Between 9-11k. I don’t really want to spend more because we are moving into a new house imminently and mortgage rates are dreadful at the moment. I’m trying to find something that will work for us.
A friend of mine is selling a VW transporter 65 plate but it has 177k on the clock. He wants around 10k for it. I’m not sure though.
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“A friend of mine is selling a VW transporter 65 plate but it has 177k on the clock. He wants around 10k for it. I’m not sure though.”
Wouldn’t touch it at half the price. VW’s are no more reliable than any other car, it could last for years or explode tomorrow.
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I shall stay away.
Now it’s a case for finding something that will last for a long time. I genuinely don’t like the car buying process. It’s so lame.
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I’d forget the 7str at that money. We looked at a few Ford S-Max’s but found them tatty and poorly made and that was at £15/£16k - less money means older and higher miles, which they don’t wear well. Won’t touch a Citroen or Renault as they’re simply not robust so large estate car or SUV is where I’m focusing. At £9-£11k I’d look at the Mazda 6 estate with the 2.0 petrol motor or a Toyota Avensis 1.8 petrol. Both will feel slow and dull compared to the Audi, but you’ve a chance for reliability. But you need to thoroughly check either for rust underneath and scrutinise the Mot history for rot.
You’ve got a harder job here than myself. I’m coming out of a 1.8 petrol Toyota Avensis estate, so pretty much everything is going to be more interesting to drive while that big 3.0 Audi will be a nice thing on the road. Is it a manual or auto?
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It is hard isn’t?
If I don’t go for a 7 seater, I’d need something that can seat 2 10 year olds and have a baby seat in the back. Very difficult I’m sure.
My Audi A5 is a manual. I prefer a manual, I like the engagement you get from a manual.
I know I will miss the drive of the A5 but I will get over it.
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If you are fine with manual*, and assuming you do enough longer runs to keep the DPF in check, I'd maybe think about a 2.0 diesel Ford S Max or its taller and less sporty sibling, the Galaxy.
If you want an SUV, possibly a Kia Sorento?
*The auto versions of these use an unreliable dual clutch automated manual called Powershift
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I prefer manual to be honest. I’m not an auto fan.
What sort of Milage is acceptable on those suggestions?
As I said reliability is the main preference for me
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I prefer manual to be honest. I’m not an auto fan. What sort of Milage is acceptable on those suggestions? As I said reliability is the main preference for me
Thing is, for your needs and in the current market, £9k isn't really that much. So you can either have a younger car with higher miles or an older one with less miles. The 2.0 diesel in the Fords I mention are sturdy enough as long as looked after. I'd maybe be thinking about up to 80k miles. But even 100k or more wouldn't be dealbreaker as long as impeccable history.
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Thank you for your suggestions. Maybe I will have to increase my budget.
Based on what SLO has said, he reckons even 13-16k is a stretch.
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Thank you for your suggestions. Maybe I will have to increase my budget.
Based on what SLO has said, he reckons even 13-16k is a stretch.
Takes time and patience. I’m in no hurry as my old car is running fine. I’d up the budget if the right car comes along if you’re able, especially with 7 seats in mind.
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Why do you feel is a reasonable budget for a 7 seater?
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Thank you for your suggestions. Maybe I will have to increase my budget. Based on what SLO has said, he reckons even 13-16k is a stretch.
There is no doubt that the used car market is pretty crazy, but there are good cars to be had at your budget. Problem is finding them!
Where in the country you are of course makes a difference, SLO is in Ayr, so not so many options unless willing to travel quite far. I'm in Aberdeenshire myself, so even more of a problem for me if I was looking. But if you live near somewhere like London, Birmingham, Manchester or similar, there will be more choices.
Were it not for your eversion to auto, I'd also be suggesting a JDM import MPV. Wouldn't be a good choice if you plan to do big annual miles, but otherwise a lot of car for the money. And due to Japan not salting their roads in winter, rust underneath is seldom an issue. They do of course need to be undersealed upon arrival in the UK, but a reputable JDM specialist will do this as a matter of course.
But unless you intend having more kids, you don't actually need a 7 seater. A good sized hatchback, estate should suit you well enough.
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Thank you for the feedback.
I live in South Wales (Cardiff). I am willing to travel for the right car.
I’d happily have an auto if the right car is about, I’m not against it completely.
Also, as long as we all fit in there comfortably, that’s perfect.
