German or other?

squirrelchops

Hi all

Well, I am glad I began to think about purchasing a new (not brand new but newer than my current motor) a while before I take the plunge as I am getting myself confused by choice!

Budget - £10k - £12k ....possibly up to £15k for right vehicle. Petrol, low mileage, 3 years old max, engine - something with a bit of poke.

Firstly I was looking at German ie Audi, VW - then thought well how about Seat with the same engine but less cost

Then thought BMW 1 series - however not keen on rear wheel drive and there is something aobut the shape that puts me off

Mercedes A Class- like them but seem very expensive

Alfa Romeo Guilietta - really like the look, not so common as say VW or Audi but reviews aren't great.

Also been looking at the Volvo v40 D2 - seen some lovely examples out there

Mazda 3 series seems reasonably priced and good reviews.

So I am torn. Do I go for German brand (owned 3 before and do like VW) but then fancy a change.

I am used to having cars that last - my current VW I have had for 8 years - I am not inclined to change cars often.

Any recommendations to help me see through this sea of motors would be much appreciated

EDIT:
Forgot must be something my male OH is comfortable driving. Also i had a new Ford Focus as a hire care recently. It was ok - size fine but just felt too plasticy. When I shut the door I want it to feel solid. Feeling safe on the motorway is a big thing for me - I hate being blown about and 'bullied' by bigger cars!

bigjl

Would probably go for the current V40.

squirrelchops

bigjl wrote: »

Would probably go for the current V40.

I love you right now!

squirrelchops

Thank you theghool.
I want a car that is reliable, a bit unique and a nice drive.

My only reservation with VW is that I find the inside quite sparse. When I had an VW GTI I loved the exterior but can still remember to this day sitting inside and just saying 'oh'! I know though that the functions are great it just didnt look very luxurious.

Re: poke. May be I am looking for too much. I loved the GTI and OH drives a TDI sport that he has had remapped so has over 170bhp now. To be fair I want a car that pulls up hill, that is responsive on the accelerator for safe overtaking and cruises on motorway comfortably. Not sluggish. Any recommendations on the engine?

squirrelchops

Mostly A/B roads. Motorway perhaps no more than once a week, even less I should imagine.
Mileage - 12 k ish I should think. Only a 10 mile journey to work but will have some driving with work

Cornucopia

There aren't really many bad new cars around these days. There are different types, which maybe suit you or you like more or less, but the old style complete lemon models aren't there.

On that basis, and mindful of this being MSE, you really should be looking at costs, and cost of finance (if any). These can vary substantially. I've just changed my car, and found finance on nearly-new vehicles to offer little advantage over deals available on new ones.

In the end, I went for a 4-year PCP (on a brand with a 4-year warranty) at 2.7% APR. Very happy with my new car.

squirrelchops

I would be planning on a cash buy.

Isn't the road tax high on the 1.8/2.0??

BeenThroughItAll

theghool wrote: »

If you want poke, it will depend on the engine. All things being equal the 1 series will likely to accelerate faster than the rivals.

*sniff* *sniff*

Smells familiar...

squirrelchops

At what point is is better to get a diesel? Would a 20 mile work commute (round trip) not be good for the engine?

squirrelchops

BeenThroughItAll wrote: »

*sniff* *sniff*

Smells familiar...

Eh??????????

BeenThroughItAll

squirrelchops wrote: »

Eh??????????

Stick around. You may be in the dark now, but these matters soon clear themselves up.