What long term family car? Does it have to be a Corolla?
Discussion
Sorry about this, I'm a total spreadsheet shopper and have eliminated everything except a Corolla. On a heart level I'd rather that wasn't the case so thought one of you may have some useful alternative ideas.
Used car needed with up to ~£20k to spend. To fit two modestly-sized adults and kids that will range from 7-17 years old whilst we have it.
London based so it'll mainly be doing 20 limits or motorways. Would like it to be no more than 4.7m long for ease of parking and not too wide, decent boot preferred but happy to roofbox if need be.
All being well I'd want something to keep for 6 years minimum and be a sensible ownership prospect over that period.
Must be auto, either some kind of CVT or torque converter much preferred. I'm not convinced a DCT is a good idea in constant London traffic.
2.0 Corolla estate is top of the list. XC40 or X1 are a bit behind but I'm not sure how they'll fare for reliability as they approach 10 years old. Also rans are RAV4 but it seems to have a theft problem, and 3-series estate which I'd like for the drive however the reality is whatever we buy will be slowly ruined inside and out. Last gen. CR-V with the hybrid powertrain is also an option.
Like Hondas but they seem overpriced, should I be looking at Mazdas/Hyundai/Kia?
Used car needed with up to ~£20k to spend. To fit two modestly-sized adults and kids that will range from 7-17 years old whilst we have it.
London based so it'll mainly be doing 20 limits or motorways. Would like it to be no more than 4.7m long for ease of parking and not too wide, decent boot preferred but happy to roofbox if need be.
All being well I'd want something to keep for 6 years minimum and be a sensible ownership prospect over that period.
Must be auto, either some kind of CVT or torque converter much preferred. I'm not convinced a DCT is a good idea in constant London traffic.
2.0 Corolla estate is top of the list. XC40 or X1 are a bit behind but I'm not sure how they'll fare for reliability as they approach 10 years old. Also rans are RAV4 but it seems to have a theft problem, and 3-series estate which I'd like for the drive however the reality is whatever we buy will be slowly ruined inside and out. Last gen. CR-V with the hybrid powertrain is also an option.
Like Hondas but they seem overpriced, should I be looking at Mazdas/Hyundai/Kia?
Edited by FoolsErrand on Friday 20th June 19:07
No home charging for an EV sadly otherwise I'd be doing that.
I have a motorcycle as my transport which is infinitely better and more fun around town than any car could be. The only time I'll be in the car is with family so it in theory it doesn't have to be thrilling, but if there was something that was a bit less dull than the Toyota I'd be tempted.
ps. thanks for the replies already, I thought this thread would sink like a submarine built out of carbon fibre and optimism.
I have a motorcycle as my transport which is infinitely better and more fun around town than any car could be. The only time I'll be in the car is with family so it in theory it doesn't have to be thrilling, but if there was something that was a bit less dull than the Toyota I'd be tempted.
ps. thanks for the replies already, I thought this thread would sink like a submarine built out of carbon fibre and optimism.
Edited by FoolsErrand on Friday 20th June 19:34
We have a 2.0 GR Hatch and it's boringly brilliant
Bought in 2021, so approaching 4 years with our ownership and it's needed nothing apart from regular servicing and 2 front tyres.
Still got years left on warranty, has only lost around £8k in depreciation (we bought at 1 year old) and the service plan is around £24/month.
No brainer for your requirements, they excel around town.
Bought in 2021, so approaching 4 years with our ownership and it's needed nothing apart from regular servicing and 2 front tyres.
Still got years left on warranty, has only lost around £8k in depreciation (we bought at 1 year old) and the service plan is around £24/month.
No brainer for your requirements, they excel around town.
Corolla hybrid makes absolute sense for your use case.
They're a decent car all round. Our 2.0 estate is getting on for 100,000 miles and still drives like a new car.
For town driving it's as good as it gets without going plug-in or full electric, and the bigger engine makes a difference when joining motorways or driving uphill.
Seek out a top spec Excel or GR Sport car in a decent colour, it'll stand out from all the minicabs, especially if kept clean!
They're a decent car all round. Our 2.0 estate is getting on for 100,000 miles and still drives like a new car.
For town driving it's as good as it gets without going plug-in or full electric, and the bigger engine makes a difference when joining motorways or driving uphill.
Seek out a top spec Excel or GR Sport car in a decent colour, it'll stand out from all the minicabs, especially if kept clean!
Edited by Jonny_ on Saturday 21st June 08:08
Hugo Stiglitz said:
911Spanker said:
I think Toyota hybrids are absolutely fantastic but you can't have one as your some car.
So for £20k, spend £14k on a Caterham and the remainder on a MK3 Prius.
Sorted.
Prius is a minefield - how many have been hidden high mileage?So for £20k, spend £14k on a Caterham and the remainder on a MK3 Prius.
Sorted.
Saying that it may not matter - was in a 330k mile taxi the other day. Driver didn't have a bad word to say and MOT history was incredibly clean.
For £5-6k, they are a great tool for the job. But you realistically need something else.
911Spanker said:
Sporky said:
911Spanker said:
I think Toyota hybrids are absolutely fantastic but you can't have one as your some car.
Why not? I had an Avensis as a compulsory company car for a while. I can remember little about it.
Jonny_ said:
Seek out a top spec Excel or GR Sport car in a decent colour, it'll stand out from all the minicabs, especially if kept clean!
I mean no offence but I highly doubt that, maybe to other Corolla owners but I imagine everyone else looks at a Corolla and immediately expects to see an Uber sticker on the side, not to take anything away from how good the car maybe at performing it's function. I'm sure there are very good reasons why taxi drivers choose Toyota HybridsEdited by Jonny_ on Saturday 21st June 08:08
Have you seen the Suzuki Swace?
Exactly the same as the Corolla, just a few style differences and badges...and about £5k cheaper than a like for like Corolla for some reason...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202505152...
Only comes in the 1.8 Hybrid, which in all honesty is what I would be going for if you are only going to be lugging family about.
https://www.whatcar.com/suzuki/swace/estate/review...
Exactly the same as the Corolla, just a few style differences and badges...and about £5k cheaper than a like for like Corolla for some reason...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202505152...
Only comes in the 1.8 Hybrid, which in all honesty is what I would be going for if you are only going to be lugging family about.
https://www.whatcar.com/suzuki/swace/estate/review...
I don’t think you can beat them for reliability, we look after a 2017 Auris that’s just about to kit 300k, we have looked after it for the past 3 years when the customer purchased it on 60k.
In that time it’s been serviced every 10k, it’s on its 3rd set of rear shocks, had the rear tow arms replaced and that’s it other than tyres and brakes.
In that time it’s been serviced every 10k, it’s on its 3rd set of rear shocks, had the rear tow arms replaced and that’s it other than tyres and brakes.
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