Best (New-ish) family car for £30k-ish?
10 July 2019, 04:08 PM
#1
Best (New-ish) family car for £30k-ish?
So looking to change the wife's car soon. Would ideally like to get an ex-demo car of some sort and like something a bit more practical like an estate or SUV type thing with tailgate and load space for holidays. We've currently got 2 saloon cars for daily use and I'm really missing an estate car.
So far the new Golf R 4 motion estate takes my fancy and if I can get one in my price range a new shape Range Rover, possibly Evoke. Would love a C63 touring.
What would you guys recommend? She's a petrol head too, so wouldn't say no to something fast but would equally settle for something comfortable and practical.
So far the new Golf R 4 motion estate takes my fancy and if I can get one in my price range a new shape Range Rover, possibly Evoke. Would love a C63 touring.
What would you guys recommend? She's a petrol head too, so wouldn't say no to something fast but would equally settle for something comfortable and practical.
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10 July 2019, 04:47 PM
#3
Besides, every 2.5 Subaru I've ever owned has eventually needed an engine rebuild and I wouldn't wish a 2.5 Subaru on anyone else, even my wife!
10 July 2019, 04:58 PM
#4
any of these tickle your pickle...............
https://used.jaguar.co.uk/search#/details/2955936
https://used.jaguar.co.uk/search#/details/2945362
https://used.landrover.co.uk/model-r...etails/2967932
https://used.landrover.co.uk/model-r...etails/2963839
https://used.landrover.co.uk/model-r...etails/2957918
https://usedcars.jeep.co.uk/single-u...1906068718629/
https://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/vehicle/2...5-0f2595d7a285
https://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/vehicle/2...9-f8dd9327d5f8
https://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/vehicle/2...7-b286105b2112
https://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/vehicle/2...f-f5b611e41378
https://usedcars.audi.co.uk/usedcar/...1,PRICE_SALE,U
https://usedcars.audi.co.uk/usedcar/...1,PRICE_SALE,U
https://used.jaguar.co.uk/search#/details/2955936
https://used.jaguar.co.uk/search#/details/2945362
https://used.landrover.co.uk/model-r...etails/2967932
https://used.landrover.co.uk/model-r...etails/2963839
https://used.landrover.co.uk/model-r...etails/2957918
https://usedcars.jeep.co.uk/single-u...1906068718629/
https://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/vehicle/2...5-0f2595d7a285
https://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/vehicle/2...9-f8dd9327d5f8
https://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/vehicle/2...7-b286105b2112
https://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/vehicle/2...f-f5b611e41378
https://usedcars.audi.co.uk/usedcar/...1,PRICE_SALE,U
https://usedcars.audi.co.uk/usedcar/...1,PRICE_SALE,U
10 July 2019, 08:18 PM
#5
I would buy a Golf R estate !
I had 3 when at my previous employer. The best all-rounder i've had - loads of space, subtle and as fast in the real world as any car of the 97 other cars I have had since 1987 !
I would recommend getting one with adaptive damping - its not essential as its well damped as standard but it just adds that extra 10% to handling or comfort when you want it.
Blend in and blitz anything when you feel like it !
I had 3 when at my previous employer. The best all-rounder i've had - loads of space, subtle and as fast in the real world as any car of the 97 other cars I have had since 1987 !
I would recommend getting one with adaptive damping - its not essential as its well damped as standard but it just adds that extra 10% to handling or comfort when you want it.
Blend in and blitz anything when you feel like it !
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10 July 2019, 09:36 PM
#8
Im currently knocking about in an s-max.
Hands down the best family car I've ever had. Massive boot, rear seats that are big enough to fit adults, reasonably economical fuel wise + cheap servicing, and doesn't even drive badly.
I love it, and would have another one if the current one expired.
Hands down the best family car I've ever had. Massive boot, rear seats that are big enough to fit adults, reasonably economical fuel wise + cheap servicing, and doesn't even drive badly.
I love it, and would have another one if the current one expired.
11 July 2019, 08:58 AM
#9
Do quite like the idea of the later RS4 avant estate and I know the wife would love one as a daily! The Jag SUV in Shreksta's link is interesting, it looks to have some great performance figures. Hadn't really considered one before. I don't really want a BMW as I've done that before.
