Recommend automatic car under 20k used, petrol
Discussion
I’ve been doing circles trying to decide on a car to buy:
Looking for used automatic, petrol or hybrid, 5 seats, good mpg, lots of tech and good infotainment system, heated seats, apply carplay, reverse camera and sensors), affordable to insure and good/ comfortable on motorways and country roads
Budget 15-20k
2019 or earlier
Low cabin noise due to small dogs
Comfortable seats
Can anyone come up with any recommendations? Any suggestions much appreciated.
Leaning towards a non CVT.
Looking for used automatic, petrol or hybrid, 5 seats, good mpg, lots of tech and good infotainment system, heated seats, apply carplay, reverse camera and sensors), affordable to insure and good/ comfortable on motorways and country roads
Budget 15-20k
2019 or earlier
Low cabin noise due to small dogs
Comfortable seats
Can anyone come up with any recommendations? Any suggestions much appreciated.
Leaning towards a non CVT.
Edited by Carras54 on Monday 19th June 11:02
Edited by Carras54 on Monday 19th June 18:49
I know you said leaning away from CVT but give the Corolla a look.
Wasn't too impressed with one I had in a Honda hire. Corolla better. Still a little odd/different compared to manual or conventional auto.
2.0 much better than the 1.8. 180 BHP vs 120ish
2.0 hatch boot is small so maybe look at the estate or the 1.8.
All other boxes ticked.
I am on about 56mpg with my 2.0 hatch
Wasn't too impressed with one I had in a Honda hire. Corolla better. Still a little odd/different compared to manual or conventional auto.
2.0 much better than the 1.8. 180 BHP vs 120ish
2.0 hatch boot is small so maybe look at the estate or the 1.8.
All other boxes ticked.
I am on about 56mpg with my 2.0 hatch
A Mk 7.5 2018/2019/2020 Golf 1.5Tsi 150 DSG should suit. It meets all your requirements and has the tech as standard being a runout before the Mk8.
Lots of equipment and space. Very quiet due to good sound insulation, better than my Lexus IS250 I owned previously.
I have one myself and get 45-50mpg with mainly motorway driving. My Auris only got 42-48mpg so it is actually better on MPG.
Today I've driven 110 miles and got 50mpg on the way out and 48mpg on the way back.
Mine didn't have the reversing camera, sensors were standard, but they can easily be added for a few hundred. It's a great design, the camera is hidden and pops out when you select reverse so it's never covered in rain.
Lots of equipment and space. Very quiet due to good sound insulation, better than my Lexus IS250 I owned previously.
I have one myself and get 45-50mpg with mainly motorway driving. My Auris only got 42-48mpg so it is actually better on MPG.
Today I've driven 110 miles and got 50mpg on the way out and 48mpg on the way back.
Mine didn't have the reversing camera, sensors were standard, but they can easily be added for a few hundred. It's a great design, the camera is hidden and pops out when you select reverse so it's never covered in rain.
Edited by Whataguy on Monday 19th June 15:49
We got a VW Arteon last year. it was slightly older than your search range (67 plate) but R-Line spec has car play, heated seats etc . It doesn't have reversing cameras but I have looked online and can be retrofitted to work with the current infotainment screen.
We paid 20k. Petrol, DSG gearbox. It's been sound.
We paid 20k. Petrol, DSG gearbox. It's been sound.
Carras54 said:
Thanks for the suggestions so far. What are your thoughts on the automatic a-class or civic in comparison to the golf and corolla? Are there any other cars that I should be looking at?
I've driven the B class, the automatic on that wasn't as good as on the Golf. Tech was more showy, with disco colour changing lights and ipads for the instruments and infotainment. But I found the screens not very usable in the summer as they were shiny and you were just looking at reflections.Edited by Carras54 on Monday 19th June 16:09
I've also driven every model of civic from the Mk7 right up to just before the latest one. They are low down, so not as easy getting in or out. Hondas 1 litre engine was nowhere near as good as the VW 110hp one. Noisy and rough, not like the smooth and quiet VW one. Honda are CVT as well.
Maybe Hyundai/Kia are worth looking at - I've considered a Kona before. You could almost get an EV one in budget, so the hybrid should be. I've been in the back of a Kona taxi and the hybrid system seemed as good as Toyota as it was smooth and quiet.
Carras54 said:
I’ve been doing circles trying to decide on a car to buy:
Looking for used automatic, petrol or hybrid, 5 seats, good mpg, lots of tech and good infotainment system, heated seats, apply carplay, reverse camera and sensors), affordable to insure and good/ comfortable on motorways and country roads
Budget 15-20k
2019 or earlier
Low cabin noise due to small dogs
Comfortable seats
Can anyone come up with any recommendations? Any suggestions much appreciated.
Leaning towards a non CVT.
