New car dilema - what to get

Neal · 27 Sep 2007 at 12:31

Hi all,

Im fed up with the reliablity of my escort now , just one thing after another... plus i want a more "modern" motor tbh.

So at the moment....

Im stuck between getting an Audi A4 estate, peccy or deisel, around 98 model

or a Volvo V40 estate peccy or diesel around 98 model again

Any advice on which would be a better buy / drive etc...

I like big cars, and need an estate for work really... looking to spend around 2k at most, so high milage motors are what im lookin at.

Getting some cash in a couple of weeks and it'll sure burn a hole in my pocket! plus my mates just bought a Bora and the mrs has just bought a mg zr, so i want something new too!

Neal

mattpc · 27 Sep 2007 at 12:40

personally i would spend the £2000 on something with less prestige but newer such the mondeo unless you are really enthusiastic about your current choices.

Neal · 27 Sep 2007 at 12:52

i know mondeos are good solid cars, however, after owning two fords i really want to avoid them, build quility is questionable imo.

I do really like both the v40 and the a4 - and the cars im looking at have around 100k on the clock, which is high in one respect, but not in another, as far as modern engines go they should see 160 - 180k easily. (2 litre versions).

I dont like peugots 406 range, wouldnt have a citroen if you paid me, nor do i like many jap cars (that are in my price range, if money was no object then.... *slips into a daydream* lol

neal

paradigm · 27 Sep 2007 at 12:59

A £2k A4 will be crap, all the costs of a prestige car with none of the looks or upsides given that its now that outdated a mondeo of similar value beats it in almost every concievable way.

Neal · 27 Sep 2007 at 13:04

just like my mates, 2000 pounds vw passat, bought with 160k on the clock, 2 years down the road its hitting 200k with no problems other than general wear and tear items.

im not convinced tbh, thers a lot of higher milage A4/v40's about that are in very tidy condition and Fsh etc...

plus i dont want a ford... had two.. hate them.

I have around 3k to spend, so im looking to service and replace stuff as soon as i buy one anyhow witht he grand i have left over.

Please, nobody else tell me to get a ford... please...

Firestar_3x · 27 Sep 2007 at 13:06

The pre 2000 passat and A4 aint very good cars, you can do much better for the money if you look someplace else!

mattpc · 27 Sep 2007 at 13:11

Have you considered an Accord Aerodeck. Look for the ES model. They come in 2.0 or 2.2 16v engines. They look a little dated but are finished very nicely if you get the ES and the engine whilst not being of the highest pedigree is good, pulls strongly and seems to last. Mine has just hit 175k and everything works, it's got cruise, leather etc. Mine was £800. You could pick up a low mileage minter for about £1500 and have £500 for a rainy day.

Neal · 27 Sep 2007 at 13:18

had a nose at an aero deck t'other day (one at garage near me) but to be honest i hated the styling.... only my personal opinion though.. im fussy like that..

after having two sh**y escort estates i want something a bit.... erm... nicer, not so embarrising... lol

what i really wanted to know, was which drives better than the other, but i spose im going to have to go out and have a few test drives... then make my mind up.

paradigm · 27 Sep 2007 at 13:41

Well, the A4 drives like something old with no driver feedback, and the volvo* drives like a Mitsibishi Carisma, which incidentally is about as bland as a beige square.

Neal · 27 Sep 2007 at 14:12

LOL paradigm, blunt and to the point...

but after driving a 94 escort, they are going to feel a lot better than current motor?! lol

been driving the old mans 1.8tdi passat around for a few weeks while he's away, and that feels a million miles better than my rust bucket. If the Audi drives anything like that then I'll be getting one for sure..

i want ease of use too, as i drive around 20,000 miles a year, and its uncomfortable in my current car.

[TW]Fox · 27 Sep 2007 at 20:52

If you love the Passat, get a Passat. Not an Audi A4. They are really poor £2k buys becuase most of the cheap ones are owned by skinflints who want a badge, and they are not known for looking after their cars.

a £2k Passat will be better than a £2k A4 and a £2k Mondeo will be better than both of them.

Problem you've got is that your current car is awful - so even if you took a test drive in a Corsa it would feel amazing. Don't let the fact the cars you are looking at feel better than your current car convince you.

mattpc · 27 Sep 2007 at 23:55

Aerodeck is not for everyone granted.

The £2000 estate market is insteresting. You CAN buy just about anything and you can certainly get something very high spec. However, if you want something that is actually reliable and works then tread carefully. I really think you can do better than a V40 I have to say... Have you considered other volvos?

Neal · 28 Sep 2007 at 08:31

[TW]Fox;10170125 said:
If you love the Passat, get a Passat.

a £2k Passat will be better than a £2k A4 and a £2k Mondeo will be better than both of them.

Problem you've got is that your current car is awful - .

LMAO your right, my current car is a bag of sh....