Buying next car - best value for money family car?
Discussion
Welcome everyone,
my beloved C5 (2006, 130k miles) is showing its age - recently my automatic gearbox refuses to accelerate properly in city traffic.
I need to start thinking about new car. I am also quite need to UK - I arrived 4 years ago, so don't know all realities.
My requirements regarding car itself:
- lot of boot space (450 minimum, ideally estate or MVP)
- ideally automatic gearbox
- class D (large family car)
- safe - 6 airbags minimum, 5 stars at the time car entered the market
- quite comfortable (although 80% of my drive are dual carriageways)
- I don't care about things like gadgets (except cruise control), appearance, 'coolnes', I am most boring person when comes to cars
- fuel economy is nice, but if there is very reliable 2.5 petrol, I would consider it
- I don't expect to exceed 10k miles per year
I use the car only for leisure, but quite a lot - we love going outdoors for a weekend, in the summer we go to Europe for camping - hence the boot space - 2 tents, all camping gear etc etc.
Now the tricky part - finances. I don't like to spend more than it is required. I am quite lucky with my C5, as it cost me ~ 2.5k 4 years ago and I maybe spend 1-1.2k per year on maintenance, so monthly cost is quite low (100-120 quid). I of course don't calculate insurance or fuel - its constant more less in every car. Comparing to 300 quid for new D class car in PCP, it is a very good deal.
I would like to keep that way. I am looking to advice which car around 10 yo I could buy, as I don't follow the market closely and I don't know common faults nowadays. Ideally some car with very reliable gearbox and engine. I don't mind to spend ~ 1k per year on good car. I would keep maintenance until my per month cost is below 200 (more less), or it would be clear that it will keep breaking down (I have such hunch with my Citroen - more and more errors are coming up...).
In theory, I would consider buying something newish up to 15k, or maybe even new (do dealers are eager to give big discounts when you pay cash?), but with current economy I am not sure if I am willing to spend that much of money...
My initial thought goes to Ford Mondeo, Peugeot 508, maybe Zafira, Galaxy - but its bit expensive. Focus - but it will feel bit small after C5....
So what you would recommend - which make, or maybe different strategy for keep car expenses low?
Thank you.
my beloved C5 (2006, 130k miles) is showing its age - recently my automatic gearbox refuses to accelerate properly in city traffic.
I need to start thinking about new car. I am also quite need to UK - I arrived 4 years ago, so don't know all realities.
My requirements regarding car itself:
- lot of boot space (450 minimum, ideally estate or MVP)
- ideally automatic gearbox
- class D (large family car)
- safe - 6 airbags minimum, 5 stars at the time car entered the market
- quite comfortable (although 80% of my drive are dual carriageways)
- I don't care about things like gadgets (except cruise control), appearance, 'coolnes', I am most boring person when comes to cars
- fuel economy is nice, but if there is very reliable 2.5 petrol, I would consider it
- I don't expect to exceed 10k miles per year
I use the car only for leisure, but quite a lot - we love going outdoors for a weekend, in the summer we go to Europe for camping - hence the boot space - 2 tents, all camping gear etc etc.
Now the tricky part - finances. I don't like to spend more than it is required. I am quite lucky with my C5, as it cost me ~ 2.5k 4 years ago and I maybe spend 1-1.2k per year on maintenance, so monthly cost is quite low (100-120 quid). I of course don't calculate insurance or fuel - its constant more less in every car. Comparing to 300 quid for new D class car in PCP, it is a very good deal.
I would like to keep that way. I am looking to advice which car around 10 yo I could buy, as I don't follow the market closely and I don't know common faults nowadays. Ideally some car with very reliable gearbox and engine. I don't mind to spend ~ 1k per year on good car. I would keep maintenance until my per month cost is below 200 (more less), or it would be clear that it will keep breaking down (I have such hunch with my Citroen - more and more errors are coming up...).
