The VW is slowly dying in degrees, and the plan was to take over the parentals low mileage 520d when the old man retires at end of spring.

However, he's not so keen now, and has instead insisted on buying a replacement of my choice, which is all very generous and lovely.

My issue however, is what to go for......

 

I have quite enjoyed the slightly elevated driving position of SWMBO's CRV, but it's petrol and I find the seats a little narrow for daily use.

Diesel versions are quite expensive and have relatively poor mpg/high road tax.

 

4wd is not a requirement 

 

a Qashqai has been suggested, but I'm loathe to do this as I believe my sister has recently taken delivery of one.

 

Yeti's and Tiguans are all 2009 models and 30-50K on the clock......

 

Are there any suggestions for something that would give me a similar driving position, while still, at least on paper, delivering 50mpg+?

 

Might be worth looking at some of the Korean stuff, doesn't hold it's money as well as some.

 

There is a marmite Juke, Renault build quality with the face of a diseased leper but some people love them.

 

You might sneak a 08-10 CRV derv with a bit of haggling. They're not bad on fuel for what they are. Will also hold it's money very well.

 

X3

 

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201501210338046

 

Outlander

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201411289310978

Did take a gander at the Hyundai ix35......ye various gods.......the centre console is truly a hideous mass of nasty plastic.

As it's somewhere I will be spending a good 3-5 hours of every day, traffic depending, I'd like something a little easier on the eyes.

The X3.........tempting, but the VED rate is higher than I'd want to be on. And its ugly.

TBH I'd forget about being high up and get a 320d (not an M-sport).

 

Can't really go too wrong there.

Edited 20 February, 201511 yr by Aspman

TBH I'd forget about being high up and get a 320d (not an M-sport).

 

Can't really go too wrong there.

.old man ran one of those two and in all fairness, while nice, it was a bit too snug and low down for me.  I'm not geting any smaller/younger.

530d GT

I love these!!! Like a 5 series but a bit higher

For 10K!?     

 

If I was spending up to 5 hours a day in anything, let alone a car I'd want it to be as new and reliable as possible.

 

If you want to look out over other road users but won't have a Qashqai and don't like the iX35 then try the KIA Sportage? 

For 10K!?

If I was spending up to 5 hours a day in anything, let alone a car I'd want it to be as new and reliable as possible.

If you want to look out over other road users but won't have a Qashqai and don't like the iX35 then try the KIA Sportage?

Maybe the old man will add some more dosh to it! You never know. You can pick them up around 15k i think

I know what you mean about the elevated driving position.  Much easier getting in and out, and a better view of the road.

 

How about a Touran? Odd styling maybe, but a nice place to be all day and nothing scary about the engines etc. Squeeze the dealer (or the budget) and ...

 

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201502060744226/

Mazda CX5?

 

edit - out of budget

 

Subaru Outback diesel?

 

Can be had in budget.

Edited 21 February, 201511 yr by Aspman

Or if you're really quick then this one is a steal.

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1111-Volkswagen-Touran-20TDI-140ps-SE-FVWSH-x-3-Sat-Nav-/181672978169

 

Of course, there's every possibility that this is a scam, or that the dealer is going to tell you there's an error in the listing and it's twice the money, but worth a punt for the price of a phone call.

 

Edit: It's come back on again.

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/11-11-Volkswagen-Touran-2-0TDI-140ps-SE-FVWSH-x-3-Sat-Nav-/181673840702

Ford C-Max, Peugeot 3008 ? or similar

 

both should offer an elevated driving position over a normal car

Update....ended up, weirdly, driving a Golf 1.6 TDI DSG.

DSG........how great a drive is that, with really good mpg, comparable to to what I'm getting now.

 

Might stuff the elevated driving position in favour of an easier drive......subject to the all important budgetary considerations.....Squeezing the local VW and Nissan dealers till they squeak.........

The 1.6 tdi does have some issues appearing. Like the ever popular EGR system cooler which regularly needs replacement and it's a full days work costing up to £1000. The 2.0ltr is a much better bet.

The 1.6 tdi does have some issues appearing. Like the ever popular EGR system cooler which regularly needs replacement and it's a full days work costing up to £1000. The 2.0ltr is a much better bet.

Can you give me a link for this so i can read up, please?

Edited 23 February, 201511 yr by Gwilo

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/341429-egr-exhaust-gas-recirculation-unit-nightmare/

From that link, and a range of mixed internet sources, appears to suggest average mileages/run arounds get this most?  Taking a punt that my driving style/journey might balance it out and mean it's a long way off, or at least goes while in warranty so the argument with VW will at least be a partial win.

 

I suppose I'm asking for trouble in the long run, but as I don't have much luck with every car i buy, it can't be any worse than everything else i've had in the last four years...... :p  

Touch wood (as i've signed the paperwork ten minutes ago).......    

Edited 23 February, 201511 yr by Gwilo