New(ish) car recommendations

[Trinity Hibee]

Looking at getting a new car in next couple of months. Ideally looking for something with a good/high spec interior and automatic. Price range around £18-20k. Brand new probably out of the question but happy with a year or two old.

Anyone got any recommendations of a hatchback or SUV type? Like the look of the new corsas, Astra, mokka

Also anyone aware of anywhere with 0% or low % finance options?

[easty]

We just got a 20 plate MG HS a few weeks ago. £17k. It’s in great condition. 14k miles. Really happy with it.

Got the executive spec model. Inside it looks really good.

[Trinity Hibee]

We just got a 20 plate MG HS a few weeks ago. £17k. It’s in great condition. 14k miles. Really happy with it.

Got the executive spec model. Inside it looks really good.

I saw a few of them on Arnold Clark actually. Looks like they are trying to get rid of a load

[patch1875]

For that budget I would be looking at a Hyundai or Kia.

[easty]

For that budget I would be looking at a Hyundai or Kia.

I like the Hyundai Tucson but it was a couple of grand more than the MG we went for, without seeming much better.

[Hibbyradge]

Looking at getting a new car in next couple of months. Ideally looking for something with a good/high spec interior and automatic. Price range around £18-20k. Brand new probably out of the question but happy with a year or two old.

Anyone got any recommendations of a hatchback or SUV type? Like the look of the new corsas, Astra, mokka

Also anyone aware of anywhere with 0% or low % finance options?

SUV you say?

I'll be selling a 3 year old Mini Countryman Exclusive Auto with only 6400 on the clock shortly. It's mint condition.

£25k

It's basically a brand new car, but 3 years old.

It's totally genuine. Who ever gets it is wining a watch.

[Alfiembra]

I hope I’m not being too nosey but I’m interested to know if you are considering an outright purchase (with or without) a trade in or are you considering a finance deal of some sort?
I’m in a similar position of needing to change my car solely because it’s not LEZ compliant and I’m in a right muddle wondering what way to go. It would be a second vehicle so I don’t need anything fancy and a cheap second hand car that is LEZ compliant would do me fine. But I’m intrigued by perhaps a new car on some kind of lease/purchase PCP type deal. So not having to commit savings into an older used vehicle.

[Billy Whizz]

SUV you say?

I'll be selling a 3 year old Mini Countryman Exclusive Auto with only 6400 on the clock shortly. It's mint condition.

£25k

It's basically a brand new car, but 3 years old.

It's totally genuine. Who ever gets it is wining a watch.

Sounding like Del Boy😀

[silverhibee]

Looking at getting a new car in next couple of months. Ideally looking for something with a good/high spec interior and automatic. Price range around £18-20k. Brand new probably out of the question but happy with a year or two old.

Anyone got any recommendations of a hatchback or SUV type? Like the look of the new corsas, Astra, mokka

Also anyone aware of anywhere with 0% or low % finance options?

I have a Kia sportage and it’s decent enough that I’m getting a new one in June.

[Trinity Hibee]

I hope I’m not being too nosey but I’m interested to know if you are considering an outright purchase (with or without) a trade in or are you considering a finance deal of some sort?
I’m in a similar position of needing to change my car solely because it’s not LEZ compliant and I’m in a right muddle wondering what way to go. It would be a second vehicle so I don’t need anything fancy and a cheap second hand car that is LEZ compliant would do me fine. But I’m intrigued by perhaps a new car on some kind of lease/purchase PCP type deal. So not having to commit savings into an older used vehicle.

Currently got an 11 reg fiesta but have been expecting to buy a new car for a few years so purposely been saving to buy outright. The interest on cars now is ridiculous so want to avoid that. I’d rather buy a high spec and keep for 10 years than bounce between cars.

[Hibbyradge]

Sounding like Del Boy😀

It's totally genuine though. Unlike those blow up dolls!

It's my wife's dad's car. He died last month and I'm dealing with some of his stuff.

It's a brilliant car. I'd be happy for my wife to take it, but she prefers manual gears. :dunno:

It's the Countryman Cooper S too so it's pretty swift.