11 July 2019, 03:55 PM
#12
Then for thrashing purposes i'll buy an mx5 or something thats pretty disposable. If it blows up or breaks I'll just buy another and probably still not spend what i do on the subaru before it turns a wheel !
My only problem is what I'll get for the Subaru, values are dire these days.
I'm not clued up on my Audi but she wants a big car (Evoque or something) but only does 50miles a week so no need for diesel.
I'm thinking a petrol estate but still want something with a bit of omph for me to enjoy ! It'll either be an older RS or a newer S-line with our budget. I'd just worry on the running costs (tax and servicing) on an RS. But at least the costs will be split between us
11 July 2019, 04:04 PM
#13
I've just realised i never use it so it costs me more than i need to keep it. When i do take a notion to go out, it's to thrash and i neither get the opportunity or the desire to thrash my nice car. Girlfriend is looking a new car so I'm thinking of going halfers on the rs4 (or rs3) for her to do her short commute but still be something nice for me to drive when required.
Then for thrashing purposes i'll buy an mx5 or something thats pretty disposable. If it blows up or breaks I'll just buy another and probably still not spend what i do on the subaru before it turns a wheel !
My only problem is what I'll get for the Subaru, values are dire these days.
I'm not clued up on my Audi but she wants a big car (Evoque or something) but only does 50miles a week so no need for diesel.
I'm thinking a petrol estate but still want something with a bit of omph for me to enjoy ! It'll either be an older RS or a newer S-line with our budget. I'd just worry on the running costs (tax and servicing) on an RS. But at least the costs will be split between us
Then for thrashing purposes i'll buy an mx5 or something thats pretty disposable. If it blows up or breaks I'll just buy another and probably still not spend what i do on the subaru before it turns a wheel !
My only problem is what I'll get for the Subaru, values are dire these days.
I'm not clued up on my Audi but she wants a big car (Evoque or something) but only does 50miles a week so no need for diesel.
I'm thinking a petrol estate but still want something with a bit of omph for me to enjoy ! It'll either be an older RS or a newer S-line with our budget. I'd just worry on the running costs (tax and servicing) on an RS. But at least the costs will be split between us
I'm the same as you, if I get something practical it has to have a bit of oomph.
11 July 2019, 04:08 PM
#14
I had these three back to back for 6 months each:-
Golf R estate dsg (300ps)
Audi S4 Avant (354ps)
Golf R estate (310ps before they downgraded it for WLTP regs).
Either of the Golfs were a match on the road for the S4 despite the power and price difference. More nimble, better steering, lighter. They have all the usable low and mid range power you could want in a practical shape. Not flashy inside but 36-38 mpg on the motorway when my 2.5 Forester turbo dog wagon would do 25-27 at best.
Drive one.
Golf R estate dsg (300ps)
Audi S4 Avant (354ps)
Golf R estate (310ps before they downgraded it for WLTP regs).
Either of the Golfs were a match on the road for the S4 despite the power and price difference. More nimble, better steering, lighter. They have all the usable low and mid range power you could want in a practical shape. Not flashy inside but 36-38 mpg on the motorway when my 2.5 Forester turbo dog wagon would do 25-27 at best.
Drive one.
11 July 2019, 04:11 PM
#15
Do quite like the idea of the later RS4 avant estate and I know the wife would love one as a daily! The Jag SUV in Shreksta's link is interesting, it looks to have some great performance figures. Hadn't really considered one before. I don't really want a BMW as I've done that before.
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11 July 2019, 04:25 PM
#16
Problem is that the likes of RS4/3's or Golf R's aren't family cars, like an Smax, A6 or what we've used for the last 100000 miles, a Skoda superb 4x4. When your kids are teenagers, with all the crap and friends they cart about, you just want something large and economical.
I originally looked at a A6 3.0l biturbo, but after 2 hrs with an Audi salesman I realised what I needed was a workhorse at half the price (and a gun for the salesman) Unless you've got money to burn, a nice car will be trashed on the school run, puked on, and scratched about, so best to get something that you don't care about!
