Help, I need two cars!

[rosscouk]

ZX10R NIN said:

Sorry Ross I hope this isn't doing your head in but if you want a good reliable car estate to last plus this car wins the VFM & it's not a bad car either.

DAB/Xenons/NavBluetooth/Streaming/Parking Sensors all round/Cruise Control & it's an Auto, plus it has a years worth of warranty left which you can extend to give you peace of mind as well as in 5 years time it will only have around 70k which will make it desirable for someone looking for one.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Or use the above to knock down the price on this one that's 6 months newer:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

You should be able to haggle more off the first one.

You can still get the OH a very good Pro C'eed GT Tech with three rather than 4 years warranty left (but it will have all the kit mentioned above) if you want three doors.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

You have assets at the end of the five years & depreciation wise I wouldn't expect either to plummet in price as they've taken their big depreciation hits already, the Kia won't lose lots as they didn't sell many & they're a good car I've sourced three & my customers are very happy with them.

No, not doing my head in at all. I am liking all the suggestions! I seem to have a mental block when it comes to vauxhalls and fords, probably from being dragged around in my dads various company cars in the 80's. I am trying to get over this. I actually quite like the Ford Mondeo Vignale you recommended previously but the Insignia does look a bit cumbersome. I will have a bit of a look now.

Edited by rosscouk on Friday 12th January 19:00

[ZX10R NIN]

I can recommend the Vignale it's a great car good economy nice amount of power & more kit than you can shake a stick at & dealer backup is great.

One question I have is do you need an Estate if not the Hatchbacks is very spacious.

Vignale

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

It seems the the Kia is the pick for the wife, so you still have a warm hatch with to have some fun with.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[rosscouk]

Well, I just had a flirt with leasing. I got all excited and was looking at some deals for Volvo V90 on 8k per year. I then went and looked at my last three years mileage, hmmmmm, somewhat underestimated things.

Okay, so one of the years was fairly heavy work use, but that could happen again, so average comes in at 19,123. I do more miles than I realise!

[ZX10R NIN]

At that point nearly new makes a lot of sense that Vignale ticks every box, have you worked out how many miles your wife is doing?

[rosscouk]

ZX10R NIN said:

At that point nearly new makes a lot of sense that Vignale ticks every box, have you worked out how many miles your wife is doing?

I did actually, so 14789 for her adding to the 19123 for me over the last three years! Much higher than I actually thought.

[qska]

rosscouk said:

I did actually, so 14789 for her adding to the 19123 for me over the last three years! Much higher than I actually thought.

Yeah, in thay case leasing won't work out that great.

I liked the Vignale suggestion, but the A pillar blond spot is mahoosive.

My E class has a much better visibility.

Just doesn't drive quite as sharp as Fords do.

[CX53]

I noticed a 308 in there somewhere you’d picked out for your wife. I had one as a courtesy car a while back and I really liked it.

This one was auto and the gearbox was actually pretty good. The 1.2 130 bhp turbo was quite impressive too and felt pretty quick. The interior felt naff and media system rubbish even compared to my Astra, but did what it needed to. I actually considered buying one next! Got some good comments from work colleagues about how nice it looked.

Also really liking the 185 bhp focus diesel ST estate posted on the previous page... looks like a cracking all rounder.

I decided to lease my current car, and, sure enough, 12 months in to a 24 month deal, I’m on course to go way over the mileage. It’s had 2 scrapes now which need fixing at my own cost. Who says new cars don’t go wrong?! Mine had a split fuel hose pissing fuel all over the engine after just 3 weeks and 800 miles, trip to dealer and a day off to sort. Now it has an ESC warning, which means another time consuming trip back to the dealer. It still needs tyres and servicing and the worst bit is, to go for the best value deals at the time you usually end up compromising on what you actually want, the result being I’m bored already. Wish I’d bought something with a cheap loan and will do next time.

[rosscouk]

qska said:

I liked the Vignale suggestion, but the A pillar blond spot is mahoosive.

I probably need to take a look at this, I hadn't heard it was an issue - good shout!

[rosscouk]

CX53 said:

I noticed a 308 in there somewhere you’d picked out for your wife. I had one as a courtesy car a while back and I really liked it.

This one was auto and the gearbox was actually pretty good. The 1.2 130 bhp turbo was quite impressive too and felt pretty quick. The interior felt naff and media system rubbish even compared to my Astra, but did what it needed to. I actually considered buying one next! Got some good comments from work colleagues about how nice it looked.

