Going from "premium" brand?

[carrie74]

I need to change my car soon, I've been driving my Audi A4 estate for 8 years, and it's getting to the point where repairs are getting pricier. My DH also drives an Audi (an A5 for reference), and is quite keen for us to replace the A4 with another, but I think I'd like a bit of a change.

We looked at the Audi Q3 at the weekend, but it's going to be too small for us (2 children age 11 & 9, likely to grow into enormous teens, as DH and I are both tall), the Q5 is really more than we'd like to spend (we're thinking of nearly new cars - ex demos probably rather than buying from new).

We also looked at there Kia Sportage, which came with loads of twiddly bits as standard, and pricing is significantly less than Audi, but it felt just a little bit plasticky inside.

I think we'll also look at Volvo (XC60), but I'm slightly nervous about moving away from the premium brands - surely there's a reason they're premium? What have people's experiences been if they've done this, and also, any recommendations for excellent, comfy, high-specced medium sized SUVs?

That sounds TOTALLY outside our price range lol!

I would seriously consider looking at Kia if you don't change that often then purely for the warranty :)
They're also really good cars a lot better than a Volvo or Honda imo.

Op we live very rurally (farm) and have a mitsubishi outlander. Initially i was very ho hum about the brand as it wasnt premium however i love this bloody car its super!!!

Daft to avoid what's a good brand now imo. What 'twiddly bits' do you want? I'd rather drive a Skoda than a Kia. When I was car shopping recently, I test drove a few different cars and thought the Kia felt really plasticy. I also didn't like the way it drove.

I know someone who works for a very premium car manufacturer and their inside scoop is that Hyundai have really upped their game - the new Santa Fe in particular is apparently well worth considering.

I am also looking for a new car and my mind is wavering between Tiguan and Hyundai Tucson (Santa Fe just a bit too big).

Hyundai have definitely placed itself higher up the food chain. When I was looking to replace my car I was really impressed.

My brother has the jag 4x4, changed from BMW X5, loves it.
BIL has a Kia Sportage, really rates it. Had it from new, no issues at all.
Too big for us, regardless.

Thanks Everyone, there's so much competition at this size, it's really mind-boggling. Coupled with busy weekends, and a DH who gets stressed out by too many options, I may just have to try and get along to see some cars alone...

www.skoda.co.uk/models/superb-estate-2015
www.skoda.co.uk/models/new-octavia-estate

You should at least look at them. They're really very nice cars. :)

I drive a Q3 and in your position would look at Skodas I think. Having said that, are you sure the Q3 is too small? My teenagers aren't over 5'8" but their 6'5" friend seems quite happy in the back of mine. More of struggle to get him in the back of DS1's Up though!

DH had a look at the XC60 today and loves it, we'll book a test drive this weekend ...

George the problem comes as 6'4" DH needs his (front) seat pushed a way back to sit comfortably, which then makes whoever is sitting behind him a bit cramped. The Q3 boot was too small for our needs too.

Thanks Questionable, I know what you're saying is sensible, but DH and I just aren't very keen on the Skoda styling (shallow as that is).

My dad's gone from an A3 to a kia Sportage. He's definitely not in love with it - only got it to tow the caravan. Definitely plasticky. Even the floor mats squeak!

Have a look at Toyota. Lower pricetags and not terribly exciting, but sturdily made (hard to kill) and comfortable.

Bloody cheek implying my beloved Mazda 6 is mid market

I love it. It's got heated everything. Bose music system. Shit of a shovel speed. Massive leg room. Love it.

Leg and headroom is a issue for us, too - currently have a 5 year old Avensis Tourer (had a Mazda 6, previously - don't go there!) and looking at Rav 4 for something shorter if this one starts getting expensive while the Rav 4 still exists.

Yep Mazda 6 did have a great stereo and was like shit off a shovel and fun to drive. When it worked. By the time that was 5 years old, the DPF had failed and it spent more time in the garage (fucking Mazda servicing - even if you have a reliable local mechanic you still need to send it to the official dealer for a software reset - gah!) than out. We onl have one car, so can't be arsed with all that.

Will definitely look at Hyundai, when we move on, if they've improved that much. We buy outright at about 18 months old, which bags a lot of low mileage fleet cars and one issue with Hyundai sees to be the fact that there's few larger cars that age up for re-sale.

Oh of course. My tall lad had someone 5'8" in front of him.

My sister not long ago got a great deal on her V40, her car is covered for everything except tyres for 2 years so definitely give that a mention!

I don't see any fault with the Sportage, they start off pretty cheap compared to others you've suggested. Even the top spec options aren't really that pricey for what you get.

There's a fair few options to go through www.carkeys.co.uk/kia/sportage/estate?76542rh Agree the Sportage is more exciting inside than the Qashqai too!

We have been going between a hyundai tucson and a tiguan for months then we seen an ad for the new seat ateca, it's basically a tiguan but slightly bigger and about 5k cheaper its worth a look.