Auto box used car search doing my head in

[ollyhammond]

I need to replace my car and am after an estate or MPV, which must have an automatic gearbox because of various circumstances.

Whichever models I put on my shortlist, I always come across loads of online problems reported, especially with VAG cars.

I've got my eye on a 2013 Kia Optima 1.7 diesel auto and a 2011 2.0 TDI Skoda Superb DSG. My priorities are reliability and build quality, not so much economy and driving experience. Is the 2011 Skoda Superb II 2.0 TDI DSG a wet 6-speed, which I understand is more reliable than 7-speed dry clutch? And do you all generally think it's better to get a car that still has a manufacturer's warranty on it than a car I'd actually be happier with in various other ways?

[ZX10R NIN]

The first thing is all cars are about to explode if you believe the internet, now VAG auto's are okay ish as long as the fluids have been changed every 40k, the real off putting thing with DSG's is the cost of repairing it should the worst happen.

Buy a low mileage one & you should be okay, I'd take a look at the Mondeo to as they're a good steer & reliable as well as being well spec'd.

Not sure what your budget was.

2013 Mondeo Titanium X Sport 19k FSH
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

You might find the 1.7 a bit underpowered (does it come as an estate?) my brother has one as his daily driver & had it mapped which transformed it.

Insignia's aren't bad reliability wise but are far from a decent drive going by what I've read about them.

2014 Insignia Elite 39k
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

Leftfield but a worth a look:

2013 Peugeot 508 GT
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

2013 Mazda 6 Sport
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

[ollyhammond]

Thanks. They're all really good suggestions but sadly my budget is £11k max. I know what you mean about the internet mainly containing doom and gloom over cars. I'll start adding some slightly older Mondeo estates to my search...

[ZX10R NIN]

No problem with an 11k budget here are a few worth looking at:

2012 Mondeo 2.2 Titanium X Sport 200bhp 78k
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

2012 Peugeot 508 GT 200bhp 45k FPSH Fully loaded (just over budget but haggling should get you there.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

2011 Honda Accord 2.2 ES 150bhp 52k FHSH
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

2012 Insignia Elite 2.0 160bhp 29k
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...


I'd still probably take the Mondeo but not without test driving the Peugeot first.

Edited by ZX10R NIN on Thursday 15th September 08:58

[DSLiverpool]

I know of a brilliant 2010 Saab 9-5 estate 2.3 for sale at just over £5k that I really would like but my Mrs wont drive it (too big) - owner is a Saab owners club member and its a lovely car with nav I am happy to recommend it.

[ollyhammond]

Saabs are lovely cars but not really my think for some reason.

I drove a Peugeot 508 when they first came out and liked it - a leftfield choice worth shortlisting.

Out of them all, I would love the Honda Accord estate but in EX trim, which is rare for my budget. There's a 2009 EX for sale in Anglesey for £7,500 but it's too far for me to go if it turns out to be no good.