In theory, I would consider buying something newish up to 15k, or maybe even new (do dealers are eager to give big discounts when you pay cash?), but with current economy I am not sure if I am willing to spend that much of money...
My initial thought goes to Ford Mondeo, Peugeot 508, maybe Zafira, Galaxy - but its bit expensive. Focus - but it will feel bit small after C5....
So what you would recommend - which make, or maybe different strategy for keep car expenses low?
Thank you.
No Korean or Japanese cars on your list. I think when looking for a hassle free family workhorse it's a case of buying the right size and shape of Toyota, Honda, Hyundai or Kia to fit your needs.
You'll certainly spend far less than £1k-£1.2k on annual maintenance on any car car from those manufacturers each year. I don't even think my wifes Hyundai has cost that much in maintenance over the last 3 years.
You'll certainly spend far less than £1k-£1.2k on annual maintenance on any car car from those manufacturers each year. I don't even think my wifes Hyundai has cost that much in maintenance over the last 3 years.
The 2.0T Mondeo Titanium they're reliable nicely spec'd as well as being the best FWD steer, they start at around 12k:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010134...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010014...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202006059...
Now the value for money option is the 1.5T Insignia SRI Nav you'll get a 2019 car with two years manufacturers warranty & an extra year from Network Q if you buy from a Main Dealer:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010195...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009264...
Now if a diesel suits then the 508 GT is the pick:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010305...
Or the Mondeo in Vignale spec::
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010064...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010064...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010134...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010014...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202006059...
Now the value for money option is the 1.5T Insignia SRI Nav you'll get a 2019 car with two years manufacturers warranty & an extra year from Network Q if you buy from a Main Dealer:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010195...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009264...
Now if a diesel suits then the 508 GT is the pick:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010305...
Or the Mondeo in Vignale spec::
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010064...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010064...
Thanks for the replies, much appreciated.
Mondeo 2.0T is a beast - how reliable are those engines?
How reliable are Powershift gearbox, especially after 70k miles? In general, how many miles of 'life' automatic gearbox could provide?
I somehow overlooked Japanese or Korean cars. I like Honda CRV, read a bit on them in other topics.
Does it make sense to buy 10 yo Lexus 450 and expect reliability for the next 5 or so years?
Mondeo 2.0T is a beast - how reliable are those engines?
How reliable are Powershift gearbox, especially after 70k miles? In general, how many miles of 'life' automatic gearbox could provide?
I somehow overlooked Japanese or Korean cars. I like Honda CRV, read a bit on them in other topics.
Does it make sense to buy 10 yo Lexus 450 and expect reliability for the next 5 or so years?
casualdriver said:
Thanks for the replies, much appreciated.
Mondeo 2.0T is a beast - how reliable are those engines?
How reliable are Powershift gearbox, especially after 70k miles? In general, how many miles of 'life' automatic gearbox could provide?
I somehow overlooked Japanese or Korean cars. I like Honda CRV, read a bit on them in other topics.
Does it make sense to buy 10 yo Lexus 450 and expect reliability for the next 5 or so years?
The engine itself in the Mondeo won't tend to give too much trouble. In theory the gearbox should be good for as many miles as it is taken care of, but this depends on whether the previous owners have changed the fluid at the required intervals. Ford's powershift doesn't have the best reputation, which probably explains their gradual move back to 'normal' autos. Mondeo 2.0T is a beast - how reliable are those engines?
How reliable are Powershift gearbox, especially after 70k miles? In general, how many miles of 'life' automatic gearbox could provide?
I somehow overlooked Japanese or Korean cars. I like Honda CRV, read a bit on them in other topics.
Does it make sense to buy 10 yo Lexus 450 and expect reliability for the next 5 or so years?
Japanese and Korean cars have a fantastic reputation for reliability and are well worth investigating. Regarding the Lexus, running costs would be my only concern. I suspect many of the Lexus' on sale will probably outlive me!
