Wife needs daily driver.... 25mile commute on a roads.

[LGriffiths88]

Well my wife’s 07 Mondeo is dying a slow death.

She drives a 50mile round trip commute on a roads.

She’s unsure on what she wants. I’ve suggested a golf or a post 2012 a3. But there’s so many engines out there. She needs something reliable with around 40mpg.

It’s normally only going to be her in the car. But we do have 3 kids. A 12 year old, 4 and 2 year old. 4 year old in a high back booster and 2 year old in full Britax child seat.

She does like the idea of a crossover. But when I’ve been looking power seems to be down on them for our budget.

She doesn’t want anything too long. Not fussed on petrol or diesel as long as it gives good mpg and has plenty of poke for when needing to overtake.

Budget is around £10k (or £200 a month (ideally less)).

Would like room for 3 in the back
Less than 80k on clock
Heated front windscreen would be a bonus as she loves it on her Mondeo.
No 1 series.

Is there a better option for her than a A3?

[A500leroy]

ford focus (estate) is more or less what you already have and probably just as reliable, you will also get a newer car than the a3

[kieranblenk]

Mini Countryman might be worth a look as some come with the heated screen , as would maybe a Kuga.

[LGriffiths88]

Thanks so far.

She does want something that’s easy to park. Should of added that.

She’s had the Mondeo for too long and just wants something shorter now that is easy to park. Does that rule out some crossovers?

[Terzo123]

Very similar to the A3, but considerably cheaper is the Leon FR.

I currently have the 1.4 ACT version having previously run an A3 with the same engine.

With your wife's commute, 40 mpg is easily achievable.

10k should get you a low mileage one. I paid not much more for a 15 plate with only 15k miles and that was October 2017.

[A500leroy]

off beat choices, kia soul/dacia sandero stepway?

[blueg33]

My wife has a 2016 version of this

Octavia Scout

another one but a tad more money

The 184bhp engine is pretty good, 7.6 to 60 mph isn't bad, it got heaps of space and is well made.

IMO these have the advantages of an SUV with the benefit of more interior space in a similar footprint and generally being a bit nicer to drive.

[LGriffiths88]

The scouts look a nice car. Is this way Ford are going with their “active” range?

Don’t think she fancies a Dacia after hearing the trouble from one of her friends. She’s been put off and she’s not changing her mind there. Haha

[Summit_Detailing]

Renault Zoe for that length of commute.

cheers

Chris

[ZX10R NIN]

A Mondeo is 20cm longer than the scout surely that difference is too small to make a proper difference?

Now there are a few cracking diesel hybrids for your budget:

DS5 2.0d Hybrid Sport these come loaded with kit

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

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

If you don't mind the Scout then the RXH 508 is another worth considering

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

I'd say take a look at the Alfa Giulietta they're a nice hatchback in Sportiva trim

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

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

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

Or the DS5 in Style trim:

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

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

Style 180

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

[LGriffiths88]

I like the look of the ds5...the Mrs on the other hand... typical. She doesn’t like the Octavia... not ideal.

[ZX10R NIN]

If you can find one close by get her to take a look at one in the flesh I've had a few clients change their mind on the looks once it's in the flesh & then the interior normally wins them over.

Real world the two people I've supplied the Hybrids to are seeing around 67mpg.

[LGriffiths88]

Not too bad.

I have seen an a3 e-Tron surprisingly under budget. I seen you can get 23 mile out of the electric motor. Am I right in thinking the car just run on the electric? That could be half her commute done.

Are they too much of a risk?

[A500leroy]

the leaf is better known

[LGriffiths88]

After a brief discussion, think she’s set on either a A3 or Countryman.

What should I be looking for? Any models to avoid.

Do any models have heated windscreen in these cars. I can’t seem to find a decent way to compare options on each model variation. Parker’s used to be good for it. All seems different now.

[ZX10R NIN]

In a word no they don't, if you can get an E Tron then that would be the pick.

[LGriffiths88]

Ah well. Guess she’ll have to get used to using a scraper when she’s for a frozen windscreen when leaving work!

I’m trying to talk her into the a3 sport back purely because of the extra room over a mini and also the ride not being as firm.

[ZX10R NIN]

E Tron Sportback

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

[LGriffiths88]

ZX10R NIN said:

E Tron Sportback

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

That’s great cheers. They say there’s a lack of boot space? Is it purely because of the charging cables?

[ZX10R NIN]

Also the batteries are there hence the loss of some of the boot space.