What car...? Commuter / cruiser

[ribbit]

I currently drive a Volvo estate which now has six figure mileage. I'm looking for suggestions as a replacement. I've read previous similar threads, but I'm different!

My requirements are:
Automatic
Comfortable seats
Good sound system
Reasonably brisk acceleration
Estate or hatch adequately large to accommodate a road bike without having to fully dismantle it

Things I dislike:
Leather seats
Tech
High routine maintenance costs

I have a 90 minute commute five days a week, so 18+ hours a week in the driver's seat. The car will also be used for occasional longer motorway trips.

Budget is £20k. Not interested in finance or leasing. No brand loyalty. Plan is to keep this next car for at least three or four years.

I've looked at 2019-2021 Volvo estates, but am deterred by all the tech, although that probably will apply to most new cars. Am I unduly concerned about the complexity of modern cars?

[CG2020UK]

Honestly I wouldn’t worry about the tech at all.

Once you get use to it, it’s honestly just better and makes for a nicer driving experience.

Volvo also play it pretty safe with their tech and it’s simple to use so shouldn’t be too much of a shock if you are unsure.

In many cases to me personally now having switched to a Tesla I’d never want something with less tech now.

[Honourable Dead Snark]

Depends on the tech really as some are intrusive, particularly when you have to turn it off things like lane assist every single time you start the car.

The good thing about your requirements is that you’d be as well opting for one of the lower specs of whatever car you end up getting as they will likely have less tech and fabric seats

[ribbit]

Thank you for your reassurance regarding the tech. I suppose it's something I need to accept, unless I buy a much older car. In which case I might as well keep my current motor on the road and save ££££s.

One other thing - I'm focused on petrol to replace a diesel (D3). Thinking this will be quieter, smoother, marginally cheaper servicing. Is there any sense looking at another diesel in 2024?

[7 5 7]

Your current Volvo has six figure mileage, that's just getting warmed up that...

[ribbit]

I'm already conflicted about upgrading to something more modern. I could easily keep the car and save money, but where would the fun be in that?

[PoorCarCollector]

ribbit said:

I'm already conflicted about upgrading to something more modern. I could easily keep the car and save money, but where would the fun be in that?

Keep your current car and spend the money saved on something else you enjoy that's fun?

[ribbit]

I already have a 'fun' car for the couple of sunny days a year. Head says you're right though. The logical answer is to keep my current car on the road for another few years. It already owes me nothing. Case closed.

[CG2020UK]

ribbit said:

Thank you for your reassurance regarding the tech. I suppose it's something I need to accept, unless I buy a much older car. In which case I might as well keep my current motor on the road and save ££££s.

One other thing - I'm focused on petrol to replace a diesel (D3). Thinking this will be quieter, smoother, marginally cheaper servicing. Is there any sense looking at another diesel in 2024?

Honestly I wouldn’t entertain a diesel now unless I was getting a smashing deal.

Petrol is just superior and you also have EV and Hybrid as better options.

[SlowV6]

ribbit said:

I already have a 'fun' car for the couple of sunny days a year. Head says you're right though. The logical answer is to keep my current car on the road for another few years. It already owes me nothing. Case closed.

I agree with this. It does sound like you have the right var for the job already. Revisit only when it goes bang.

[ribbit]

SlowV6 said:

"...Revisit only when it goes bang.

"

That was exactly what I thought this morning after sleeping on it. Thanks.