[pollution]

Currently got an 11 reg fiesta but have been expecting to buy a new car for a few years so purposely been saving to buy outright. The interest on cars now is ridiculous so want to avoid that. I’d rather buy a high spec and keep for 10 years than bounce between cars.


Avoid an Ecosport

[HibbyDave]

Avoid Volvo xc40.
I think they were all built on a Friday afternoon following a boozy lunch😀

[Itsnoteasy]

Skoda Kodiaq

[Jones28]

Avoid Volvo xc40.
I think they were all built on a Friday afternoon following a boozy lunch😀

I had one on hire a few months back for work.

It’s a lovely car to drive but it started twanging when the wheel was hard over left and making the thrumming noise, it was a 23 reg so I was quite surprised as it sounded mechanical.

Then about 3 hours from the Google maps function completely froze up and I couldn’t restart it.

Great car to drive though.

[patch1875]

I run a Volvo S90 as a private hire. Great car super comfortable and had very few issues.

Was tempted to get one as the family car but I just prefer Audis so can’t bring myself to change brand!

[jamie_1875]

Skoda Scala, get the SEL model and it's rammed with gadgets and super reliable. Had a Fabia for years and never had a single issue with it.

[Trinity Hibee]

Thanks for the input folks. Decided to go with a year or so old Ford Puma ST-line Vignale. Automatic petrol hybrid and leather heated seats. Will be ideal for city driving

[pollution]

Thanks for the input folks. Decided to go with a year or so old Ford Puma ST-line Vignale. Automatic petrol hybrid and leather heated seats. Will be ideal for city driving


Check the service book, make sure all services are up to date. Good luck.

[Trinity Hibee]

Check the service book, make sure all services are up to date. Good luck.

Will do mate. Discussed the belt issue you raised and was told it was an issue in a particular age of car.

[pollution]

Will do mate. Discussed the belt issue you raised and was told it was an issue in a particular age of car.


Funnily enough, I am looking at the paper work now.

Bought under warranty at 31000 miles. 14000 miles later it needed a new engine for £8500...The original engine lasted 45000 miles.

Something went wrong and it wasn't my fault grrr

[patch1875]

Funnily enough, I am looking at the paper work now.

Bought under warranty at 31000 miles. 14000 miles later it needed a new engine for £8500...The original engine lasted 45000 miles.

Something went wrong and it wasn't my fault grrr


Ford engines are awful.

[Since90+2]

Is the general consensus when it comes to I reliability that Japanese / Korean cars are the way to go?

[Trinity Hibee]

Ford engines are awful.

Had a couple of Fords previously and never had an issue with engines. Family members have had them too and never had a problem.

[patch1875]

Had a couple of Fords previously and never had an issue with engines. Family members have had them too and never had a problem.

Pollution’s thread highlights a known problem with that engine. I have a different Ford engine that is a ticking time bomb due to wet timing belt failure. Ford have gone backwards the the last decade or so for reliability/

[Hibrandenburg]

Ford engines are awful.

I drove Ford for over 20 years before having to buy another make, never had one single problem with the 5 Ford I had. I got a new Mercedes last year but still miss my Ford.

[c31]

Ford engines are awful.

I've had Fords for nearly 30 years and never had any issues with them. Probably done over 1/2 million miles without a hiccup. Like everything, get it serviced regularly drive properly and it will last a long time. Mechanic brother in law who has his own garage says the Ford panther 2.0l diesel engine is probably one of the most reliable engine ever made.

[oldbutdim]

Avoid Volvo xc40.
I think they were all built on a Friday afternoon following a boozy lunch😀

Bought the XC40 2 litre petrol mild hybrid, now coming up for 3 year old.

Never had a bit of bother, and will be keeping it!

:greengrin

[Trinity Hibee]

Funnily enough, I am looking at the paper work now.

Bought under warranty at 31000 miles. 14000 miles later it needed a new engine for £8500...The original engine lasted 45000 miles.

