£15 20k comfy, well-equipped SUV(ish)
Discussion
Hi all,
Looking for some buying advice as I’m a bit stuck. Budget is £15,000–£20,000 and I’m upgrading from a 2009 VW Jetta (written off). I’m getting married this summer so I’m thinking a slightly bigger, more comfortable car makes sense (and this is the first car I’m buying myself, so I’m overthinking everything).
I’ve mainly been looking at SUVs, but I can be convinced into anything else (I originally thought I’d go saloon).
For context, I was given a 2024 Ford Kuga ST-Line X for a bit and I really liked it:
- drove smoothly
- comfy
- felt quick enough
- tech was great
Friends said “anything newer will feel like that compared to a 2009 car”, which is probably true, but I still really liked it.
Cars I’ve been looking at:
- VW Tiguan R-Line (currently leaning this way) – around 2021
- Hyundai Tucson N Line
- SEAT Ateca FR Sport
What I need:
- Comfortable
- Well equipped (CarPlay, heated seats a bonus, sensors/camera, nice infotainment)
- Reliable (I’m not looking for a money pit)
- Easy/affordable to fix (parts availability, independent garage-friendly)
- Still a little fun / not totally dull
What I’m struggling with:
- How to choose the best year/engine/trim for bang-for-buck
- Whether 2021 is a sweet spot for these or if earlier/later makes more sense
- Any known “avoid” combinations (gearboxes/engines/years)
Usage:
- Light daily driving, longer weekend trips and commutes to see family
- Not towing
- Prefer automatic but open to manual if it’s the better option
- UK-based
If you were in my position with £15–20k, what would you buy and why?
Also anything obvious I should test drive that I’ve missed (SUV or saloon/estate alternatives welcome)?
Cheers!
Looking for some buying advice as I’m a bit stuck. Budget is £15,000–£20,000 and I’m upgrading from a 2009 VW Jetta (written off). I’m getting married this summer so I’m thinking a slightly bigger, more comfortable car makes sense (and this is the first car I’m buying myself, so I’m overthinking everything).
I’ve mainly been looking at SUVs, but I can be convinced into anything else (I originally thought I’d go saloon).
For context, I was given a 2024 Ford Kuga ST-Line X for a bit and I really liked it:
- drove smoothly
- comfy
- felt quick enough
- tech was great
Friends said “anything newer will feel like that compared to a 2009 car”, which is probably true, but I still really liked it.
Cars I’ve been looking at:
- VW Tiguan R-Line (currently leaning this way) – around 2021
- Hyundai Tucson N Line
- SEAT Ateca FR Sport
What I need:
- Comfortable
- Well equipped (CarPlay, heated seats a bonus, sensors/camera, nice infotainment)
- Reliable (I’m not looking for a money pit)
- Easy/affordable to fix (parts availability, independent garage-friendly)
- Still a little fun / not totally dull
What I’m struggling with:
- How to choose the best year/engine/trim for bang-for-buck
- Whether 2021 is a sweet spot for these or if earlier/later makes more sense
- Any known “avoid” combinations (gearboxes/engines/years)
Usage:
- Light daily driving, longer weekend trips and commutes to see family
- Not towing
- Prefer automatic but open to manual if it’s the better option
- UK-based
If you were in my position with £15–20k, what would you buy and why?
Also anything obvious I should test drive that I’ve missed (SUV or saloon/estate alternatives welcome)?
Cheers!
If you have off-road parking, then a Tesla model Y. The old shape is the most reliable EV according to whatcar owner reviews from 2024. Car play is supposed to be coming in an update, not that you really need it as the media system is a decade ahead of everyone else from the time.
The NX is also impeccably reliable, and the interior is even nicer than the Tesla, but it's the opposite end of the spectrum and not what you'd consider 'fun' (not that any modern 2 tonne car is particularly fun, saloon or fastback). Whereas an EV is instant shove in the back, the ecvt is a case of foot to the floor, engine revs to 6000 rpm, and then a second later the car slowly accelerates. It's for wafting. I upgraded from a top of the range NX Premier to a model Y awd, and lovely as the lexus is, it was like going from VHS to 4k hdr
You might be tempted by a formentor. Don't, they're utter crap, especially the hybrid
The NX is also impeccably reliable, and the interior is even nicer than the Tesla, but it's the opposite end of the spectrum and not what you'd consider 'fun' (not that any modern 2 tonne car is particularly fun, saloon or fastback). Whereas an EV is instant shove in the back, the ecvt is a case of foot to the floor, engine revs to 6000 rpm, and then a second later the car slowly accelerates. It's for wafting. I upgraded from a top of the range NX Premier to a model Y awd, and lovely as the lexus is, it was like going from VHS to 4k hdr
You might be tempted by a formentor. Don't, they're utter crap, especially the hybrid
Likely miles and use pattern?
