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Well, as you haven't dismissed Citroen, my further thoughts are that you would be able to get a not very old used C5, to your spec., for a lot less than £12.5K, thus getting most of the depreciation out of the way.
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Just had a look at what car verdict on the Signum (not a car I had thought about so thanks for mentioning it) and the only bits I didn't like is "However, rweak esidual values make the Signum a no-go for private buyers." (their typing mistake by the way, not mine).
A search on Autotrader for a diesel brings up 13 and only 1 with all the toys.
Anyone driven a diesel one of these as I have heard that the Vauxhall diesel engines are somewhat noisy?
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Surely you should consider reliability too? The Primera is likely to be extremely reliable and you'll have a full three year warranty.
Personally I like the styling and I'm a great fan of the centre instrumentation and N-Form. Nissan really got this right and its so much better than the BMW and Audi efforts I've tried.
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Of course relaibility is always an issue when you're using the car so much. I'm sorry, I took that as read.
I found the joystick on the Primera's N-Form a bit fiddly but I haven't tried the other so can't compare.
Primera's a bit tinny though!
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Signum.
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Signum.
Pugugly, you realise that if you switch brands like that, you'll lose your right to exclusive use of the outside lane?
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Skoda Octavia. Second hand 4 wheel drive diesel? Now the new shapes out the old shape prices must be taking a hit. I'm getting an 05 plate RS Turbo from motorpoint in Feb. for £13,000 (before knocking them down. I just don't understand the point of spending twice as much (even if I had it) on an Audi?
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Am I the only one who is quite confused as to how your wifes car sickness seems to be dependant on what badge is on the front of your car?
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Not sure what you mean Michael.
The Audi has been poorly recently - still not 100%
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You say one of the reasons you don't want a Ford is becuase your wife gets car sick in Fords. Even though the 'experience' of travelling in, say, a Ka is completely different to that of driving in, say, a Mondeo. Surely it was the specific car that made your wife sick and not just all cars by that manufacturer, and thus it isn't really a reason to avoid a particular marque?
I'm not making any sense, but I think you can see what I mean..
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Ah, but you are applying man logic to this whereas the illness is felt by a woman.
Please don't ask me to question her "logic" because, as every married man knows, that would be akin to committing suicide in the most painful way imaginable!
I don't like Fords and SWMBO SAYS she feel ill in them - nuff said?
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Question is are you trying to convince yourself into a Primera for logical reasons when emotively you wouldn't touch it with a barge pole?
If as you say you hate the looks, think it's tinny and find the controls fiddly are you going to end up with the same situation as the escort- ie owning a car you dislike?
Agreed you don't see the car whilst driving- but you will see it in front of the house every day- and you didn't mention your opinion of the inside.
I did a similar thing a few years back- convinced myself a year old ZX was the best car for me- hated the car and sold it earlier than planned and lost quite a bit of money on it.
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Question is are you trying to convince yourself into a Primera for logical reasons when emotively you wouldn't touch it with a barge pole?
I tried a Primera 1.8 a few weeks ago. Impressive list of features, reliability and couldn't find fault with it as an everday family car.
However I concluded that being okay wasn't enough for me to buy it and live with it for 3 years. It didn't excite me and I reckon I would quickly be bored with it.
All cars depreciate and cost money to run, so you may as well enjoy the look and feel of your car when you're driving it.
Try the more individual cars - C5, Legacy, Saab 9-3 (you could get a used new shape car for your money).
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Must be a Nissan thing.
Test drove a Tino over the summer. Would have been a good family car- and Mrs PW loved it.
Car was alright I guess- but was bored with it before the test drive was over- and doing 100 miles a day on the M5 knew it was not for me.
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PW,
I think you may have hit the nail on the head but buying a car, and many other things for that matter, will always be a head/heart battle.
Let me put one thing straight - I NEVER OWNED an Escort - Heaven forbid - Had it thrust upon me by an employer!
