Which Car to Buy
 

Not done one of these before :)

Following my recent car theft I am looking to change cars.

Criteria:-

Less than 17K to buy (cash buyer - Private or Trade I don't mind)
Less than 2 years old (not really looking to buy new as have lost too much over the years doing this), could go to 3.
Diesel
Preferably 4/5 door but would have a 3 door
Preferably Automatic
MPG circa 40+
Reasonably nippy (I had a PD140 engine before and this was fast enough)
Not flashy looking - following house break in looking to be a little discrete on the driveway for a while
Would like a reasonable level of spec
Not bothered about marque but don't want to killed with depreciation.

Use of Car:-

50% Motorway, 50% traffic. Not too concerned with blasting round B roads anymore. Would prefer more comfort.

Considered so far:-

Audi A3 - This was the one stolen and best all round car I have had. Would probably prefer a change to try something different but may get another.

Skoda Octavia elegance - test drove one before buying the audi and would have bought if they could have got one with a DSG box in a reasonable time frame. Better spec than the Audi, good size, etc etc

Skoda Superb - see Octavia above. may be too big for my needs and MPG not as good.

Honda Accord - Can get an Executive model with Sat Nav within my budget. Not automatic and don't know much about these.

Nissan Primera - Seems a lot of car for the money. Only thing I know about them is that they are reliaable and ugly.

Seat Leon - had 2x Old Leons in the family and would have one again. Think I prefer the Skoda as the new Leon's interior is dire (IMO)

Golf GT - never had good service from the VW garages (maybe unlucky) when I have twice nearly bought one before.

Passat - probably better VFM if the Skoda? or is the new Passat any good.

So, what am I missing? Anything else I should consider? Any real world ownership of the above cars?

Cheers

Volvo S60 D5 Geartronic?

Plenty in your price range that are 1 yr old, good strong engine, comfy seats.

like the idea of the comfy seats as my back is a bit gippy at times.

Have you experience of these?

The new Passat is much better than the old one. You could probably stretch to a new-shape 320d? Better than everything you've listed, very refined and easy to drive long distances.

Only driving not owning. Had a run in a couple. very nice seats as I say, the engine is nice and strong. Economy is good 50+mpg is achievable, handling won't set the world alight, but the ride is good.

I did a search and there are plenty of 163bhp D5's available. They changed last year so that the later D5 got 185bhp. They then badged the previous 163bhp engine as 2.4D. Lots about with SE trim, which are nicely kitted.

TopBanana - Thanks. I like the Passat but I think the Octavia probably gives a little more for the money and I prefer the shape though both no beauties.

Reffro - Will look at the Volvo. Thanks for the model details.

Hmm, I remember reading somewhere that these are nowhere near as economical as Volvo would have you believe.

I`ve a new shape Passat 2.0TDi DSG Sport, easily does 40+ on a run but is hardly an exciting steer.

I`d have a crack at a Golf 2.0TDi DSG or Seat Leon with the same drivetrain. Or perhaps an Octavia.

If you really want auto, the DSG is hard to fault IMHO.

Thanks Simon, the Audi I had was a DSG. I may give it a miss for the right car and tune this one a little.

Well, bought a new car (actually 40 miles on the clock) subject to my old car not turning up.

Bought a Skoda Superb :)

why?

Although the car is bland looking that is appealing following the recent car theft.
massive inside for a car which is not too big outside (nearly same size as Octavia - a little longer and a little narrower).
It has Leather Electric memory seats, heated front and rear.
Xenons
Cruise
Sat Nav
Umbrella in rear arm rest with outside drainage :) etc etc as standard

Got a really good deal on it (helped as we also bought a new Fabia VRS - again subject to my car not being found).

Down sides of the car:-

Bit heavy and bargelike - though a comfy place to sit
Crappy wood dash

So, fingers crossed my car is gone for good :) though will miss the DSG.

Thanks for the comments on the thread.

I had a Superb as a hire car once. I like the interior space. They're huge!

Good choice.

F

Hope it's not your mattress.:( :D

The mattress is great :) Evertime I work away and come home I realise how comfy the thing is.

Back is old age I think :(

Gets to us all mate does Father Time. Good luck with the new car.:thumb:

CupraT.. get yourself down to briskoda for loads of help with your new purchase(s) they a good bunch on that forum
;)

1.9TDI?

hectic - thanks. I have joined up having read the forum for a couple of year (nearly bought the Octavia before the Audi)

Simon S3 - its a 2.0tdi.

How about Mondeo ST tdci?
Plenty of room, 4 door and 150bhp I think?

Jamescsti - already bought the Superb. I actually like the Mondeo though the ST version would have not met my discrete requirement which was important for the wife following the recent house break in and car theft.