HELP!

[mikieblue]

Hi All,

I really need some Car buying advice!

I'm 26 & just moved out of the city. A Car has become a must so I've finally bitten the bullet & passed my test recently.

I've got 15k to spend on my first motor. I've no idea what to get. As i'm sure everyone does i've been sold on something i think looks cool & i think will suit my needs which are basically..

• Between £9k - £15k to spend.
• A Saloon
• No more than 5 years old
• Fair fuel economy for a 60mile motorway trip to work & back 5days per week
• Leather Interior
• The more gadgets the better!
• Enough space for the new baby & all his bits in the boot!
• No higher than group 15 insurance
• The more luxury the better.
• EDIT: I REALLY DONT WANT AN ESTATE!

So.. I know my requirements sound like something a half arsed housewife would want but like i say cars just aren't my thing until now.

So far i've toyed with..

• Lexus IS220d 2.2 SE-I
• BMW 3 Series, numerous models..
• 2009+ Focus Titanium
• 2009+ Astra + Insignia
• 2009+ Honda Civic's

Most importantly (maybe stupidly) but i'm 26 + have a descent job. I want something that looks the part inside & out.
The Lexus has been my favourite & i'm so close to just going for it but it's a lot of money to commit based on my knowledge probably stupidly risky aswell?

If anyone could HELP? Much appreciated in advance

Edited by mikieblue on Friday 15th March 19:42

[gradeA]

Audi A6?

http://www4.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[mattley]

mikieblue said:

• Fair fuel economy for a 60mile motorway trip to work & back 5days per week

Is that 60 miles each way or round trip.

Volvo V50 2.0D lux.

Extremely comfortable place to be, extremely competent family bus, will wear the miles well and is IMO classless (in a good way, not as in has no class)

[rallycross]

For those requirements I would ask why spend so much?
£10k will get you a very nice 3 series, saloon or touring, it will do everything you need it to do on that list, and will feel very nice to be in.

You will avoid a huge chunk of depreciation if you buy one slightly older.
It will look and drive the same and should be just as reliable buying a £10k or £15k 3 series.

something like this;

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...

[mikieblue]

mattley.. It's 60-65 round trip mate

[mikieblue]

The A6 is fairly nice. It's hasn't quite got the quality of finish vs the lexus but it's tidy & not something i considered thus far.

Can i ask.. Why would you choose this one?

Same question to the others who have responded guys.. Why do you prefer? & what is better vs the Lexus?

Thanks for such a quick response!

[rallycross]

fair bit of mileage will have to live with a diesel in which case BMW or Mercedes 6 cylinder is what will feel nicest;

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...

[noell35]

Out of interest. Why a saloon?
I see someone has already ignored that and found you a nice estate anyway!

[mikieblue]

Thanks Rallycross

Yea I just figured out £10-£15k is what I can afford to spend mate. Closer to £10k would be nice but I want something a bit special + to keep a while..

[mikieblue]

Noel.. (Saloons) Initially, I just prefer the way they look.. comfy on the motorway & safe for the baby i guess mate & I definately want a 4door.

[wemorgan]

Mercedes C220/250CDI

[mikieblue]

This was the lexus btw..

http://usedcars.lexus.co.uk/used-is/220d/2.2td-se-l/wolverhampton/602830411-1607029.aspx

[Buff Mchugelarge]

How long ago did you pass your test and have you checked insurance cost for these cars?

and welcome

[mattley]

You need to keep it a while, with family miles and stuff you're looking at 20K miles a year so keeping it offsets the heavy depreciation. I know you said saloon but as I recommended, an estate is so much more useful, especially with a young family, you'll be surprised how much a a good estate is worth.

As also recommended a good 3 or even a 5 series touring would be a much better choice than any saloon IMO.

[GreatGranny]

If you're happy with the Lexus go with that.
They are, IMO, a quality car.

[noell35]

I've got to be honest, I'd recommend an Estate if you've got a youngster as well. I love saloons but ever since our first estate I've never looked back.

edit: If you wait long enough someone will be along to talk you in to getting an MX5

Edited by noell35 on Friday 15th March 20:05

[mikieblue]

Buff

Literally.. JUST.. And i can afford to insure anything upto group 15 fairly comfortaibly. I've checked

And thanks mate!

[steveo3002]

go with the astra , all the quality and luxury a man could want

[Yamatrix850]

Start by getting some insurance quotes - even at 26 years old, I suspect something like an IS220D is going to be stupidly expensive to insure.

You're probably best off looking at a mid-sized diesel hatch to build up a bit of NCB. There's not a lot wrong with stuff like the Focus 1.6TDCI in Titanium trim, or a Golf 1.6TDI Match.

[mikieblue]

Hi Yamatrix, I've already checked. It's going to cost me the same to Insure pretty much any car that i want £1800 for the year. A descent 1.6 focus is £1750. I'm fine with that.