I am still looking at other options while being pursued by Nissan salesmen and an internet site. This is guaranteed to make me NOT buy their product.
I supppose I see the Primera as the best package with the minimum drawbacks and max convenience i the new v old and unlikely to break down stakes.
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If you are going to buy a Nissan over a Ford for the reasons mentioned elsewhere in the thread then there really is very little point in asking for advice in the first place!!!!!
Though for what it is worth the Primera dci mentioned seems good value at 12.k however you could get a far superior drivers car for that in the form of a Mondeo, perhaps a Ghia on an 04 plate with optional sat nav and cruise as standard. Otherwise as space is not an issue a Megane 1.9 dci is a great car, not sure about sat nav.
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I'm with TyreTread's other half on this one - I get sick in every Ford I've ever been in. They're like boats, unfortunately a characteristic they share with the flatmate's passat, which has lead to some interesting journeys.
It does apply across the whole range I'm afraid, apart from the Ka which I've never been in - I don't have a deathwish!
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I'm with TyreTread's other half on this one - I get sick in every Ford I've ever been in. They're like boats, unfortunately a characteristic they share with the flatmate's passat, which has lead to some interesting journeys.
Although PG wasn't sick in the Alfa a couple of weeks back. Hey, have I found something that it's good at!
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Although PG wasn't sick in the Alfa a couple of weeks back. Hey, have I found something that it's good at!
Well... I had your delightful singing to distract me. And you WERE driving like a grandad because you were so scared of getting thai food sprayed up the windscreen!
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I get sick in every Ford I've ever been in. They're like boats, unfortunately a characteristic they share with the flatmate's passat, which has lead to some interesting journeys. It does apply across the whole range I'm afraid, apart from the Ka which I've never been in - I don't have a deathwish!
I really do not see how anyone can get sick in any Ford from a Fiesta to a Galaxy and not, for instance a Sharan or Alambra, ridiculous!!!!
This is simply a matter of a complete lack of objectivity based on something like - dad always had Vauxhalls when I was a kid so I don't like Fords - .
If you dont like the look of them or even the way they drive, fine, say so, though "I get sick in every Ford I've ever been in" is illogical bias. Unless, perhaps, every Ford you have been in has been on the way home from the pub!
"They're like boats", no they're like cars, you might get sick in a Ford if you try driving across a lake. Boats are better for that though no good on the M25.
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Ahem...
I really do not see how anyone can get sick in any Ford from a Fiesta to a Galaxy and not, for instance a Sharan or Alambra, ridiculous!!!! This is simply a matter of a complete lack of objectivity based on something like - dad always had Vauxhalls when I was a kid so I don't like Fords - .
Er, no... you'll notice I said "I get sick in every ford I've been in." That's a fact. If I'd said "All Fords make me sick", you could have whinged at me for making a generalisation. But I didn't.
And for your info, dad had Sierras when I was a kid, and I always had my trusty little yellow bucket with me. :)
If you dont like the look of them or even the way they drive, fine, say so, though "I get sick in every Ford I've ever been in" is illogical bias. Unless, perhaps, every Ford you have been in has been on the way home from the pub!
That would be silly... everyone knows Taxi drivers drive Skodas and Nissans ;)
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Gerra Signum 2.2DTI they look great with all the Irmscher kit and some else will have paid the criminal initial depreciation. Primeras might be fine, but too boring to spend your own money on imo.
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Like the look of them- but one in supermarket the other day sounded very agricultural.
Saab 9-3 I followed with that engine didnt seem to have much go either.
PS is an observation, not a criticism.
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I suggest that some intensive testing is needed here.
Ingredients:
* lots of different cars
* 1 yellow bucket
* 1 securely blindfolded PoloGirl
1. Place Pologirl in in the front passenger seat of a, and drive her around. Do NOT tell her what type of car she is in. Record use of yellow bucket.
2. Repeat step 1, but for each trip announce make of vehicle. However, make anouunced to be randomly chosen from a list. Record use of yellow bucket.
