What Car

[PaulSB]

I'm not very interested in cars, though I do occassionally lust after a Saab, and know very little about them. I've reached the point where I need to replace my Peugeot 307 SW with, hopefully, another smallish estate or large hatchback. Being very ignorant, almost disinterested, in this subject I'd very much appreciate people's experiences or recommendations. I've spent hours reading Whatcar? etc and come away with little inspiration so far.

I have no preference on brand etc and open to all suggestions.

 

[zimzum42]

A little close to the people-carrier end of the spectrum, but the Vauxhall Zafira is pretty good, especially the way the rear seats fold down. Really clever...

 

[Globalti]

New? Second hand? Budget? ....and for what do you plan to use the car?

You can't beat a diesel Golf, spacious, reliable, spares everywhere. You can easily get two people and two bikes inside.

 

[zimzum42]

If you're looking at a VW, consider the SEAT equivalent, since they are essentially the same car, just cheaper...

 

[threebikesmcginty]

Mrs 3BM has a Zafira. Bought it second hand, hasn't given us any trouble. ZZ42's right about the rear seats too, very clever. Big boot or seven seater.

 

[PaulSB]

New? Second hand? Budget? ....and for what do you plan to use the car?

You can't beat a diesel Golf, spacious, reliable, spares everywhere. You can easily get two people and two bikes inside.

Yes, should have been more specific. I travel about 30,000 a year - long commute plus business travel, mainly motorway and also have to get round four production sites on a weekly basis - so there is a lot of driving. Most journeys are in the 35-40 mile range so I'm not sure a diesel, which I currently have, is as economical as one might think. Although I do a lot of miles I rarely carry anything large or heavy, I've just got in the habit of buying estates. Being able to chuck the bike in the back is very useful.

Probably new, but possibly second-hand. Budget around £18,000 hoping to beat the garage down to about £16,500.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

...but possibly second-hand. Budget around £18,000 hoping to beat the garage down to about £16,500.

Get four Zafira's then!

 

[philipbh]

For that price I'd probably get a second-hand Volvo V70 or a Mercedes E series estate with a diesel engine.

+1

Auto Trader (autotrader.co.uk) is your friend

You'll be spoilt for choice!

 

[asterix]

Cars are boring but despite the adverts the Nissan Qashqai looks quite a good concept. I'd go for the 1.5 diesel 2wd.

(£18k is 5x what I paid for my current vehicle - Toyota Hiace - 5 years ago)

 

[4F]

Skoda Octavia, I test drove the 1.6 TDI estate a few weeks ago and was very impressed. Nice to driver and loads of room to get a bike in.

 

[fossyant]

Given that mileage, a modern diesel with the auto stop start function should save you fuel and road tax. You'll get a cracking nearly new car for £18k.

 

[swee'pea99]

+1 for the Golf. Get a nice one for £5K and spend the change on beer.

 

[Cheule]

Mondeo Mk4 Estate.

 

[Globalti]

Skoda Octavia, I test drove the 1.6 TDI estate a few weeks ago and was very impressed. Nice to driver and loads of room to get a bike in.

Seconded. My walking buddy has ordered one to replace his Passat 2.0 Tdi estate. He plans long trips to Scotland and cycling and camping trips for it, as well as commuting.

Edit: actually you could get a good nearly new Passat estate for that money, just make sure the seller has had the rear wheels aligned properly to avoid the uneven tyre wear issue. They're excellent load-luggers and motorway cruisers thanks to the long wheelbase. We can get 3 people + 3 bikes in ours easily and have even had 4+4.

 

[4F]

If I was replacing a Passat and I was buying a new car I'd get a Skoda Superb estate. It's got masses of room/legroom.

Agreed however the CO2 rating on the Superb is quite a bit higher than the 1.6tdi Octavia which comes in at 119, which is only slightly more than the blue motion VW Golfs. I have been spending the last 4 weeks studying similar options for a change in company car in January and to be honest the Octavia Estate is winning hands down at the moment.

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