Buying - not sure which route to go down

AdrianC

DD265 wrote: »

Possibly a stupid question about estates. We're making an assumption that it would be more difficult to navigate the hump in the drive - I have bottomed the Golf more times than I care to admit - as I wouldn't expect much better ground clearance and a longer wheelbase.

Estates are rarely longer wheelbase than their hatch equivalents - the length difference is usually in rear overhang.

The hump gets the middle of the car, on the left sill. The driveway has a dropped kerb for access but the pavement goes up to 'normal height' before dropping sharply down the hill. We are hoping to get something done about it, just not sure what's involved - that's for another thread. Ultimately, this is why we were looking at SUVs.

It sounds like simply turning wider and sharper would achieve the same result...

Scrapit

DD265 wrote: »

Possibly a stupid question about estates. We're making an assumption that it would be more difficult to navigate the hump in the drive - I have bottomed the Golf more times than I care to admit - as I wouldn't expect much better ground clearance and a longer wheelbase. The hump gets the middle of the car, on the left sill. The driveway has a dropped kerb for access but the pavement goes up to 'normal height' before dropping sharply down the hill. We are hoping to get something done about it, just not sure what's involved - that's for another thread. Ultimately, this is why we were looking at SUVs.

Looking at Autotrader for SUV/estate with a £6k budget, automatic, 4 seats/5 doors, reg 2015 or later, mostly Astra estates. £6k is definitely low enough budget. All would be considered high mileage, but with a 135k Golf, that doesn't bother me as long as maintenance has been kept up with. I've no firsthand experience of Vauxhalls - good/bad/indifferent? If I credit-carded one of these, it'd be paid off in about a year, then in theory I'd have 3-4 years out of it to save up for the next one. If I look at hatchbacks there's a Nissan Note which could fit the bill - used to have one, but VT'd it back in 2017. Husband would like the higher driving position in that.

Would expect higher maintenance costs than brand new but I'd also have the benefit of not being tied into car payments if/when I was on maternity - or the flexibility to change car after 12 months if needed. Appreciate if I get myself into a lease there's no getting out of it.



Were you thinking over a longer term than 2 years?

Yep .

Nebulous2

DD265 wrote: »

Possibly a stupid question about estates. We're making an assumption that it would be more difficult to navigate the hump in the drive - I have bottomed the Golf more times than I care to admit - as I wouldn't expect much better ground clearance and a longer wheelbase. The hump gets the middle of the car, on the left sill. The driveway has a dropped kerb for access but the pavement goes up to 'normal height' before dropping sharply down the hill. We are hoping to get something done about it, just not sure what's involved - that's for another thread. Ultimately, this is why we were looking at SUVs.

That sounds a bit like our drive. It slopes up to the pavement, which then slopes down to the road, which is curved downwards from the centre. While cars have never caught a caravan certainly does.

Estates generally haven’t any longer a wheelbase than the hatchback they are based on. They simply have a different end, with more of an overhang. What you need to look at is ground clearance. I recently read an article about how well cars cope with floods and some of the estates were better than many SUVs. Think cars used by farmers, such as a Subaru. The figures should be available and may surprise you.

lexington013

Again, I would look for a a 6 year old car with a 8k budget as max, should get you something decent. It’s a shame about the 10 year old rule, my wife and I run 2007 premium estate cars that are both pretty reliable

DD265

AdrianC wrote: »

It sounds like simply turning wider and sharper would achieve the same result...

If you can take it straight and hug the fence it's fine, but that bit is a mud bath and when it's wet, the car struggles for traction. We need to do something about it!

lexington013 wrote: »

It’s a shame about the 10 year old rule, my wife and I run 2007 premium estate cars that are both pretty reliable

Yup, I had planned on keeping the Golf for another couple of years. We still might if we can get OH's insurance down to an affordable level so he can build up some no claims bonus and experience.

I'm hoping to view a used £6k 2013 Tiguan tomorrow. Also got my eye on a Golf Estate, and a (one of many within budget) Peugeot 3008, but those aren't as close to home. I saw a chap on here had started with a £500 car, put a bit aside every month then traded up year on year and I'm hoping to copy that approach! Leasing is still there as a backup.

Mercdriver

If you're leasing be aware that dogs can scratch the trim of the car on their way in and out of a car, and this may or may not be deemed as extra damage that is chargeable.

DD265

Mercdriver wrote: »

If you're leasing be aware that dogs can scratch the trim of the car on their way in and out of a car, and this may or may not be deemed as extra damage that is chargeable.

I'd thought of that - but thanks for the reminder!

Settled on a acquiring a 2008-2016 Tiguan with help from MBNA; the overbudget manual I drove today felt like home the moment I got in it. Much preferred it to the new model which I'd only sat in. Just got to find 'the one' now.

I didn't get on with the Peugeot 3008 - it was like driving on clouds and I want to feel connected to the road. Also felt really roomy inside. I can see why people do like them but even at such a good price, it wasn't for me. We saw - but didn't drive - a Peugeot 2008 and that felt better to sit in. Didn't get to drive the Mazda CX-5 (failed MOT and still awaiting prep) but were taken around the forecourt in it. I could tell without driving it that I preferred the Tiguan so that was that. Also saw a few estates (very large dealer) and they looked ginormous in person!

I haven't seen the £6k Tiguan because whilst it's supposedly a trade dealer, it looks like a one man band flipping cars from a residential address. I've been told to steer clear and go for a dealer/garage but at the price... Is anybody happy for me to PM them a link to the car for another opinion?

I appreciate all the help and input as the decision was stressing me out, so thanks guys