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Original poster

Which car should I buy?

36 replies

lyrabelacqua · 01/06/2007 18:14

After much nagging DP has finally agreed that we can trade in our Nissan Primera grandad saloon car for something more family friendly.
I'm torn between a Chrysler PT Cruiser because it's a bit different (but maybe too different) and a VW Touran, which is much pricier so would be difficult to scrape the money together for but would probably be worth the stretch.
Does anyone have one of these cars and what do you think of them?
Any other suggestions for great family cars? There's only 4 of us so we don't need anything too huge.
Thanks

OP posts:
teafortwoandtwofortea · 01/06/2007 18:20

go to the reviews section on www.parkers.co.uk, pay particular attention to the technical details bit where it will tell you how many miles a car will do to the gallon.

There's a website called honest john too (I'm sure it'll come up if you google it).

Original poster
lyrabelacqua · 01/06/2007 18:56

Thanks twofortea.
I'd really like some personal recommendations too though.

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MuffinMclay · 01/06/2007 19:30

My neighbour has the Chrsyler PT Cruiser and says it is the worst car he has ever owned (we were chatting about it only yesterday). Fun to drive, apparently, but forever going wrong. He has had lots of problems with the electrics, and the car spends more time at the Chrysler garage than with him. In all honesty, in the six months he has lived next door, he has had courtesy cars more often than his own car.

Original poster
lyrabelacqua · 01/06/2007 19:51

Oh, that doesn't sound too good. A colleague told me the same thing about his neighbour's Cruiser but i thought he was exaggerating. Might steer clear of them then.
Anyone else?

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BibiThree · 01/06/2007 19:55

Friends of ours got the Chrysler about 4 years ago and lots of the electrics went wrong, but they loved the car itself. V v thirsty though.

Personally I'd go with the VDub, but I'm v sensible like that.

jo25 · 01/06/2007 19:58

We have a cruiser and have had it for 2 years now, It is a dream, only ever goes to garage for services/mots etc, i can not recall a time when it has gone in otherwise. Having said that the two down sides are its expensive to run and maintain and it has to go to chrysler garage. It is good for transporting ds about and has loads of room for all the other junk you just have to carry around!! Ours is the limited edition and i think that makes a difference only to asethics and engine size but they only come in 2l or 2.2 now. Ours is 2.2. On the whole would def have another one no question. hope this helps.

Original poster
lyrabelacqua · 01/06/2007 19:59

I like the VW but DP is panicking about the price

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Original poster
lyrabelacqua · 01/06/2007 20:27

Thanks Jo25, that's a bit more positive.
Anyone own a Touran?

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Original poster
lyrabelacqua · 01/06/2007 21:13

bump

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Original poster
lyrabelacqua · 02/06/2007 09:59

Bumpity bump.

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sixlostmonkeys · 02/06/2007 11:18

i don't know anything about the cars mentioned - sorry - but just thought i'd mention that i have a peugeot estate and I would recommend it to any family. I's comfy, roomy, hasn't gone wrong at all so far. It looks nice and the room at the back is great for bikes, pushchiars, dogs, kitchen sink....

QueenofBleach · 02/06/2007 11:58

Ford Focus estate, diesl and the exactly the same description as sixlostmonkeys

nearlythere · 02/06/2007 12:18

buy the cruiser

I have a pink one!!!

Seriously, they are beautiful cars, fun to drive, scary looking to those who may need some persuasion to give way (eg BMW's!) and the load capacity is amazing- all in all very good and no problems with mine!

Get the CRD if poss, i have the 2.2 crd turbo, its not as greedy as the petrol engine!!

Original poster
lyrabelacqua · 02/06/2007 12:28

Is the CRD diesel then? I have always liked them and they are cheaper than the Touran (so might be easier to persuade DP to buy one).
Thanks all of you for your recommendations.

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nearlythere · 02/06/2007 13:08

yep crd engine is diesel, very low maitenance- they are quite difficult to get hold of though on the secondhand market (not sure if you are going new or used!) because its the engine everyone wants because of the economy!

Original poster
lyrabelacqua · 02/06/2007 13:14

I imagine pink ones are even harder to come by!

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nearlythere · 02/06/2007 13:20

custom colour! worth every penny just to see peoples jaws drop!

other advantage- dh won't be seen dead in it!

Get off mn and go buy a cruiser! you won't regret it!

Original poster
lyrabelacqua · 02/06/2007 13:22

Nearlythere, I'm nearly convinced. Got to run it by DP though.

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nearlythere · 02/06/2007 13:29

stuff him- join the cruiser club!!

Oh thats the other thing, some PT Cruiser owners are a sandwich short of a picnic, as you drive around if a cruiser passes you it may well flash its lights and the driver will grin like a maniac and wave (almost in a 'he he, you're in on the secret too' kind of way) but don't fear some of us are normal and you don't have to wave back!!!

Original poster
lyrabelacqua · 02/06/2007 14:13

One more question nearlythere, does the Cruiser take a roof rack? DP wants to be able to strap his kayak to the roof and take it down the river.

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nearlythere · 02/06/2007 14:19

you can deffo get one, not something i've evr looked into though!

I'm more into buying the chrome styling bits! sad for a woman my age but nevermind!

PrincessPeaHead · 02/06/2007 14:21

have recently got a Touran - drives well, clever seats, does what it says on the box, reliable, lots of space inside although same length as a golf (ie tardis like)

don't partic like the cruisers, so I don't know much about them.

PrincessPeaHead · 02/06/2007 14:22

oh and tell your dh the touran will hold its value v well whereas the cruiser drops like a stone, so actually the touran is the cheaper buy in the long run

before you factor in petrol consumption, when it becomes even cheaper!

escape · 02/06/2007 14:25

Citroen Xsara Picasso?
Loadsa room for the size.
love mine

nearlythere · 02/06/2007 14:26

PPH- Cruisers hold value very well- if you get the CRD they are worth far more than an average people carrier on the second hand market!

They are an aquired taste- those of us who like them have impecable taste!

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