Ask because diesels will clog up if they do small distances and that can be expensive, so petrol likely sensible.
If you're dapping about town I'd go FR Sport in 2.0 petrol guise, try and find one with the optioned sunroof, they are rare.
The Seat is a cheaped out Tiguan in terms of there is little in the way of options and the rear suspension is nowhere near as sophisticated, but 99% of people wouldn't know 99% of the time. They are straightforward to buy too, it's pretty much a choice of colour and 1.5 (no) or 2.0 (yes), and you say auto. Then it's a roof and/ or towbar. Compare that to a Tiguan and there are dozens of options, and fee got many because fecking expensive!
The Skoda alternative got fancy rear seats as standard, think they may slide as well as are removable , someone will be along to say how ace they are, but they looks a bit frumpy compared to the colour coded FR.
The bonus of one platform and 3 brands!
Ask because diesels will clog up if they do small distances and that can be expensive, so petrol likely sensible.
If you're dapping about town I'd go FR Sport in 2.0 petrol guise, try and find one with the optioned sunroof, they are rare.
The Seat is a cheaped out Tiguan in terms of there is little in the way of options and the rear suspension is nowhere near as sophisticated, but 99% of people wouldn't know 99% of the time. They are straightforward to buy too, it's pretty much a choice of colour and 1.5 (no) or 2.0 (yes), and you say auto. Then it's a roof and/ or towbar. Compare that to a Tiguan and there are dozens of options, and fee got many because fecking expensive!
The Skoda alternative got fancy rear seats as standard, think they may slide as well as are removable , someone will be along to say how ace they are, but they looks a bit frumpy compared to the colour coded FR.
The bonus of one platform and 3 brands!
SUVs are great if you have kids and are constantly parking against kerbs, or live somewhere with cr4ppy roads. However they are all cars that like to be wafted around and not hurried.
If you can get away with an estate it'll be much nicer to drive.
For SUV's - Mitsubishi Outlanders are a bargain (hybrid or petrol), Honda CRVs are great but a little pricier. Hyundais and Kias are also a good shout.
If you want an Estate, Mondeos with the 2.0 petrol are a good drive, avoid the 1.5 petrol.
If you can get away with an estate it'll be much nicer to drive.
For SUV's - Mitsubishi Outlanders are a bargain (hybrid or petrol), Honda CRVs are great but a little pricier. Hyundais and Kias are also a good shout.
If you want an Estate, Mondeos with the 2.0 petrol are a good drive, avoid the 1.5 petrol.
macron said:
Likely miles and use pattern?
Ask because diesels will clog up if they do small distances and that can be expensive, so petrol likely sensible.
If you're dapping about town I'd go FR Sport in 2.0 petrol guise, try and find one with the optioned sunroof, they are rare.
The Seat is a cheaped out Tiguan in terms of there is little in the way of options and the rear suspension is nowhere near as sophisticated, but 99% of people wouldn't know 99% of the time. They are straightforward to buy too, it's pretty much a choice of colour and 1.5 (no) or 2.0 (yes), and you say auto. Then it's a roof and/ or towbar. Compare that to a Tiguan and there are dozens of options, and fee got many because fecking expensive!
The Skoda alternative got fancy rear seats as standard, think they may slide as well as are removable , someone will be along to say how ace they are, but they looks a bit frumpy compared to the colour coded FR.
The bonus of one platform and 3 brands!
"Ifyou're dapping about town I'd go FR Sport in 2.0 petrol guise, try and find one with the optioned sunroof, they are rare." Ask because diesels will clog up if they do small distances and that can be expensive, so petrol likely sensible.
If you're dapping about town I'd go FR Sport in 2.0 petrol guise, try and find one with the optioned sunroof, they are rare.
The Seat is a cheaped out Tiguan in terms of there is little in the way of options and the rear suspension is nowhere near as sophisticated, but 99% of people wouldn't know 99% of the time. They are straightforward to buy too, it's pretty much a choice of colour and 1.5 (no) or 2.0 (yes), and you say auto. Then it's a roof and/ or towbar. Compare that to a Tiguan and there are dozens of options, and fee got many because fecking expensive!
The Skoda alternative got fancy rear seats as standard, think they may slide as well as are removable , someone will be along to say how ace they are, but they looks a bit frumpy compared to the colour coded FR.
The bonus of one platform and 3 brands!
