Looking for a new family car

StanleyJ

I currently have a Vauxhall astra. I need to change the vehicle . I am looking for a good family car. I have skoda greenline and volvo s40 in mind. Can anyone please advise me on this.....as in if there is a better model and the best place where i can get it......the max i can go for is £18000 as thats is the max my company is ready to spend. Please advise..

Lum

Aren't modern Volvos just overpriced Fords? So if you're looking at an S40, also look at a Mondeo?

Company car, I'm assuming this includes private use, and will be on a fixed length lease, so maintenance and depreciation costs aren't an issue for you. If this is correct, go for one of the Eco-muppet diesels for the lower tax and fuel costs. When the DMF explodes and the DPF needs replacing in 6 years time, it's not your problem.

FakeIrish

Lum wrote: »

Aren't modern Volvos just overpriced Fords?

Utter tripe. Have you sat in a Volvo?

Lum

Yes, they're nicer inside I'm not going to argue that, but they're still a shared platform with the Mondeo, same as the Jaguar X-type.

Given that the OP is also considering a Skoda, and is upgrading from an Astra I suspect that leather seats and a plush wood panelled dashboard are not priority considerations that are worth paying more tax on.

FakeIrish

Lum wrote: »

Yes, they're nicer inside I'm not going to argue that, but they're still a shared platform with the Mondeo,

The OP mentions the S40 - that is not a shared platform with the Mondeo. And who gives a hoot about who shares the platform? Besides, you can't fault the Ford's platform.

Secondly, the average driver won't notice anything "Ford"-like about Volvo's - so this is really immaterial.

Idiophreak

Might help if you clarified what you mean by "family car" - who do you want to drive around? How many children? How old? How much boot space do you need? etc

MX5huggy

Which Skoda are you considering? As greenline is a trim/Eco spec across the range. I am very happy with my Octavia.

Woody._2

FakeIrish wrote: »

Utter tripe. Have you sat in a Volvo?

Have you seen where the V50 is built?

In the same factory as the Focus in Belgium. The Ford factory.;)

FakeIrish

Woody. wrote: »

Have you seen where the V50 is built?

In the same factory as the Focus in Belgium. The Ford factory.;)

Sorry, what is your point?

Have you driven a Focus and V50? You cannot compare the 2 cars, despite some commonly shared components.

bigjl

There are several mid managers with V50 estates.

I have had a couple of saloons throughout married life and they are a pain in the backside to be honest.

I still prefer saloons but a hatch or estate is a much better idea.

For your budget i would have thought you will get a nice V50 with the eco diesel engine i would have thought, though only if you secure a bit of a discount.

The outgoing Zafira with the 1.7 diesel lump may be better than the unreliable 1.9 Fiat lump. I think it may be the same Isuzu lump as fitted to the previous Astra model. Zafiras have issues but normally associated to the dpf and as mentioned the 1.9 cdti engine.

Skoda Octavia estate, reliable and well built. Would probably be my choice. Though an Insignia woupd be an idea if you can negotiate a discount. Only entey level diesel but still a nice looking car.

You can also get a 1.2 tfsi Touran for your budget.

The new CMax is in budget as is the new Sportage, which is a very nice looking car in my opinion.

I think we all agree that the OP is in a nice position.

Woody._2

FakeIrish wrote: »

Sorry, what is your point?

Have you driven a Focus and V50? You cannot compare the 2 cars, despite some commonly shared components.

Yes and the Volvo isn't worth the extra for what is basically the same car.

So yes some Volvos are just over priced Fords.