Car recommendation

[Pat from Poole]

I'm after a bit of advice, speaking as somebody who has next to no interest in cars.

 

Following a rather large piece of fortune, I have become eligible for a company car at work. I have been sent a rather long list of cars for which I qualify, some of which I may have to have a monthly deduction from my salary for as they are above my grade entitlement.

 

The list mainly includes Fords, Vauxhalls, Renaults, and the odd BMW and Mercedes.

 

I am keen to have something that satisfies the following:-

 

- not a huge car, partly as I am a crap parker but also as I don't want it to be so wide that it won't fit down the drive (a Galaxy would probably be too wide)

- not too hefty on company car tax (ie low CO2 emissions and not too heavy on the list price; I'll be paying fuel benefit tax as well as car benefit)

- a decent family car, got the wife plus 2 kids to fit in, plus we're currently fostering a third at present.

- like to be able to sit quite high up to get some perspective of where the hell I am I drove a Mondeo last week and that was far too low.

 

Am currently veering towards a Ford Focus Titanium, I quite like the look of their Sony DAB radio, but I really have no idea what would be best, and I really don't want to be test-driving about 80 vehicles.

 

Anybod got any recommendations? Cheers.

[swannymere]

Word of advice.. Don't go for a car based on the look of the DAB radio.

 

This, you'll find the DAB experience is a little hit and miss, especially on the motorway and in the countryside. Focus is just behind a Golf in terms of quality these days, have you thought about the Focus Econetic? Very cheap tax and fuel costs, they even do an estate. Personally with 3 kids i'd go for a Mondeo Econetic.

[Colinjb]

Something practical, fuel efficient and not too big.

 

Volvo V50 1.6D DRIVe.

 

A colleague has one, it's compact, extremely practical and gives him about 60 mpg. If you want to be a little higher up, a Golf Plus Bluemotion or Focus C-Max Econetic?

Edited 18 November, 2011 by Colinjb

[Dog]

Get the most expensive car they offer you and pay for private fuel it's cheaper and you can fiddle it if you're not too thick. Don't touch Ford's or Vauxhalls as they are rubbish, go for a German or Japanese car with the biggest engine and learn to park it.

[buctootim]

From that list of manufacturers a Renault Kangoo or Vauxhall Zafira would probably suit you, in both you sit quite high off the road. They are relatively cheap, so you are much more likely to get a well specced one instead of a very basic bmw. Both of those are very good cars if you care more about getting a the best vehicle for you, your missus and three kids than trying to impress a mate. Ford Focus is good too.

 

http://www.renault.co.uk/cars/model/new-kangoo/product.aspx

http://www.vauxhall.co.uk/vehicles/vauxhall-range/cars/zafira/index.html

Edited 18 November, 2011 by buctootim

[Pat from Poole]

Thanks for all your advice, chaps. Much appreciated.

[Saint137]

Focus C-Max or Golf Plus if they're on the list, both very good cars. Focus comes with a fancy low-emissions engine which will help with tax. This particular class of car benefits from fitting on the drive (normal family car size) whilst being more spacious inside - great for the family without going the whole hog and getting a mini-MPV (Zafira, Picasso, etc.)

[Colinjb]

Focus C-Max or Golf Plus if they're on the list, both very good cars. Focus comes with a fancy low-emissions engine which will help with tax. This particular class of car benefits from fitting on the drive (normal family car size) whilst being more spacious inside - great for the family without going the whole hog and getting a mini-MPV (Zafira, Picasso, etc.)

 

Not sure if they still make it, but the SEAT Altea may also be worth a look.

[pedg]

Not sure if they still make it, but the SEAT Altea may also be worth a look.

 

Have an Altea and its generally fine. Definitely a high driving position (and at 6'2" glad to say decent headroom) and can get 3 in the back (though not really for long journeys). You get the advantage of VW quality engineering but not a VW prices and their ecomotion Altea costs something like 20 quid a year in tax. Main drawbacks are that its not small (its not overly large, though you can get an XL longer version) and the the front pillars are quite wide so you have to be that bit extra careful. If we had to change car again soon (hopefully we don't) we would definitely consider another one. Best to sit in one and see how much you dislike the pillar problem.

[Channon's Sideburns]

Skoda Octavia's are good value - Passatt without the price tag...had mine for 6 years - never missed a beat.