Kia ProCeed GT you'll have a chunk of warranty too:Looking for used automatic, petrol or hybrid, 5 seats, good mpg, lots of tech and good infotainment system, heated seats, apply carplay, reverse camera and sensors), affordable to insure and good/ comfortable on motorways and country roads
Budget 15-20k
2019 or earlier
Low cabin noise due to small dogs
Comfortable seats
Can anyone come up with any recommendations? Any suggestions much appreciated.
Leaning towards a non CVT.
Edited by Carras54 on Monday 19th June 11:02
Edited by Carras54 on Monday 19th June 18:49
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304196...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304066...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202305267...
A250 AMG Line:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202305087...
2.0T Kia Stinger:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202306148...
308 GT:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304266...
Hyundai Kona Premium GT:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202306048...
Thanks. I will look at these. Someone suggested a Mazda 3 automatic, petrol.. What are these like in comparison with hyundai i30 or i20, corolla or a-class?
Is the Mazda infotainment system reliable (class law suit raised according to reddit) and will the screen be bigger enough?
I will defintely rule out the civic if impossible to get out!
What do you think will hold the most value and be the most reliable, good visibility and comfortable? I read the a-class was being discontinued which may make become an expensive purchase for parts.
Can anyone rank them in order of their preference?
Is the Mazda infotainment system reliable (class law suit raised according to reddit) and will the screen be bigger enough?
I will defintely rule out the civic if impossible to get out!
What do you think will hold the most value and be the most reliable, good visibility and comfortable? I read the a-class was being discontinued which may make become an expensive purchase for parts.
Can anyone rank them in order of their preference?
Edited by Carras54 on Wednesday 21st June 11:48
In order of preference, I'd rank them as:
1) Golf - excellent visibility, reliability and comfort. Probably the best car I've had.
2) Hyundai Kona
3) 308
I'd considered the 308, but only the 130hp one. Earlier ones have issues with the wet timing belt, so you have to be careful getting one with the newer belt or a different engine.
I did have a Mazda 6 a few years back, I believe they were linked to Ford for a while so based on their technology, The 6 was ok, but a bit flimsy and as mine was a diesel suffered from a design fault unfortunately.
I think with any manufacturer, the plan I use is to run the car until the end of an extended warranty availability which is around 6/7 years now. Kia have the warranty with the car, so you don't have to pay to extend it.
Several people I know have older cars, but the new ones aren't made that way anymore and a lot of the emissions equipment/wear and tear parts seems to be designed for 80k miles.
1) Golf - excellent visibility, reliability and comfort. Probably the best car I've had.
2) Hyundai Kona
3) 308
I'd considered the 308, but only the 130hp one. Earlier ones have issues with the wet timing belt, so you have to be careful getting one with the newer belt or a different engine.
I did have a Mazda 6 a few years back, I believe they were linked to Ford for a while so based on their technology, The 6 was ok, but a bit flimsy and as mine was a diesel suffered from a design fault unfortunately.
I think with any manufacturer, the plan I use is to run the car until the end of an extended warranty availability which is around 6/7 years now. Kia have the warranty with the car, so you don't have to pay to extend it.
Several people I know have older cars, but the new ones aren't made that way anymore and a lot of the emissions equipment/wear and tear parts seems to be designed for 80k miles.
I would go for a Skoda Octavia 1.5 TSI, mechanically the same as the Golf but bigger, cheaper and more comfortable.
As a sideways suggestion, you can buy a brand new Citroen C5X for £25k, that would come with full manufacturer warrantee and all the perks of a new car for only a bit over your budget, and would meet your requirements admirably.
As a sideways suggestion, you can buy a brand new Citroen C5X for £25k, that would come with full manufacturer warrantee and all the perks of a new car for only a bit over your budget, and would meet your requirements admirably.
Left field choice.
DS7 Crossback.
Lovely comfy place to be. Rides extremely well with the emphasis on comfort and luxury. All the tech and leather. 8sp Auto and look for the 1.6 pure tech and avoid the wet belt potential issues. 225 version will shift plenty enough and still return near 45mpg on a run.
SUV so bigger than the cars mentioned but will be easier with dogs.
DS7 Crossback.
Lovely comfy place to be. Rides extremely well with the emphasis on comfort and luxury. All the tech and leather. 8sp Auto and look for the 1.6 pure tech and avoid the wet belt potential issues. 225 version will shift plenty enough and still return near 45mpg on a run.
SUV so bigger than the cars mentioned but will be easier with dogs.
If you are considering new, the Skoda Scala is a great car and available from £20/22k depending on tech and engine.
I spent a week in one recently, and it compared well to my golf.
The Octavia is also a good car, originally I was looking at the VRS but went with the Golf as I didn't need the extra space or performance over the 1.5.
I spent a week in one recently, and it compared well to my golf.
The Octavia is also a good car, originally I was looking at the VRS but went with the Golf as I didn't need the extra space or performance over the 1.5.
imck said:
I know you said leaning away from CVT but give the Corolla a look.
Wasn't too impressed with one I had in a Honda hire. Corolla better. Still a little odd/different compared to manual or conventional auto.
2.0 much better than the 1.8. 180 BHP vs 120ish
2.0 hatch boot is small so maybe look at the estate or the 1.8.
