£15k family car - opinions please
Discussion
Hi all
Been lurking on the forums for a while and what a goldmine of info, but thought I'd post one of these as people seem to and they get some really good replies.
I am looking at replacing my 2011 Astra, probably 2nd half of this year. It's done around 90k and it's maybe a bit smaller than I'd like so perhaps right time to get a bit of cash for it especially as they go for not far off what I bought it for in 2018.
I'm after opinions on two things mainly - what to replace it with and how to finance it.
What to get:
I think the budget will be around £15k. I've only ever bought older cars, about 8-10 years old outright with cash saved and just assumed for a larger price I'd do what most of my mates do and go with something like pcp. Having read these forums and being aware of the economic climate generally, I'm realising this is to be avoided if possible with interest rates so high. So I'm due a bit of inheritance so I thought what if I just use around £5k cash and then get a £10k bank loan, ideally at much lower interest than pcp - and just buy outright and pay the loan off over 3 years. Are there any other options that would mean lower interest or just generally cheaper, other than buying outright?
I've considered quite a few cars but two are sticking out at this price and for ideally sub 30k mileage and less than 5 years old.
Skoda Octavia (hatch or estate)
Seat Leon estate
I'm not a big SUV fan in general as they just seem a bit obnoxious but I wouldn't rule out the right one. The Skoda seems to to get great reviews but not that exciting, the Leon seems more fun and also seems to be well rated.
My needs are just - decent boot for typical family use (2 kids under 5) - and likely to still hold decent value if I look to trade in in 3-5 years, or might last a bit longer without too many problems if I decide to keep. I should mention I typically do around 8k per year and don't see thtlat changing - my commute is only about 15 mins each way too.
What would people's choices be on this one? Happy to hear any wild and wonderful idea too! I'd be open to spending more if there was some theory behind why other than getting a nicer car but certainly no more than £20k I don't think.
Also in terms of where to buy - I'm looking purely at Autotrader and Motorpoint currently, anything else to consider?
Thanks for reading.
Been lurking on the forums for a while and what a goldmine of info, but thought I'd post one of these as people seem to and they get some really good replies.
I am looking at replacing my 2011 Astra, probably 2nd half of this year. It's done around 90k and it's maybe a bit smaller than I'd like so perhaps right time to get a bit of cash for it especially as they go for not far off what I bought it for in 2018.
I'm after opinions on two things mainly - what to replace it with and how to finance it.
What to get:
I think the budget will be around £15k. I've only ever bought older cars, about 8-10 years old outright with cash saved and just assumed for a larger price I'd do what most of my mates do and go with something like pcp. Having read these forums and being aware of the economic climate generally, I'm realising this is to be avoided if possible with interest rates so high. So I'm due a bit of inheritance so I thought what if I just use around £5k cash and then get a £10k bank loan, ideally at much lower interest than pcp - and just buy outright and pay the loan off over 3 years. Are there any other options that would mean lower interest or just generally cheaper, other than buying outright?
I've considered quite a few cars but two are sticking out at this price and for ideally sub 30k mileage and less than 5 years old.
Skoda Octavia (hatch or estate)
Seat Leon estate
I'm not a big SUV fan in general as they just seem a bit obnoxious but I wouldn't rule out the right one. The Skoda seems to to get great reviews but not that exciting, the Leon seems more fun and also seems to be well rated.
My needs are just - decent boot for typical family use (2 kids under 5) - and likely to still hold decent value if I look to trade in in 3-5 years, or might last a bit longer without too many problems if I decide to keep. I should mention I typically do around 8k per year and don't see thtlat changing - my commute is only about 15 mins each way too.
What would people's choices be on this one? Happy to hear any wild and wonderful idea too! I'd be open to spending more if there was some theory behind why other than getting a nicer car but certainly no more than £20k I don't think.
Also in terms of where to buy - I'm looking purely at Autotrader and Motorpoint currently, anything else to consider?
Thanks for reading.
last of the line 1.6t Insignia SRI VX LIne Nav 200:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307109...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202312044...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202312194...
Elite Nav:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202312044...
They're a very good spacious reliable option.
Mazda8 Sport Nav Plus:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202312204...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401125...
Arteon R Line 190:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202310032...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307109...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202312044...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202312194...
Elite Nav:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202312044...
They're a very good spacious reliable option.
Mazda8 Sport Nav Plus:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202312204...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401125...
Arteon R Line 190:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202310032...
