Choice for 2nd hand small/mid SUV

[somapop]

Hi folks!

I haven't owned as car for some time but having recently moved home this and other circumstances require me to get a car again.

Last car was a VW Touran which was great for as family with three kids. The kids have pretty much grown up now and there was a separation involved also.
I was living next to very good public transport (both tram and train station in Manchester) and tend to walk everywhere anyway

However, since moving that's less of an option now and although I'll still wall everywhere in the week if possible.
But there are occasions in the week and certainly the weekends when I need a car again now. I'm missing out on visiting places (and trips with my children).

I've had my eye on the VW T-roc for some time, but not wholly wedded to this (and this may depend on the models and my budget).

The list I've shortlisted (and mainly on size, looks and ball park budget) is below but all pretty much small to mid SUVs.

Given my budget is around 10K (but could take on smallish loan to top if necessary) I'll be looking at second hand.

Needs really are something that's not going to give me 'drama' over the next few years and is a decent ride with just enough of a pleasant exterior to get me mildly excited !
Likely use mainly at the weekend - local trips, weekends away and perhaps a once a year traverse to *Cornwall.
And also simply because I miss driving.

• Just to add last year I hired a car to go to Cornwall with my children (plus one of their friends) - age 14 and 19, 19 (to give an indication of size!).

This was the MG ZS. Got to say I really enjoyed this. The size and height felt good (but bear in mind I have no benchmarks over the past several years) but, I did find it a little too large. Parking, traversing down those tight Cornish roads felt a little precarious.

This is the fairly short 'shortlist' (some with a thought attached!).

• Volvo CX40 (recent addition - really like the look of these but suspect they may be pricier than the others).

• Mazda CX5


• Mazda CX3 smaller


• Hyundai Kona - 
Hyundai - Baron

• Hyundai Tucson (maybe too big - akin to the MG ZS?)

• VW T - Roc (the one I've had my eye on for some time)

• Kia Sportage

• Nissan Qashqai

Any help/suggestions would be greatly appreciated, I've put this off for far too long!

Thank you.

[loskie]

Skoda Karoq or Kamiq

Or Dacia Duster

Not sure how you would get on with your budget.

Maybe if fuel isn't a concern (not a big mileage) Subaru XV or Forester

Edited by loskie on Saturday 26th April 16:05

[Tiglon]

A Yeti is the obvious answer for those requirements and budget.

[Mammasaid]

Seat Ateca or Skoda Karoq, slightly bigger than the T-Roc , Seat is 'sportier', Skoda is more comfort orientated, but otherwise they're the same car, built on the same line.

[somapop]

Thanks for the replies.

I'll take a look, although I'm aware of some of those. That shortlist is based on a ball park of the style of car I think will suit.
Equally on looks too (which is important to me). We had a car years ago that 'did the trick' for what it was but it was never a joy walking up to it!

Might be a case of losing some functionality (or newer model) for something I'll enjoy driving in and looking at (with the caveat it's not a car I'll be using every day).

[paul_c123]

Definitely on my avoid list would be Nissan Qashqai and Mazdas. Having driven all of them, I'd go for the T-Roc (and that's over the Seat and Skoda offerings - their infotainment is definitely not as good). I'd take an older T-Roc over anything else on that list.

If you really don't mind smaller, Kia Stonic is very good (but it might be too small, and they might be too new to achieve your budget).

[ZX10R NIN]

somapop said:

Hi folks!

I haven't owned as car for some time but having recently moved home this and other circumstances require me to get a car again.

Last car was a VW Touran which was great for as family with three kids. The kids have pretty much grown up now and there was a separation involved also.
I was living next to very good public transport (both tram and train station in Manchester) and tend to walk everywhere anyway

However, since moving that's less of an option now and although I'll still wall everywhere in the week if possible.
But there are occasions in the week and certainly the weekends when I need a car again now. I'm missing out on visiting places (and trips with my children).

I've had my eye on the VW T-roc for some time, but not wholly wedded to this (and this may depend on the models and my budget).

The list I've shortlisted (and mainly on size, looks and ball park budget) is below but all pretty much small to mid SUVs.

Given my budget is around 10K (but could take on smallish loan to top if necessary) I'll be looking at second hand.

Needs really are something that's not going to give me 'drama' over the next few years and is a decent ride with just enough of a pleasant exterior to get me mildly excited !
Likely use mainly at the weekend - local trips, weekends away and perhaps a once a year traverse to *Cornwall.
And also simply because I miss driving.

• Just to add last year I hired a car to go to Cornwall with my children (plus one of their friends) - age 14 and 19, 19 (to give an indication of size!).

This was the MG ZS. Got to say I really enjoyed this. The size and height felt good (but bear in mind I have no benchmarks over the past several years) but, I did find it a little too large. Parking, traversing down those tight Cornish roads felt a little precarious.

This is the fairly short 'shortlist' (some with a thought attached!).

• Volvo CX40 (recent addition - really like the look of these but suspect they may be pricier than the others).

• Mazda CX5?

• Mazda CX3 smaller?

