Help buying a new car

[KH86]

Hey all,

We've been looking for a while now at replacing our Peugeot 207sw for something more comfortable for long journeys.

We've test driven:

Kuga
Volvo XC40
Volvo V60
Peugeot 3008
DS
Cupra Formentor

The main things we want are:

Relatively good MPG (our Peugueot does about 60 average)
Cheap tax (currently pay £35 p/a!)
Comfortable ride
Clean AC/ good air filtration system
Good sized boot
Something that doesn't take a bank loan to service or fix ourselves

We've been thinking possibly SUV type for the higher seating position. I have a spinal disc bulge which means in the Peugeot with my knees above my hips for long drives just isn't comfortable! I'd take an estate all day long but if they're low to the ground I don't think it will improve the comfort.

We really liked the Volvo V60 but it's lower to the ground than the Peugeot so we then tried the XC40. I found a lot of body roll in the ride, made more detectable maybe with the disc bulge shouting at me. I also think they look a bit like a prescription shoe !!

I found the Kuga weird to drive, like I couldn't detect the positioning on the road (we tried 3!). Unsure if it's the blind spots or the mirror distortion but I've driven many many cars and vans over the years and just couldn't like this one.

We recently considered the Mercedes GLA 220d AMG line but I'm getting mixed reviews online if they're actually problematic and more expensive to fix. It's hard to discern biased reviews/ info from genuine owner experience (and I couldn't find anything on here).

We don't want hybrid. Has to be diesel as we do intermittent long journeys.

The market seems flooded with boxy SUVs which isn't really the look we go for in a car but realise for the higher seating position might be what we're facing.

We're all but ready to throw the towel in, what with garages wanting written confirmation you're buying before you take for a test drive (yes, really). So much conflicting info online, new infotainment systems seeming to cause issues, rubbish seating adjustment options, the list goes on.

So any recommendations would be gratefully received. Our budget is max 28k really but only prepared to go up that far if it ticks all the boxes.

TIA 😊

[andy43]

Stuff the diesel idea and get a Lexus NX or RX hybrid. Your bulge will thank you! Super comfy, super reliable with a ten year warranty, dealers are lovely and WILL give you a test drive, only downsides are the CVT gearbox, the looks are subjective and the theft issue which can be solved with a Ghost or similar. The RX seats are the best I’ve sat in.

[Pickle_Rick]

The NX is a good idea, not the most fun to drive and the ecvt isn't everyone's cuppa tea, but it's beautifully made, the most reliable car money can buy and just a nice place to be.

I had a cupra formentor for a few weeks as a hire car. Easily the worst car I've driven the last decade or so, so knock that off the list. No redeeming features, other than the aircon is pretty good.

[ZX10R NIN]

Genesis G70 is a very good option but it will be near the top end of your budget:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202509025...

The DS7 is a very nice car & should hit your brief:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507164...

Koleos Signature Nav, well under budget but a decent option:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202508065...

Kia Sorento 3, not as nice inside as the Genesis above but the same drivetrain:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202508295...

Stelvio Veloce:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202508155...

[RizzoTheRat]

I also have back issues and find the more upright seating position of an SUV a lot more comfortable. Don't discount hybrids as they can still be pretty fuel efficient on a long run, and in an automatic I find a PHEV is a much nicer drive as you have the electric power to get you going while the gearbox figures or what it's doing.

I found the XC60 nicer than the XC40, higher spec seats available and the air suspending is good, but it's fairly big.
BMW X1 isn't bad, handles ok but I didn't find the seats as comfortable as the NX that I'm picking up tomorrow morning. After 25+years of diesels I've gone for a PHEV.

[KH86]

andy43 said:

Stuff the diesel idea and get a Lexus NX or RX hybrid. Your bulge will thank you! Super comfy, super reliable with a ten year warranty, dealers are lovely and WILL give you a test drive, only downsides are the CVT gearbox, the looks are subjective and the theft issue which can be solved with a Ghost or similar. The RX seats are the best I ve sat in.

