800 miles covered in my A3 2.0 TDi 170 DSG since end off June. First minor fault developed - a badly aligned drivers window meaning the one touch up/down function has deactivated itself - car booked in for repair.
Other than that I'm enjoying it more than the 140. Slightly quieter and consumption is similar to the 140 - 38mpg on the last 25 litres - all urban miles. First long run is next week when I expect to do about 1,000 miles and I'm looking forward to it.
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My thoughts
Keep the new laguna off the list. Its a way off yet, and given Renaults variable build quality, a new model off the line from them is last thing you want.
The A3, Not sure how you have the A3 and Skoda estate on the same list. The A3 is quite small boot wise, and the Skoda is cavernous - real chalk and cheese choice.
If you want a test drive in an Altea, the best dealer I know is Perrys in Aylesbury. They are the UK SEAT fleet dealer. Failing that try MK SEAT, Milton keynes they are another SEAT business dealer.
I would go for the Skoda, It impressed me a lot, not a fun drive, but seemd to me to be a very classy well put together piece of kit, every bit the equal of an Audi. You need the upper models tho, its a bit sparse on the lower ones (it needs the centre armrest "jumbo box"), so as the 5 door boot is huge too, consider dropping the estate for a 5 door, and jumping up a trim level.
I wont offend you by saying how much I dislike the verso. (the car is passable- just - but the image is... well!)
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TourVanMan TM < Ex RF >
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Perhaps I can think 'outside the box' for you and suggest the Zafira B. Seems to fit all your criteria, recommended by HJ in the car-by-car. Very popular with the locals in the ultra wealthy area where I now live.
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I would go for the Skoda ...
When I finally decided on the S-Max, I did look at the Skoda Estate and was very impressed by the kit and quality. The only thing that put me off (and it would be a deal breaker for me) were the seats. I found them very narrow and couldn't get comfy on them. I do 40k a year and it was a real no-no. However, if you fit the seats, it's a good car.
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Echo TVM's comments above.
I'd like to recommend the Volvo V50, but I fear the Skoda will make it look way over-priced in comparison. That said, if your budget will stretch, the V50 with the D5 engine and geartronic autobox seems to fulfil your size/performance criteria perfectly.
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Re: Mazda 5 - I've read conflicting reports on interior noise. Some say it's commendably quiet, others that it's too noisy. Given its other qualities - I had a brief poke inside one while I was in Coventry's garage district this morning - I'm keen to try it and find out for myself. Space and quality both seem good. (Excessive noise would bother me, though - it was my reason for scrubbing the otherwise likeable Grandis off my list.)
As for the V50, I was in Cov to drop off my S60 for servicing, and I have an S40 1.6S for the day. Seems very pleasant to drive, reflecting its Focus origins, and I like the design of the interior. But it really needs something bigger than a 1.6 petrol engine (I don't think there is a 1.6 V50); and the audio system in the snazzy 'centre stack' is fiddly to use and sounds thin compared with the HU-803 in the S60; nor does the radio receive long wave, which means no TMS, which would bother me.
And what's wrong with the Verso, TVM? Seems to me much like the Altea, in that it's a shortish, upright estate-shaped car - more car-like than a Picasso or a C-Max. Perfectly pleasant to look at and very civilized to travel in. I certainly wouldn't be embarrassed to put one on my drive; it's just a bit small for us.
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NOt going to be drawn out on the Verso WdB. It would denegrate a useful thread. Suffice to say I like cars to have a bit of class, style, panache or just sheer funkyness. All 4 if you can get them.
The Verso has none of these qualities. Seen through my bedroom window on my drive, it would not elicit a second glance, a desire to pop outside and wipe off an imaginary mark. In that respect it is much like the Touran. I wont even glance back with a twinge of regret when it goes. If it had any good looks or character I would even forgive it its mechanical failings. I cant.
A car like the Verso or Touran, is a head purchase, ruthlessley efficient and practical, no heart at all. I suspect Avant may have a little heart about him.
Skodas generally I dont like, the Octavia however seems to have grown into quite a classy understated wagon. Whip off the badges and it could easily be seen as a merc in the old style. The one I had in metalic blue looked really very classy on my drive. It felt just as classy inside.
Alas we didnt connect, but i can see someone liking it. A lot.
Hence on Avants list, My money is the Skoda.
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TourVanMan TM < Ex RF >
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mlj hinted above at a 159.
A 159 Sportwagon with 1.9 150bhp diesel should easily be within your 20k budget, you may get lucky and find a broker with a 2.4JTDM 200bhp diesel within your budget (UK list is 23 to 26k).
The PCP will probably be unfavourable in comparison with some of the cars on your shortlist, get a good one and everytime you put the key in the ignition and drive you'll be grinning from ear to ear.
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Tyre noise: wider, lower, "cooler" = noisier; thinner, higher, "boring" = quieter? I'd certainly look at Alfas too.
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Honda FRV?
Just bought a 2.2 EX Diesel - only driven a couple of hundred miles so far, so a bit early for a full assessment, but so far happy. I would say it has most of the requirements you list as useful...
--
\"Archie\"
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Honda FRV? Just bought a 2.2 EX Diesel -
My dealer lent me one for a weekend, and if ever there was vehicle crying out for a auto box, then this it. The whole gearchanging thing was just too frequent, and too much of a palava (dash monted gear lever etc).
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