View Full Version : New car for my mum
Right guys its the time of year when my mum gets to choose a new car under the motability scheme - http://www.motabilityonline.co.uk/carsearch/carSearchByDetailFormSubmit.htm
(Basically it has to be an automatic, with an advance payment of about a maximum of £500 and about 40mpg (more would obviously be good as well) - other than that its anything goes).
I think I have whittled it down to
1.4 122BHP VW Golf S (http://www.motabilityonline.co.uk/carsearch/viewCarDetails.htm?itemId=51054070054&page=carDetails)
1.6 115BHP Vauxhall Astra SE or Elite (http://www.motabilityonline.co.uk/carsearch/viewCarDetails.htm?itemId=86053053074&page=carDetails)
1.6 100BHP Ford Focus Style (http://www.motabilityonline.co.uk/carsearch/viewCarDetails.htm?itemId=83079084067&page=carDetails)
1.6TD 105BHP Seat Leon SE (http://www.motabilityonline.co.uk/carsearch/viewCarDetails.htm?itemId=50066086086&page=carDetails)
1.6 120BHP Citreon C4 VTR (http://www.motabilityonline.co.uk/carsearch/viewCarDetails.htm?itemId=89072071049&page=carDetails)
1.6 122BHP Mini Cooper (http://www.motabilityonline.co.uk/carsearch/viewCarDetails.htm?itemId=78052079072&page=carDetails)
My top 3 picks at the moment are probably the Golf, Astra and then either Leon or Focus.
So people what should I get her to pick (bear in mind I will most likely drive this several times a week - we work in the same area so drive in together and I usually drive :)).
Toonshorty
27-02-11, 15:56
Golf has most horsepower, get than one.
It's got tied most HP and is big enough to have a small kitchen in it.
jointhedotz
27-02-11, 15:56
i'd go golf
watercooled
27-02-11, 16:28
C4 VTR is a good car
Well you want something roomy really.
Focus or Seat Leon.
I'd go for mini... probably the best handling, Then the leon as its a vw derv, Quite liked the new astra when I test drove one around millbrook last year sometime.
I'll go by looks, Golf or the Leon I would say. But if you want looks and power then definitely go for the Golf.
callumburns
27-02-11, 18:37
Golf would be my first choice just because its a Golf, no questions asked. Either that or the new Astra because it looks sexy :D
jointhedotz
27-02-11, 18:42
Golf would be my first choice just because its a Golf, no questions asked. Either that or the new Astra because it looks sexy :D
tbh the new astra's nice, well....from the back....from the front or sides it may as well be any old korean crap. The mk6 golf is beautiful, lovely place to be. I drive a mk4 golf in a bad state of disrepair yet it's still nicer to be in than many more modern, well looked after, vauxhall/ford/whatevers. Golf or Leon all the way, Golf has the edge though imo
Golfs are so boringly obvious. Golfs are people who buy their pcs from dell because then nothing goes wrong. Yeah and you get no personality from it either.
The mini cooper would probably feel like it had more power too. But its styled and marketed for women, when you drive it everyone will know you prefer to be intimate with men.
The Citroën is French.
Seriously look for the 2010 JD power survey and see how french cars in general do when it comes to customer satisfaction.
So I'm leaning towards the astra, seat or ford
Personally I would go seat, because the other two are too common and I like my car to not be "just another one if those".
And, the less fashionable dealers tend to try harder to keep you happy.
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jointhedotz
27-02-11, 18:57
Golfs are so boringly obvious. Golfs are people who buy their pcs from dell because then nothing goes wrong. Yeah and you get no personality from it either.
just lol
he's looking for his mother, I agree on seat, but would go golf instead, it's a better car. your above comment reeks of STFU though
No STFU at all, just opinion.
I like cars to say something about the person and cars like the golf are such a sensible choice that I imagine the people that buy them to make sensible well thought through decisions rather than decisions from the heart.
The golf has got it's reputation through being reliable, sturdy and safe. All the things you want from a car. But in doing so have become such an obvious choice that it tells you nothing if the driver. They could be a petrolhead, they could be an OAP. They have no defining personality.
And I know it's his mums car, but it sounds like he's gonna drive it AND has some say in the decision. So that's why I've gone from the angle of a guy driving.