All other boxes ticked.
I am on about 56mpg with my 2.0 hatch
2.0 estate is absolutely brilliant TBH. Did about 700 miles in mine at the weekend. Averaged 62mpg at the pump. Incredibly quiet and smooth, only really hear the engine when you boot it. DSG type gearboxes just feel rough and antiquated in comparison!Wasn't too impressed with one I had in a Honda hire. Corolla better. Still a little odd/different compared to manual or conventional auto.
2.0 much better than the 1.8. 180 BHP vs 120ish
2.0 hatch boot is small so maybe look at the estate or the 1.8.
All other boxes ticked.
I am on about 56mpg with my 2.0 hatch
Prices seem to have dropped for the corolla 2.0 estate as they are in budget now. When I'd looked last year they were much higher, but you can actually get one for 20k.
Problem I had with the corolla is that it's much lower than the auris I owned.
The dealer said a lot of people were complaining about the low driving position.
You need the estate to get the rear seat legroom.
Problem I had with the corolla is that it's much lower than the auris I owned.
The dealer said a lot of people were complaining about the low driving position.
You need the estate to get the rear seat legroom.
Whataguy said:
Prices seem to have dropped for the corolla 2.0 estate as they are in budget now. When I'd looked last year they were much higher, but you can actually get one for 20k.
Problem I had with the corolla is that it's much lower than the auris I owned.
The dealer said a lot of people were complaining about the low driving position.
You need the estate to get the rear seat legroom.
Based on reviews, I was dead against the hatch due to 2.0 boot size and rear leg room.Problem I had with the corolla is that it's much lower than the auris I owned.
The dealer said a lot of people were complaining about the low driving position.
You need the estate to get the rear seat legroom.
Went to a dealer and actually tried one.
I am 5'11" and can sit behind myself.
The two of us went away for the week and everything went in the boot. A couple of tip trips and DIY runs.
Don't find ours low. Mrs used to complain about my 2008 Mazda 6 hatch.
Estate for family duties but hatch not that restrictive.
Whataguy said:
If you are considering new, the Skoda Scala is a great car and available from £20/22k depending on tech and engine.
I spent a week in one recently, and it compared well to my golf.
The Octavia is also a good car, originally I was looking at the VRS but went with the Golf as I didn't need the extra space or performance over the 1.5.
Never heard of the skoda scala ! OK looking thing I spent a week in one recently, and it compared well to my golf.
The Octavia is also a good car, originally I was looking at the VRS but went with the Golf as I didn't need the extra space or performance over the 1.5.
Have you considered the Citroen C5 Aircross?
We ran a 1.6 Flair Plus for 3 years on lease and we’d still have it if I hadn’t missed the extension cut off date
Big, squashy, quiet, comfy, loaded (car play/ camera/ built in dash cam/ pano roof etc) and reliable over about 30k. We really liked it.
Modern Citroens have a bit of a bland image but we liked it so much we now have a C5X (Google it cos I guarantee you won’t see one on the road!) as a replacement.
£19k puts you into a 2019 top spec Flair Plus which is a fair bit of car for your money.
Edit: Heated seats were an option, but they do come with a layer of memory foam. When combined with the hydraulic bump stop thingys and the 8 speed makes for a smooth, comfy ride.
We ran a 1.6 Flair Plus for 3 years on lease and we’d still have it if I hadn’t missed the extension cut off date
Big, squashy, quiet, comfy, loaded (car play/ camera/ built in dash cam/ pano roof etc) and reliable over about 30k. We really liked it.
Modern Citroens have a bit of a bland image but we liked it so much we now have a C5X (Google it cos I guarantee you won’t see one on the road!) as a replacement.
£19k puts you into a 2019 top spec Flair Plus which is a fair bit of car for your money.
Edit: Heated seats were an option, but they do come with a layer of memory foam. When combined with the hydraulic bump stop thingys and the 8 speed makes for a smooth, comfy ride.
Edited by H6Nathan on Thursday 22 June 06:22
Sheepshanks said:
Just be aware that if you follow VW’s ‘recommendation’ for cambelt change at 5yrs it’s a £1000+ job on the 1.5 engine. Could be a nasty shock if you get one that’s ~4yrs old.
It's a great engine, but the cambelt cost is a bit expensive. Standard ones are nearly half that amount. On the 1.5 it requires a lot of work and a special device to set the timing using a laptop. I believe the 1 litre on the civic is £1200 or so for the cambelt too.
I've factored it into my running costs as I'll only need one. Travelling 20/25k miles a year it means the car will be worn out before I reach 10 years - likely 6/7 years old.
Ilovejapcrap said:
Never heard of the skoda scala ! OK looking thing
I had mine as a hire car on holiday, and hadn't heard of them before that either. Available with the same VW engines as the golf, 1 litre or 1.5 and the dsg automatic. Some of the controls inside are VW.
Loads of space inside and drove well.
Prices are great too when compared to other manufacturers.
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