Here for traffic. Car recommendations

[Pollypocketlint]

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.

It would be worthwhile to give a budget

Presumably you have a maximum?

New, or new to you?

For newish cars ex display could be a good compromise, significant saving on brand new but very low mileage and fully serviced

Sorry. New to me. I'd say my upper budget is 20k but I'd really like to be spending around or under 15k

A Ford kuga plug in hybrid?

Nissan Quashqai. I want one for my next car. You could definitely pick up one a couple of years old within your lower budget.

If you’re not looking for anything ‘fancy’ what about a Dacia Duster?

Yup - I love mine - lots of bells and whistles, drives well, cheap and cheerful

Fits 4 of us comfortably

@ghostyslovesheets I was planning on getting one as my next car in a few years. But unfortunately ‘few years’ suddenly turned to ‘next week’ and it wasn’t in stock second hand near me. I’ve got a similar build Hyundai, love the style but not the diesel engine I won’t lie. Next time I’m holding out for the Duster, unless I win the lottery and I can afford a massive fuck off Audi 🤣

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

I am currently in the process of buying a Toyota Corolla. It’s working out cheaper than other similar cars that I like eg Skoda Octavia and VW Passat. It’s a petrol hybrid.

I was told to avoid this make of car in automatic. RAC said they have a lot of problems

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

Ooo fair enough! BMW then? Merc? If I win the lotto I’ll try them all 😂

My 20 year old Mercedes E class estate is roomy and does 50 mpg easily on a motorway run. Cost me £1800 last February. It's a smelly diesel though.

OP - Diesels are not being phased out - Euro6 diesels are actually better for the environment as they have low emissions AND use less fuel - hence are also better from a Co2 persepective.

Jaguar XF? I drive a 2014 XF, just me and DD(3) but it's so spacious, even with her rear facing car seat, passenger still has plenty of legroom. Massive boot. Auto. Diesel. Loads of trim level options, mines the R-Sport and is loooovely to drive. Although I often get stereotyped as an old boy - I'm 28(f)

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.

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

Shouldn't that be Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson ?

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!

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

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.

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

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

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.

Love my Skoda karoq!