down sizing ... I want to change my car. Help ?

funky-footprints

Hi there ..... in need of some help, as totally baffled by the amount of cars out there, read the which guide etc ..... but with 2 kids strapped in the back squabbling during a test drive, its getting me down. My husband is totally useless and offering me no advise whats so ever.

since joining this site I have realised my school run only car sat on the drive is costing us a lifestyle and have so decided to down size. Im driving an Audi allroad, which I adore, but by selling it could prob bank quite a large sum, as lucky enough to own it. I may then get an easier life at home from cost cutting other half !!

Ive got my favourites list down to Renault Clio (am concerned about back seat space with 3 kids ?) Renault Megane, or Peugeot 307. (said no to Audi A3, Bmw 1 series and Golf due to cost .. sob sob !!)

Currently have 2 kiddies, aged 5 & 3, however planning to try for number 3 next year, so need 3 proper seats in the back and it has to be a 5 door with an ok boot size. my current car is 05 model so dont want to go any older than that.

This is purely our familys 2nd car and not the main family car, hence decision to go for medium sized car. I drive around 12000 miles a year, so from reading up petrol would be best ? but Ive always driven a diesel, believing diesel would sell on better ? ? ? ? ? I guess engine size wise I would prefer a 1.6 or above. I am open to other suggestions.

vansboy

Hi Funky - are you talking NEW for the new car, or used?? There's loads good deals to be had on either, but for NEW, check https://www.honestjohn.co.uk clik This WeeksBest Deals - that'll give you up to the minute prices.

Not familiar with your Audi, but https://www.whatcar.com clik Valutions & get a general idea of it's worth - then work out total 'Cost to Change', from the offers you get for it & the deals, dealers are prepared to make!



If your mileage isn't going much higher than what you're covering now, you'll be OK with petrol - current industry thinking, shows this size of car, to need around 20,000 miles a year (previously 15,000) to go diesel, due to the increased retail price difference between petrol/diesel & projected resale values.

& as a general rule, the smaller the car, the more miles you'll nweed to cover to make it worthwile, opting diesel - small petrol cars can be very economical.
The ones mentioned...

Clio = new model coming in a minute - so heavy dicounts on existng model
Megane = still looks good & fresh
307 = just been revamped, slightly, but getting a bit old now

Take look in CarByCarBreakdown in the HJ link - all thats good AND bad of every car !!

VB

funky-footprints

thanks for replying vansboy.

Im going to sell my car privately, I have a good idea what it is worth, and am happy to advertise now, in the hope someone may purchase before christmas, but knowing markets hopefully will sell by end of Feb ? Im not bothered about getting a brand new car, so want to purchase above an o5 model.

Bit fussy ... having been 'almost' stung on my mercedes A class when the shape changed, dont want to get a old shape car, so maybe that rules out the clio, Ive just had the bumf through from renault for the new Clio and it looks realy nice. So maybe it is the megane then ? Going to go check out the vauxhall garage today, the new new shape Astra looks realy sporty. Wondered if there were any Megane or Peugeot 307 drivers out there ? ? in paticular any parents of 3 ? ?

Dave_G_5

We've got a Megane and 2 kids (aged 3yrs and 4 months) and my wife also looks after her sisters youngest (aged 2) during the week so she regularly has the 3 of them in the car. She usually puts the oldest in her seat in the front with the front airbag turned off when she has all 3 in the car for dropping them off at preschool etc. Car has been good so far, resonable performace, decent economy, plenty of interior storage. Boot isn't massive but we can still fit a twin pushchair in the boot and some shopping.

jjames_3

You ought to go to the Parker's website to see the problems people are having with the Megane. The 307 is similarly problematic. French cars are among the makes most likely to be money-pits, borne out by countless reliability studies.

Of the three you mention the Astra is infinitely ahead of the others.

vansboy

I'd agree with JJames - but Astra isn't heavily discounted yet, but don't be afraid to haggle.

& think about last of OLD shape Astras, I know what you said, about run-out models, but think of it this way....

The LAST of any models production run, will offer verrrrry good value, with hefty discounts, will have a better spec/trim than = new model, been around long enogh for any problems to be known/sorted & made 'as good as it could be'.

Other than street cred, the worst thing with Astra is the poor & painful seats - unless you get the sporty options!!

VB

funky-footprints

mmm ... next door neighbour just informed me about gear box problems with renaults ? ? however the magane is supposed to be the exception ? ? ? quite liked the astra, but kids wernt too impressed, not that they are paying for it, so thier say isnt realy counted. totally undecided now !!!! loved my old A class, but the new shape is awful and they too have been slated in my which magazine. car snob in me doesnt want to get an older car than what I have got now.... decisions .....decisions ... any honda civic or toyota corolla drivers out there ? ?

jjames_3

You won't go wrong with a Civic or Corolla But they suffer from the same problem as the Astra, namely blandness. Get over that and they are really worthy cars. I've driven the Civic; it's a bit plasticky inside but it's got a good driving position, and the engine and gearchange is excellent -- even the 1.6 is a little pocket rocket, lovely revvy engines the VTECs -- not the quietest but really nippy.

If you're after a bargain, Nissan Almera £6000 brand new, sound tempting?

moggins

Fiat Punto!! That's what I'm angling for when I get my next car

vansboy

Moggins - hang on for the NEW Punto, then !

It's bigger, better built (so they say) & actually a Corsa underneath!!(OOOPPPS!!!!)

VB

funky-footprints

i think I am going to find the blandness and plasticness on most of the cars I test drive, to be honest ....... my kids freaked at fabric seats !!! bless em !!! Im used to noisy my diesel is like a tractor, its terrible !! so if thats the only fault ..... and that isnt a fault ....... its a toyota & honda garage tomorrow for a test drive then autotrader !!