New/Nearly New Car Advice

[Spoff]

Morning all, I'm in the market for a new car (or one up to about six months old)

Not physically looked at any yet, just on the net.

List includes Vauxhall Astra, Renault Megane, Seat Leon, BMW 1 Series, VW Golf, Citroen C4.

Key requirements are an engine that will do in the region of 60mpg (Leon claims to do over 70mpg), a boot big enough for a set of clubs and a trolly and low road tax.

I have a child so want a five door car.

Anyone care to comment on cars in the list, pros/cons any I've missed off that I should consider and the like.

Quite a few places have no VAT or 0% finance at the minute and keen to change before the VAT hike in Jan.

 

[brendy]

Octavia greenline or passat bluemotion, mahoosive boot, good mpg, could just about pull the skin of custard too.

 

[Spoff]

Cheers Brendy, do like the Octavia (not looked at Passat) it'll be a shared car with the ball and chain. She isn't a confident driver and isn't as keen on the slightly bigger car.

I'd have one like a shot!

 

[brendy]

The octavia really doesnt drive like a big old volvo though, I had an '08 VRS for a year and a half, the boot is well designed in that it really doesnt protrude out the back much and is the same width as a leon etc. A lot of the models come with girly sensors for parking now anyway.

 

[Spoff]

I used to have a Rover 75 with parking sensors, she still managed to reverse into a lamp post though!

 

[brendy]

Get a smart car then, at least she can park nose into the kerb and not have to worry about parallel!

 

[Smiffy]

I've just done a deal on a lovely 06 plate BMW 120D SE diesel. Met Blue, only done 49k with full BMW history and specced right up..
Dual climate control, parking sensors, alloys, auto headlights and wipers, cruise, 6 speed etc. etc.
Lovely condition......

 

[GB72]

If you have the funds I hear that the Bluemotion Golf is the one to go for as far as size and fuel economy are concerned.

Not sure that you would fit clubs and a trolley in the boot though. My wife has one and you may get the trolley in the boot but the clubs would be destined for the back seat.

 

[Spoff]

I've just done a deal on a lovely 06 plate BMW 120D SE diesel. Met Blue, only done 49k with full BMW history and specced right up..
Dual climate control, parking sensors, alloys, auto headlights and wipers, cruise, 6 speed etc. etc.
Lovely condition......

Smiffy, my wife's not so keen on buying cars that already need an MOT, nearly got an 08 plate 1 series last week with less than 8k on the clock for £15k, wife wouldn't have it though.

I tried arguing the build quality on a BMW would be such that it would be a much better buy than a similar age Astra etc.

What do you reckon?

GB72, will check that one out, budget is in the region of £250 a month - although not keen on having sticks on show as I often play after work so they've be on display in a public car park all day. Not a member anywhere so can't leave them at the club.

 

[Smiffy]

Smiffy, my wife's not so keen on buying cars that already need an MOT, nearly got an 08 plate 1 series last week with less than 8k on the clock for £15k, wife wouldn't have it though.

I tried arguing the build quality on a BMW would be such that it would be a much better buy than a similar age Astra etc.

What do you reckon?

Well if you are prepared to spend up to £15k you'd get a new Vauxhall Astra diesel for that I would guess and they are not a bad car. So I can see her point to an extent. My choice though (if you really wanted to spend that sort of money) would be a Ford Focus TDCi. Much better than a Golf to drive and if you went for a "pre reg" or "demonstrator" you would come way, way below your budget and still have a decent amount of warranty left.
But what do I know? I've only been selling cars for 24 years

 

[Spoff]

Smiffy, my wife's not so keen on buying cars that already need an MOT, nearly got an 08 plate 1 series last week with less than 8k on the clock for £15k, wife wouldn't have it though.

I tried arguing the build quality on a BMW would be such that it would be a much better buy than a similar age Astra etc.

What do you reckon?

Well if you are prepared to spend up to £15k you'd get a new Vauxhall Astra diesel for that I would guess and they are not a bad car. So I can see her point to an extent. My choice though (if you really wanted to spend that sort of money) would be a Ford Focus TDCi. Much better than a Golf to drive and if you went for a "pre reg" or "demonstrator" you would come way, way below your budget and still have a decent amount of warranty left.
But what do I know? I've only been selling cars for 24 years

Thanks again Smiffy, will look at the Astra and Focus again, appreciate the suggestions.

You don't fancy moving to Yorkshire and selling me a heavily discounted car do you

 

[Smiffy]

You don't fancy moving to Yorkshire and selling me a heavily discounted car do you

Nope.
But I could do you this 06 plate BMW for £9995.00. Local BMW dealer has more or less the same car up for £11495.00 and we were going to price it up at £10,495.00 but as you are a very special forum member I'd knock another £500.00 off

 

[medwayjon]

If it was my choice I would be all over that 1-series like Vanessa Feltz at a free buffet.

 

[bigslice]

You don't fancy moving to Yorkshire and selling me a heavily discounted car do you

Nope.
But I could do you this 06 plate BMW for £9995.00. Local BMW dealer has more or less the same car up for £11495.00 and we were going to price it up at £10,495.00 but as you are a very special forum member I'd knock another £500.00 off

whats this arfur and terry joining up, so thats 9495, still room for more too come off!

 

[brendy]

Any pictures?

 

[bigslice]

Any pictures?

 

[Smiffy]

whats this arfur and terry joining up, so thats 9495, still room for more too come off!

Rearrange these words into a well known phrase or saying.... Sunshine, dreams, your, fecking, in....

and let me know when you've got the answer.

 

[Smiffy]

Any pictures?

Only done the deal today so car not arriving until Saturday when the guy picks up his new one.
Whip it round the valeters, then photograph it and put it on the website...
www.slmdirect.co.uk

But I can paint a pretty picture

 

[bigslice]

whats this arfur and terry joining up, so thats 9495, still room for more too come off!

Rearrange these words into a well known phrase or saying.... Sunshine, dreams, your, fecking, in....

and let me know when you've got the answer.

9000 and dropping

 

[Lump]

I advise against the Leon, they have very little leg room in the back if the driver is taller than Verne Troyer. Also the boot isn't that big, I struggled to get my cart bag and trolley into it without forcing it