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The Mini and Citreon have been vetoed by Mother. She's erring about the Seat cause its diesel. She's unsure of the Focus because its heavy, low powered and the worst on MPG.
So its looking like it might end up between the Astra and the Golf. Out of the two I would prefer a Golf because well its a Golf and I liked my MkIV and the Passat when I had it so I know the insides are good, but then I'v never driven an Astra and it will be top or one below top spec so it might be more interesting to give that a try.
jointhedotz
27-02-11, 19:23
No STFU at all, just opinion.
I like cars to say something about the person and cars like the golf are such a sensible choice that I imagine the people that buy them to make sensible well thought through decisions rather than decisions from the heart.
The golf has got it's reputation through being reliable, sturdy and safe. All the things you want from a car. But in doing so have become such an obvious choice that it tells you nothing if the driver. They could be a petrolhead, they could be an OAP. They have no defining personality.
And I know it's his mums car, but it sounds like he's gonna drive it AND has some say in the decision. So that's why I've gone from the angle of a guy driving.
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tbh it sounded to me like he was looking to aid his mother in a decision over his own preferences. However, as a car owner (yes, a golf actually) I still disagree with your statement. The golf is a good, reliable car, I agree, but this isn't a reason to disregard it as characterless, they're good to drive believe it or not. Thats like saying you should buy a CiT psu.....it might give you the constant buzz of 'will it blow today' but thats not really what you look for in a psu.....same with cars.
He's looking for his mother, the golf is a classy, reliable car that holds its value well, the leon, as you suggested, is a VAG car and as such bears the same qualities but is aimed at a younger audience. The others? Well, the ford and vauxhall are much of a muchness, good cars in their class but don't hold their value and are less reliable over time. the citroen is FRENCH, and no more needs to be said.
Oh, and mini's are pretentious, only driven by w@nkers :-)
SilveR_172
27-02-11, 19:38
Golf or seat ,
"bear in mind I will most likely drive this several times a week - we work in the same area so drive in together and I usually drive"
Thats why I went from his angle.
I am NOT playing down what a good car the golf is.
And, yep you are entitled to disagree. Thats why we dont all drive the same car. Which would make me sad :)
100% agree on the Citroen and the Mini's!
Oh and on the PSU similae, its not really a CiT is it?
I see it like this, if a seasonic 800w PSU was £120, a corsair (made by seasonic) £100, and an Antec (seasonic again) £90, then I would choose the Antec. You get the experience and reliability of a seasonic, for less.
You could argue that with the seasonic you are getting more. But you could also argue that anyone who buys the seasonic at that price is being affected by marketing.
(and if anyone chooses to blow my analogy away by pointing out that corsair aren't made by seasonic any more.... yes I know, but I was struggling to find another PSU manufacturer that makes 3 big brand names PSU's)
jointhedotz
27-02-11, 20:04
"bear in mind I will most likely drive this several times a week - we work in the same area so drive in together and I usually drive"
Thats why I went from his angle.
I am NOT playing down what a good car the golf is.
And, yep you are entitled to disagree. Thats why we dont all drive the same car. Which would make me sad :)
100% agree on the Citroen and the Mini's!
Oh and on the PSU similae, its not really a CiT is it?
I see it like this, if a seasonic 800w PSU was £120, a corsair (made by seasonic) £100, and an Antec (seasonic again) £90, then I would choose the Antec. You get the experience and reliability of a seasonic, for less.
You could argue that with the seasonic you are getting more. But you could also argue that anyone who buys the seasonic at that price is being affected by marketing.
(and if anyone chooses to blow my analogy away by pointing out that corsair aren't made by seasonic any more.... yes I know, but I was struggling to find another PSU manufacturer that makes 3 big brand names PSU's)
I agree with everything you said there, and wouldn't be so pedantic as to point out the corsair thing (i wouldn't have known anyway).
That said, the quality control issues come into play, and the seat's are built to a marginally lower standard. I'm not sure how the motability scheme works, but if the customers own the car, and OP is only an occasional driver..the golf still wins due to resale value, although seat hold good residuals too....but it's betwen the vag cars and tbh I personaly would struggle to choose. I'd say his mother should go golf even with him driving every few days, my personal choice, (which wasn't stated before because it isn't relevant) would be the seat
So after my mum has read your replies and looked through a few brochures it looks like it is between the Golf and the Seat. The Golfs main let down is the wheels are steelies and its only the S spec whilst the Seat is the SE spec which is quite good.
