Thanks
So are there no decent auto large 5 seaters or 7 seaters for under £5k ?
The predecessor to the C-Max (badged Focus C-Max) is fine as a petrol auto with a reliable t/c auto and equally reliable n/a engines. Though the very youngest of these will be a 2010, so pay close attention to MOT history for signs of impending rust related doom.
If you can find one (two on Autotrader), a Toyota Previa 2.4 auto could only be killed by rust. Same for the Honda Stream.
If you were so inclined, a few JDM import MPV's available within (or near) your budget. Look for Toyota Alphard, Estima, Voxy, Isis (yes, really!). Also the Honda Stepwagon, Nissan Serena and Elgrand.
Depending on just how big a boot you need, the 2nd gen Vauxhall Meriva might be an option, this uses a 1.4 turbo petrol with a t/c auto. Rear seats slide back and fore so you can prioritise rear seat or boot space as needed.
Is an estate not viable?. Would give you a lot more options.
Also just noticed, there is one(!) petrol auto Mazda 5 on Autotrader within budget. These are very reliable too, just watch for rust.
Edited by badbusdriver on 24/03/2023 at 14:44
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No, it's just that cheap, old manuals are more reliable than cheap, old autos.
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One other possibiity, I know you dont think much of the qashqai but what about the X-Trail ?
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One other possibiity, I know you dont think much of the qashqai but what about the X-Trail ?
The first gen X-Trail was all Nissan and all the better for it. But the 2nd gen (2007 on) was a joint venture with Renault. It actually sits on the same platform as the Qashqai.
A nice first gen car would be worth a punt, but it will be getting on so the usual concerns and checks re rust apply.
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The earlier X-Trail Mk I was a decent enough thing, the diesels weren’t as robust as Nissans of old however so I’d stick with petrol again. You could get a 2.0 or 2.5 petrol with an auto box which I believe is a conventional torque converter transmission. It’ll be greedy however and they do rust underneath so get under it and check the Mot history.
There are a few 2.0 diesel autos for around £5-£6k on Autotrader but they run a Renault diesel which is simply a money-pit at this age and thus best avoided. Stick with petrol, check for rot and listen to it starting from stone cold to make sure the timing chain goes quiet almost instantly. It’s a weak point on these engines if neglected. Look for proof of regular oil changes.
A Honda CRV 2.0 auto could be ok at this money but again it’ll be crusty underneath and greedy.
If you want a reliable auto at this money I’d look at normal hatchbacks or estates like the Mazda 3, Mk II Ford Focus (not Mk III), Ford C-Max Mk I, Mazda 6 or Honda Accord. There’s less to go wrong, parts and tyres are cheaper, they’re better on fuel, you’ll get a newer car for your money and there will be more cars to choose from. Only buy a big SUV or MPV if you absolutely must have one.
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Thanks so much to everyone so far
We need a bigger car as one of the dogs is quite big so she just about fits in our old 2006 corolla. So based on what everyone says at my mini budget
-- Petrol all the way !!
- Manuals Only for these - Mitsubishi Outlander, Toyota verso,
- Autos ok for these - Honda Stream, Mazda 5, Ford Focus-Cmax, , 1st gen X-Trail
These are the imports.. Are they all a safe bet ?
Toyota Alphard ( www.motors.co.uk/car-66198925 )
Toyota Estima ( www.motors.co.uk/car-65827493 )
Honda Stepwagon ( www.motors.co.uk/car-65637719 )
Nissan Serena( www.motors.co.uk/car-66331787 )
Nissan Elgrand.( www.motors.co.uk/car-65855199 )
Am I about right ?
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The imported Japs you list are well made and mechanically robust but they’re greedy and parts can be costly and hard to come by. Underbody rot can be a major issue with them too as they weren’t as well protected as cars marketed over here. Any sensible dealer or individual importing one will have had it treated underneath to protect it but again you’ll need to get underneath to have a look. I do like these big wagons but don’t buy one if money is tight.
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Thanks.. any one of those imports a better choice than the others ?
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Thanks.. any one of those imports a better choice than the others ?
All down to condition really. I typically favour Toyota but again they rust too.
