Family Saloon advice

WYNIR0 · 17 Mar 2016 at 10:39

I'm not very clued up on cars. Currently driving a banged up 06 plate Focus. Will shortly have approx 20k to spend on a replacement which needs to have more boot space as I now have a baby daughter and related gubbins to transport about, as well as all the crap my teenage sons have.

So requirements are :

Large boot.
Economical mileage
Reliable.

Looking to buy something a max of 2 years old from a dealer with warranty.

Was thinking Mondeo, but it seems that the reliability on the new ones isn't great? Current front runner is VW Passat and SWMBO has issued a no skoda decree, so is there anything else I should consider?

Thanks !

iaind · 17 Mar 2016 at 10:44

Skoda superb and a new handbag to keep the wife happy

Gilly · 17 Mar 2016 at 10:47

I had the older model Passat up to two years ago as a company car. It did everything very well

xs2man · 17 Mar 2016 at 10:57

WYNIR0 said:
and SWMBO has issued a no skoda decree, so is there anything else I should consider?

Thanks !

And first response is a Skoda...

In all seriousness though. The Superb is the second place you should look. Take the wife to see a Mondeo first, then a Superb.

Then get her told, and buy the superb. It's not widely offered on here for exactly your requirements for nothing.

WYNIR0 · 17 Mar 2016 at 11:03

Thanks, yeah the plan is to make her come see a Skoda. Though I have to admit I like the Passat more from the googling I've done. That said, I know I'll fall in love with which ever has the nicest gadgets!

Kiethton · 17 Mar 2016 at 19:23

Volvo S60

Passat CC

BMW 520d

Lexus IS300h

mjt · 17 Mar 2016 at 19:26

Kiethton said:
Volvo S60

Passat CC

BMW 520d

Lexus IS300h

Small boot
Small boot
Expensive to maintain
Small boot

OP - Ignore everything on this list and by a Superb.

tickedon · 17 Mar 2016 at 19:38

Kiethton said:
Volvo S60

Passat CC

BMW 520d

Lexus IS300h

While I love my Volvo S60, the boot space is not great and not something I'd suggest for the OP.

My dad picked up a brand new pre-registered (but no mileage) 3 month old Passat for about £19k 2 months ago. Boot is absolutely huge. It seems to be the obvious choice...

Kiethton · 17 Mar 2016 at 20:26

mjt said:
Small boot
Small boot
Expensive to maintain
Small boot

OP - Ignore everything on this list and by a Superb.

Fair enough, maybe I underestimated the size of the boot required a little. Would have said skoda but they've been ruled out and the saloon is gopping

Other note maybe have a look at one of new Mazda 6's - should give a bigger boot vs above and are meant to be pretty reliable, frugal and a good steer

Abyss · 17 Mar 2016 at 21:10

WYNIR0 said:
I'm not very clued up on cars. Currently driving a banged up 06 plate Focus. Will shortly have approx 20k to spend on a replacement which needs to have more boot space as I now have a baby daughter and related gubbins to transport about, as well as all the crap my teenage sons have.

So requirements are :

Large boot.
Economical mileage
Reliable.

Looking to buy something a max of 2 years old from a dealer with warranty.

Was thinking Mondeo, but it seems that the reliability on the new ones isn't great? Current front runner is VW Passat and SWMBO has issued a no skoda decree, so is there anything else I should consider?

Thanks !

£20k gives you a significant choice of cars to pick from. Does it have to be a saloon car as it sounds like your requirements would be far more suited to an estate?

My vote would be on something like this or the new Superb. Although I am biased as I own a saloon A6!
Audi A6 Estate - http://www.audi.co.uk/used-cars/use...lisle/605604356-1416662.aspx?srcmdc=se_na_re_

Abyss · 17 Mar 2016 at 21:12

WYNIR0 said:
Looking to buy something a max of 2 years old from a dealer with warranty.
...SWMBO has issued a no skoda decree, so is there anything else I should consider?

Thanks !

Even if it meant you could get one that is highly specced (SE-L Exec) brand new with 3 years warranty?

https://broadspeed.com/CarView/Skoda/Superb/41474/TSI_1.4_150PS_Petrol_SE_L_Executive_Manual_5_doors
https://broadspeed.com/main/search_results/Skoda/Superb/Any/Hatchback/

Spec would include:

Dab radio
Adaptive cruise control
Navigation
Smartlink
Electrically adjustable driver’s seat with memory and lumbar support
Electrically adjustable, heated and folding door mirrors with memory function
Electrically operated boot
Leather upholstery and heated front seats
18” alloys
Bi-Xenon headlights with adaptive front light system and LED daytime running lights

grahamjenks · 17 Mar 2016 at 22:38

In the same boat as you (see my other thread) - in an 59 Focus, but its too small with a 2nd kid due any day. Same position where I want more boot space and leg room, but needs to be reasonable to insurance and maintain and decent ecomony.

I've been through the same debate as you, the Mondeo is meant to be good but some niggles , Passat and A4 seem expensive.

I'm definitely considering a Mazda 6, for £20K you'd get a less than 1 year old top of the range Sport nav model (with all the Gadgets...) - more good quality car than you'd get with most of the European alternatives (ignoring the veto'd Skoda).