Mum is organising tests drives for some point in the next couple of weeks.
Oh and I think she has dismissed the Astra now as she currently has an 09 plate Corsa whilst her current car is in the garage and its horrid.
Golf - for the maintenance.
Mr. Grapes
04-03-11, 17:09
So after my mum has read your replies and looked through a few brochures it looks like it is between the Golf and the Seat. The Golfs main let down is the wheels are steelies and its only the S spec whilst the Seat is the SE spec which is quite good.
Mum is organising tests drives for some point in the next couple of weeks.
Oh and I think she has dismissed the Astra now as she currently has an 09 plate Corsa whilst her current car is in the garage and its horrid.
do not confuse an 09 corsa with the latest Astra.
Vauxhall have just started to make some halfway decent cars, but it's limited to the current astra and insignia.
So got some test drives booked for Saturday
10am - Testing the Golf 1.4TSi Automatic
12pm - Testing the Leon 1.6TDs - This is a manual as they didnt have the automatic in stock
2pm - Testing the Astra 2.0 CDTi Automatic
Decision should be made shortly after.
So got some test drives booked for Saturday
10am - Testing the Golf 1.4TSi Automatic
12pm - Testing the Leon 1.6TDs - This is a manual as they didnt have the automatic in stock
2pm - Testing the Astra 2.0 CDTi Automatic
Decision should be made shortly after.
I would go with the Golf out of them.
BurningFeetMan
10-03-11, 18:15
I'de be tempted by the SEAT for the Diesel if you do any long range journeys.
The Focus would likely be cheapest on servicing and parts (assuming your not going to do it yourself?)
I quite like the styling of the golf, although relatively plain compared to some, the dials in particular I think look quite cool, and it's a well built piece of kit.
You haven't considered a Honda, either the Civic or Jazz. I have a Civic myself and would certainly recommend one (although do some research on clutch issues) but i would be more inclined to recommend the Jazz for your mother. It's a very capable, comfortable and well built car, i had one for a courtesy car for a bit and can't really fault it, do consider it if it's a possibility. The CVT version (automatic with a twist) i've not used but i hear it's supposed to be very good :)
I'de be tempted by the SEAT for the Diesel if you do any long range journeys.
The Focus would likely be cheapest on servicing and parts (assuming your not going to do it yourself?)
I quite like the styling of the golf, although relatively plain compared to some, the dials in particular I think look quite cool, and it's a well built piece of kit.
You haven't considered a Honda, either the Civic or Jazz. I have a Civic myself and would certainly recommend one (although do some research on clutch issues) but i would be more inclined to recommend the Jazz for your mother. It's a very capable, comfortable and well built car, i had one for a courtesy car for a bit and can't really fault it, do consider it if it's a possibility. The CVT version (automatic with a twist) i've not used but i hear it's supposed to be very good :)
Jazz is too small and underpowered for what we are looking for, and the Civic in an automatic version has too high upfront payment.
My mum is edging towards the Seat and Im trying to persuade her to pick the Golf.
Servicing costs, tax, insurance etc are not a consideration as they are all included in the cost (even tyres if they need replacing :)), basically my mum gets a disability allowance that allows her to get a 3 year lease with no money from her or she can pay a bit up front and choose a slightly better car. 3 years ago she picked the Mazda 3 as it was no upfront payment, this time round its about a £3k upfront payment :eek:
The Seat is £499 upfront, the Golf is £649 and the Astra is £699 - this will be the only cost apart from petrol over the 3 years. Mother has put a limit on £1k upfront, but wants to try and get it as close to £500 as possible.
BurningFeetMan
10-03-11, 18:38
I don't think you will go far wrong with either the SEAT or the VW, they are both good cars (and effectively the same thing anyway parts wise) If there are no servicing or parts costs to consider I too would be tempted by the Golf, if only for a little more prestige over the SEAT ;)
Sorry to harp on, however, have you looked at a Jazz in the flesh? Whilst classed as a small car it really isn't. I would say without much hesitation, that it's more roomy than the Golf and would certainly say to go see one if you can. It falls within the £500 budget (£499) so could be ideal.