Something like this Zafira would be ideal for everything you are after. Not the most stylish, but very practical.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/264893039849
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/264893039849
casualdriver said:
Thanks for the replies, much appreciated.
Mondeo 2.0T is a beast - how reliable are those engines?
How reliable are Powershift gearbox, especially after 70k miles? In general, how many miles of 'life' automatic gearbox could provide?
I somehow overlooked Japanese or Korean cars. I like Honda CRV, read a bit on them in other topics.
Does it make sense to buy 10 yo Lexus 450 and expect reliability for the next 5 or so years?
The gearbox is reliable a lot of people get confused between the wet clutch & dry clutch gearboxes, the dry clutch powershifts had some issues same as the VAG units but the wet clutch cars are reliable, they do need to be serviced on time my car is 80k in with no issues.Mondeo 2.0T is a beast - how reliable are those engines?
How reliable are Powershift gearbox, especially after 70k miles? In general, how many miles of 'life' automatic gearbox could provide?
I somehow overlooked Japanese or Korean cars. I like Honda CRV, read a bit on them in other topics.
Does it make sense to buy 10 yo Lexus 450 and expect reliability for the next 5 or so years?
It's me again, I still don't know my budget - will know in about a month. So, if I will be on the lower end I will get around 10 yo CRV for like 8-9 k, but now the top of the budget is 16k, with my favorite V90. Although I started thinking about the BMW 5 series estate. S-Max is also on the list. Peugeot 508 SW or higher spec Mondeo is also possible.
MiniMan64 said:
Big value family estate that just does everything?
I’m hugely biased here after a recent purchase but Skoda Octavia or Superb? Tons of car for the money, just works, huge boot.
Just as a counter point to ZX and his Mondeo’s....
As a counter to both the Mondeo & Superb I’m hugely biased here after a recent purchase but Skoda Octavia or Superb? Tons of car for the money, just works, huge boot.
Just as a counter point to ZX and his Mondeo’s....
the Insignia Elite Nav is the VFM option:https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101198...
As is the 508 Allure
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101318...
Hi,
how about Peugeot/Citroen with 1.6 HDi engine. I know that 2.0 HDi is very good, how is the 1.6? I haven't heard anything bad about Peugeot/Citroen auto gears, as opposite to DSG/Powershift - am I missing something. Currently number 1 on my shortlist is 508 SW and lot of them comes with 1.6 diesel.
how about Peugeot/Citroen with 1.6 HDi engine. I know that 2.0 HDi is very good, how is the 1.6? I haven't heard anything bad about Peugeot/Citroen auto gears, as opposite to DSG/Powershift - am I missing something. Currently number 1 on my shortlist is 508 SW and lot of them comes with 1.6 diesel.
casualdriver said:
Hi,
how about Peugeot/Citroen with 1.6 HDi engine. I know that 2.0 HDi is very good, how is the 1.6? I haven't heard anything bad about Peugeot/Citroen auto gears, as opposite to DSG/Powershift - am I missing something. Currently number 1 on my shortlist is 508 SW and lot of them comes with 1.6 diesel.
Avoid. It was used widely by PSA, Ford and Volvo and is notorious. If it doesn't lunch its turbo it'll get leaky injectors. how about Peugeot/Citroen with 1.6 HDi engine. I know that 2.0 HDi is very good, how is the 1.6? I haven't heard anything bad about Peugeot/Citroen auto gears, as opposite to DSG/Powershift - am I missing something. Currently number 1 on my shortlist is 508 SW and lot of them comes with 1.6 diesel.
Thanks. I spend lot of time researching yesterday, and I found out its not necessary true. Out of 12 or 13 1.6 HDi versions, just few had real issues. All were 16 V. 508 (at least after FL) had 8V versions, which are praised for being very reliable. But all these read made me remember that I wanted something very realiable and hassle free and as much as I like french car, I think I will 'settle' for CRV with petrol engine.
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