1yr old 'new' car - skoda, ford, or...

[timread]

I'm looking to replace my '52' plate Honda Civic (5 door 1.6 - not an R Type!) with a 1 year old used car.

I've narrowed it down roughly to a Skoda Octavia 1.9 TDI Ambiente or a Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi. I contemplated the Kia Cee'd 1.6 CRDi but it's almost impossible to get hold of a one-year old example, and the predicted depreciation is pretty dire.

TCO over 3 years for the Octavia and Focus works out pretty much the same. I'd prefer a diesel this time for the lower running costs (i know it's very marginal these days, but still).

My budget is around 10k (I should get around 3k for my Civic).

Should I be thinking of anything else? I don't like the new Honda Civic as much as my one (it's less practical, still too expensive even for a used 2006 example, and I don't like the engine lineup. A used Toyota Auris is still too expensive (introduced in 2007, used examples going for >10k).

[joshwa]

I've seen an advert in the paper for a brand new Golf for £10k. Probably basic spec, but worth looking at?

Any reason for a 1yr old car? I've seen 3 year old Focus Estate TDCi's for £5 - 6k

[timread]

Reason for 1yr old car is that I don't lose the 1st year's depreciation out of my pocket, which is the steepest... but it means I still get a remaining 2 yrs of manufacturers warranty (on most cars).

I'm not looking for top spec models, but mid-level specs are generally nice. Air con is a must, and I'd like the stereo to have an aux/line in for my MP3 but it's not essential.

[Guy]

Very late/end of production Mk3 Mondeo?

You could pick up a 2 litre TDCi (130bhp) version, in a decent trim spec, with most goodies a/c cruise control, not sure about the aux input . . . .

[Vimeous]

Should I be thinking of anything else? I don't like the new Honda Civic as much as my one (it's less practical, still too expensive even for a used 2006 example, and I don't like the engine lineup. A used Toyota Auris is still too expensive (introduced in 2007, used examples going for >10k).

I disagree strongly with the less practical new vs old Civic.
The current model is significantly easier to transport large objects, has a bigger, deeper boot and MUCH more flexible seating arrangement. The rear seats fold up to make a bigger space than the boot as well as folding flat in the usual 60/40 manner.
Regards engines the 1.8 would be the obvious choice as the 1.4 will feel weak relative to your 1.6. Both are more economical than the older engine.

Regards other cars:

How well are Qashqai holding their value?
Does a Leon take your fancy?
The Hyundai i30 is a possible but I prefer the looks of the C'eed and as you've said their residuals are still suspect. I must admit I hope they hold their value well as they're pretty good cars.
Suzuki SX4 for an off-the-wall choice?
Mitsi Lancer? (likely to be too new sadly)

[timread]

I take it you're a new shape Civic owner Vimeous ? TBH I do like the looks of it, and as a current Civic owner I'm very much predisposed to like the new Civic. My current one has been a fantastic car. It just has a few issues that put me off. It feels like it has less space for back seat occupants (legroom and lower roof) and the rear visibility is poorer. I was really hoping they'd reduced the road noise with the new Civic but they don't appear to have done. I don't like that the space-saver spare wheel is an option, and that the default is a puncture repair kit. Also there's no rear wiper. But mainly, it's because even 2006 used Civics (new shape) are still significantly over £10k for the 1.8 petrol, and the 2.2 diesel is still way over £10k. Like you say, I don't want to drop down to the 1.4.

[timread]

I considered the Qashqai as it's also a good looking, practical alternative. The petrol engine falls foul of the emissions bands, making it more expensive to tax from next year (159g/km, band H, £175). They tweaked it down after Dec 2007 but that's too new a car for me.

The Seat again is an attractive alternative but the 1.6 petrol has terrible emissions and pretty poor fuel economy.

Both above cars are better with diesel engines, but I heard not so good things about the 1.9 diesel Leon (narrow power band).

I looked at the Hyundai i30 at the same time as the Kia Cee'd. TBH I thought the interior trim in the Hyundai was better quality than the Kia, and that the i30 was also better looking. Both cars I saw were black metallic (most reviews think the Cee'd is better looking!). But it's almost impossible to get a 1 yr old Cee'd or i30, and since the depreciation is steeper on both cars I don't want that coming out of my pocket

[schmunk]

Citroen C4? I had a brand new one for a while and it was great. Citroens are known for depreciating, mind, but the biggest hit should have already passed at 1 year.

e.g. http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk...0&max_mileage=

[Vimeous]

I take it you're a new shape Civic owner Vimeous ? TBH I do like the looks of it, and as a current Civic owner I'm very much predisposed to like the new Civic. My current one has been a fantastic car. It just has a few issues that put me off. It feels like it has less space for back seat occupants (legroom and lower roof) and the rear visibility is poorer. I was really hoping they'd reduced the road noise with the new Civic but they don't appear to have done. I don't like that the space-saver spare wheel is an option, and that the default is a puncture repair kit. Also there's no rear wiper. But mainly, it's because even 2006 used Civics (new shape) are still significantly over £10k for the 1.8 petrol, and the 2.2 diesel is still way over £10k. Like you say, I don't want to drop down to the 1.4.

Actually the one before yours
However I've done a few thousand miles in yours and the the most recent revisions as we have a variety of them as pool/managers cars.
There are differences as you point out.
There's more rear leg and head room (I'm 6'3"+ and fine in there) than the old 3dr but less headroom than the old 5dr. However they moved the fuel tank under the front seat so there's less foot room. It is a little cosier in the back but it's reasonably comfortable if not to Golf standards.
Rear visibility is definitely worse and has put many potential owners off, I simply don't mind it. I've also found that if wet the rear screen clears well if you pop the screen-heater on for 5mins.
Our managers agree about the spare wheel - the puncture repair kit is useless. Adding a wheel later though is the easiest option I've ever seen fitted to a car!
Biased?
By good experience yes. Grip levels are superb, I (not all) find the seating position ideal, the interior is flexible and the 1.8 goes much better than its 138bhp suggests. Oh and the gearbox is a joy.
Blinkered?
Not a chance! The Auris rides better but is significantly less enjoyable/chuckable. The Golf is more accomplished all round. The Focus has a better handling/comfort balance, especially at the limit.
That said it's a much better car than either previous editions despite my steering being more feelsome.

Oh yeah it's a better place to sleep than either of ours


Appologies mini-thread-hijack!


Does it need to be Family Hatch sized?
Superminis keep growing so would somethig like a Swift be big enough?

[timread]

That's all good info on the Civic, thanks Vim. Hm, maybe I'll test drive one this weekend. I've been in them a few times on brief 15 minute trips - my Honda garage gives me a lift to work & back when they service my current Civic!

Yup, I'm looking for a family hatchback - something with good boot space and accessible rear seats. At the moment there's just my wife and I, but there are plans for a wee bairn in the next year that I'll need to be able to accommodate (baby clobber and all!). That's partly why the Octavia is attractive - it's got a huge boot. I like the Suzuki Swift but I think I'll need something bigger pretty soon!

I did consider the C4 - a mate of mine has one, but has had several electrical problems with his. Not that that's a fair sample size, but it does back up the general review consensus that they have reliability issues. Also they depreciate heavily. OK if you buy a 3 yr old+!

[piggeh]

I dont see the Kia C'eed depreciating too much - there wont be many cars that would be 5 years old with 2 years of a manufacturers warranty left on them! But as you say, difficult to find one year old examples.