New £12k family daily - change my mind
New £12k family daily - change my mind
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Discussion

samdy

Original Poster:

220 posts

100 months

Wednesday 11th August 2021
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We've three kids, aged 11, 9 and <1. I'm currently driving a Micra which I bought as a stop gap when my last lease ended. We also have a Vauxhall Vivaro for load lugging family trips with dog, luggage etc.

Looking to buy something big enough to squeeze all 5 of us into for (relatively) short journeys when the Vivaro isn't always practical.

Obviously the PH answer is just use the van and buy something small and sporty instead ??.

In my mind, I want a one owner low mileage relatively new car, it just seems the most hassle free option. Petrol makes most sense as we'll be doing mostly short trips. A small-ish SUV/crossover would fit the bill, and something like a Suzuki Vitara is available within budget. Plenty around 3 years old with <30k on them.

But here's where you can change my mind, am I being too fussy with my age/mileage/petrol only which could open up more options. I've looked at things like 3 series or C class estates but the age and mileage of those in budget puts me off.

What does PH think?

Edited by samdy on Friday 13th August 06:49

CG2020UK

2,942 posts

68 months

Friday 13th August 2021
quotequote all
Mazda CX-3 might fit the bill

samdy

Original Poster:

220 posts

100 months

Friday 13th August 2021
quotequote all
I've considered them but they look a little on the small side. I really like the Hyundai Kona which is a similar size but having been in one and seen one side by side with a Micra, they're really not that big.

I know the Vitara has pretty much the same wheelbase and width, but it's got an extra 50cm or so in height which seems to make a real difference to the roominess in the back.

WarnieV6GT

1,417 posts

227 months

Friday 13th August 2021
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If you want a Vitara then just lease a new hybrid one, they are always available on a cheap deal. Certainly makes more sense then buying a nearly new one.

samdy

Original Poster:

220 posts

100 months

Friday 13th August 2021
quotequote all
I beg to differ, >£7k over two years to rent one isn't cheap. I'd rather buy one instead. The depreciation on a 3 year old one will be way less.

Leasing is usually my preferred route, but my situation is likely to be changeable over the next few years so buying gives more flexibility.


sawman

5,164 posts

258 months

Friday 13th August 2021
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We have a vitara, its a decent car, but i think you might find it a bit tight with 3 kids.
Ours replaced a 2012 rav4 and the suzuki is a bit smaller in every dimension. The turbo petrol motor has sufficient power to make decent progress and is pretty cheap to run

23.7

28,892 posts

211 months

Friday 13th August 2021
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You'll get a new Dacia Duster within budget.

dundarach

6,184 posts

256 months

Friday 13th August 2021
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we paid £11k for a 1 owner, dealer cashcow auto

It's the most boring car in the world, with cameras, dab, cruise, sat nav and various other toys.

all works as it should, easy to drive and park, totally invisible, no one wants to steal it, reasonable mpg, big enough.

everything which makes it totally forgettable is EVERYTHING you honestly need in a car!

https://www.motordepot.co.uk/used/cars/nissan-qash... - 2018, 31k, £13k yawn

CG2020UK

2,942 posts

68 months

Friday 13th August 2021
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I think you pay a premium to have an SUV as there are very much the trend at the moment.

I do agree that many of the small SUVs are very small inside.

If you weren’t caught up on an SUV how about a Fiesta or Astra?

LightningBlue

616 posts

69 months

Saturday 14th August 2021
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I wouldn’t bother with an SUV, why not look at estates? You could consider a Skoda Octavia/Superb, Vauxhall Insignia, Volvo V60 to name a few. Insignias in particular are such bargains, a very good car for what is effectively peanuts.

samdy

Original Poster:

220 posts

100 months

Saturday 14th August 2021
quotequote all
CG2020UK said:
If you weren’t caught up on an SUV how about a Fiesta or Astra?
Not really practical for 3 kids.


Got fed up of trawling Autotrader all day and deliberating over different makes and models, so I've bought a Vitara now. Getting it next Thursday.

ZX10R NIN

30,462 posts

153 months

Saturday 14th August 2021
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The actual answer is the 1.5t Titanium X 180 better built & a nicer ride than the Vitara

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107305...

Titanium X Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107155...

If you don't mind spending a bit more on fuel & tax but save a whole chunk on purchase price then the Infiniti EX GT is a clear step ahead of the Vitara/Kuga in fit & finish as well as spec then it's a very hard package to beat:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106294...

Jag_NE

3,333 posts

128 months

Saturday 14th August 2021
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Fiat Tipo, brand new for 12k

sawman

5,164 posts

258 months

Saturday 14th August 2021
quotequote all
samdy said:
Not really practical for 3 kids.


Got fed up of trawling Autotrader all day and deliberating over different makes and models, so I've bought a Vitara now. Getting it next Thursday.
Nice one, it s a decent car, enjoy