Thanks, this is really helpful.

I am currently looking at the Vignale/Vrs/C220 so narrowing it down with a few outside options like 5 series/Mazda 6/passat

My wife has now been introduced to the 308, but we probably need to drive one. I have also been arguing for an auto on both cars, but wife is not yet convinced. We spend so much time in traffic on the M5, an auto seems like a no-brainer.

[qska]

Rather than C220 have a look at C350... Even in diesel guise it's much much better.

I'm always surprised how Merc got away with the 220 engine... Only the current E class has introduced a new, acceptable 2 litre diesel

I have the 350 CDI in an E class, and it'sa fabulous unit.

[ZX10R NIN]

I haven't found the A pillar a problem on my Vignale it's a very good all rounder.

[ZX10R NIN]

rosscouk said:

Thanks, this is really helpful.

I am currently looking at the Vignale/Vrs/C220 so narrowing it down with a few outside options like 5 series/Mazda 6/passat

My wife has now been introduced to the 308, but we probably need to drive one. I have also been arguing for an auto on both cars, but wife is not yet convinced. We spend so much time in traffic on the M5, an auto seems like a no-brainer.

I'd say get her to test drive the KIa the I feel the fit & finish is better than the Peugeot as well as the media actually function properly, but I appreciate it may be a harder sell (right up until she drives one especially if you stick to a manual so you can have a warm hatch to play with) than the Peugeot.

Auto C'eed 4 Tech

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

If you let her get her way you get a sweet warm hatch to have some fun with every now & then.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[rosscouk]

ZX10R NIN said:

I'd say get her to test drive the KIa the I feel the fit & finish is better than the Peugeot as well as the media actually function properly, but I appreciate it may be a harder sell (right up until she drives one especially if you stick to a manual so you can have a warm hatch to play with) than the Peugeot.

Auto C'eed 4 Tech

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

If you let her get her way you get a sweet warm hatch to have some fun with every now & then.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Thanks - These all look excellent. Its definitely on the list now.

[rosscouk]

The configuration has changed a bit due to my other half changing her mind (why do they do that?).

So, I am still thinking up to 25k for two cars

1) Estate (to replace Saab 93 estate), leather, auto, cruise, reverse parking, probably no more than 60k ish miles. 15 miles pa. Probably diesel. Up to £10k. I have been thinking Octavia's/superb/V70s/C class/passat etc
2) Funnish smaller car (to replace Clio). Auto and cruise again if possible. Again, probably no more than 60ish or less on clock. Petrol. Up to £15k. I have been thinking Golf GTi/megane/ceed/giuletta/m135

I am thinking I like the idea of a V70, big comfortable cruiser and a Golf GTI. Any help or tips gratefully accepted.

[ZX10R NIN]

The Mondeo is ahead of the rest in this segment but the others will mean you get a newer car as the high spec Mondeos hold their money well:

2.0d Titanium X Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Titanium X Business

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

The Insignia is still the best VFM option when it comes to Spec/Low mileage/Age & BHP

195bhp Elite Nav

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Standard Elite Nav

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Passat Highline

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Octavia VRS

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

C350 Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Another option is the 508SW GT they're hard to find but a very worthy car they have the same 200bhp engine as the 2.2d Mondeo they come loaded with kit.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[ZX10R NIN]

Hot hatch options:

Alfa Giulietta QV

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Leon Cupra 280

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Edition 35 GTI

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Mercedes A250

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

M135i

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

S3

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Or you could go for the newer (bigger) Clio RS220 Trophy

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[rosscouk]

ZX10R NIN said:

The Mondeo is ahead of the rest in this segment but the others will mean you get a newer car as the high spec Mondeos hold their money well:

2.0d Titanium X Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Thanks ZX10R NIN, some excellent suggestions as usual. They also make me think about different options which is the whole idea of this thread.

I think the Mondeo should be considered but I have a bit of a thing against Fords and Vauxhalls for that matter as my Dad had a whole load of Sierra's and Cavaliers in the 80's. Its completely unjustified and not fair.

ZX10R NIN said:

The Insignia is still the best VFM option when it comes to Spec/Low mileage/Age & BHP

195bhp Elite Nav

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

These do look good value for money, I need to test drive one.

ZX10R NIN said:

Passat Highline

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

I can't get massively excited by these, although I do not seem to be able to drop off my list.

ZX10R NIN said:

Octavia VRS

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

I quite like the new model VRS (but can't afford really), but no so sure about the old models curves.

