Which car would you buy?

shininghero

Hi all,

I'm planning on buying a large estate to cope with twins due in the next few months from an auction. I have the following requirement and shortlisted the following:

Requirements
- Above average reliability
- Large estate (Mondeo size)
- Automatic
- Around £7000~8000
- 60k miles max
- FSH
- >5 years old
- Chain cam (prefer to belt)

My shortlist
- Ford Mondeo
- Toyota Avensis
- Honda Accord
- VW Passat
- Audi A6

Which car would you get and why?

balsingh

Audi A6 .... definitly. between cars like mondeos etc. its no comparison.

cyclonebri1

I tried most of those when I bought an estate last year, and if I didn't try them I'd already driven them through work. I went with the Renault Megane Est purely based on space, economy, and value for money.
I went against most advice as they have had a dodgy reputation for reliability in the past but mines been fine and I would buy the same again as it actually has more loadspace than the Laguna.

From your list I would go for the Honda, I think it's underated, but a bit of a premium to pay against my choice. I don't think you would go wrong with any of them.

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers!

Mercedes E300TD estate, or the 320CDi if you can find one at that price.

Or a BMW 530D touring.

And tbh restricting yourself on the mileage is a bit daft - condition is far more important than mileage.

jackieb

Would you get an Audi A6 avant with less than 60k on the clock for £7-8000? I don't think you would. I think an A4 would be more comparable in size to a Mondeo though. I still doubt if you'd get one of those for the prices you're looking at. I've had an Audi for 3 years and think it's great. If we can't afford an Audi when we come to replace it, i'd definitely look at the Passat as a replacement.

avantra

2004 54 Reg Nissan Primera Diesel estate 2.2 Di SE should be less than £8000 with less than 40k miles.

It is very roomy and I think it is reliable as well. However you will have a problem if you are a looking to impress the Johnses that just got a new Audi Q7.

But than again don't go up to their level, bring them down to yours.:rotfl:

cowbutt

shininghero wrote: »

My shortlist
- Ford Mondeo
- Toyota Avensis
- Honda Accord
- VW Passat
- Audi A6

Which car would you get and why?

I'm looking at similar cars right now, albeit with a budget of less than £5000, and hoping to find something less than six years old; I also have the Skoda Octavia and Nissan Primera in my shortlist, but there aren't many of those around.

I particularly like the design and build quality of the Avensis, but I'm wary of potential VVTi engine problems (problems with burning oil due to porous cylinder bore liners).

Coming from a 1993 Rover 200, the Honda Accord feels very familiar and I'm confident of their reliability, but there aren't many around. You might find it easier with your budget, though.

Audi and VW-branded cars have a badge premium, and I'd rather have an Octavia for the same price. Repairs of Audi and VW are reportedly more expensive, despite much commonality in the parts lists.

For me, I think a Mondeo is probably the most sensible and likely choice. Ford aren't the most reliable maker, but I perceive them as becoming much more competitive with the recent Mondeo and introduction of the Focus. There are also loads around, so it's easy to compare stock from different sellers and determine whether you're getting a decent deal or not, as well as making them easy to find.

jackieb

My brother has an Octavia, and it's surprisingly similar to my A4. It's a good solid car.