with a bit of pull in it. My previous car was a BMW 125D M Sport 2016 which I loved and was fairly rare being the 218bhp model.
A diesel is preferred due to the mileage,
Decent size boot
5 doors
Cruise, sunroof, few extras would be nice,

Would be great to hear any alternatives / suggestions,

Thanks

Edited by RikkiStephens on Monday 13th April 18:45

[anonymous-user]

I have a similar budget to you and I'm looking at these cars as well for 20k a year - mostly motorway. Thing that's putting me off is comments on numerous forums about firm ride with the 18 inch rims and low profile tyres. DCC seems to mitigate this but rarely specced from what I've seen.

I'm leaning towards a face-lift GT DSG instead.

[RS93]

RaymondVanDerDon said:

I have a similar budget to you and I'm looking at these cars as well for 20k a year - mostly motorway. Thing that's putting me off is comments on numerous forums about firm ride with the 18 inch rims and low profile tyres. DCC seems to mitigate this but rarely specced from what I've seen.

I'm leaning towards a face-lift GT DSG instead.

Thanks for the reply, I was potentially looking for one with the 19 santiago wheels so imagine this will he ever more firm ? If could get one with the adaptive suspension that be great, trouble is alot seem fairly basic spec, although the standard spec isn't bad by any means,

Also cannot make my mind up whether auto over manual!

[RS93]

Not an ideal time to be looking so hoping to wait until things are back to normal and hopefully more people will be advertising when restrictions lift and who knows. could be some bargains!

Any other suggestions would be welcome other than a GTD but do think it will tick most boxes, only thing i'm unsure is boot size with a dog,

[QSROCKS]

I had a GTD for 18 months and did 40k, great with the adaptive cruise control, winter pack and did everything above average but no area brilliant nor poor - it’s a great all rounder! I had the GTD Blueline with the slightly smaller alloys as when test driving I could feel the difference between this and the standard alloys on the normal GTD.

I’d have another one if it wasn’t for the boot size being slightly smaller than I need, though my boot always had my PPE in. Could have got an estate but my wife won’t let me have an estate.

[MC Bodge]

QSROCKS said:

my wife won’t let me have an estate.

What is this nonsense?

[QSROCKS]

I’m the definition of being under the thumb!

[loskie]

An Octavia vrs would be as good if not better, more boot space I think. BUT as with any motor for the miles you are doing make sure you can get comfy.

What about a V60?

[ZX10R NIN]

Here are some viable alternatives to the GTD.

The Focus in ST form is probably the most driver focused diesel in your price bracket:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

For me the cars below are the pick of the bunch, apart from a high spec'd A3 they have the nicest interior in class you'll get a newish low mileage high spec car that's also as good a steer as an A220d for your 13k budget, you'll also be able to extend the Manufacturer's warranty too:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

Premium Tech In Touch (these are the ones with Adaptive Cruise)

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

Premium In Touch

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

308 GT 180 a good steer & a bit of a bargain

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

A car that's often overlooked but is well worth a test drive is the DS5 in 180 Prestige spec you'll want for nothing spec wise & it's a good all rounder & you'll get a slightly lower mileage car so you can keep it longer.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

[RS93]

ZX10R NIN said:

Here are some viable alternatives to the GTD.

The Focus in ST form is probably the most driver focused diesel in your price bracket:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

For me the cars below are the pick of the bunch, apart from a high spec'd A3 they have the nicest interior in class you'll get a newish low mileage high spec car that's also as good a steer as an A220d for your 13k budget, you'll also be able to extend the Manufacturer's warranty too:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

Premium Tech In Touch (these are the ones with Adaptive Cruise)

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

Premium In Touch

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

308 GT 180 a good steer & a bit of a bargain

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

A car that's often overlooked but is well worth a test drive is the DS5 in 180 Prestige spec you'll want for nothing spec wise & it's a good all rounder & you'll get a slightly lower mileage car so you can keep it longer.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

Thank you guys,

some great alternatives there and nice to see some suggestions outside of the usual too. I'm tempted to try get some test drives of these kind of cars as I am not familiar with how they drive. I guess something like a GTD or ST are a safe option but sometimes you can get more for your money thinking outside of the box a little.

[ZX10R NIN]

RS93 said:

Thank you guys,

some great alternatives there and nice to see some suggestions outside of the usual too. I'm tempted to try get some test drives of these kind of cars as I am not familiar with how they drive. I guess something like a GTD or ST are a safe option but sometimes you can get more for your money thinking outside of the box a little.

I think you should test drive a few alternatives you may well find that one of the alternatives suits you better, with regards to the Infiniti they pretty much drive the same as the A Class/GLA that they share the same Interior hardware chassis & drivetrain.

The DS is a bit softer but can be hustled down an A road, the 308 is in between, as I said try as many as possible that way you'll never have that nagging doubt.

[griffter]

Renault Megane IV GT might fit the bill. They’re very good cars. This one’s a (rare) petrol but there’s a 2.0 diesel version too which are normally nearer £13k.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...