£6K Easier-Access Astra Replacement for FIL

£6K Easier-Access Astra Replacement for FIL

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Electric sheep

Original Poster:

36 posts

118 months

Thursday 8th June 2023
quotequote all
Afternoon all

Looking for a bit of input from the Buying masses for a reliable, replacement daily run-around for my FIL. Budget is £6K to replace a 2013 5dr Astra which is “starting to cost [him] money” (although I’d call it car ownership….)

He’s also looking for something with a more elevated driving position/easier to get in and out due to some back and knee issues, so has been looking along the lines of an SUV. Must be 5 door, and no smaller than the Astra to accommodate the grand-kids and associated paraphernalia.

A 1.5dci Qashqai auto has caught his eye, but apart from a bi-annual run to the lake district, his mileage is quite low and journeys typically less than 5 miles; thinking DPF issues might start to crop up. Not sure on the performance and reliability of Nissan auto’s either – (CVT box?).

No idea what else he should consider though.

Thanks

chrisch77

644 posts

77 months

Thursday 8th June 2023
quotequote all
Renault Kadjar seems pretty popular for 'older' folk, plenty about with a 1.2 petrol engine for close to your 6k budget (on ebay at least...).

ZX10R NIN

27,747 posts

127 months

Thursday 8th June 2023
quotequote all
Electric sheep said:
Afternoon all

Looking for a bit of input from the Buying masses for a reliable, replacement daily run-around for my FIL. Budget is £6K to replace a 2013 5dr Astra which is “starting to cost [him] money” (although I’d call it car ownership….)

He’s also looking for something with a more elevated driving position/easier to get in and out due to some back and knee issues, so has been looking along the lines of an SUV. Must be 5 door, and no smaller than the Astra to accommodate the grand-kids and associated paraphernalia.

A 1.5dci Qashqai auto has caught his eye, but apart from a bi-annual run to the lake district, his mileage is quite low and journeys typically less than 5 miles; thinking DPF issues might start to crop up. Not sure on the performance and reliability of Nissan auto’s either – (CVT box?).

No idea what else he should consider though.

Thanks
It doesn't sound like your FiL usage would suit a diesel, at 6k any car he buys may cost him more to run than his Astra.

Anyway here are some options.

Auto 1.4T Vauxhall Mokka SE:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202306068...


Juke:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202306058...

Electric sheep

Original Poster:

36 posts

118 months

Friday 9th June 2023
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Much appreciated both. And yes, I'm very much of the same opinion RE running costs....

ChattingWham

156 posts

86 months

Friday 9th June 2023
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The Captain Obvious in me would suggest a Honda Jazz or a Ford B-Max; they are pretty good re accessibility.

Other thoughts. Maybe a small crossover-esque raised hatch; like a Suzuki Ignis, or SX4.

Fiat 500L (not pretty, but offers plenty of space and is a nice airy thing inside) or Fiat Tipo hatch could be worth a look too.

And you might squeak into an older Nissan Leaf for 6k, if he's open to an EV and can charge it at home. That would suit the low-mileage usage profile in a lot of ways.

But yeah I'd agree with others; he won't necessarily be buying guaranteed better reliability for 6k in this market in the way he would have done up until a few years ago.

A500leroy

5,178 posts

120 months

Friday 9th June 2023
quotequote all
Sandero Stepway

anonymous-user

56 months

Friday 9th June 2023
quotequote all
chrisch77 said:
Renault Kadjar seems pretty popular for 'older' folk, plenty about with a 1.2 petrol engine for close to your 6k budget (on ebay at least...).
I am a massive Renault fan but even I would steer clear of the 1.2 TCE engine as it has a reputation for using oil.