[EndlessWaves]

Originally Posted by mattrixdesign2

Some models for me to think about, I won't touch Renault myself, I just know too many people who have had too many problems with them, in all fairness that is from older models with in the past 10 years or so, but its put me off.

The Scenic does generally get praised for it's reliability, although how much of that is just the critics believing their favourite version of the wildly inconsistent reliability surveys out there I'm not sure.

The Espace admittedly gets worse reviews for reliability so you would have to factor in repair bills similar to a merc or other temperamental prestige car if you're ever tempted.

I should add that if you're interested in the Skoda Superb it should be the 2008-Present model, the previous one is just a rebadged Passat LWB.

[FZR400RRSP]

Originally Posted by mattrixdesign2

Some models for me to think about, I won't touch Renault myself, I just know too many people who have had too many problems with them, in all fairness that is from older models with in the past 10 years or so, but its put me off.

I think I am going to try a Hyundai ix35, may give the Yeti a test drive to... Ford have not called me back to say they have an S-Max in which I think is a bit weird, and is beginning to put me off, shame as I have had good experience with the garage previous and bought new from them 5 years ago

We're delighted with our ix35. :-)
We decided on it over the Kia sportage because it's significantly cheaper and better equipped.
Heated seats in the back as well, for goodness sake :-)
Same running gear/platform underneath, so it seemed daft to spend extra on the Kia just because it looks a bit better (which is subjective anyway)
We got our delivery mileage ix35 for £2k under list, although I did have to fly to Luton and drive 500 miles home. :-(
I'm now in the process of tarting it up a little, I've sourced a mint full leather interior and I've got LED DRLs ordered too.

[mattrixdesign2]

Originally Posted by FZR400RRSP

We're delighted with our ix35. :-)
We decided on it over the Kia sportage because it's significantly cheaper and better equipped.
Heated seats in the back as well, for goodness sake :-)
Same running gear/platform underneath, so it seemed daft to spend extra on the Kia just because it looks a bit better (which is subjective anyway)
We got our delivery mileage ix35 for £2k under list, although I did have to fly to Luton and drive 500 miles home. :-(
I'm now in the process of tarting it up a little, I've sourced a mint full leather interior and I've got LED DRLs ordered too.

Yes it does seem better equipped for the price, can not say I have ever wished for rear heated seats

[FZR400RRSP]

Originally Posted by mattrixdesign2

Yes it does seem better equipped for the price, can not say I have ever wished for rear heated seats

If you're comparing base models, the ix35 'style' has heated front seats and rear parking sensors, neither of which come with the '1' spec Kia.
The '1' spec Kia also only comes with 16" alloys, which look a little lost against the big body.

Once you jump up to 'premium' (ix35) or '2' (Kia) the spec evens out a bit, but with a corresponding big jump in price for either of them.

[mattrixdesign2]

I think I have narrowed my options down to:

Kia Sportage 2WD/1.7D/2 or 3
Hyundai ix35 2WD/2.0CRDI/Premuim
Skoda Yeti 2WD/1.8TSI/SE+

The Skoda seems the most practical (seating etc), also some "VAT Free" Offers from new and free 3 years servicing. Good deal???

Hyundai has all the kit, but a bit cheap looking on some trim, I like the sun roof etc, several pre-reg local to me.

Kia is the best looker (IMO) but more expensive that the Hyundai if I compare the kit. The chap had gone over some finance and PCP, and its a bit out of my range, he did indicate some room for negotiation.

Looking at all of these I am struggling to see decent deals for 2nd hand, they almost seem as expensive as new... its quite confusing, then I need to consider their own finance, or get a loan, off to check some rates.

I must be getting old... looking as Skoda/Hyundai/Kia, and trying all cars out in the back seat first (for the kids) then checking the boot space LOL. Mrs aint convinced on the Skoda name, and not sure my 8yo will appreciate it at school.

Any opinions on the above? Any thing else?

Mitsubishi ASX was OK, but VERY dark inside and no cubby holes for kids stuff, really liked the Mazda CX5 (sp?) brand spanking new with a price to match, discounted Kuga, wont touch Vauxhal, Renault, looked at the Pug 3008, actually ok but read bad things about servicing/customer service etc.

The chaps in Skoda and Kia both impressed me, not pushy at all, and willing to assist.

EDIT: Other positive on Yeti, the 1.8TSI is 0-62 in 8.4sec, but just realised this is 4x4 only - 7 month waiting list on 4x4 *

[FZR400RRSP]

Unless you need 4x4 I wouldn't bother with the 2.0crdi ix35, the 1.7crdi is enough.
You're right about used prices, I also found used ix35/sportage going for close to new money.
Bodes well for resale.
Can't comment on the Yeti, my wife discounted that on looks, wouldn't even entertain going to the dealer (she thought it looked like a car for old people whereas the ix35 and Kia are 'trendy')

If money not an issue the Sportage is the one to get.
Great looking (ex Audi designer), great resale, and the most satisfying car to own in the UK, according to a recent survey.
Owners love them.:-)

Alas, I couldn't get a new Sportage for the £15500 it cost me for our new ix35, best offer I got for the Kia was £15995.
Not much more, but our budget was really £15k and we had to draw the line somewhere.