Something went wrong and it wasn't my fault grrr

https://www.fordownersclub.com/forums/topic/133542-10-ecoboost-wet-belt-issue/#comments

Not sure if you’ve seen this Pollution? Examples of some managing to get Ford to take some of the hit after some persistent complaining. Sure you’ve probably looked at that option already though

[Trinity Hibee]

Ford Puma vignale arrived yesterday. Superb car with a great interior. Just having to get used to driving an automatic now.

[McD]

Ford Puma vignale arrived yesterday. Superb car with a great interior. Just having to get used to driving an automatic now.



A trick I was told when I first started driving automatics is to tuck your left leg bank under you towards the seat. It takes away the temptation to go for the clutch instinctively, and/or gives you thinking time to not try to press it :greengrin

[overdrive]

Ford Puma vignale arrived yesterday. Superb car with a great interior. Just having to get used to driving an automatic now.

When we first got an automatic, I found treating the wee ledge thing next to the pedals as a clutch was useful. I would have my foot hovering at it and if you involuntarily go for a clutch at any point, no biggie.

The thing I find difficult is that we have one automatic and one manual car and if you are using them interchangeably it can get a bit confusing. Even starting the car. The automatic requires you to press on the brake when starting the car and the manual requires you to press on the clutch. I was really close to phoning for the breakdown company to come out once as the manual apparently wasn't starting. Took me 5 minutes to realise my left foot was on the wee ledge thing rather than the clutch and that I was pressing the brake. It is worse driving the manual after driving the automatic. The amount of times I've forgotten to change gear is embarrassing.

[Hibbyradge]

Ford Puma vignale arrived yesterday. Superb car with a great interior. Just having to get used to driving an automatic now.

It won't take long. A few sudden stops are guaranteed to happen but you'll stop using your left foot very quickly.

[Hibbyradge]

When we first got an automatic, I found treating the wee ledge thing next to the pedals as a clutch was useful. I would have my foot hovering at it and if you involuntarily go for a clutch at any point, no biggie.

The thing I find difficult is that we have one automatic and one manual car and if you are using them interchangeably it can get a bit confusing. Even starting the car. The automatic requires you to press on the brake when starting the car and the manual requires you to press on the clutch. I was really close to phoning for the breakdown company to come out once as the manual apparently wasn't starting. Took me 5 minutes to realise my left foot was on the wee ledge thing rather than the clutch and that I was pressing the brake. It is worse driving the manual after driving the automatic. The amount of times I've forgotten to change gear is embarrassing.

I'm in the same boat but one blood curdling scream from the manual engine and I'm back with the program! :greengrin

[Trinity Hibee]

When we first got an automatic, I found treating the wee ledge thing next to the pedals as a clutch was useful. I would have my foot hovering at it and if you involuntarily go for a clutch at any point, no biggie.

The thing I find difficult is that we have one automatic and one manual car and if you are using them interchangeably it can get a bit confusing. Even starting the car. The automatic requires you to press on the brake when starting the car and the manual requires you to press on the clutch. I was really close to phoning for the breakdown company to come out once as the manual apparently wasn't starting. Took me 5 minutes to realise my left foot was on the wee ledge thing rather than the clutch and that I was pressing the brake. It is worse driving the manual after driving the automatic. The amount of times I've forgotten to change gear is embarrassing.

😂

Yeah, been out a couple of times today. Like you say it’s fine once I’ve got going. It’s the starting up the engine that doesn’t feel natural

[Hibrandenburg]

When we first got an automatic, I found treating the wee ledge thing next to the pedals as a clutch was useful. I would have my foot hovering at it and if you involuntarily go for a clutch at any point, no biggie.

The thing I find difficult is that we have one automatic and one manual car and if you are using them interchangeably it can get a bit confusing. Even starting the car. The automatic requires you to press on the brake when starting the car and the manual requires you to press on the clutch. I was really close to phoning for the breakdown company to come out once as the manual apparently wasn't starting. Took me 5 minutes to realise my left foot was on the wee ledge thing rather than the clutch and that I was pressing the brake. It is worse driving the manual after driving the automatic. The amount of times I've forgotten to change gear is embarrassing.

We had an automatic ambulance when I first started working for the German Red Cross, guaranteed every morning I'd stall my manual shift car after a 24hr duty.