Here for traffic. Car recommendations

Pollypocketlint · 2023-09-28T16:06:35+00:00

I'm struggling to find the new car for my family. We need something large enough for 4 adults to travel fairly comfortably. Doesn't need to be huge and we'd like something as economical as possible whilst also being automatic. Hybrids are coming up expensive and we can't do full electric. Anyone have an auto family car they love which does not guzzle fuel? I'm a little reluctant to plump for diesel as these are being squeezed out from what I'm seeing. Budget depends on car but I think I've ruled out the prestige brands.

suburburban · 31/07/2024 15:58

@MereDintofPandiculation

That's very helpful

GasPanic · 31/07/2024 11:14

Hyundai or Kia estate car.

Big enough for 4 people + luggage. Generally reliable. Long guarantee. Not expensive either to run or maintain like German cars.

Does not have silly fuel consumption or expensive parts like tyres that SUVs have.

RedPony1 · 31/07/2024 11:13

89redballoons · 31/07/2024 11:01

We have a 2020 Toyota Corolla hybrid estate, which would be within your budget. We love it - economical because hybrid but no faffing with charging, roomy, has been totally reliable so far (we got it nearly new). We are a family of 2 adults and 2 young kids but there's easily room for 2 adults in the back.

We use these for our Ops managers going all over the country. incredibly reliable and cheap both to buy new and run! Brilliant cars.

I've a hatred of German cars, so i suggest Mazda CX-5?

89redballoons · 31/07/2024 11:01

We have a 2020 Toyota Corolla hybrid estate, which would be within your budget. We love it - economical because hybrid but no faffing with charging, roomy, has been totally reliable so far (we got it nearly new). We are a family of 2 adults and 2 young kids but there's easily room for 2 adults in the back.

MereDintofPandiculation · 31/07/2024 10:48

suburburban · 31/07/2024 10:12

Are you pleased with this car?

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Yes, I am pleased with my Jazz. Easy to drive, adaptable luggage space (handy to be able to lift up the back seats cinema-style when for whatever reason you'd like to keep whatever's in the boot concealed under the parcel shelf. Good visibility, excellent turning circle. Nice things like auto headlight dipping, parking sensors. Only thing I don't like is that the petrol flap doesn't lock if you shut it after you've locked the car. So if you've been heaving lots of stuff in through the side doors, glance at the petrol flap before locking and make sure you haven't bumped it. Trivial compared with all the plus points.

I regularly carry my 6'4 son in the back in comfort, but OP, if she's carrying 2 adults in the back on a daily basis, might like to look at the Civic.

lingmerth · 31/07/2024 10:29

Hybrid Kia Sportage. Plenty of room for 4 adults, very cheap to run and even a second hand one you'll still get some warranty on it as Kia do 7 years.

tennesseewhiskey1 · 31/07/2024 10:12

No budget? Obvs you’ll get the Bentley 4x4. 🥇

I like my Lexus. Hybrid one.

suburburban · 31/07/2024 10:12

MereDintofPandiculation · 31/07/2024 09:48

Honda Civic or even Jazz. A year or so old rather than new. Lots of automatics available. Good reliability. More legroom in the back than most similar sized cars. Don’t know about Civic, but Jazz is now full hybrid which saves masses of money especially in summer.

Are you pleased with this car?

Toasticles · 31/07/2024 10:11

urrrgh46 · 28/09/2023 18:33

skoda - karoq or if you want something more spacious the kodiaq. lovely auto box, good build quality and reliability, doesn't guzzle fuel (we have the 1.5 petrol auto kodiaq). good range of trim levels. Excellent value for money.

Another vote for Skoda kodiaq. I have 7 seat version but you can get a 5 seat. Easy to drive, doesn't feel big. Has hidden umbrellas in the doors! What's not to like, lol.

Muchtoomuchtodo · 31/07/2024 10:05

Depending on how much space you need, I’d look at the Peugeot 2008 and 3008

MereDintofPandiculation · 31/07/2024 09:48

Honda Civic or even Jazz. A year or so old rather than new. Lots of automatics available. Good reliability. More legroom in the back than most similar sized cars. Don’t know about Civic, but Jazz is now full hybrid which saves masses of money especially in summer.

lafillette · 31/07/2024 09:09

I am thinking about a Vauxhall Crossland or Grandland and my other criteria are basically the same as yours so interested if anyone has experience or knowledge of these (the comment about avoiding the 1.2 above is noted).

Original poster

Pollypocketlint · 28/09/2023 23:00

Interesting suggestions so far thank you. Keep em coming please.

OP posts:

2chocolateoranges · 28/09/2023 20:38

We love our Audi q2.

economical, petrol seems to last for quite a while, it’s 1litre but has a wee turbo booster in it so doesn’t feel like a 1litre. Reasonable insurance . Spacious for 4 adults,

LadyEloise1 · 28/09/2023 20:36

I thought I read somewhere that Dacia Dusters don't get a great NCAP safety rating.
I may be mistaken.

NotFastButFurious · 28/09/2023 19:57

Honda HRV - lots of space without being a massive SUV.

MsPolly · 28/09/2023 19:53

Love my Skoda karoq!

ICouldHaveCheckedFirst · 28/09/2023 19:44

Estates are good for 4 adults, due the high roofline.
I suggest a Peugeot 308 SW (Station Wagon, aka estate). DS has a 2018 one (there's a newer, longer, model). It is his first car, which he needs for work (self employed). His is petrol (1.2L) & auto. It also has a spacious boot. A used one should be in your budget. Worth a look.

ghostyslovesheets · 28/09/2023 19:32

Anewest · 28/09/2023 19:19

Sorry but I'd definitely not say a Dacia of any kind. They're budget cars for a reason.
I second Ford Kuga though, also Vauxhall Grandland or Crossland (but AVOID the 1.2L option, go 1.5L or higher). Always diesel too, if you have the option.

I went from a Kuga (I had 3) and am now on my second Duster - yes it’s a bit plastic dash wise etc but it drives well, has great ‘extras’ included ( media touch screen display, Sat nav, front and rear cameras) and does what it says on the tin, I’d not go back to paying £5-£10k more for a Ford

Berninaa · 28/09/2023 19:21

Mazda or Jaguar - approved used. High spec with a warranty.

Anewest · 28/09/2023 19:19

Sorry but I'd definitely not say a Dacia of any kind. They're budget cars for a reason.
I second Ford Kuga though, also Vauxhall Grandland or Crossland (but AVOID the 1.2L option, go 1.5L or higher). Always diesel too, if you have the option.

GreyNomad · 28/09/2023 19:14

Toyota Corolla estate - self charging hybrid. Best car I've ever had.

ScroogeMcDuckling · 28/09/2023 18:58

LadyEloise1 · 28/09/2023 18:45

Shouldn't that be Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson ?

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When someone tells me their latest car is beautiful, I listen to things like running costs etc, but when they say they have spent over £15,000 I’ve glazed over!

LadyEloise1 · 28/09/2023 18:45

ScroogeMcDuckling · 28/09/2023 18:11

hyundai sportage and Kia Tucson’s both do over 50 to the gallon according to friends.

i love our beetle and Saab. Both under two thousand, both automatic, both comfortable, reliable and fun

Shouldn't that be Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson ?

SleepingisanArt · 28/09/2023 18:37

Fightyouforthatpie · 28/09/2023 18:16

My Audi was by far the worst car I have owned.

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I love my Audi! 10 year old A1 which I've had for 7 years.