Based on some of the suggestions I have found
www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202311224191716
I also have found that Toyota verso’s 66 plate are approximately between 12-14k. They were petrol Icon 1.6l manuals and some autos
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I'm not at all convinced that another car is the answer here, 2007 isn't old in my book if the car has been looked after, our daily use cars are 16 and 19 years and i'd rate them as reliable and useful as anything made today.
How about letting a good VW/Audi indy have it for a few days and go right through it, then if its looking a bit sad in places (wheels?) spend a few hundred getting it spruced up, i see no reason why it won't last another 10 years reliably or until some useless politician decides that all cars they don't approve of must be crushed and us plebs be kept out of their Zil lanes.
Decent roof rack and large Thule box for stuff, for holidays etc a trailer, or hire something large for holidays.
You'll be thousands in pocket and kick the choice can of what to buy next down the road a few years, plus you've got a car thats already depreciated with some poke, a 1.6 petrol is going to be very disappointing after your car.
Edited by gordonbennet on 21/01/2024 at 19:38
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I'm not at all convinced that another car is the answer here, 2007 isn't old in my book if the car has been looked after, our daily use cars are 16 and 19 years and i'd rate them as reliable and useful as anything made today.
How about letting a good VW/Audi indy have it for a few days and go right through it, then if its looking a bit sad in places (wheels?) spend a few hundred getting it spruced up, i see no reason why it won't last another 10 years reliably or until some useless politician decides that all cars they don't approve of must be crushed and us plebs be kept out of their Zil lanes.
Decent roof rack and large Thule box for stuff, for holidays etc a trailer, or hire something large for holidays.
You'll be thousands in pocket and kick the choice can of what to buy next down the road a few years, plus you've got a car thats already depreciated with some poke, a 1.6 petrol is going to be very disappointing after your car.
Not 100% certain GB, but I think a 2007 A5 (the first year they were on sale) would be a 2 door coupe. As far as I can tell, 5 door versions didn't appear for another couple of years, but if that is what the OP had, I would tend to agree with keeping the Audi.
But an A6 estate could fit the bill and there should be enough room on the rear seats for two 10 year olds and a baby, not to mention plenty of boot space for all the associated clobber!
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But an A6 estate could fit the bill and there should be enough room on the rear seats for two 10 year olds and a baby, not to mention plenty of boot space for all the associated clobber!
Good suggestion BBD, replace with similar age but the estate version, the present car appears to be coping with the usage without issue, almost comes under the heading if it aint broke don't fix it.
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Based on some of the suggestions I have found
www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202311224191716
Looks OK, but what puts me off is the giant alloys!. These will be particularly prone to pothole damage and cost a fortune to replace. On the other hand, the fact that they are a decent brand (Bridgestone) I'd consider a sign hat it has been owned by someone willing to spend money on it. Dealer reviews are also good, but there are only 11 of them.
Going back to the notion of a decent sized 5 seater, I can't help notice on Autotrader that a Mondeo estate with the 2.0 turbo Diesel engine can be had as young as 2019 for pretty much the same price as that S Max. So that is a lot of extra premium being placed on two seats that aren't really needed.
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Funnily enough I have always thought about running it into the ground but there are a few electrical gremlins starting to creep in and will be costly to sort. Also, the next MOT will probably need the bushes doing but the issue is the bolt to get to them seizes and you have to replace the whole unit and will cost me about 1k.
I could end up spending quite a bit on it and something else develop. A 3.0ltr Quattro could be so expensive to resolve if it develops engine issues.
Also mine is the 2 door version.
Edited by adrian muscat on 21/01/2024 at 19:52
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Fair enough, 2 door is a pita for family use.
If you have a decent MB indy in your area, don't overlook Merc E Class Diesels, the private hire operator who i used to do some weekend work for donkeys years ago used to run W210 and W211 220 Diesel E classes to 400k with barely any issues before flogging them on to willing buyers...auto is lovely in MBs manuals rare as hens teeth.
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Thank you for the feedback.
I live in South Wales (Cardiff). I am willing to travel for the right car.
I’d happily have an auto if the right car is about, I’m not against it completely.
Also, as long as we all fit in there comfortably, that’s perfect.
Based on some of the suggestions I have found
www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202311224191716
I also have found that Toyota verso’s 66 plate are approximately between 12-14k. They were petrol Icon 1.6l manuals and some autos
I’m not convinced a decade Old Ford will offer the reliability you seek. They do rust badly underneath too. But they’re certainly the best MPV to drive by a long way.