Part 1 will tell us which cars actually induce nausea. Part 2 will tell us what effect the label has on the nausea.
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I suggest that some intensive testing is needed here.
Perhaps HJ could introduce this into his road tests!
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Sorry no offense meant.
dad had Sierras when I was a kid, and I always had my trusty little yellow bucket with >> me. :)
Perhaps that explains it, you were travel sick as a kid all over the back seat of your dad's Sierras and have blamed it on good ol' Henry ever since!
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Temper, temper!
I already pointed out that the statement may not appear entirely logical but was made by a woman!
However, as Pologirl confirmed it may affect some people like that.
Perhaps you thinks that both my wife and Pologirl are liars?
As for objectivity, if we all applied that then we'd probably all drive the same 3 or 4 models. The whole point of asking was to get some differeing opinions so that I can weigh up the diffrent arguments for and aginst.
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Perhaps you thinks that both my wife and Pologirl are liars?
No I think it is perhaps a case of - I was ill the last time I ate a prawn sandwich so I must be allergic to seafood.
After all if the ride in a Focus makes you sick you are more likely to be sick in, perhaps, an Astra than a Galaxy, likewise if you are ill in a Fiesta you are more likely to be ill in a Polo than a Mondeo etc etc.
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What about a Mazda6 ? I'm sure I have seen them at motorpoint for your sort of money. Good reputation for reliability, good looks, not sure if they come with the toys you want though.
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Have you looked at Seats. I got rid of mine (Cordoba) this summer after 3 years. Very reliable. Still really liked the car when time came to get rid of it.
Also had advantage that having debadged it no-one had a clue what it was.
But still have question marks about VW reliability these days. Keep hearing problems about the larger models backed up with comments from friends on theirs. Really hate saying that as have always been a VAG buyer (4 Polos & 1 Seat).
Really like the Ford I've got now though..... ;-)
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I too am currently looking at buying a car at this budget. My favourite is the new Octavia 2.0 Diesel (140bhp). Unfortunately they are too new, so the cheapest I have been able to find is £13,500. Maybe if I wait a bit, there may be cheaper ones around soon. However, this is the Ambiente trim, the Elegance seems to have much better kit, but there aren't any available this side of £15k.
I think in the end I am going to get the Mondeo (2.0 TDCI 130) and save myself a good deal of money in the process. A top spec Ghia X should be on budget for a car with less than 20k miles. I have seen the slightly less specced Ghia with under 10k miles for just over £10k, this has to be a good deal and you can use the £2,000 left over to get sat nav if you wish.
I tried Mazda, but as I am looking for a diesel there don't seem to be any within budget.
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Buy 3x4yo Omegas. When they break down, throw them away.
V
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Decided to look at another option last week and found a Rover 75 Tourer 2.0 Connousseur CDT SE auto with 39K miles on an 03 plate with all the toys on Ebay - went to look at it on Sat AM having done my homework during the tail end of last week. Told the vendor if any potential purchser that outbid me didn't complete on the deal to give me a call.
Good car, not immaculate but well maintained and quite well used and had been enthusiastically driven.
I guesstimated (with the help of Parkers, Glass's, CAP and a friend who works for a Rover Dealer) that this would go for circa £12K so I decided I would bid up to £12.25K - watched as the last 10 miutes approached and it zoomed up, in a frenzy of bidding to £13.5K so I didn't even bother to bid.
I looked at it later and the high bidder had gone from 0 feedback to minus 4 - I did a double take and checked his feedback. He's basically messed up at least 5 auctions by bidding with no intention to buy and it appeared he probably set up the account to do exactly that.
Anyway, I contacted the seller today - he told me he sold the car to the second highest bidder -------------For £12K - Doh! Why didn't I ring him on Saturday evening when I realised what had gone on.
Anyway, time has passed and I need to replace my current car or I lose the buyer I have lined up so it's off to the Nissan dealer tomorrow to order the Primera.