A 2.0 for around town? Save money on fuel & buy 1.5. Also more for sale to chose from.
If it was me, Volvo XC90.
That's a bit bigger than some of your suggestions so I'm thinking maybe you want something a bit smaller, then XC60.
Petrol, diesel and hybrid versions available within budget for both, so match fuel type to your use case.
That's a bit bigger than some of your suggestions so I'm thinking maybe you want something a bit smaller, then XC60.
Petrol, diesel and hybrid versions available within budget for both, so match fuel type to your use case.
Edited by CSR Performance on Monday 26th January 20:05
G70 Shooting brake:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202601229...
DS7 Ultra Prestige:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202511077...
Opera:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202511278...
Kuga Vignale:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202511107...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202601018...
Mazda CX-60:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202509046...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202510187...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202601229...
DS7 Ultra Prestige:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202511077...
Opera:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202511278...
Kuga Vignale:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202511107...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202601018...
Mazda CX-60:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202509046...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202510187...
The mk2 Tiguan is a very good looking car, I love how square it is, especially nice in r line trim with a 2.0 petrol & DSG or even the 150 patrol is ok if a little underpowered, nice spec too with the pano roof
Expect to pay more than you would for a golf, but get worse mpg, higher tire costs etc
Alteca is a bit cheap inside, no lining in the door bins, no adaptive cruise like the Tiguan
Expect to pay more than you would for a golf, but get worse mpg, higher tire costs etc
Alteca is a bit cheap inside, no lining in the door bins, no adaptive cruise like the Tiguan
biggbn said:
The badge you are looking for is Lexus. Any of their SUV in budget might not have 'tested' well with the muttering rotters as George Bishop used to call his colleagues, but go check out ownership reviews. Well specced, refined, reliable as a rock, well made. Job jobbed
Easily nicked though...CSR Performance said:
If it was me, Volvo XC90.
The issue here is that for the budget you are looking at 10 year-old cars with over 100,000 miles. The risk of a big bill is there but if you are happy to roll that dice...Come down to a Mitsubishi Outlander / CRV / CX5 etc and you are in a 4 year-old car with 30,000 miles.
I appreciate that is a personal choice though, just my comments.
My wife had the Kuga in the spec you mention and we've had it for 6 months or so now, it's alright, better than expected. what I would say though is that on longer journeys I seem to get uncomfortable and end up with a bad back, it's also not particularly refined and has a lot of wind & road noise compared to more premium cars which can get a bit tiresome after an hour or so, it's great for town driving though and is relatively nimble for an 'suv'
I have a 2025 Seat Ateca. I am happy with it. 1.5tsi engine is good enough. Ride is on the firm side even on 17" wheels so worth doing a test drive to check you are OK with it. I drive various cars at work and it is definitely the firmer end of spectrum.
No issues with road or wind noise up to motorway speeds.
Standard VW buttons for controlling heating. No touchscreen nonsense.
Seats initially felt a bit firm but they are comfortable and give good support cornering.
The firm ride helps cornering - for an SUV it doesn't wallow much.
Mine was good value brand new at £21500 so no big bill worries for 3 years. Spacious with good headroom (I'm 6ft3).Takes my XL bike with the seats down and front wheel off.
It has standard 2024 onwards speed warnings. Very low key and quiet though. Short journeys I leave on. To switch off there is a fast access to menu button on the wheel. Three clicks and the speed and intrusive lane change warnings are off.
Mine is the base model. So has the essentials but no bells and whistles. Nice spacious cabin though. I have driven the 2021 diesel version at work so knew I was happy with driving position etc.
Worth a look but as I said pay attention to ride firmness on test drive. You could hopefully get a newish version for top end of your budget or even a new if you stretch it.
No issues with road or wind noise up to motorway speeds.
Standard VW buttons for controlling heating. No touchscreen nonsense.
Seats initially felt a bit firm but they are comfortable and give good support cornering.
The firm ride helps cornering - for an SUV it doesn't wallow much.
Mine was good value brand new at £21500 so no big bill worries for 3 years. Spacious with good headroom (I'm 6ft3).Takes my XL bike with the seats down and front wheel off.
It has standard 2024 onwards speed warnings. Very low key and quiet though. Short journeys I leave on. To switch off there is a fast access to menu button on the wheel. Three clicks and the speed and intrusive lane change warnings are off.
Mine is the base model. So has the essentials but no bells and whistles. Nice spacious cabin though. I have driven the 2021 diesel version at work so knew I was happy with driving position etc.
Worth a look but as I said pay attention to ride firmness on test drive. You could hopefully get a newish version for top end of your budget or even a new if you stretch it.
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