I originally looked at a A6 3.0l biturbo, but after 2 hrs with an Audi salesman I realised what I needed was a workhorse at half the price (and a gun for the salesman) Unless you've got money to burn, a nice car will be trashed on the school run, puked on, and scratched about, so best to get something that you don't care about!
11 July 2019, 06:11 PM
#17
Sorry for jumping into this thread BPR but I'd say we'll be discussing the same cars.
My circumstances are that me and her are both into our cars , both have grown up only child kids that do their own thing , and even at that both have grown up knowing how much me and her love our cars so no slamming doors or eating in the car etc !
"Family car" is probably the wrong term for me. She lacks confidence on the road (drives a Vauxhall Adam and feels vunerable) so wants a big car with good power. We both do extremely low miles so diesel is out. Would need a car for holiday luggage and dump runs but not a work horse as such , will be kept well and looked after (i don't think an estate is needed but can see where i could be handy but that may be a discussion needed between us). I want power as I'll miss the power when scooby goes. Also 4wd would be nice.
Also sharing the annual running costs and splitting the origional buying budget means we get the enviable choice of something nice !
It's all looking towards a sporty petrol estate/saloon to me.
My circumstances are that me and her are both into our cars , both have grown up only child kids that do their own thing , and even at that both have grown up knowing how much me and her love our cars so no slamming doors or eating in the car etc !
"Family car" is probably the wrong term for me. She lacks confidence on the road (drives a Vauxhall Adam and feels vunerable) so wants a big car with good power. We both do extremely low miles so diesel is out. Would need a car for holiday luggage and dump runs but not a work horse as such , will be kept well and looked after (i don't think an estate is needed but can see where i could be handy but that may be a discussion needed between us). I want power as I'll miss the power when scooby goes. Also 4wd would be nice.
Also sharing the annual running costs and splitting the origional buying budget means we get the enviable choice of something nice !
It's all looking towards a sporty petrol estate/saloon to me.
Last edited by CharlySkunkWeed; 11 July 2019 at 06:13 PM.
11 July 2019, 09:04 PM
#21
Scooby Regular
11 July 2019, 09:42 PM
#23
Scooby Senior
That's a good call on the RS3 actually, I've always liked them and may look into one. MPG will be far better than the RS4 or 6 I'd have thought which will suit the wife's journeys to work and back when required.
I'm the same as you, if I get something practical it has to have a bit of oomph.
I'm the same as you, if I get something practical it has to have a bit of oomph.
i love it but it’s a fairly numb tool when chucking it round the back roads. An M140i is way, way more fun but for me the 5 pot sound track and the wet weather bashing Quattro is more important. If you can stretch to an FL model, they’ve shaved 25kg out of the engine alone which has done a world of good for the heavy nose. Due to regs though, they don’t sound anywhere nears as good as the PFL : D
11 July 2019, 09:51 PM
#25
Scooby Regular
RS3 here. Round town I see 17-19mpg. On a long mway run the best I’ve seen is 30mpg. It’s got bags more character than the RS4 but it’s small inside. No bad thing for me but I’m only 5ft 8” on a good day. The boot is tiny.
i love it but it’s a fairly numb tool when chucking it round the back roads. An M140i is way, way more fun but for me the 5 pot sound track and the wet weather bashing Quattro is more important. If you can stretch to an FL model, they’ve shaved 25kg out of the engine alone which has done a world of good for the heavy nose. Due to regs though, they don’t sound anywhere nears as good as the PFL : D
i love it but it’s a fairly numb tool when chucking it round the back roads. An M140i is way, way more fun but for me the 5 pot sound track and the wet weather bashing Quattro is more important. If you can stretch to an FL model, they’ve shaved 25kg out of the engine alone which has done a world of good for the heavy nose. Due to regs though, they don’t sound anywhere nears as good as the PFL : D
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13 July 2019, 08:20 AM
#28
It would probably help if you said how many kids you have, at what age. So far I can only see that you want something fast and great to drive, which doesn't square up with the reality of "family cars", unless you splash on a straight liner AMG estate ,RS6 , Chelsea tractor, or something similar . If you are choosing an RS3 as a family car, I would question your priorities towards your kids, tbh.
Last edited by hedgecutter; 13 July 2019 at 08:23 AM.
