Next car, my final 6 choices - which one?
Discussion
I kinda know what I want and criteria incl having some space, economy, running costs etc.
The cars in my list vary a bit and each have their own pro's and con's but would appreciate some views, especially from those who own any of these cars, or have in the past.
Renaultsport Megane 2.0 dci 175
Audi A2 (diesel or 1.6 petrol)
Mitsubishi Shogun Pinin 'Warrior'
Fiat Panda 100HP
Alfa 147 TI/Q2/Sport (diesel)
Mercedes Benz A210 Evolution
The cars in my list vary a bit and each have their own pro's and con's but would appreciate some views, especially from those who own any of these cars, or have in the past.
Renaultsport Megane 2.0 dci 175
Audi A2 (diesel or 1.6 petrol)
Mitsubishi Shogun Pinin 'Warrior'
Fiat Panda 100HP
Alfa 147 TI/Q2/Sport (diesel)
Mercedes Benz A210 Evolution
Ive owned an Alfa 147 Sport Q2 JTD and currently own a Renaultsport Megane diesel 175.
The Megane handles like its on rails, the damping is fantastic and soaks up potholes brilliantly. The engine is very smooth even compared to a petrol and returns 40mpg even if you cane it. The torque through the gears is fantastic and I've splashed quite a few hot hatches.
The interior is plasticky and a bit of a non event; it doesn't in any way feel special. My car has cloth sports seats and a panoramic roof; if I was to buy one again I'd look for one with either the leather sports seats or Trendline Recaros but these are like hens teeth. The panoramic sunroof squeaks and creaks as does most of the interior but nothings fell off and it seems quite hard wearing.
2 things to watch for are window regulators (its a case of when not if they'll fail). The regs are expensive to replace and time consuming although there is a DIY option online. The air con on mine is not working at the minute and its either the compressor which is an 800 quid fix or the auxiliary belt.
The Alfa is almost the opposite to the Megane. It doesn't handle as well and the ride is in comparison awful, the crashiness got on my nerves after a while; unless I was going round a corner at dangerous speeds or it was wet I never noticed the Q2 working. The engine is strong but not as strong as the Renaults and it needs the cambelt and metal water pump doing every 60,000 or 4 years which is 400 quid at least. I found the Alfa dealers awful but the Indys great. The Alfas ace is that the leather interior was almost like a mini Maserati and its a very pretty car.
To drive there is no comparison the Renault hands down.
To look at and sit in the Alfa
The Megane handles like its on rails, the damping is fantastic and soaks up potholes brilliantly. The engine is very smooth even compared to a petrol and returns 40mpg even if you cane it. The torque through the gears is fantastic and I've splashed quite a few hot hatches.
The interior is plasticky and a bit of a non event; it doesn't in any way feel special. My car has cloth sports seats and a panoramic roof; if I was to buy one again I'd look for one with either the leather sports seats or Trendline Recaros but these are like hens teeth. The panoramic sunroof squeaks and creaks as does most of the interior but nothings fell off and it seems quite hard wearing.
2 things to watch for are window regulators (its a case of when not if they'll fail). The regs are expensive to replace and time consuming although there is a DIY option online. The air con on mine is not working at the minute and its either the compressor which is an 800 quid fix or the auxiliary belt.
The Alfa is almost the opposite to the Megane. It doesn't handle as well and the ride is in comparison awful, the crashiness got on my nerves after a while; unless I was going round a corner at dangerous speeds or it was wet I never noticed the Q2 working. The engine is strong but not as strong as the Renaults and it needs the cambelt and metal water pump doing every 60,000 or 4 years which is 400 quid at least. I found the Alfa dealers awful but the Indys great. The Alfas ace is that the leather interior was almost like a mini Maserati and its a very pretty car.
To drive there is no comparison the Renault hands down.
To look at and sit in the Alfa
CarlosSainz100 said:
I've just remembered Ive had an Audi A2 aswell!! Honest, not a wind up.
The fact I can barely remember it should speak volumes.
Erm.......it was well built and I didn't see many others and it held its value when I came to sell. I can't really remember how it drove.
Great thanks :-). I appreciate the info on the 3. My partner prefers the A2 (and hates the look of the Megane) but I am pretty open really. I really need a good cheap all rounder is not expensive to run, but also can give a bit of a thrill in the yorkshire dales, with the dogs and all the luggage in the back too :-) (so a bit of torque). The fact I can barely remember it should speak volumes.