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“I also have found that Toyota verso’s 66 plate are approximately between 12-14k. They were petrol Icon 1.6l manuals and some autos”
Very reliable cars, but small for a 7str so you’d need to try it for size. Boot space with the rear seats in use is next to nothing also. Mechanically very long lived.
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Ok so In summary
The Toyota will be reliable but isn’t the biggest for a 7 seater.
A good estate will work and should have enough seat space for us.
Mixed opinion on the Ford galaxy / s max.
The avensis or Mazda 6 is a popular choice too (petrol)
I like the idea of an a6 with the 3.0tdi - mine has been lovely to drive but everyday feels like an expensive repair bill coming my way haha.
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Ok so In summary
The Toyota will be reliable but isn’t the biggest for a 7 seater.
A good estate will work and should have enough seat space for us.
Mixed opinion on the Ford galaxy / s max.
The avensis or Mazda 6 is a popular choice too (petrol)
I like the idea of an a6 with the 3.0tdi - mine has been lovely to drive but everyday feels like an expensive repair bill coming my way haha.
I’ve been looking for a manual 2.0 diesel A6 Avant, but they’re mostly autos (using that weak automated manual box, essentially VW’s DSG) and mostly up in the miles. I don’t want to spend £15-£16k on something with 60/70k up. Nice big car though, but at around £10k you’re not going to be getting something much more dependable than your current car. The service record on the very nice E class Merc I looked at today had loads of eye watering bills, much of it relating to emissions control problems with the diesel motor, sadly all too common with modern DPF equipped diesels. I didn’t think it would be more reliable than my 14yr old Toyota.
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When I was looking for my Audi A5 I originally was looking at 2.0ltr Tdi but the Audi forums I was looking at back then swore by the 3.0ltr V6 because it was well built and lovely to drive. After 6 years of ownership, I can say it’s been the best car I have owned to drive.
Having said that, I have always worried if something went wrong with it and having to pay a fortune to fix it. I’m not made of money.
Would you consider the 3.0ltr Tdi? A6?
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When I was looking for my Audi A5 I originally was looking at 2.0ltr Tdi but the Audi forums I was looking at back then swore by the 3.0ltr V6 because it was well built and lovely to drive. After 6 years of ownership, I can say it’s been the best car I have owned to drive. Having said that, I have always worried if something went wrong with it and having to pay a fortune to fix it. I’m not made of money. Would you consider the 3.0ltr Tdi? A6?
Assuming full history, subject to satisfactory viewing, test drive, and nothing too alarming in the MOT history, I would. But surely if you a member of Audi forums, they'd have a more informed opinion on whether a 10 year old example would be a good buy?.
TBH, a 2.0 is only likely to be a couple of years younger for the same price. And often with German cars, the bigger engine is considered more reliable.
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You are probably right. However when I started this thread I didn’t think it would potentially lead me back to an Audi.
I was expecting something really sensible and now it seems like an Audi is actually really sensible.
Haha.
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When I was looking for my Audi A5 I originally was looking at 2.0ltr Tdi but the Audi forums I was looking at back then swore by the 3.0ltr V6 because it was well built and lovely to drive. After 6 years of ownership, I can say it’s been the best car I have owned to drive.
Having said that, I have always worried if something went wrong with it and having to pay a fortune to fix it. I’m not made of money.
Would you consider the 3.0ltr Tdi? A6?
It’s a well built car, one thing I’ve noticed in my recent searching is that the Audi’s are properly protected underneath. The suspension components in the 6 and 7yr old examples I’m looking at are generally clear of surface rust, while mass market models from Ford, Toyota, Mazda, Vauxhall etc etc are quite crusty looking. I accept that this is generally a cosmetic issue for now, but it’s understandable why there are so many older Audi’s up here. They can take the weather. Favourite two cars so far have both been located at the local Audi main dealer, a 66 plate A4 1.4 TSi Avant and a Q3 2.0 TDi, but management has said they’re too small. I’ve suggested just leaving her mother at home and the problem is solved. This went down badly.
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I can imagine that went extremely well.
Tell her you want an A6 3.0ltr TDI and that’s that.
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“SLO is in Ayr, so not so many options unless willing to travel quite far.”
45 mins from the mighty metropolis of Glasgow, or 30 mins if SWMBO is driving. Plenty of cars in the central belt, I’m horribly fussy though.
