What Car for my Dad?
Discussion
My Dad has completely different requirements to me in a car, so your ideas would be appreciated!
Budget: up to £25/30k, preferably nearer £20k. My Dad doesn't get many options on cars, usually just Sat Nav and electric memory seats, so this would be pretty much the list price.
Purchase: Must be new (sorry, no secondhand suggestions, it's the way things work with his company etc etc).
Size: Something 3 series / C Class sized. He doesn't like big cars, but needs something of reasonable size to take four adults and luggage etc.
Ruling out: 4x4s. My Dad's reasonably keen, but my Mum doesn't like the ride and handling on them - she feels unsafe driving them and they make her sick as a passenger (we live in the sticks so she's been in plenty of different ones, and we've had X3 and X1 courtesy cars lately to drive and spend time with).
Requirements:
- Roof rack and tow bar essential (it won't be towing much weight, so don't worry about that).
- Something solid, well made and reliable. Must not rattle or squeak, bounce down the road on cheap dampers or need constant attention.
- Quiet and comfortable on the motorway
- MPG rules for my Dad. He's getting at least 45-50mpg out of his current car and expects at least this.
- Good in the snow. We live in the South, but still had 8-12 inches lying for a couple of weeks this winter and my Dad was stranded (they live out in the country with very few cars to clear the roads and certainly no gritting or snow ploughs). He's not ruling out RWD, but would want assurance that on winter tyres it would cope ok.
- not flash. The car must blend in, not stand out.
- performance is not of great interest. Something that does 60 in under 9 would be quite alright.
His current car is a 320d and he really likes it (apart from the problems in the snow on summer tyres). I was going to suggest looking at a new one of those, a C Class, Volvo S70 and an A4 (possibly a Quattro for the snow?). Any other ideas?
Thanks very much for any suggestions.
Budget: up to £25/30k, preferably nearer £20k. My Dad doesn't get many options on cars, usually just Sat Nav and electric memory seats, so this would be pretty much the list price.
Purchase: Must be new (sorry, no secondhand suggestions, it's the way things work with his company etc etc).
Size: Something 3 series / C Class sized. He doesn't like big cars, but needs something of reasonable size to take four adults and luggage etc.
Ruling out: 4x4s. My Dad's reasonably keen, but my Mum doesn't like the ride and handling on them - she feels unsafe driving them and they make her sick as a passenger (we live in the sticks so she's been in plenty of different ones, and we've had X3 and X1 courtesy cars lately to drive and spend time with).
Requirements:
- Roof rack and tow bar essential (it won't be towing much weight, so don't worry about that).
- Something solid, well made and reliable. Must not rattle or squeak, bounce down the road on cheap dampers or need constant attention.
- Quiet and comfortable on the motorway
- MPG rules for my Dad. He's getting at least 45-50mpg out of his current car and expects at least this.
- Good in the snow. We live in the South, but still had 8-12 inches lying for a couple of weeks this winter and my Dad was stranded (they live out in the country with very few cars to clear the roads and certainly no gritting or snow ploughs). He's not ruling out RWD, but would want assurance that on winter tyres it would cope ok.
- not flash. The car must blend in, not stand out.
- performance is not of great interest. Something that does 60 in under 9 would be quite alright.
His current car is a 320d and he really likes it (apart from the problems in the snow on summer tyres). I was going to suggest looking at a new one of those, a C Class, Volvo S70 and an A4 (possibly a Quattro for the snow?). Any other ideas?
Thanks very much for any suggestions.
It is, frankly, superb.for that requirement I'd quite fancy one of these:
2.0D RX
http://subaru.co.uk/vehicles/impreza/20d-rxmanual/
Think it meets all of the requirements
small but seats 4 with a boot
Well made
Not a 4x4
Good in the snow
Good mpg
2.0D RX
http://subaru.co.uk/vehicles/impreza/20d-rxmanual/
Think it meets all of the requirements
small but seats 4 with a boot
Well made
Not a 4x4
Good in the snow
Good mpg
Thanks guys. I used to be a big fan of the original Octavia, but I had a new one two years ago (2007 model) and thought it was pretty awful - the ride and handling was dire. I was thinking of buying one at the time but jacked in the idea after about two hours behind the wheel of this thing. I was also a fan of the original Superb, so that's definitely worth a look as I haven't driven or been in a newer one - maybe time's been kinder to those?