According to Honda Motability Site (http://www.honda.co.uk/cars/motability/) the Civic incurs a £199 advance payment for the 1.4 petrol i-shift version so perhaps still worth a look :D
How was the Mazda3? They certainly look like nice cars though i've never driven any Mazda before. Was it fairly reliable?
I don't think you will go far wrong with either the SEAT or the VW, they are both good cars (and effectively the same thing anyway parts wise) If there are no servicing or parts costs to consider I too would be tempted by the Golf, if only for a little more prestige over the SEAT ;)
Sorry to harp on, however, have you looked at a Jazz in the flesh? Whilst classed as a small car it really isn't. I would say without much hesitation, that it's more roomy than the Golf and would certainly say to go see one if you can. It falls within the £500 budget (£499) so could be ideal.
According to Honda Motability Site (http://www.honda.co.uk/cars/motability/) the Civic incurs a £199 advance payment for the 1.4 petrol i-shift version so perhaps still worth a look :D
How was the Mazda3? They certainly look like nice cars though i've never driven any Mazda before. Was it fairly reliable?
We have looked at a lot of cars, the problem with the Jazz is its only 100BHP, which is just too low for us, we want something that has at least a little grunt (well at least I do as I will drive it fairly regularly and I couldn't go from my 2.5l BMW to a 1.2 car - it was bad enough driving a 1.4 no power Corsa this week, whilst the Mazda was being fixed).
One problem with the i-shift is its classed as semi-automatic and my mum is concerned with that (due to her disability she can only drive automatic cars as she cant operate a clutch), even though I know it wont have a clutch she ruled it out, the other issue is I have read the i-shift is actually not that good a gearbox, and again at 100BHP and a 0-60 of about 15 seconds it doesnt seem too appealing (especially as the Golf has a sub 10 second 0-60).
The Mazda 3 (we have the 1.6 Auto) is a surprisingly nice car - well built, quite roomy, not too slow, fairly well specced (6 slot in dash MP3 CD changer), but very thirsty for its size, as an example I average 31mpg in my BMW - the Mazda 3 over the 3 years we have had it has averaged 29mpg.
Get the Seat, Get the Seat, get the Seat!!!!:clap
:popcorn:
Golf without a doubt. Whats a set of alloys. You can get any style you want. 5x100, ET35 for a Golf fitment.
Golf's have no personality? Pft...
I have the same engine in my polo and its nippy:thumb:
So just got back from the test drives and my mum put an order in.
She decided to go for the Golf 1.4 TSI Match 122PSI 7spd DSG in Steel Grey (the Match is the top spec basic model and comes with loads of goodies, auto lights, auto wipers, auto dimming review mirror, front and back parking sensors, with visual and audible alerts built in bluetooth, 16" Alloys, plus Im sure there was more other stuff (this (http://www.volkswagen.co.uk/#/new/golf-vi/configure/506/summary/standard-features/) should give a full list of what it has)).
The 1.4 engine is an awesome engine - 0-60 in 9.5 seconds and you can feel its a nicely tuned little engine when accelerating. The DSG gearbox means you dont get the annoying kickdown or delayed acceleration you often get with automatic gearboxes.
Total list price was £20,956 - total outlay £999 (to be paid on collection).
The bad bit: lead time is anything from 12-20 weeks, so we might not get it until August :eek:
We decided against the Astra mainly because the showroom couldnt even supply one to test drive and although its a nice looking car the centre console was very crowded and not actually that good looking IMO.
The Seat (which was my mums original leading choice) lost out because although we were looking at the SE (top spec available I believe) the inside was nowhere near as good, and although the 1.6 Diesel engine showed good MPG it didnt feel anywhere near as responsive to drive as the Golf (we actually saw the Golf first and I think if we hadnt the Seat would have seemed better) and definitely didnt seem as fun to drive.
Picked up my mums new car on Friday, found out the TSI means it has a turbo and a supercharger :), hence the 9.5sec 0-60 time for a 122PS 1.4Litre car.
Best automatic car I've ever driven (of the 5 or 6 lol), and very pleased with it so far.
BurningFeetMan
26-06-11, 22:31
Ooo yeah, those TSI are supposed to shift a bit for the size of their engines :)
I don't think you get any turbo lag either as the supercharger takes care of the low rev grunt then the turbo kicks in.
Glad everyone is happy with it :)
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