Post leasing bump back to earth - need space + android auto

[benemm]

I'd really appreciate the collective PH wisdom (if that's a thing) to help me find my first car purchase.

I've been driving a couple of cheap leases the last few years (Ateca / Karoq) since passing my test pretty late (I'm 39, just). Since the age of cheap leases seem to be over, and my Karoq lease is ending in August I'm looking around for, I think, a good second hand deal.

I have contrasting needs - most of the time I do low weekly miles - 3-5 miles to the gym / supermarket etc. But a few times a year I do 600+ mile round trips for visiting family / festivals and need a good boot space to accommodate all the stuff required.

I think this means petrol. I'm in London so it needs to be ULEZ compliant. I'd also like a car that either has an Android Auto compatible screen, or could be easily retrofitted with a good aftermarket screen.

Options recent considered (are vast and ill thought through include):

- Karoq / Ateca (sticking to what I know, but they seem a bit expensive on the second hand market, and I feel like I've been had)
- decent estate of some kind (A4 avant, 3-series)
- A3 (tempting but boot restricted and AA limited in earlier versions from what I can tell. But I love the wee pop up screen thing)
- V40 (aftermarket AA screens seem c**p)

I would much rather spend £12-14k but, to hit my requirements am willing to go up to c. £18k to get everything needed.

I've got a little while to think about this, but advice gratefully received...

[anonymous-user]

One of these:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/385432954988?mkcid=16&a...

and one of these:
https://www.motorguards.co.uk/alpine-i902d-oc3-sko...

[mudster]

Or maybe https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212162...

[ZX10R NIN]

benemm said:

I'd really appreciate the collective PH wisdom (if that's a thing) to help me find my first car purchase.

I've been driving a couple of cheap leases the last few years (Ateca / Karoq) since passing my test pretty late (I'm 39, just). Since the age of cheap leases seem to be over, and my Karoq lease is ending in August I'm looking around for, I think, a good second hand deal.

I have contrasting needs - most of the time I do low weekly miles - 3-5 miles to the gym / supermarket etc. But a few times a year I do 600+ mile round trips for visiting family / festivals and need a good boot space to accommodate all the stuff required.

I think this means petrol. I'm in London so it needs to be ULEZ compliant. I'd also like a car that either has an Android Auto compatible screen, or could be easily retrofitted with a good aftermarket screen.

Options recent considered (are vast and ill thought through include):

- Karoq / Ateca (sticking to what I know, but they seem a bit expensive on the second hand market, and I feel like I've been had)
- decent estate of some kind (A4 avant, 3-series)
- A3 (tempting but boot restricted and AA limited in earlier versions from what I can tell. But I love the wee pop up screen thing)
- V40 (aftermarket AA screens seem c**p)

I would much rather spend £12-14k but, to hit my requirements am willing to go up to c. £18k to get everything needed.

I've got a little while to think about this, but advice gratefully received...

You should take a look at the last of the line 1.6T Insignia SRI VX Line it has Android Auto etc as standard & you'll get a very tidy low mileage example for 14K:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205135...

[Krikkit]

Sounds like a plug in hybrid would be a good fit for you

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2022083192...

2016-on C350e should have Android auto already, if not it can be enabled by someone with the right kit

Edited by Krikkit on Wednesday 8th March 20:01

[benemm]

Thanks for all the suggestions. VRS very much on my radar, and some other ideas there I hadn't thought about.

B

[georgeyboy12345]

Agree with the comment made above, a PHEV could work really well for you as long as you have a driveway where you can charge it.

A couple more

VW Passat GTE
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210130...


Kia Optima 2.0 PHEV
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301163...


Conventionally powered cars

Skoda Superb 2.0 TSI
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302264...


Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport 1.5 Turbo
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302144...


Peugeot 508 1.6 PureTech Fastback
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302234...


Audi A4 Avant 1.4 TFSI
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303014...

[edc]

I have also been looking at an Ateca/Karoq type of car at around £15k 2016 onwards. Also on my list were BMW X1, Toyota CHR, Kia Niro, Mini Countryman, Peugeot 3008. They are all cross over style cars. If you are after an auto you will probably find the most choice of ULEZ favourable petrol, hybrid or electric looking at the CHR and Niro.

Whilst I'm not in the ULEZ I have avoided buying a diesel as personally I think if you are keeping the car medium to long term it will be tough to resell or the price will drop like a stone if you are anywhere near the ULEZ.