Replacement car for the old man

[Domski86]

Seeking a bit of advice. Dad's 2015 S3 was written off after a pretty major collision that was not his fault. He's getting on a bit, and even he admits it was a bit too much car for a chap his age, not particularly comfortable or practical.

Trying to convince the folks that, being retired and joined at the hip, they don't need two cars so there's an old but low mileage Micra runabout to part ex.

Both still recovering and in no state to drive for a few months. Needs to be petrol, mum won't drive an auto and decent boot for tip runs etc.

Budget about 10-12k plus whatever a 2003 Micra is worth. Obvious choice is an Octavia. They've had them before but not much around locally and prices are a bit high. Fabia estate might be an option too. Anything else I haven't considered?

Edited by Domski86 on Monday 17th April 21:37

[A500leroy]

There old, so something higher up, Sandero stepway, Honda hrv, Kia Soul.

[kiethton]

If they're getting on I'd consider a soft-roader as will be far easier to get in and out of.

Audi Q3 etc

[Vasco]

kiethton said:

If they're getting on I'd consider a soft-roader as will be far easier to get in and out of.

Audi Q3 etc

In a similar situation.
What would be good for a higher soft roader?

[alscar]

I had a SQ2 for a year whilst waiting for a car to be built by the factory during Covid and tbh arguably did everything you ask for.
It might have been a bit boring but easy access and exit ( not that I needed it !) and very comfortable.

[nd0000]

Old? Wants practicality? Honda Jazz!

[silentbrown]

alscar said:

I had a SQ2 for a year whilst waiting for a car to be built by the factory during Covid and tbh arguably did everything you ask for.
It might have been a bit boring but easy access and exit ( not that I needed it !) and very comfortable.

...at only double the OP's budget, too!

How old are OP's folks? I understand the reluctance to have an automatic but it will open up a lot more choice in future - and probably keep them both driving when the physical challenges of a manual become too much.

[alscar]

silentbrown said:

...at only double the OP's budget, too!

How old are OP's folks? I understand the reluctance to have an automatic but it will open up a lot more choice in future - and probably keep them both driving when the physical challenges of a manual become too much.

Very fair point - I should have said there are cheaper models in the Q2 range 🙄

[silentbrown]

alscar said:

Very fair point - I should have said there are cheaper models in the Q2 range ??

Yes. 1.0l cars would be in budget.

How about a Volvo V40?

[ZX10R NIN]

Kia Stonic 3:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302023...

First Edition:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303034...

2:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302224...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304116...

DS4 Crossback:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303315...

T5 V40 Cross Country:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304116...


1.0T Focus Active:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303295...

[biggbn]

Skoda Yeti?

[Domski86]

Thanks for the input so far. They're getting on a bit but not quite Honda Jazz age. 69 and 70, mum's probably fitter than I am!

Kia Stonic not on my radar will take a look. Only thing about soft roaders is they're basically b segment cars but a bit higher so less economy and relatively small boot.

I've got a yeti and they like it but they're silly money second hand for what is quite an old platform and not particular economical. I get between 38-43mpg driving carefully which for a pretty low powered 1.2 isn't great.

Forgot to add, dad insists on nothing french or a ford, bad experience with a 306 and dodgy french electrics years ago and no idea what his issue is with fords...

Edited by Domski86 on Monday 17th April 21:42

[tomble22]

Tiguan or a Q3? Relatively good size boot, decent space inside and a raised height for easier access.

[Jag_NE]

Bit radical but just let them do what they want

[Skyrocket21]

Golf SV with the 1.5 tsi engine. 500L boot

[eleveneleven]

Toyota Avensis 1.8 (saloon or estate) would be a good option. Your dad might not enjoy it coming from an S3 but it's hard to beat as simple runaround.

Practical, easy to drive, comfortable and should be very reliable

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2022103112...

[Domski86]

Tiguan, Q3 and Golf Estate are all too much money.

Knowing dad he will just find something wholly inappropriate but got to have at least tried to suggest something sensible!

Don't know much about any recent Toyotas are they still reliable but dull? Auris worth a look?

Think the general theme will be either c-segment stuff like leons, auris etc or b-segment softroaders for the higher riding position. Any experience of Seat Aronas?

[Martyn76]

My folks are getting on a bit (in their eighties) and they have had a BMW X1 for a few years now with no issues.

[blue_haddock]

Subaru Forrester perhaps?

[Domski86]

No X1s or Foresters nearby (Nottinghamshire) and both a bit too pricey.