Ideal 2nd hand family car any suggestions!

[Clair47]

Someone smashed my into car and left no details (how lovely).

However the cost to get it repaired has made me think about getting another car.

I have looked at Seat Altea's (my FAV so far) & Leon, Peugeot 306, Audi A3 or A2 & Renault scenic.

I'm thinking smaller car as mine is an estate, but not sure if we'll miss the boot.

Does anyone have the above mentioned cars? As i like to know how reliable, economical & comfortable they are.

My car is a ford focus estate and has not caused me any problems at all. But I fancy driving something different.

I do have a family, do like to go camping occasionally, we don't want to feel too cramped in the car on long journeys.

Any response re above cars would be helpful!

Thanks

[healey]

Seats are supposed to be well made due to the fact that they are owned by VW. I hear positive things about those. Audi are also owned by VW and are quality bits of kit but I hear they can be expensive to maintain.

Talking of VW, what about a Golf?

[Salsaboy]

I've got a Citroen C3 Picasso. Great for the family and a decent sized boot too. Had it 5 years and just about to get rid of it.

[Clair47]

I didn't realise they were both owned by VW, interesting. Helps to narrow down the make of cars.

I do like the shape of a golf as well so will add to list above.

Thanks

[Clair47]

Trying not to stray off path of my short listed cars as its taken a couple weeks to get it down to those cars as it is.

Just after feedback to help narrow it down.

However golf was on there as I thought similar size to the Peugeot, just forgot to add it on my list at time of typing.

It's hard trying to keep all the family happy with a car that everybody likes. Especially when my 7yr old just wants to repair our old T reg focus. Or get a blue car that he likes. haha

Thanks for response though!

[Annette Curtain]

Don't but a Renault

I'll come piggy back your whole family, rather than see a Renault in your possession

Go Golf if you can, they come in Blue btw

[Clair47]

Thank you for the offer of a piggy back. You made me chuckle!

I've got your message STAY CLEAR OF RENAULT!!! Loud and clear.

Thanks

[Jeremy]

Skoda, Seat, Honda, Toyota - good

Renault, Peugeot, Citroen, Fiat - bad

Audi, VW - good but you pay a premium for the badge

[KidKruger]

Volvo v40 is a good smal estate.

If you need more stowage you can fit a roof box.

[Huggers]

I've had VW's my last three cars- all bought second (or 4th) hand with at least 60,000 miles on clock, two Passat estates and the latest a Polo Estate which I got on ebay nearly ten years ago, intending to just keep it a couple of years. They go on and on and on, and if you service them at a non-VW garage they are economical. Strangely my Passat's were much better on petrol than my Polo. My Polo is as scruffy as they come and I keep looking to upgrade but it is 18 years old, 110,000 on the (petrol) clock and has only ever let me down once, and that was when the radiator thermometer got stuck and told it it was overheating.

[DaveR]

I have had two Renault Scenics (and was concerned about Renault reliability before I got the first one) but have had no problems. Comfortable, easy to drive, lots of space, fuel economy OK. I got the first one 3 years old and drove it for eight years, then traded in for another one.

[Annette Curtain]

Just remember, DaveR is predominantly a cyclist

[NZmum]

sorry to gatecrash this thread. We too are looking for a really reliable car, sick of paying out for mechanical costs for our crapy BMW. Does anyone know a honest place to buy a second hand car?? thanks

[DaveR]

Just remember, Annette is a tw@t

[healey]

Skoda also worth a mention. Yet another VW company - no longer the joke cars of the 80s. Well made, reliable and not too expensive.

[number 2]

We have a golf plus which is a really nice size in the back and really comfortable. The boot doesn't seem as big as it claims and might seem small after an estate. Really nice car to drive though. Feels nice and safe.

[Clair47]

Thanks for all feedback, definitely helping. I never knew VW owned so many makes of cars.

[Mustard]

Cheap cars - Nissan Almera Tino, they stopped production in 2005.

or

Nissan Primera Estate.

would never buy a new car.

[Salsaboy]

Had a Renault Scenic for 10 years with never a problem.

VW = expensive as are BMW & Audi.

Small Japanese or Korean good value, usually with lots of toys.

@Mustard - nothing wrong with new cars if you plan to keep them for a few years.

[KidKruger]

My mate had a Renault Scenic for 12 yes or so, got him through 3 kids, festivals, trips to Europe and it never failed him.

He just got it serviced every year as suggested in the guide book.