I think that new 70mpg 320d is the best bet, but I'd like to speak to someone who's run one on winter tyres on snow because my Dad can't afford to get stranded again. I see Audi are doing the new stop/start technology too and they tend to have nicer interiors than BMWs; I've also fallen out with my local BMW dealer and our local Audi dealer seem very professional in comparison.
I think that new 70mpg 320d is the best bet, but I'd like to speak to someone who's run one on winter tyres on snow because my Dad can't afford to get stranded again. I see Audi are doing the new stop/start technology too and they tend to have nicer interiors than BMWs; I've also fallen out with my local BMW dealer and our local Audi dealer seem very professional in comparison.
300bhp/ton said:
for that requirement I'd quite fancy one of these:
2.0D RX
http://subaru.co.uk/vehicles/impreza/20d-rxmanual/
Think it meets all of the requirements
small but seats 4 with a boot
Well made
Not a 4x4
Good in the snow
Good mpg
Good suggestion. I don't think the WRX looks with the bonnet scoop etc would go down well with my Dad though, like me he really is very keen on being discrete.2.0D RX
http://subaru.co.uk/vehicles/impreza/20d-rxmanual/
Think it meets all of the requirements
small but seats 4 with a boot
Well made
Not a 4x4
Good in the snow
Good mpg
still got the bonnet scoop but the legacy is more middle england..!
do subaru do the forester with the diseasel? they're a decent compromise between estate and softroader'suv'.
i know what you've said about suvs but i still think the audi Q5 might be worth a look (although even though they should be 25-30 grand cars someone is now going to tell me they're 35k basic price..!
)
do subaru do the forester with the diseasel? they're a decent compromise between estate and softroader'suv'.
i know what you've said about suvs but i still think the audi Q5 might be worth a look (although even though they should be 25-30 grand cars someone is now going to tell me they're 35k basic price..!
)RobM77 said:
300bhp/ton said:
for that requirement I'd quite fancy one of these:
2.0D RX
http://subaru.co.uk/vehicles/impreza/20d-rxmanual/
Think it meets all of the requirements
small but seats 4 with a boot
Well made
Not a 4x4
Good in the snow
Good mpg
Good suggestion. I don't think the WRX looks with the bonnet scoop etc would go down well with my Dad though, like me he really is very keen on being discrete.2.0D RX
http://subaru.co.uk/vehicles/impreza/20d-rxmanual/
Think it meets all of the requirements
small but seats 4 with a boot
Well made
Not a 4x4
Good in the snow
Good mpg
briSk said:
still got the bonnet scoop but the legacy is more middle england..!
do subaru do the forester with the diseasel? they're a decent compromise between estate and softroader'suv'.
i know what you've said about suvs but i still think the audi Q5 might be worth a look (although even though they should be 25-30 grand cars someone is now going to tell me they're 35k basic price..! )
and the fact they are on about 9 month factory order at the moment .... !do subaru do the forester with the diseasel? they're a decent compromise between estate and softroader'suv'.
i know what you've said about suvs but i still think the audi Q5 might be worth a look (although even though they should be 25-30 grand cars someone is now going to tell me they're 35k basic price..!
)Rob,
once you're nearer a decision drop me a PM for a price on the BMW/Audi/Merc as may be able to sort a fair wedge off for you as well.
briSk said:
still got the bonnet scoop but the legacy is more middle england..!
do subaru do the forester with the diseasel? they're a decent compromise between estate and softroader'suv'.
i know what you've said about suvs but i still think the audi Q5 might be worth a look (although even though they should be 25-30 grand cars someone is now going to tell me they're 35k basic price..! )
The bonnet scoop isn't as pronounced on the Legacy. It's not a pretty car though is it? Mind you, that might not bother my Dad. Scoops, vents and wings are so far off his agenda though I think he might just laugh at the suggestion of a car with them, no matter how small do subaru do the forester with the diseasel? they're a decent compromise between estate and softroader'suv'.
i know what you've said about suvs but i still think the audi Q5 might be worth a look (although even though they should be 25-30 grand cars someone is now going to tell me they're 35k basic price..!