• Hyundai Kona - ?Hyundai - Baron

• Hyundai Tucson (maybe too big - akin to the MG ZS?)

• VW T - Roc (the one I've had my eye on for some time)

• Kia Sportage

• Nissan Qashqai

Any help/suggestions would be greatly appreciated, I've put this off for far too long!

Thank you.

As an example the Tucson is only 235mm longer than a T Roc.

My pick would be the Kia Xceed if you want something T Roc sized, imo it's a better overall car than the T roc:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202504161...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202411136...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202503200...

These will still have two years warranty (as long as they've been serviced correctly) left as well.

Q30 Luxe:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202503180...

[Back2theFuji]

Your comments about the MG ZS are interesting as it's one of the smaller SUVs, of similar size to a Focus hatchback, albeit taller.

With that it mind, you will likely find a Tucson too big.

Have you considered leasing? Kia's EV3 is great fun and cheap to run if you have access to a driveway. The Skoda Elroq is great too, albeit a bit longer.

[somapop]

paul_c123 said:

Definitely on my avoid list would be Nissan Qashqai and Mazdas. Having driven all of them, I'd go for the T-Roc (and that's over the Seat and Skoda offerings - their infotainment is definitely not as good). I'd take an older T-Roc over anything else on that list.

If you really don't mind smaller, Kia Stonic is very good (but it might be too small, and they might be too new to achieve your budget).

Interesting re the Qashqai and Mazdas. I thought they were a solid choice.

Only concern with the ~T-rocs is the reg/year I'd be able to stump up for given my budget.
Might be a few anecdotal concerns I've read but pre 2022 models may have had issues?

This was always the one that turned my eye.

The Kia Stonic looks interesting - just had a look but will delve further (size and price may be the factor).

Thanks!

[somapop]

ZX10R NIN said:

As an example the Tucson is only 235mm longer than a T Roc.

My pick would be the Kia Xceed if you want something T Roc sized, imo it's a better overall car than the T roc:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202504161...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202411136...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202503200...

These will still have two years warranty (as long as they've been serviced correctly) left as well.

Q30 Luxe:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202503180...

Never considered the Xceed but anoither one to look into (warranty would be handy too).

Any main reasons you'd take this over the T roc? I'll take a proper look. One of those cars I'm not even sure I've seen on the streets (unlike the omnipresent T rocs!)

Thanks.

[somapop]

Back2theFuji said:

Your comments about the MG ZS are interesting as it's one of the smaller SUVs, of similar size to a Focus hatchback, albeit taller.

With that it mind, you will likely find a Tucson too big.

Have you considered leasing? Kia's EV3 is great fun and cheap to run if you have access to a driveway. The Skoda Elroq is great too, albeit a bit longer.

Haha - wonder if it was the height I'm referring to rather than overall size. I enjoyed the 'bigness' btw but felt moments ot anxiety driing throuh smaller streets and parking. Maybe something to get used to, and again I felt it was a pleasure to drive in like this (did have leather seating and an ok infotainment which helped).
That's the experience I'm after.

I did look at leasing but I'm not totally sold (or fully understand the proc/cons of leasing) on the process. I've cash I';ve put asisde (and may or may not top up with a small loan if the car I find edges over 10k).

No drive on my house sadly - it's a tight terraced cul de sac where car spaces are lucky dip.
I have considered electric in the past and maybe one for further down the road.

With all that in mind, I've seen a few Tucsons (now these cars are all on my radar I start to notice them) and definitely a consideration,

Thanks!

[Sheepshanks]

somapop said:

Never considered the Xceed but anoither one to look into (warranty would be handy too).

Any main reasons you'd take this over the T roc? I'll take a proper look. One of those cars I'm not even sure I've seen on the streets (unlike the omnipresent T rocs!)

Thanks.

Might be area dependent and some people still have a problem with the badge, but around us Skoda Kamiq seems much more common then T-Roc.

[ZX10R NIN]

somapop said:

Never considered the Xceed but anoither one to look into (warranty would be handy too).

Any main reasons you'd take this over the T roc? I'll take a proper look. One of those cars I'm not even sure I've seen on the streets (unlike the omnipresent T rocs!)

Thanks.

No real reason, the XCeed is a better overall car.
For me if you're buying a regular white goods car then get the best one for (age/reliability/maintenance costs & spec) your budget, buy the best car not the badge.

[somapop]

Sheepshanks said:

Might be area dependent and some people still have a problem with the badge, but around us Skoda Kamiq seems much more common then T-Roc.

I do a lot of walking so tend to see things that are on my radar. Never really considered the Kamiq but I bet now I'm aware of it I'll see more of them.
I've seen a fair few Kodiaqs recently. I thought they were a new BMW model when I first saw them.

Incredible turnaround for that company (I grew up at a time when they were less flashy for sure!!).
My mother loved her Skoda (when they'd started to gain very favourable reviews).Quoted Reply
Icon

[Back2theFuji]

somapop said:

Haha - wonder if it was the height I'm referring to rather than overall size. I enjoyed the 'bigness' btw but felt moments ot anxiety driing throuh smaller streets and parking. Maybe something to get used to, and again I felt it was a pleasure to drive in like this (did have leather seating and an ok infotainment which helped).
That's the experience I'm after.