Edited by ZX10R NIN on Thursday 25th January 20:47
Arteon is a good shout, as is the Seat you mentioned in your OP.
If you are willing to look at brands outside of VW group you could get a well specced car around 3 years old for £15k.
Ds7 - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309071...
If you are willing to look at brands outside of VW group you could get a well specced car around 3 years old for £15k.
Ds7 - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309071...
ZX10R NIN said:
last of the line 1.6t Insignia SRI VX LIne Nav 200:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307109...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202312044...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202312194...
Elite Nav:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202312044...
They're a very good spacious reliable option.
Mazda8 Sport Nav Plus:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202312204...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401125...
Arteon R Line 190:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202310032...
I would avoid the Mazda if you have young kids. The boot is a very narrow saloon and make carrying anything larger than a suitcase shape impossible. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307109...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202312044...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202312194...
Elite Nav:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202312044...
They're a very good spacious reliable option.
Mazda8 Sport Nav Plus:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202312204...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401125...
Arteon R Line 190:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202310032...
Edited by ZX10R NIN on Thursday 25th January 20:47
Thanks
Silvanus - yeh that was the idea if I'm honest - I have pre-conceived ideas about what cars I'd like/consider so wanted some suggestions to look into further and count in or out. Dacia being a great example, would just not have considered it cos you know, it's a Dacia. But I'll do a bit of reading about the Jogger.
Arteon I'd not considered at all, but looks very tempting - prices seems good for the quality of car & spec, is this due to it being discontinued perhaps? Tbh might be a good shout as I've never had a VW and always fancied one, be nice to have a car to fall in love with and treat with love for a long-ish time - the Arteon lease thread has a lot of people raving about it.
The DS - again, I think I have preconceived prejudice on French cars, not sure why specifically, historic rep of low quality, not sure. I'll have a look.
Fabia estate - guessing this will be very similar to a Leon estate? I'll look into it ta.
I'm also considering a Superb too.
Silvanus - yeh that was the idea if I'm honest - I have pre-conceived ideas about what cars I'd like/consider so wanted some suggestions to look into further and count in or out. Dacia being a great example, would just not have considered it cos you know, it's a Dacia. But I'll do a bit of reading about the Jogger.
Arteon I'd not considered at all, but looks very tempting - prices seems good for the quality of car & spec, is this due to it being discontinued perhaps? Tbh might be a good shout as I've never had a VW and always fancied one, be nice to have a car to fall in love with and treat with love for a long-ish time - the Arteon lease thread has a lot of people raving about it.
The DS - again, I think I have preconceived prejudice on French cars, not sure why specifically, historic rep of low quality, not sure. I'll have a look.
Fabia estate - guessing this will be very similar to a Leon estate? I'll look into it ta.
I'm also considering a Superb too.
Honda Civic Tourer.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202311164...
I've got one very similar to this, had it for years, family of 4 plus dog, children are now older teenagers. It's served us brilliantly, is great fun to drive, stupidly huge boot for the size of the car and really comfortable and spacious. Not one single reliability issue or unexpected expenditure. Evan as a petrol auto it's really economical for its size.
Can't recommend it highly enough.
The great British buying public are utter morons for buying silly SUVs rather than cars like this, its a crying shame Honda and many other manufacturers have pulled this type of vehicle from their ranges.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202311164...
I've got one very similar to this, had it for years, family of 4 plus dog, children are now older teenagers. It's served us brilliantly, is great fun to drive, stupidly huge boot for the size of the car and really comfortable and spacious. Not one single reliability issue or unexpected expenditure. Evan as a petrol auto it's really economical for its size.
Can't recommend it highly enough.
The great British buying public are utter morons for buying silly SUVs rather than cars like this, its a crying shame Honda and many other manufacturers have pulled this type of vehicle from their ranges.
CivicDuties said:
Honda Civic Tourer.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202311164...
I've got one very similar to this, had it for years, family of 4 plus dog, children are now older teenagers. It's served us brilliantly, is great fun to drive, stupidly huge boot for the size of the car and really comfortable and spacious. Not one single reliability issue or unexpected expenditure. Evan as a petrol auto it's really economical for its size.
Can't recommend it highly enough.
The great British buying public are utter morons for buying silly SUVs rather than cars like this, its a crying shame Honda and many other manufacturers have pulled this type of vehicle from their ranges.
A civic estate based on the newest one would been a fantastic car. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202311164...
