Suggest a car for my father-in-law
05-09-2009, 01:46 PM
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Suggest a car for my father-in-law
My father-in-law is wanting to change his car - he owns a 1.8 petrol Rover 75 and wants something slightly smaller but still with room to seat 4 or 5 people. He wants something new, has to be automatic and economy is his most important factor. Reliability and running costs will also feature. He is not bothered about performance. He was wanting to buy a Prius but we've managed to talk him out of it. I'm thinking something like a 116i or 118d? Has anybody any suggestions? Cheers.
05-09-2009, 03:17 PM
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won't get 3 in the back of a 1 series bmw.
I would suggest the new Seat Exeo, basically an Audi A4 for a lot less. May are diesels and will have all "bugs" ironed out in it's A4 form.
I would suggest the new Seat Exeo, basically an Audi A4 for a lot less. May are diesels and will have all "bugs" ironed out in it's A4 form.
05-11-2009, 03:14 AM
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I didn't relise how small the BMW 1 series was until I looked into it. Not sure about diesels now as he will be doing a lot of short local runs and from what I've read the latest generation of diesel cars with particulate filters do not take well to lots of short runs.
No doubt the next generation of hybrid cars will be worth the money but imho they are currently just marketing gimmicks. The Prius is will cost almost 20K new and according to reports in the real world it will only average late 40's to early 50's mpg. There was an article in the Times where two jernos drove one and a BM 520d on an identicle 800 mile route through Europe and they spent more money on fuel for the Prius than they did on the BM.
At the end of the day you could buy a petrol version of the same car for 12k. You'd have to be doing a hell of a lot of miles to make up the difference and for those worrying about the enviroment simply don't fly abroad on holiday and you'll do more good than owning a Prius.
No doubt the next generation of hybrid cars will be worth the money but imho they are currently just marketing gimmicks. The Prius is will cost almost 20K new and according to reports in the real world it will only average late 40's to early 50's mpg. There was an article in the Times where two jernos drove one and a BM 520d on an identicle 800 mile route through Europe and they spent more money on fuel for the Prius than they did on the BM.
At the end of the day you could buy a petrol version of the same car for 12k. You'd have to be doing a hell of a lot of miles to make up the difference and for those worrying about the enviroment simply don't fly abroad on holiday and you'll do more good than owning a Prius.
05-11-2009, 03:52 AM
#7
My Prius averaged 53-56 mpg over 85K miles/ 3 years.
That's only part of the story alas. It had bomb-proof reliability (not one issue in my case), low servicing costs, low road tax and it was also very practical - the Prius has more passenger space than the BMW 5 Series.
If your father-in-law is planning daily trips through Europe, then perhaps the 520d is the way to go, if not, a real-world drive in the Prius might be worth considering.
FWIW my next company vehicle will be another Prius - as an all-round tool for daily commuting and weekend taxi work for the kids it was superb. Factor in 500 mile plus range on cheaper-than-diesel unleaded and the practical issues become more relavant than the purported green benefits.
And you'll pick-up a new Prius for less than
That's only part of the story alas. It had bomb-proof reliability (not one issue in my case), low servicing costs, low road tax and it was also very practical - the Prius has more passenger space than the BMW 5 Series.
If your father-in-law is planning daily trips through Europe, then perhaps the 520d is the way to go, if not, a real-world drive in the Prius might be worth considering.
FWIW my next company vehicle will be another Prius - as an all-round tool for daily commuting and weekend taxi work for the kids it was superb. Factor in 500 mile plus range on cheaper-than-diesel unleaded and the practical issues become more relavant than the purported green benefits.
And you'll pick-up a new Prius for less than
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05-11-2009, 04:10 AM
#8
The Honda Insect is a CVT Jazz platform with a battery up its arse.
Its "real world" economy is supposed to be a lot better than its headline figures.
It is not overly-complicated, unlike the Prius.
If he MUST have one of those over-complicated cars, I'd suggest the Honda.
Unless he is Sir Stirling Moss, I cannot think of a single good reason to recommend an 1er - the potential repair bills could be horrendous.
Its "real world" economy is supposed to be a lot better than its headline figures.
It is not overly-complicated, unlike the Prius.
If he MUST have one of those over-complicated cars, I'd suggest the Honda.
Unless he is Sir Stirling Moss, I cannot think of a single good reason to recommend an 1er - the potential repair bills could be horrendous.
05-11-2009, 12:31 PM
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From what I've seen if he's into hybrids go for a Honda Insight...
Otherwise, away from the hybrids... I might be tempted by a Mk VI Golf TSFI (1.4/140 or 170)... a fine engine, well built, lovely interior, decent residuals etc. etc.
Otherwise, away from the hybrids... I might be tempted by a Mk VI Golf TSFI (1.4/140 or 170)... a fine engine, well built, lovely interior, decent residuals etc. etc.
05-11-2009, 12:50 PM
#10
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My old man has ignored every bit of advice I gave him and bought...
...a Chrysler Crossfire...good god, I am mortified.
I hope your father in law listens to your suggestions!
...a Chrysler Crossfire...good god, I am mortified.
I hope your father in law listens to your suggestions!