Having seen all the stuff about bad bankers drafts etc, how does one pay a garage these days?
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I bid on a car and was outbid by the same guy i beleive. I wondered if it was a ploy to get cars more cheaply! Have two ids, use one as a time waster, and the other to actually purchase. Like you i didnt bother contacting the seller after the auction.
I have a car for sale on Ebay at the moment for the amount of money you are looking to spend, item no: 4506293996
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I did wonder whether the vendor had used this ploy to get the bidding up to a higher level as the "scam" bidder pushed the price up almost 2 grand and the amount that was settled with the ultimate purchaser was about 750 above his last bid against an apparently serious bidder! (hope that makes sense)
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Having seen all the stuff about bad bankers drafts etc, how does one pay a garage these days?
The way i do probably about 90% of my sales is by switch/maestro.
Move the funds into your current account, come down on the day of collection, check the car over and when you're happy that the vehicle is OK out comes the plastic.
It also saves you whatever horrendous fee your bank wants to charge for a draft.
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I wouldn't have thought a garage would want to take substantial amounts on a credit or debit card as I thought they would have to pay a commission charge to the card co.
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We can't do it on a credit card as we get charged 2.5% but on a debit card it's ok.
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Went to Nissan garage at lunch time for (yet) another look but chickened out of actually ordering the car!
SAlesman said they will take a personal cheque, draft or cash but not CC or debit card!
One last chat with the wife tonight and I'll order it tomorrow.
Unless of course you know different......
I was hoping Amboy would have surfaced having bought his Primera abd could have given me the benefit of his new ownership experience!
Can one of the Mods e-mail him for me - suppose not as probably some rule against it somewhere!
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I'm amazed that they won't let you pay by debit card as cheques and drafts are a lot more hassle and less secure but i suppose they have their reasons.....
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I agree that a debit card should be ok. I purchased our C5 with a debit card. I wonder sometimes if these dealers want to sell their cars.
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I went for a Mazda 6..it was £13200 new list price but you should get one for £12100 cash (apparently)..model was a sakata 1.8 petrol.....absolutely looks the business...alloys,spoiler (back to my youth) and all the bits and pieces........and that rear end!!! well...it drives superbly,very quick,excellent suspension and 'appears' to be quite economical..........the looks and the mazda reliability sold it to me...theres nothing better than opening the door and looking at the motor on your drive and thinking.."that looks nice".....in the process I discounted the new Vectra -crap (part exed one for the 6), Primera...whats with that rear end !!,Avensis looks a like a coffin on wheels, Mondeo...dated..but nice drive, Laguna..dated......even looked at a couple of bmws..common as muck...anyway best of luck in your search.....
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oh..and I paid for it by debit card
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sorry just read earlier post re talking to the wife...tonight...has she seen it......?.and looked at that 'bug eyed' rear end....!! I looked at one 2 days before the Mazda and even the Nissan salesman admitted the design and look was a disaster that was badly effecting sales..although not with fleets who loved it for the 'extras' supplied.........
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Justb to update you (in case you're interested) after much sould searching I finally orderer my new car yesterday!
Primera 2.2dCi SVE - upspecced it as I couldn't resist the leather electrically adjusted and heated seats plus Cat 1 Thatcham alarm , Xenon lights and headlight washers for less than an extra grand!
Then whole lot came in at £4750 below list.
I figure that with that sort of discount that I can't really lose if I decide to bin it after a couple of years - at least compared to the loss I'd take on a BM, Merc or anything French!
I'm sure you'll all point out the folly of my logic so do your worst I can take it!
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Sounds like a good deal though if you are an enthusiastic driver you would find a Mondeo more satisfying.
Fact is that there aren't really any poor cars in the "family car" class so it is difficult to go really wrong, I just find the Accord, Primera, Avensis and new Vectra a bit souless, uncharecterful. I like the Laguna, particulary the Sport Tourer though again it does not entertain like the Mondeo.