Erm.......it was well built and I didn't see many others and it held its value when I came to sell. I can't really remember how it drove.
To answer an earlier question I havent test-driven any of them. I am trying to do loads of research first but I am more concerned about getting a decent car compared to how 'at one' I feel behind the wheel.
Thanks for the comments so far (am thinking maybe to avoid the 147 now and to cross off my list).
Hows big is the dog?
As much as it pains me to say it because I love Alfas (I've had 3 a GT, GTV and a 147) if you want a 'cheap all rounder' then I'd pass on the 147. By and large they are alot more reliable than you'd think but in your boat I'd probably go Panda or Audi.
At least if the Panda goes wrong it won't cost loads to fix and the A2's tend to be looked after in my experience. I wouldn't buy the diesel version though unless you envisage doing mega miles.
As much as it pains me to say it because I love Alfas (I've had 3 a GT, GTV and a 147) if you want a 'cheap all rounder' then I'd pass on the 147. By and large they are alot more reliable than you'd think but in your boat I'd probably go Panda or Audi.
At least if the Panda goes wrong it won't cost loads to fix and the A2's tend to be looked after in my experience. I wouldn't buy the diesel version though unless you envisage doing mega miles.
CarlosSainz100 said:
Hows big is the dog?
As much as it pains me to say it because I love Alfas (I've had 3 a GT, GTV and a 147) if you want a 'cheap all rounder' then I'd pass on the 147. By and large they are alot more reliable than you'd think but in your boat I'd probably go Panda or Audi.
At least if the Panda goes wrong it won't cost loads to fix and the A2's tend to be looked after in my experience. I wouldn't buy the diesel version though unless you envisage doing mega miles.
2 small/medium size dogs.As much as it pains me to say it because I love Alfas (I've had 3 a GT, GTV and a 147) if you want a 'cheap all rounder' then I'd pass on the 147. By and large they are alot more reliable than you'd think but in your boat I'd probably go Panda or Audi.
At least if the Panda goes wrong it won't cost loads to fix and the A2's tend to be looked after in my experience. I wouldn't buy the diesel version though unless you envisage doing mega miles.
I would love an Alfa, prob not the most practical choice. I almost bought a 166 Ti about 4 years ago and although I am gutted not to get it, I might have done my finances a favour.
Panda cheap to buy, probably fair on parts, running costs etc. Tough choice but I have about 3 more weeks to make a choice. Forerunners are the A2, Megane and Panda.
Honestly? If you want economy but look stylish and slightly different, why not get an Alfa 159 estate?
Ridiculously pretty, practical, safe, and if you spec the 1.9 diesel quick enough, and responds well to a remap. Might be a little pricier but you'll enjoy it? And surely, that's what driving, for enthusiasts, is what it's all about?
Ridiculously pretty, practical, safe, and if you spec the 1.9 diesel quick enough, and responds well to a remap. Might be a little pricier but you'll enjoy it? And surely, that's what driving, for enthusiasts, is what it's all about?
seadragon said:
2 small/medium size dogs.
I would love an Alfa, prob not the most practical choice. I almost bought a 166 Ti about 4 years ago and although I am gutted not to get it, I might have done my finances a favour.
Panda cheap to buy, probably fair on parts, running costs etc. Tough choice but I have about 3 more weeks to make a choice. Forerunners are the A2, Megane and Panda.
I currently have a Grande Punto Sporting T-Jet with a 120hp, 1.4 turbo engine. Practical as hell, rare as hell (only 1600 in the UK) Cheap to run, and cheap to buy, cheap to run, 40+mpg IS doable (I've got 42 out of it, with me driving carefully) Have a look at them.I would love an Alfa, prob not the most practical choice. I almost bought a 166 Ti about 4 years ago and although I am gutted not to get it, I might have done my finances a favour.
Panda cheap to buy, probably fair on parts, running costs etc. Tough choice but I have about 3 more weeks to make a choice. Forerunners are the A2, Megane and Panda.
I have had an A2 as a courtesy car about 10 years ago. Always enjoyed it and often look at them in the classifieds. Just think they are so expensive compared with others. Hopefully I will get one in the future.
I fancy a Panda 100HP next as a run around as they seem to get decent reviews.
I fancy a Panda 100HP next as a run around as they seem to get decent reviews.
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