[mattrixdesign2]

Originally Posted by FZR400RRSP

Alas, I couldn't get a new Sportage for the £15500 it cost me for our new ix35, best offer I got for the Kia was £15995.
Not much more, but our budget was really £15k and we had to draw the line somewhere.

And you paid this for a "Style", not "Premium"?

I like the glass roof/sun roof on the Premium. Not sure if my budget will stretch, its closer to your 15k.

And that#s where the Skoda seems a good deal with the "no VAT" + 3yrs servicing offer.

My Mrs confirmed today she likes the Kia after seeing one out on the road.

Really need to go back and look at some 2nd hand CRVs as the local Honda garage is full of them and I think a new model is out.

Loosing interest to be honest... push bikes are far more simple

[EndlessWaves]

Personally I'd have said the Yeti was the cool one, it looks like a real 4x4 while the other two are clearly Chelsea tractors. Skoda in general are pretty cool now, vRS models are definitely up there with Renaultsport and Type R for recognition.

Just to throw in another option, if you're happy with the smaller size of the Yeti then have you looked at the Nissan Juke? Even if it's a Nissan nobody's going to call that an old person's car.

[montybaber]

Looked at Jukes and they are small inside, im only 6'2" and it felt tight

[FZR400RRSP]

Originally Posted by mattrixdesign2

And you paid this for a "Style", not "Premium"?

I like the glass roof/sun roof on the Premium. Not sure if my budget will stretch, its closer to your 15k.

And that#s where the Skoda seems a good deal with the "no VAT" + 3yrs servicing offer.
:

Yes, we went for the style, neither of us like sunroofs, although the rest of the equipment in the premium would have been nice (climate/keyless entry etc)
Still plenty of kit in the style though.
Plenty of premiums were available used for £15k, but white ones were rare and white was a 'must'.:-)
Bear in mind with the ix35 you can buy a service plan from the dealer.
Can't give you figures, I've yet to look into it.

We also discounted the Juke as way too small, it is based on the Micra after all.

[FZR400RRSP]

Originally Posted by EndlessWaves

Personally I'd have said the Yeti was the cool one, it looks like a real 4x4 while the other two are clearly Chelsea tractors.

As far as I'm concerned, the definition of a Chelsea tractor is a car that could go offroad, but never does.
There's no way in hell a Yeti/ix35/sportage could seriously offroad, so none are Chelsea tractors.

[mattrixdesign2]

Originally Posted by EndlessWaves

Personally I'd have said the Yeti was the cool one, it looks like a real 4x4 while the other two are clearly Chelsea tractors. Skoda in general are pretty cool now, vRS models are definitely up there with Renaultsport and Type R for recognition.

Just to throw in another option, if you're happy with the smaller size of the Yeti then have you looked at the Nissan Juke? Even if it's a Nissan nobody's going to call that an old person's car.

I wouldn't say the Yeti is Cool, but it certainly different, and with the right engine, its actually FAST!

My reservations on the Kia/Hyundai is they may be a touch under powered (in petrol).

Just called Honday re CRVs 2nd hand, the chap is going to come up with some prices New (new model to replace current so could bag a deal) and Used.

I think that is the 4 cars to look at Sunday.

[mattrixdesign2]

Originally Posted by FZR400RRSP

Yes, we went for the style, neither of us like sunroofs, although the rest of the equipment in the premium would have been nice (climate/keyless entry etc)
Still plenty of kit in the style though.
Plenty of premiums were available used for £15k, but white ones were rare and white was a 'must'.:-)
Bear in mind with the ix35 you can buy a service plan from the dealer.
Can't give you figures, I've yet to look into it.

We also discounted the Juke as way too small, it is based on the Micra after all.

I thought the sun roofs went in the 90s, but since seeing some of these glass roofs, and then seeing some open I like it

Agree Juke looks small, better looking than its bigger brother though.

[FZR400RRSP]

Originally Posted by mattrixdesign2

My reservations on the Kia/Hyundai is they may be a touch under powered (in petrol).

Much against my usual preference, we went for a petrol ix35.
What Car and others recommended it as their preference, as the diesel models are £2k more.
Performance is fine, it is 133bhp after all. :-)
It took me 500 miles from Milton Keynes to Aberdeen in 7 hours, and it did around 38mpg at 80+mph.
The way we look at it, we have a new petrol for the price of a used diesel.
Or, when compared with a new diesel model, £2k saved buys a lot of petrol.
And it's a lively, smooth, free revving unit.
Smoother than the 1.6 Vtec engine we had in our Honda HRV.

[EndlessWaves]

Originally Posted by FZR400RRSP

We also discounted the Juke as way too small, it is based on the Micra after all.