What is the list price for the spec you have ordered, i.e. what % discount did you get?
Generally a 320dES might be best re depreciation though with a new model on the way it might not be the case currently.
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With that kind of discount it is a very good buy.
I have driven a Mondeo once (TDCi auto) and, whilst it was a nice car, I was left unconvinced that it was so much better than the competition, which is what one is normally told in this forum.
We ended up with a C5 because we found the HDI engine was much more refined, the interior was not just grey and black, and it was much cheaper. To date (almost two years on), we are not sorry we made that decision.
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With that kind of discount it is a very good buy. I have driven a Mondeo once (TDCi auto) and, whilst it was a nice car, I was left unconvinced that it was so much better than the competition, which is what one is normally told in this forum. We ended up with a C5 because we found the HDI engine was much more refined, the interior was not just grey and black, and it was much cheaper. To date (almost two years on), we are not sorry we made that decision.
The C5 rides more smoothly as is well equipped for the money, the Mondeo's real forte though is handling, it rides pretty well at low speeds though just seems to tighten up as you go faster the steering being really accurate and offering loads of feedback to the driver. Depends what you want from a car really.
The HDI engines are great though I have not found a (four cylinder) diesel that is as refined as the Mondeo TDCi, particulary impressive is that there is not hint of vibration detectable in the cabin at idle.
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The HDI engines are great though I have not found a (four cylinder) diesel that is as refined as the Mondeo TDCi, particulary impressive is that there is not hint of vibration detectable in the cabin at idle.
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I can't agree with you about the TDCi engine, unless they have improved it a lot in the two years since I drove one. It was much gruffer than the 2.2 HDI in our car.
One thing I do prefer in the Mondeo TDCi auto, is that it has a 5 speed box.
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I can't agree with you about the TDCi engine, unless they have improved it a lot in the two years since I drove one. It was much gruffer than the 2.2 HDI in our car. One thing I do prefer in the Mondeo TDCi auto, is that it has a 5 speed box.
Mines an '02 with 83k on the clock and is much more refined than any HDi I have come across. I have'nt driven the new PSA/Ford 2.0 or 1.6 in Peugeot or Citroen cars though.
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Mines an '02 with 83k on the clock and is much more refined than any HDi I have come across. I have'nt driven the new PSA/Ford 2.0 or 1.6 in Peugeot or Citroen cars though.
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The one I drove was a new demonstrator at the beginning of 2003, so would have had the same engine as yours, I would think (I believe it was one of the first to have an auto box). It would have to be completely silent to be more refined at speed, than the engine in our car.
I think someone else in this forum, who has a 2.2 HDI, has commented on the smoothness and quietness of the engine.
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26% discount!
I make that (£4750 as a 26% discount) as paying £13500 on a list price of £18250, excellent for the spec!
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Spot on!
That's what I thought. A highly spec'd family saloon for the price of a mid range hatch - can't be all bad!
The looks of the exterior aren't exactly pretty but as I said before, it's not me that has to look at the outside most of the time.
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Took delivery of a 53-plate Mondeo Ghia TDCi, registered this year, on Saturday for £12.3k. It had 8600 miles on the clock and my wife are I are delighted with it.
The only car we test drove before that we liked better for refinement and handling was the new Volvo S40.
We tried the Mazda 6 and it was just didn't bear well in comparison to either when it came to handling. Refinement was good - road bumps and noise was almost gone, but I'm used to driving a VW Polo and it was just too much of an adjustment. There was really no confidence there. The Mazda 3 we tried after was good - but it just felt cheap. I didn't like the hard plasticy trim or the stying and image. I think I'm still biased against Japanese and French cars, despite all the blurb telling me I shouldn't be.
The Mondeo was just easy in comparison and I hope that as I get used to it, I get better and better at driving it. The first 2 or 3 gears really do need babying. The ride and control at speed makes it worth it however.
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