Tell me what car to buy as I'm totally confused!

easylife73

Have thought about a trailer, but don't like driving slowly so don't really want to tow. Looked at a Zafira yesterday, as on paper I thought it ticked all the boxes, but did a quick size comparison of the boot space with the Scenic and it's pretty much the same. Although it does have the option of roof bars....

Have just worked my way down the Autotrader make list, and got to Ssangyong...totally love the size and versatility of the Rodius but can't find any information about them (and they are a little bit more expensive...)

Nebulous2

Iceweasel wrote: »

I used to use a small trailer - but the extra ferry charges and the extra motorway tolls made it uneconomic compared to the roof-box.

There's also the lower speed limit problem.

We got a free trailer offer on the crossing from the camping and caravanning club, and there are no extra tolls on the autoroutes for small trailers. You are speed limited this side, but not really in France as long as your trailer is rated for it.

As I said - there are compromises, but driving a small car all year with a trailer for holidays worked for us at the time.

jozxyqk

I've had a Toyota Verso for the past 18 months. Very comfortable for 5 with a big boot and hasn't missed a beat. The only downside would be if you wanted to use the extra 2 seats to make it a 7 seater - a lot of boot space would be given up.

It's probably a bit dull for some, but hey, it's an MPV!

knightstyle

Daughter got a Saab 9-3 estate 2010 for under £5k, 55k miles six weeks ago.

pcgtron

I bought a 2007 plate Toyota Avensis 1.8 petrol estate, 550000 miles on the clock last year for £4000.
Bodywork was scratched interior trim wasn't amazing but the car is awesome value for money. Toyota or Honda, very reliable, but stay away from the diesels if mainly pottering around town.

bigadaj

pcgtron wrote: »

I bought a 2007 plate Toyota Avensis 1.8 petrol estate, 550000 miles on the clock last year for £4000.
Bodywork was scratched interior trim wasn't amazing but the car is awesome value for money. Toyota or Honda, very reliable, but stay away from the diesels if mainly pottering around town.

That's fairly high mileage though!

pcgtron

bigadaj wrote: »

That's fairly high mileage though!

Woops
55000:j

Orangezorki

I know it doesn't sound money saving, but would a Auris hybrid touring be big enough? I know that the purchase price is huge, but actually you are getting £0 car tax, 70+ mpg, no diesel pollution or filter to block up, 5yr warranty, new tyres, brakes, new everything, £1000 off your deposit (plus trade-in), and can be had for just over £200/month on PCP - that's not much more than you have been spending on maintenance!

My take on the subject is that motoring is fantastic, but also always expensive. Driving an old car _can_ be cheaper, but then you get hit with a massive bill or a sudden need to get another car. I would rather spend that money on something shinier where the dealer sorts out any problems for free.

David

EDIT: PCP deal is 0%, wouldn't recommend any finance otherwise.

easylife73

Hmm, interesting, not considered that. Have had a quick look at the Toyota website but found it bit confusing and couldn't really work out what I was looking at. Will mention it to OH when he gets back from walking the dog.

Have spent four hours today driving around various garages/dealerships measuring the boots on various cars and getting strange looks from staff! Upshot is we still can't work out what we need. Quite like the Kia Ceed estate if we could get a 2010 model as that would still have 3 years of warranty. Any opinions on this car?

albionrovers

knightstyle wrote: »

Daughter got a Saab 9-3 estate 2010 for under £5k, 55k miles six weeks ago.

Petrol?
Dealers can't give these away, £400 road tax and thirsty. Not ultra-reliable either but is anything these days?