ZX10R NIN said:

C350 Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Interesting. I do have my eye on a MB C Class C250 CDI AMG Sport Plus 7G - I thought I should be aiming for the C220 as its a good compromise in terms of power/fuel economy, any thoughts?

ZX10R NIN said:

Another option is the 508SW GT they're hard to find but a very worthy car they have the same 200bhp engine as the 2.2d Mondeo they come loaded with kit.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

I wouldn't have thought of these normally, but they do interest me. I need to do a bit more research.

I have the odd Superb and Octavia on the list both in Elegence guise. I quite like the idea of a v70, should I worry I would need to go a bit older to get there abouts the £10k mark? I also have an Accord on the list, but don't have much experience though with them. Seems fairly cheap.

[rosscouk]

ZX10R NIN said:

Hot hatch options:

Alfa Giulietta QV

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

These look good, although I am fairly nervous about reliability, should I be?

ZX10R NIN said:

Hot hatch options:

Leon Cupra 280

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

I do really like the idea of the Cupra, although they do seem to hold their value more and are not much cheaper than the Golfs from looking over the past few months.

ZX10R NIN said:

Hot hatch options:

Edition 35 GTI

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

I like the bodywork on the slightly newer golfs, but perhaps I am limiting myself a bit.

ZX10R NIN said:

M135i

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

I do really like the look of the M135i's, I think along with the golf currently they interest me the most. Should I hold out for a 2014+ plate?

I also quite like the idea of the Megane, but it doesnt come with an auto box, which is a shame. I would want this as I will still find myself in M5 queue's from time to time.

[maz8062]

Why do cars for "the wife" have to be sedate, boring or small cars, and conversely you get to drive the fun exciting cars that you want? Your wife wants a big car but you convince her into a small wifey type of car. Its more than likely not the case, but your OP gave me that impression.

My recommendation would be to go the lease route, but I don't know as much on here

[ZX10R NIN]

rosscouk said:

ZX10R NIN said:

The Mondeo is ahead of the rest in this segment but the others will mean you get a newer car as the high spec Mondeos hold their money well:

2.0d Titanium X Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Thanks ZX10R NIN, some excellent suggestions as usual. They also make me think about different options which is the whole idea of this thread.

I think the Mondeo should be considered but I have a bit of a thing against Fords and Vauxhalls for that matter as my Dad had a whole load of Sierra's and Cavaliers in the 80's. Its completely unjustified and not fair.

ZX10R NIN said:

The Insignia is still the best VFM option when it comes to Spec/Low mileage/Age & BHP

195bhp Elite Nav

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

These do look good value for money, I need to test drive one.

ZX10R NIN said:

Passat Highline

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

I can't get massively excited by these, although I do not seem to be able to drop off my list.

ZX10R NIN said:

Octavia VRS

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

I quite like the new model VRS (but can't afford really), but no so sure about the old models curves.

ZX10R NIN said:

C350 Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Interesting. I do have my eye on a MB C Class C250 CDI AMG Sport Plus 7G - I thought I should be aiming for the C220 as its a good compromise in terms of power/fuel economy, any thoughts?

ZX10R NIN said:

Another option is the 508SW GT they're hard to find but a very worthy car they have the same 200bhp engine as the 2.2d Mondeo they come loaded with kit.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

I wouldn't have thought of these normally, but they do interest me. I need to do a bit more research.

I have the odd Superb and Octavia on the list both in Elegence guise. I quite like the idea of a v70, should I worry I would need to go a bit older to get there abouts the £10k mark? I also have an Accord on the list, but don't have much experience though with them. Seems fairly cheap.

Here's my thing with the Skoda (which are good) it's simply the Mondeo is the better steer & just as well built at which point when I had the choice from the Insignia V70 Mazda6 Skoda etc it was the Ford that won out.

I will say I didn't checkout the 508 mainly because I couldn't find a GT nearby, with regards to the C350 vs 250 the 350 win out everywhere but on the economy the 6 cylinder is smoother more refined & more reliable than the 250.

That BiTurbo seems amazing value I've only driven the VXR so can't comment on the normal models but that was a decent steer.

The Passat & Superb are essentially the same car at which point if you're not a fan of the Passat you might not be the greatest fan of the Superb.

I don't get the V70 it's well short of being a decent steer & in terms of spec etc I really don't get them but they have a following.

Get past your bias & test drive the Vauxhall/Ford, the Honda is a good car & worthy of a test drive.