MPV/SUV for OAP
Discussion
Hi all,
I've been asked to help my dad find a replacement for his car. My dad's 2001 Scenic has just given up (he's had it since new) and I'd like to ask for some help from you all so we can get the right car. He is 72, has a budget of £3000 (can push to £4000 but would prefer not to) and his annual mileage is 3k, typically short runs (sub 10 miles locally).
He needs:
- Reliability
- A higher seating position (due to bad knees).
- To be able to perform basic maintenance on it himself (a maintenance engineer for 30+ years and stubborn beyond belief
).
- Manual gearbox (as he doesn't trust automatics - stubbornness noted above
)
- Something with sub 125k miles that can be had for the budget. (in line with the stubborn point above, he is stuck in the 80s and see's 130k miles as astronomical
He will be using it for household tasks and the odd few runs to the tip. At this mileage, I've advised sticking with petrols and nudged him towards the Honda CRV, Toyota Rav 4 and Toyota Verso.
He's been looking at 2015ish Renault Scenic 1.5DCI's (i've advised against a diesel) and Scenic 1.6VVTs. Reliability is key for him and I know Renaults used to have issues in this area.
Can you help with suggestions?
I've been asked to help my dad find a replacement for his car. My dad's 2001 Scenic has just given up (he's had it since new) and I'd like to ask for some help from you all so we can get the right car. He is 72, has a budget of £3000 (can push to £4000 but would prefer not to) and his annual mileage is 3k, typically short runs (sub 10 miles locally).
He needs:
- Reliability
- A higher seating position (due to bad knees).
- To be able to perform basic maintenance on it himself (a maintenance engineer for 30+ years and stubborn beyond belief
).- Manual gearbox (as he doesn't trust automatics - stubbornness noted above
)- Something with sub 125k miles that can be had for the budget. (in line with the stubborn point above, he is stuck in the 80s and see's 130k miles as astronomical
He will be using it for household tasks and the odd few runs to the tip. At this mileage, I've advised sticking with petrols and nudged him towards the Honda CRV, Toyota Rav 4 and Toyota Verso.
He's been looking at 2015ish Renault Scenic 1.5DCI's (i've advised against a diesel) and Scenic 1.6VVTs. Reliability is key for him and I know Renaults used to have issues in this area.
Can you help with suggestions?
Edited by R0ckSolid on Sunday 23 February 21:03
R0ckSolid said:
He's been looking at 2015ish Renault Scenic 1.5DCI's (i've advised against a diesel) and Scenic 1.6VVTs. Reliability is key for him and I know Renaults used to have issues in this area.
Considering his previous Renault lasted 24 years, they can't be that bad! The 1.5 dci is a reliable engine, but for 3000 miles a year I wouldn't risk potential issues with the Dpf.I currently have a 2011 Megane Coupe but am finding it too cramped, I would happily get a petrol MK3 Scenic to replace it.
I think the MK3 Megane/Scenic is a great car.
B Max
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202502058...
Not many around within his budget and not the 1.0T engine.
Lots more C Max's around, similar size to his present car.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202412277...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202502058...
Not many around within his budget and not the 1.0T engine.
Lots more C Max's around, similar size to his present car.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202412277...
I'd second the Nissan Note suggestion. I still see a fair few of the original shape driving around and in SVE spec I think they still look good. My mother had one for quite a few years and it was well behaved.
Is a Honda Jazz MPV enough?
Vauxhall Mokka?
Late first generation CMax with the reliable 2.0 petrol engine?
There is an sizeable element of pot luck at this end of the market. Searching AutoTrader for NA petrol, manual 5 door cars for up to £4k and within a reasonable distance would be my next step with the intention of finding a good example of "something" rather than chasing a particular make/model. A private sale with 12months MOT, decent looking tyres, discs, evidence of servicing etc could offer a winner.
Good luck.
Is a Honda Jazz MPV enough?
Vauxhall Mokka?
Late first generation CMax with the reliable 2.0 petrol engine?
There is an sizeable element of pot luck at this end of the market. Searching AutoTrader for NA petrol, manual 5 door cars for up to £4k and within a reasonable distance would be my next step with the intention of finding a good example of "something" rather than chasing a particular make/model. A private sale with 12months MOT, decent looking tyres, discs, evidence of servicing etc could offer a winner.
Good luck.
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