Thanks for the suggestion. Assuming the warranty is transferable to a new owner it might be worth a look. We were warned off hybrids in the end due to multiple drivetrains having "more parts to cause issues, specialist mechanics/ garages required for repairs" but if that's covered with a decent warranty that's less of a concern I guess.

[KH86]

Pickle_Rick said:

The NX is a good idea, not the most fun to drive and the ecvt isn't everyone's cuppa tea, but it's beautifully made, the most reliable car money can buy and just a nice place to be.

I had a cupra formentor for a few weeks as a hire car. Easily the worst car I've driven the last decade or so, so knock that off the list. No redeeming features, other than the aircon is pretty good.

Thanks - can I ask what makes them 'the most reliable car money can buy' in your opinion? Is it experience as an owner or trade. Its interesting to get different views.

We found the Cupra AWFUL too, just horrible, tacky, noisy and so snug it was like driving a coffin ! We turned straight back to the garage after 10 minutes (on the plus side was the easiest garage to allow a test drive.

[KH86]

ZX10R NIN said:

Genesis G70 is a very good option but it will be near the top end of your budget:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202509025...

The DS7 is a very nice car & should hit your brief:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507164...

Koleos Signature Nav, well under budget but a decent option:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202508065...

Kia Sorento 3, not as nice inside as the Genesis above but the same drivetrain:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202508295...

Stelvio Veloce:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202508155...

Thanks , this is very helpful and there's some things there we hadn't come across or considered so will look into them. Noting you have owned Mercedes yourself would you steer away from the GLA?

[KH86]

RizzoTheRat said:

I also have back issues and find the more upright seating position of an SUV a lot more comfortable. Don't discount hybrids as they can still be pretty fuel efficient on a long run, and in an automatic I find a PHEV is a much nicer drive as you have the electric power to get you going while the gearbox figures or what it's doing.

I found the XC60 nicer than the XC40, higher spec seats available and the air suspending is good, but it's fairly big.
BMW X1 isn't bad, handles ok but I didn't find the seats as comfortable as the NX that I'm picking up tomorrow morning. After 25+years of diesels I've gone for a PHEV.

You'll have to update how it handles and how the back fares as well. Would be interested in how often you find it needs charging and the overall cost efficiency (though obvs aware it varies depending on driving patterns and styles).

[ThingsBehindTheSun]

Isn't the insurance on Lexus high because they are so easy to steal? I understand that the CANBUS is not encrypted and anyone with a laptop can connect to the lighting bus with a laptop and unlock and start the car?

[Pickle_Rick]

KH86 said:

Thanks - can I ask what makes them 'the most reliable car money can buy' in your opinion? Is it experience as an owner or trade. Its interesting to get different views.

We found the Cupra AWFUL too, just horrible, tacky, noisy and so snug it was like driving a coffin ! We turned straight back to the garage after 10 minutes (on the plus side was the easiest garage to allow a test drive.

The NX was the only car to ever score 100% on owner reliability surveys, think whatcar was one. Which considering how complicated it is with all the safety tech and hybrid system is impressive.

I had one for 4 years in Premier spec. I purchased the extended warranty too, biggest waste of money ever as it's just bullet proof. Only sold as I wanted something electric for the tax dodge through my Ltd Co.

[ZX10R NIN]

KH86 said:

Thanks , this is very helpful and there's some things there we hadn't come across or considered so will look into them. Noting you have owned Mercedes yourself would you steer away from the GLA?

Not owned any of them but supplied a lot, the GLA is okay but I'd be buying a GLC over one BUT for your requirements they wouldn't get a look in.

The GV70 hits your brief they come in petrol or diesel form.

[georgeyboy12345]

andy43 said:

Stuff the diesel idea and get a Lexus NX or RX hybrid. Your bulge will thank you! Super comfy, super reliable with a ten year warranty, dealers are lovely and WILL give you a test drive, only downsides are the CVT gearbox, the looks are subjective and the theft issue which can be solved with a Ghost or similar. The RX seats are the best I ve sat in.

This is a great idea and what I'd do in your position, OP. I helped my Mum buy an NX300h last year and she loves it.

I second the reliability and comfort. Also as mentioned, the dealers are very easy going and will have no problem with you test driving.

