We are thinking about changing one of our cars later this year or early next. I am getting together a short list of suitable cars and would welcome comments, both positive and negative, from owners of the following cars:
Audi A3 Sportback 140 S-tronic
By the time the options are added it gets quite expensive.
BMW 1 Series 118d auto
I have heard that the run flats give a harsh ride and that the interior quality isn’t great.
Volvo V50 Powershift
Some people complain about the poor economy and, according to one of the magazines, is due to be replaced next year.
Skoda Octavia 140 CR DSG
Not currently available with the CR engine apart from the 170 VRS, but huge alloys and low profile tyres put me off that model.
Toyota Avensis TR auto
We do like Japanese cars, our CR-V is great but don’t like the idea of the electric handbrake. Also a little bit big for our needs.
Are there any others I should consider with the following criteria?
Budget £18,000-£20,000
New or pre-reg with delivery mileage
Diesel – we really like diesel so it would have to be a really compelling reason for us to change to petrol.
Automatic or good automated manual.
Must have options:
Automatic Climate Control
Alloys
Xenon headlights
Desirable options:
Cruise control
Parking sensors
Powerfold mirrors
Fog lights
iPod connection
No saloons, MPVs or drop tops
No French, Italian or Korean manufacturers
No huge wheels, low profile tyres or sports suspension
Thanks in advance for any constructive comments.
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Have a look at the Accord. Available with a diesel auto, the old 2.2 is really refined, the new one supposedly even better.
Cheers,
G
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I've got a BMW on 18" run-flats with "sport suspension" and the ride is very good - the early models with these tryes used a suspension set-up that was designed for normal tyres so it ended up being very choppy.
However, my friend also has a BMW but with the M-Sport suspension, and in this case it is "hard".
For that price, a 320d SE auto would be a better choice than a 1-series - there's little room in the back and the boot is tiny.
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Gordon M. The new Honda accord had a torque converter with the diesel 2.2 automatic. It must surely be an excellent engine. The new Honda Accord is excellent.
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I know I'm biased but it would be the A3 for me. Although they are pricey, you do get a good residual on then in a couple of years time, and they are easy to sell on privately.
The BMW 1 series are very pricey and lack credibility as a car I think. Meaninf that the A3 is a well thought of and well respected model, whereas the BMW 1 series is jsu a BMW for people who can't afford a real BMW.
The Octavia is a very good solid car too if you are not too much of a badge-snob.
The Toyota Avensis is a good car but is very bland and will likely not hold its value well.
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Also being an A3 DSG owner I'd say A3! But Audi have queered thier patch with the revised model. As you notice once you start adding extras the cost rockets. As an SE mine has loads of extras as standard for little extra money over the base model.
Works for the dealer though - you stack it up to your spec when new, come trade in time these extras don't add much to the trade in price, but they get a decent price when selling as the extras suddenly become desirable again!
Another to consider is the Jag X type 2.2 auto estate. Their website is one of the best I have found for finding cars which have the options you would like.
1 Series is a small car, especially in the back seat.
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Thanks for the replies guys.
I had looked at the Accord but it's over budget unfortunately.
The 320d SE auto would be better I agree but it's a saloon and the estate version would be over budget.
The A3 is probably the favourite at the moment with the Octavia a strong second.
I know what you mean about the Avensis being bland but as I said I do like Japanese quality.
I had wondered about the X-Type estate but have seen poor comments on the forums.
Edited by andyfr on 04/06/2009 at 16:37
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A mate has just got a 118d. I was impressed with it and didn't expect to be. The interior is well finished, engine is very refined and it is nice to drive in a rear wheel drive sort of way. He's self employed and has got a business leasing rate which makes it almost cheaper than walking.
I think BMW has been quietly improving these cars as I remember being completely underwhelmed last time I sat in one. Biggest problem is still the complete lack of rear seat and boot space.
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Biggest problem is still the complete lack of rear seat and boot space.
That's one of my main concerns with the BMW.
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Am I the only one looking at that list and thinking Mondeo? The Volvo must be alotta Ford underneath only more expensive.
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There's no point buying a Mondeo new as the residuals are poor.
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New or pre-reg with delivery mileage
The second half of that line in your original post is the way to buy a Mondeo. As an aside I was shocked at the price of new Galaxys. With a few options it is easy to go over £30k!!
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I might give that a try HJ, although it would have to be exceptional to get me away from diesel.
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I think Honest John is quite taken with the Avensis CVT and to be honest ( pardon the pun) he has had access to all different types of autos so I do trust his advice !! it certainly makes you think when you look at the Avensis petrol CVT and the Avensis diesel auto as the difference in fuel consumption and road tax is not a lot difference
I do not know if its just me but I have been looking for an Auto myself and find its almost impossible to find dealers with Autos on there demo fleet !!
VW dealers seem to have the most and the DSG which is very good !!
I tried the V50 diesel with power shift and thought it was excellent but just was not suitable for me
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I tried the V50 diesel with power shift and thought it was excellent but just was not suitable for me
Why was that, out of interest?
Edited by andyfr on 04/06/2009 at 23:34
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I needed a higher seating position it was just a little to low for me !! if it had have been okay I would have one straight away I really liked it.!! The dealer put trade plates on a brand new one for me which I thought was pretty good service.
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How did the Powershift compare to DSG?
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I thought they were very similar !! the powershift just edged it for me but would not influence my decision to pick a Volvo over a VW if I preferred the VW as they are both very good boxes!
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