)I think the Forester's out I'm afraid. My Dad had an X1 on the drive when I went over last week and he took my Mum and I out in it. I was quite shocked (and impressed!) to hear my Mum say, in as many words, that the higher centre of gravity and roll centre coupled with the longer wheel travel compromised the car's ride and handling, and the damping was clearly having trouble containing the mass as well as the 120d they had the week before. Bear in mind my Mum has absolutely zero interest in cars! She thought it not as bad as the RRs and X5/X3s she's been in, but is still firmly sold on the idea of a car rather than an off roader. I emerged from stunned silence to just nod and say "yeah, I agree with that"!
RobM77 said:
Thanks guys. I used to be a big fan of the original Octavia, but I had a new one two years ago (2007 model) and thought it was pretty awful - the ride and handling was dire. I was thinking of buying one at the time but jacked in the idea after about two hours behind the wheel of this thing. I was also a fan of the original Superb, so that's definitely worth a look as I haven't driven or been in a newer one - maybe time's been kinder to those?
Are you absolutely sure re the Skoda Octavia - the 4x4 2.0 TDi 140 looks a compelling buy at c£20 list? (and it's a new model, launched since you last drove one, BTW)Or the Superb 4x4 diesel estate which lists at c£24K.
Edited by Bonefish Blues on Tuesday 20th April 12:54
Bonefish Blues said:
RobM77 said:
Thanks guys. I used to be a big fan of the original Octavia, but I had a new one two years ago (2007 model) and thought it was pretty awful - the ride and handling was dire. I was thinking of buying one at the time but jacked in the idea after about two hours behind the wheel of this thing. I was also a fan of the original Superb, so that's definitely worth a look as I haven't driven or been in a newer one - maybe time's been kinder to those?
Are you absolutely sure re the Skoda Octavia - the 4x4 2.0 TDi 140 looks a compelling buy at c£20 list? (and it's a new model, launched since you last drove one, BTW)Or the Superb 4x4 diesel estate which lists at c£24K.
Edited by Bonefish Blues on Tuesday 20th April 12:54
DuncanM said:
Alfa?
.
Duncan
He wanted a 159 when he last changed his car, but sadly was put off by the dealer. The 320d 24 hour test drive experience started with the car immaculately presented outside the dealership, a thorough walk round the car and the salesman's card and number to contact him at any point during the day. In contrast, the 159 was lurking round the back of the dealer muddy with rubbish inside with a sort of "there you are mate, see you later" attitude. Whilst you or I might see through this, for someone like my Dad not really interested in modern cars and just after a car as a tool, this was very off-putting. Think of it like you or I might buy a sofa or new oven..Duncan
I was tempted to suggest a 159 again (I've found another dealer who are extremely friendly and efficient), but some comments on the Alfa reliability thread are putting me off. Someone said that the 1.9 diesel model had issues, and that would be the one my Dad would go for. Any thoughts?
RobM77 said:
Someone said that the 1.9 diesel model had issues, and that would be the one my Dad would go for. Any thoughts?
The 1.9 has been replaced by the new 2.0, so it's a bit early to say what's what. I suspect if your Dad is an mpg obsessive he's best staying clear to be honest!
One thing - does your Dad potter round at relatively low rpm? He may want to try and avoid a car with a DPF fitted as I know the Alfa ones don't like being pottered around as they rely on a very high exhaust temp to regenerate. I know too VW are having big problems too and generally trying to fob people off until they are out of warranty...
RicksAlfas said:
RobM77 said:
Someone said that the 1.9 diesel model had issues, and that would be the one my Dad would go for. Any thoughts?
The 1.9 has been replaced by the new 2.0, so it's a bit early to say what's what. I suspect if your Dad is an mpg obsessive he's best staying clear to be honest!
One thing - does your Dad potter round at relatively low rpm? He may want to try and avoid a car with a DPF fitted as I know the Alfa ones don't like being pottered around as they rely on a very high exhaust temp to regenerate. I know too VW are having big problems too and generally trying to fob people off until they are out of warranty...
What's this DPF thing? Could you explain further please?
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