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Thanks.. any one of those imports a better choice than the others ?
Re underbody rust. In Japan they don't use salt on the roads in winter so JDM cars are not undersealed. This means imports are usually as new underneath, but does mean they do need to be undersealed when they arrive in the UK. And while a reputable JDM specialist will have done this, if it was a private import or a less reputable outfit, it may not have. As this is around the bottom of the price range for these, tread carefully and be very diligent.
With your budget, my priority would be condition. Can't really say any more on the cars in your links without seeing them in the flesh, but (all things being equal) the two Toyota's would have the best reliability.
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very low mileage but still nearly £4k and 22 yrs old..but is it a good bet
www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301273647013
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very low mileage but still nearly £4k and 22 yrs old..but is it a good bet
www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301273647013
Worth a look in my view. Given the age, mileage and history, I expect it was owned by an older driver who has either died or given up driving but spent every weekend washing it and got every jiggle fixed. Have a look underneath it, but it may well have been garaged too.
Check all the electrics work perfectly, as those tend to die first if rust doesn't get it.. Be aware that it's going to be very thirsty.
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very low mileage but still nearly £4k and 22 yrs old..but is it a good bet
www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301273647013
Looks OK, but I'd want to get whatever is going on with the rear suspension mounts* attended to sooner rather than later.
Maybe you could use this as a bargaining point to get the price down?
*Most recent MOT advisories describe this as 'damaged', but the previous one says 'corroded'?
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Still havent had chance to look at a :-
Mazda5, Mitsibushi Outlander or Honda Stream
We've seen a Dacia Duster ( as it was within budget ) but boot too small.
We discounted the Focus-Cmax due to the booot which just isnt big enough but we are going to take another look this week.
For the opposite reason we discounted the imports you mentioned which look great and plenty of room but just too big.... lol
The X-Trail actually looks perfect BUT everyone I have looked into always has corrosion or body structure issues mentioned on the last or previous MOT's
So thanks so far !
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If you like the look of the X Trail, it's worth keeping an eye out for the (less common) Renault Koleos, which is essentially the same thing. Likewise, the Citroen C-Crosser and Peugeot 4007 are pretty much Mitsubishi Outlanders.
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If you like the look of the X Trail, it's worth keeping an eye out for the (less common) Renault Koleos, which is essentially the same thing. Likewise, the Citroen C-Crosser and Peugeot 4007 are pretty much Mitsubishi Outlanders.
It was the first gen X-Trail which has been recommended, which has no Renault links. Also, while the second gen X-Trail does look like the 1st gen (and does have Renault underpinnings), it doesn't look anything like the Koleos. So someone liking the look of one does not mean they will like the look of the other!.
For the OP, the Focus C-Max has a boot capacity of 550 litres, the 1st gen X-Trail has a boot capacity of 410 litres.
Also, JDM imports may look it because of their styling, but they are not actually that big.
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If you like the look of the X Trail, it's worth keeping an eye out for the (less common) Renault Koleos, which is essentially the same thing. Likewise, the Citroen C-Crosser and Peugeot 4007 are pretty much Mitsubishi Outlanders.
It was the first gen X-Trail which has been recommended, which has no Renault links. Also, while the second gen X-Trail does look like the 1st gen (and does have Renault underpinnings), it doesn't look anything like the Koleos. So someone liking the look of one does not mean they will like the look of the other!.
For the OP, the Focus C-Max has a boot capacity of 550 litres, the 1st gen X-Trail has a boot capacity of 410 litres.
Also, JDM imports may look it because of their styling, but they are not actually that big.
Point taken, but when I said 'look' I meant the concept/idea/attributes.
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the Focus C-Max has a boot capacity of 550 litres, the 1st gen X-Trail has a boot capacity of 410 litres.
Also, JDM imports may look it because of their styling, but they are not actually that big.
Thanks again. It was not so much the capacity but the boot height which seemed a lot less than the Xtrail but will take another look
Re the JDM. Which ones are you thinking are not actually that big
cheers
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If I just use carsized you can see how much bigger the xtrail is compared to the cmax
www.carsized.com/en/cars/compare/ford-c-max-2003-m.../
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