It's a fair bit bigger than a Micra, there's only 10cm difference in size compared to a Yeti. I guess the styling may mean there's less internal space though.

Originally Posted by FZR400RRSP

There's no way in hell a Yeti/ix35/sportage could seriously offroad, so none are Chelsea tractors.

The Yeti looks like it'd be bought by someone who'd try though

Originally Posted by FZR400RRSP

Performance is fine, it is 133bhp after all. :-)

Yeah, when I saw you'd specified them with small engines I checked the specs. It's remarkable how light weight they are so I can well believe they'll work with similar engines to more conventional cars.

I'm surprised the 1.6 petrol engine works well though, you don't find the 165nm of torque a little weedy? That's less than even the entry level 1.2 on the yeti.

[NewBeetle]

Originally Posted by EndlessWaves

It's a fair bit bigger than a Micra, there's only 10cm difference in size compared to a Yeti. I guess the styling may mean there's less internal space though.

The Juke is in no way anywhere near the size 'inside' of the Yeti. My sister has a Juke, great fun little car, but really small in the rear and boot.

[FZR400RRSP]

Originally Posted by EndlessWaves

I'm surprised the 1.6 petrol engine works well though, you don't find the 165nm of torque a little weedy? That's less than even the entry level 1.2 on the yeti.

For a start, the Yeti 1.2 is turbo'd, so you're not comparing like for like.
And although the NA Hyundai has less torque than the turbo'd Skoda 1.2, it has 30bhp more.
So you just rev it harder to access that greater power.
Just a different driving style, you soon adapt.
Couple of times on the long drive home, had to change down to overtake, no big deal.
That'll be the only long journey it makes, my 320ed is used for long stuff.

Edit, the 0-60mph times of each car are as good an indication as any.
Hyundai 1.6 11.1 seconds
Skoda 1.2 11.8 seconds

Claimed combined mpg is similar too
Hyundai 42mpg
Skoda 44mpg

[mattrixdesign2]

The Skoda 1.8tsi is fast! A practical 4x4, with a bit of fun thrown in?

[FZR400RRSP]

Originally Posted by mattrixdesign2

The Skoda 1.8tsi is fast! A practical 4x4, with a bit of fun thrown in?

I really don't get why anyone would want a fast version of a car like this.
It's like when Vauxhall did a turbo petrol gsi Zafira.
Baffles me.

[mattrixdesign2]

I think it adds a bit of fun to an other wise regular car.

[mattrixdesign2]

Spooky advert at the bottom of this thread... SsangYong something or other... Big Brother is watching me!

EDIT - followed the link, its a Korando!

[DVD-Man]

Have you seen the tv ad for the Korando? It's cheaper than the rest of the competition but so ugly if it were a new born child the doctor would have slapped its mother in the face!

"More pulling power?". Yep only in caravan towing!

[mattrixdesign2]

It is ugly, and I am not even thinking about it.

[mattrixdesign2]

Struggling on the Hyundai... Would have bought if the price was right. Looking at pre-reging one, premium,18k, but offering 4.1k for px. Not sure I can finance it. No standards pre-reg or pt ex. Managed to get a look in an smax and the space if perfect, but local ford garage has none... The one they showed me was sold and WELL used. Kia are more expensive and I am waiting to see how they respond to my sisters current kia problem. Mrs says no to yeti.

Any one comment on a skoda octavia vrs or a similar estate with some hot performance? Any other people carriers, mazda, seat worth a look?

[FZR400RRSP]

£18k for a premium ix35 is dear, £17k and under was easily achievable when I was looking, even if that was regrettably above our budget.
I don't mind travelling for a deal, the local dealer wanted full RRP.
Typical Aberdeen oil money attitude.
FYI Milton Keynes hyundai did us the best deal by £400.

[mattrixdesign2]

Really? I may have to put some effort in then. How do u go about these things then? I know they offered 4.1k for mine... So do I call around? Search www. Any tips

[mattrixdesign2]

I know a good rate for a personal loan so I dont need their finance.

[FZR400RRSP]

Originally Posted by mattrixdesign2

Really? I may have to put some effort in then. How do u go about these things then? I know they offered 4.1k for mine... So do I call around? Search www. Any tips

I'd been searching an autotrader for months, I'd noticed Milton Keynes were generally doing about the best deals around.
I'd also been in touch with 'drive the deal' etc
Another Hyundai dealer doing good prices were Ryders in Warrington.
Of course, I was no trade-in, which is good or bad depending on who you listen to.
Some say no trade in is less hassle for them, some say they like to make month on the trade in too.

[mattrixdesign2]

Ha. I live nr warrington and it was ryders!!!

Looked at an octavia estate and it ticks a lot of practical boxes, and a vrs could be fun? Gonna check insurance and tax.

[FZR400RRSP]

Johnstone's of Sutton coldfield have a pre-reg white ix35 1.7crdi premium with 49 miles on the clock for £17490, and that's before any haggling.
A buyer would surely get a few quid off that.