I did look at leasing but I'm not totally sold (or fully understand the proc/cons of leasing) on the process. I've cash I';ve put asisde (and may or may not top up with a small loan if the car I find edges over 10k).

No drive on my house sadly - it's a tight terraced cul de sac where car spaces are lucky dip.
I have considered electric in the past and maybe one for further down the road.

With all that in mind, I've seen a few Tucsons (now these cars are all on my radar I start to notice them) and definitely a consideration,

Thanks!

I'm now in my first SUV and I'm finding the same down narrow lanes, I can't seem the judge things very well as it's so high up! Constantly worried I'm going to hit the kerb or knock the cars going the other way

Good luck with your search!

[somapop]

Back2theFuji said:

I'm now in my first SUV and I'm finding the same down narrow lanes, I can't seem the judge things very well as it's so high up! Constantly worried I'm going to hit the kerb or knock the cars going the other way

Good luck with your search!

Exactly this.
I guess you get used to it! Is your SUV mid sized?

Probably why I was erring towards the T Roc as it's a little smaller than some of the others but does have that height (which I do like).

I live on a small street and there are two Tucsons and a T -Roc so I get chance to compare/reccy size wise when I wander past.

[andy43]

ZX10R NIN said:

somapop said:

Never considered the Xceed but anoither one to look into (warranty would be handy too).

Any main reasons you'd take this over the T roc? I'll take a proper look. One of those cars I'm not even sure I've seen on the streets (unlike the omnipresent T rocs!)

Thanks.

No real reason, the XCeed is a better overall car.
For me if you're buying a regular white goods car then get the best one for (age/reliability/maintenance costs & spec) your budget, buy the best car not the badge.

I’m with ZX on this. If you can get something that vaguely ticks your boxes within the 10k budget and still has a manufacturers warranty that’d be my choice.

[RAB2000]

We've ran a 2012 Mazda CX-5 petrol for the last 8 years taking it from c60k miles to c110k miles now. Only problems we've had:

- passenger side door mirror stopped opening (managed to remove mirror and take out the motor - plastic worm gear had stripped)
- Boot stopped opening (suspected leak around rear window wiper causing electrics to rust out - used an auto electrician to help diagnose then replaced part)

Car is still running great and has only needed basic oil servicing, pads and tyres.

We have 2 kids and the size is good for us, sometimes it would be nice to have more space (camping etc) but day to day it's perfect for our needs. I would say you would find a CX-3 too small for your kids for longer journeys. I suspect the T-roc would also be a bit on the small side for longer journeys too.

£10k would mean you would still be in the original shape CX-5. I think the newer shape (2018 or so?) is probably £12k upwards. As far as I know the newer CX5 petrol uses the same petrol drive train.

Diesel's seem to be troublesome but the petrol seems reliable and is chain cam and no turbos so minimal big maintenance required. MPG we find with gentle driving, low 30s round town, high 30s on a decent run and can get in the low 40s if you take it super easy.

[geeks]

Just had to do all of this myself and ended up with a Freelander 2. Granted my budget was half that of yours there are plenty in the 10k bracket. They are pretty well respected, mainly it turns out as they are a mix of Volvo and Ford more than Land Rover. Had mine a few days and I am already very impressed.

[somapop]

RAB2000 said:

We've ran a 2012 Mazda CX-5 petrol for the last 8 years taking it from c60k miles to c110k miles now. Only problems we've had:

- passenger side door mirror stopped opening (managed to remove mirror and take out the motor - plastic worm gear had stripped)
- Boot stopped opening (suspected leak around rear window wiper causing electrics to rust out - used an auto electrician to help diagnose then replaced part)

Car is still running great and has only needed basic oil servicing, pads and tyres.

We have 2 kids and the size is good for us, sometimes it would be nice to have more space (camping etc) but day to day it's perfect for our needs. I would say you would find a CX-3 too small for your kids for longer journeys. I suspect the T-roc would also be a bit on the small side for longer journeys too.

£10k would mean you would still be in the original shape CX-5. I think the newer shape (2018 or so?) is probably £12k upwards. As far as I know the newer CX5 petrol uses the same petrol drive train.

Diesel's seem to be troublesome but the petrol seems reliable and is chain cam and no turbos so minimal big maintenance required. MPG we find with gentle driving, low 30s round town, high 30s on a decent run and can get in the low 40s if you take it super easy.

I could at a push drop another £2k if it means getting a newer model and one I’m really happy driving.

I do like the look of the Mazda cx5, but I know next to little little about them or have friends who drive one.

And it’s a good point about size. I had a compare of the t roc and tucson as they’re both near each other on my street. Never considered the tucson before but I do like the look of that one too.

It feels that little bit bigger than then t-roc and realistically would be better with my children on trips (given they’re pretty much grown up!).

Which year did the cx5 change - approximately 2018? I’ll take a look around if so.

Thanks.