As for the CVT, it just depends on the type of driving you do - these cars are designed to be driven normally under normal road conditions, not spirited country lane driving or setting laptimes at the race circuit. Under normal road conditions they are great. Thrash them and they don't like it, making a lot of noise.

Lexus NX's are not too prone to theft, it's more the RX models.

[georgeyboy12345]

KH86 said:

andy43 said:

Stuff the diesel idea and get a Lexus NX or RX hybrid. Your bulge will thank you! Super comfy, super reliable with a ten year warranty, dealers are lovely and WILL give you a test drive, only downsides are the CVT gearbox, the looks are subjective and the theft issue which can be solved with a Ghost or similar. The RX seats are the best I ve sat in.

Thanks for the suggestion. Assuming the warranty is transferable to a new owner it might be worth a look. We were warned off hybrids in the end due to multiple drivetrains having "more parts to cause issues, specialist mechanics/ garages required for repairs" but if that's covered with a decent warranty that's less of a concern I guess.

Buy approved used from a proper Lexus dealer and you'll get the warranty with them providing you service it there every year.

Hybrids being unreliable is an absolute myth - look at what taxi/private hire drivers are using to get an idea of what is reliable - loads of them are in Corollas, Prius, Auris, Ioniq, Niros, all of which are hybrids.

In fact, Toyota and Lexus hybrids tend to be more reliable than many petrol/diesel powered cars due to omission of many common failure points that other engines have - they have no timing belt (they use a chain), no turbocharger, no clutch, no gearbox, no alternator, no starter motor.

[Macneil]

I drove a Lexus NX and found the CVT a bit weird, and the boot is tiny

Had a GLA for 2 years and really liked it. I've got back issues too, and it was brilliant to get in and out of. Never felt tired after a long drive in it. If I had another I'd try to avoid 19" wheels/runflats.

[POIDH]

georgeyboy12345 said:

.

In fact, Toyota and Lexus hybrids tend to be more reliable than many petrol/diesel powered cars due to omission of many common failure points that other engines have - they have no timing belt (they use a chain), no turbocharger, no clutch, no gearbox, no alternator, no starter motor.

I'm intrigued how a petrol starts without a starter motor or indeed keeps running without an alternator..?

[Jamescrs]

ThingsBehindTheSun said:

Isn't the insurance on Lexus high because they are so easy to steal? I understand that the CANBUS is not encrypted and anyone with a laptop can connect to the lighting bus with a laptop and unlock and start the car?

Not sure on that aspect but certainly they were popular with thieves stealing the Cats off them to sell, those and Toyota's, not sure why their cat's were particularly desirable but they definitely were and of course the owners would claim on the insurance to get them replaced and the thieves then come back for another go.

[RizzoTheRat]

Macneil said:

I drove a Lexus NX and found the CVT a bit weird, and the boot is tiny

The boots on all SUVs are pretty crap compared to hatchbacks. The NX boot seems small to me coming from an octavia but pretty much everything else we looked at in small/mid sized SUVs had a similar sized boot.

Agree the CVT feels a bit weird but it feels like it picks up faster when you put your foot down than a conventional auto which has to shift down first.

[Pickle_Rick]

RizzoTheRat said:

The boots on all SUVs are pretty crap compared to hatchbacks. The NX boot seems small to me coming from an octavia but pretty much everything else we looked at in small/mid sized SUVs had a similar sized boot.

Agree the CVT feels a bit weird but it feels like it picks up faster when you put your foot down than a conventional auto which has to shift down first.

Not all SUVs. You could park the lexus in a boot of a model Y. Puts volvo to shame

Crossovers you'd be correct which is probably what you're thinking compared to hatchbacks they're usually based on, like a juke.

[RizzoTheRat]

Pickle_Rick said:

Not all SUVs. You could park the lexus in a boot of a model Y. Puts volvo to shame

Crossovers you'd be correct which is probably what you're thinking compared to hatchbacks they're usually based on, like a juke.

I'm guessing pure ev helps as the drive train and batteries are different place from ICE and PHEV. XC60 and X3 are similar size boots to the NX, Outlander is smaller.