I've got one very similar to this, had it for years, family of 4 plus dog, children are now older teenagers. It's served us brilliantly, is great fun to drive, stupidly huge boot for the size of the car and really comfortable and spacious. Not one single reliability issue or unexpected expenditure. Evan as a petrol auto it's really economical for its size.
Can't recommend it highly enough.
The great British buying public are utter morons for buying silly SUVs rather than cars like this, its a crying shame Honda and many other manufacturers have pulled this type of vehicle from their ranges.
I'm with you on both your financing strategy using a personal loan vs being trapped in a pcp deal with mileage limitations, etc; and not liking SUVs
I think both the Octavia and Leon are great shouts.
Octavias are really roomy, but are always very popular on the second hand market, meaning at your budget, age and mileage requirements you'll be looking at a lower spec SE, unless you want to spend closer to 20k. I'd pick the 1.4 TSI over the 1.5 TSI if you are going for a pre 2021 model as the 1.5s had some issues when they came out.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202311133...
While not as roomy, you'll get a much nicer spec Seat Leon - here's a 2.0 TSI FR in a nice shade of red with a very low mileage
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309282...
Other suggestions
Not an estate, but the BMW 420i is a decent size and has a hatch at the rear, so has decent practicality
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401085...
Ford Focus 1.5T Ecoboost Estate
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401265...
Mazda 6 2.0 Skyactiv Tourer
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401065...
Kia Ceed 1.4 T-GDi Sportswagon
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202311073...
Honda Civic 1.8 i-VTEC Tourer
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202310042...
I think both the Octavia and Leon are great shouts.
Octavias are really roomy, but are always very popular on the second hand market, meaning at your budget, age and mileage requirements you'll be looking at a lower spec SE, unless you want to spend closer to 20k. I'd pick the 1.4 TSI over the 1.5 TSI if you are going for a pre 2021 model as the 1.5s had some issues when they came out.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202311133...
While not as roomy, you'll get a much nicer spec Seat Leon - here's a 2.0 TSI FR in a nice shade of red with a very low mileage
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309282...
Other suggestions
Not an estate, but the BMW 420i is a decent size and has a hatch at the rear, so has decent practicality
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401085...
Ford Focus 1.5T Ecoboost Estate
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401265...
Mazda 6 2.0 Skyactiv Tourer
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401065...
Kia Ceed 1.4 T-GDi Sportswagon
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202311073...
Honda Civic 1.8 i-VTEC Tourer
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202310042...
I’d looked at loads of similar options in this price bracket with the same requirements.
Ended up with a Karoq which as a family car hits way more points than the Octavia and Leon’s I’d looked at.
1.5 SE seems the sweet spot in the range spec wise. Yes it’s an “SUV” but it does work really well.
Ended up with a Karoq which as a family car hits way more points than the Octavia and Leon’s I’d looked at.
1.5 SE seems the sweet spot in the range spec wise. Yes it’s an “SUV” but it does work really well.
I'd personally look at either an Octavia VRS estate, Seat Leon FR ST or an A4 Avant if you were keen for something from VAG.
One of my mates works for Honda and a few years ago he had the Civic Tourer as his company car for 6 months, he really liked it and was saying how in a few / couple of years time if would make the ideal used family car. I think the looks of them are very colour and alloy wheel dependant.
I'm also old school and like to pay for my car rather than be tied into a lease / PCP, as for me I like the flexibility to be able to change the car when I want rather than when I'm told I have to... just my thoughts...
One of my mates works for Honda and a few years ago he had the Civic Tourer as his company car for 6 months, he really liked it and was saying how in a few / couple of years time if would make the ideal used family car. I think the looks of them are very colour and alloy wheel dependant.
I'm also old school and like to pay for my car rather than be tied into a lease / PCP, as for me I like the flexibility to be able to change the car when I want rather than when I'm told I have to... just my thoughts...
ZX10R NIN said:
Any of the suggestions work for you OP?
It'll be at least 6 months until it's buying time, but there's been suggestions I'd not thought of. I think at the moment the Leon estate still tops the list due to affordability in terms of low mileage recent model with good specs that is fun to drive but also practical. I have stumbled upon the BMW 4 series Gran Coupe though, a possible push the boat out a bit option, but certainly practical with a hefty dose of swag, or whatever means cool now. I'm not someone who needs a German car to feel validated but I've had a thing for Beemers since I was a kid and maybe I need to just get it out of my system.Also keeping that Civic Tourer in mind - like the idea of a reliable Jap that will last me a while.
Octavia - seem such a sensible choice but just so damn common!
Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff