Why are car websites so crap?

[dave87]

How about the Audi A4 Avant? here? Nice cars - Mum looked at one but eventually decided on the Volvo V70.

Come to think of it, if you don't mind the tank-like-ness the v70 is a cracking car.

Edit- 5 series are getting cheap - not gunna be cheap to run but electronic massage seats! here

[99Flake]

Edit- 5 series are getting cheap - not gunna be cheap to run but electronic massage seats! here

Hmmm odd, I never remember the E39 ever having massage seats? I would say that is either 3rd party or a lie. Not only that but they are useless in the back for child seats, we used to have loads of problems with their isofix mechanisms, no idea why, just seemed to be a problem.

[schmunk]

I think my Civic (last gen) must have the 3-point Isofix, as there's a strap eye in the boot right behind the back seats, as well as the two points within the seat.

That said, we're only using the two points within the seat with our Maxicosi Easyfix base, as there doesn't appear to be the option to use a third point...

[dave87]

Hmmm odd, I never remember the E39 ever having massage seats? I would say that is either 3rd party or a lie. Not only that but they are useless in the back for child seats, we used to have loads of problems with their isofix mechanisms, no idea why, just seemed to be a problem.

I must admit, neither could I. At least I don't think it was an option when my Father ordered his (was a 523i SE though...). We never tried baby seats in that car (me & me sis were too old to need them by that point) so can't comment, but I would have thought the extra space in the rear over a 3 series or similar would be advantageous.

[Zak33]

Or perhaps a Fiat Croma

Fiat Croma - they are even cheaper on Autotrader (from £6k)

/deep breath

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[99Flake]

^ Dave87

There isn't that much extra in the back to be honest. You can't get 3 baby seats side by side on the back for a start (problem for a guy I knew with triplets).

Just checked and the seats were never an option, especially not at that age. Must have been an addition in its later life, never good.

[Zak33]

I know no one wants to hear this, but Laguna's are ok.

Sair had one, older shape and it was rock hard.

[joshwa]

How about the Audi A4 Avant? here? Nice cars - Mum looked at one but eventually decided on the Volvo V70.

Come to think of it, if you don't mind the tank-like-ness the v70 is a cracking car.

Nice find... but if I got that then I'd have exactly the same car as my neighbour! Didn't think you could get that spec / model car for that price. So thanks, I'll have a look on pistonheads as well.

edit - although that one's a bit far away, seeing as fivemiletown is in Northern Ireland!

[joshwa]

Accord would probably all fit the practical but pretty fun box.

Been looking at Accord Tourers! Isn't depreciation great
04 CDTI 6.5k plus the Accord actually has 3-point ISOFIX apparently!

[Howard]

Been looking at Accord Tourers! Isn't depreciation great
04 CDTI 6.5k plus the Accord actually has 3-point ISOFIX apparently!

Was gonna say, go for that But then I like Hondas. I think the Accord Tourer looks nice, good value, well specced, great engines, reliability etc. No need for this VAG nonsense

[mycarsavw]

How about the Audi A4 Avant? here? Nice cars - Mum looked at one but eventually decided on the Volvo V70.

Come to think of it, if you don't mind the tank-like-ness the v70 is a cracking car.

Edit- 5 series are getting cheap - not gunna be cheap to run but electronic massage seats! here

I second the V70. Tank of a car, hideous turning circle but one of the nicest cars I've ever driven. D5 or similar if you can find one, beautiful seats too, most comfortable in any car.

/deep breath

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

I second this too, if you go for a Fiat...well.....

I know no one wants to hear this, but Laguna's are ok.

Sair had one, older shape and it was rock hard.

Lagunas get awful reviews though. If it has to be Renault go for the mini-Espace looking thing (I think it's a Scenic) A mate has one on an 04 plate that she picked up for £5k with battle damage. Fits one baby seat and one kiddie seat perfectly and from what I can see, has ISOFIX

[Lowe]

I know no one wants to hear this, but Laguna's are ok.

Sair had one, older shape and it was rock hard.

Newer ones are shocking - serious clutch/gearbox and electrical issues. Wouldn't touch one with a bargepole, and this is from a Renault lover!

Dunno what the new, new shape is like mind, haven't been out long enough to comment.

[burble]

Ford Duratorq engines are chain driven, so although the cambelt wont need changing as it doesnt have one, I'd be surprised if the chain doesnt need replacing at some point.

Cam chains are meant to be a lifetime item, ie, they never need replacing. Reason being is that a chain (in theory) doesn't strech like a belt.

[SteveL]

If it has to be Renault go for the mini-Espace looking thing (I think it's a Scenic) A mate has one on an 04 plate that she picked up for £5k with battle damage. Fits one baby seat and one kiddie seat perfectly and from what I can see, has ISOFIX

It's the Scenic. We've got one, and they definitely have two point ISOFIX on both outside rear seats and the passenger seat. I use it for my 3 year old's car seat and it works a treat. Lots of room for the buggy etc. in the boot. Cruise control on the higher spec models, diesel engine (can't comment as we have a 2.0 petrol) and a 5 star NCAP rating.

A major added benefit is the height. I used to have a Megane and getting Matthew in and out of his car seat really did my back in. The extra height of the Scenic means a lot less stress on my back! Guess I'm just getting old! It also means that Matthew gets less bored on journeys (which has to be a good thing!) as he can see that little bit more.

Steve

[Barakka]

/deep breath

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

I know they're not so pretty, but you can get them with the Alfa 20v 2.4 MultiJet diesel unit in.

200bhp, 18" alloys, 15k miles, on an 05 plate, for less than £10k

[joshwa]

My budget is probably around 6k... (but more realistically around £5k)

Anyone have any thoughts about the Nissan Primera?
It seems to have same 2.2 138bhp engine, top spec estate, 05 is only 5.6k! Estate with rear view camera etc etc