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We stuck at 2 kids. My expression "two's company, three's a people carrier". I don't think 2 children in the back separated by a baby seat will be happy for long in many cars. Give them a couple more years and you will definitely be looking for something bigger if you don't do it now. Otherwise, Baby seat in front and 1 parent in back with the children.
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That was my original thinking too. The kids will get restless on long journeys.
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As BBD advised earlier, something like Toyota Alphard tick most of your boxes. These are reliable no doubt, space is not an issue and very comfy. Your extras will be a very average mpg and possibly a higher insurance than a fragile European equivalent.
I see loads of these around here in the south west, so a popular choice
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Something else occurred to me last night which I don't think has been mentioned so far, and this is potentially a specific problem on an older diesel, ULEZ!
Not sure because I haven't looked into it, but I'd imagine a 10 year old Audi 3.0 turbo diesel wouldn't comply. Possibly the same might apply to a 7-8 year old 2.0. So you may want to look into that bearing in mind where you may want to go with the car.
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Unless I’ve missed it I don’t see any mention of the Skoda Superb which is a cousin to the A6 which has been suggested. The Superb has ample space, even the hatch, and manual gearboxes will be more easily found. The 1.4 petrol engine is well regarded too.
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Unless I’ve missed it I don’t see any mention of the Skoda Superb which is a cousin to the A6 which has been suggested. The Superb has ample space, even the hatch, and manual gearboxes will be more easily found. The 1.4 petrol engine is well regarded too.
The Superb is mechanically similar to the Passat and is a great car, I've had my mkII Superb 1.4 for 9 years 120k miles thus far with little work needed other than regular servicing, brake disk/pads (once), rear shocks and a couple of suspension springs (lots of speed bumps nearby!). 1.4 petrol has good performance and excellent economy. The problem for the original poster is the Superb is palatial for 4 people but less so for 5. I'm not sure you could fit 3 car seats across the back - not that I've ever tried!
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Interior Superb width is narrower than I assumed. However my thinking was that it’s listed as having three Isofix mountings and that three well chosen child seats or boosters presumably fit. A baby now will not be adult sized for a few years and so it may be a while before it’s a tight squeeze.
i know kids grow (and squabble) but I think a good five seater might do for a few years if there is a lack of other choices.
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Are the two 10 year old still in car seats? My fairly tall 9 year old no longer legally needs one, though does prefer to use the high back booster in my wife's Leon Estate as the window line on the door is quite high - he doesn't use it in my Swace as the seats are higher (and the roof lower to the point where the high back booster makes it quite difficult to get in and out).
If they are out of car seats, that opens up many more options. Even something like an Astra / Focus / Golf etc. would work for two children and a baby seat across the back seat at that point, and as long as you chose the estate should have enough boot space.
The advantage of looking at really common cars like that is that there are many more to choose from when buying secondhand so a better chance of finding one in decent condition.
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I think the Skoda superb could be an option and I may be able to get what I need in terms of space for the kids and space for luggage etc.
Which engine is best for them? Is it the 1.4?
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I think the Skoda superb could be an option and I may be able to get what I need in terms of space for the kids and space for luggage etc. Which engine is best for them? Is it the 1.4?
My Superb is the last of the mkII's with the cam chain 1.4 EA111 engine - had a bad earlier reputation but my late 2014 version has stood the test of time and mileage, no probs thus far. It's always had fixed interval oil changes from near new. I was amazed how little my mpg changed when I went from a diesel 1.9pd Superb to a petrol 1.4tsi Superb.
The later mkIII 1.4 has the fabulous cam belt EA211 engine and would be a good choice. This comes in two versions a 125ps version in the S model and 150ps ACT version in higher models (Active Cylinder Technology).
Edited by Big John on 22/01/2024 at 22:16
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I’m after some advice from more experienced members. I have seen this Skoda and it seems a good price with full service history. It’s above average miles but I will mostly be travelling locally so milage will eventually even itself out.
If I go to view it what should I look out for ?
www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202312184913528?s...a
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what should I look out for ?
Hmm, at this time the 1.8tsi petrol was known for major oil burning issues(not all , but...) - I'd avoid. If you can aim for an early mkIII especially with the 1.4 / 1.5 EA211
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To follow on this, my Powershift gearbox failure wrote off my 2014, we'll serviced, Mondeo. Don't touch!
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