New car advice

funkey_monkey · 30-04-2024 10:01pm #1

Looking at getting a new to me car. I think I've narrowed it down to a 4 door A5 from 2016-2018, 4 series gran coupe of a similar era and a 2019/20 Peugeot 508.

Looking for comfort, good mpg, reliable. Not overly fussed on driving experience - my current car is 20+ years old, so anything will be an improvement.

I drive approx 100 miles return to office for a day or two weekly. Will only be myself in the car for 97% of the time.

I've always driven a diesel and manual transmission. If I get a 508 it will be manual. However with an A5 or 4-Series I could be tempted by an auto box although the options are a bit confusing to me with the audi - 6/8 spd tiptronic, 7spd tronic.

I've mostly ruled out other options, but could be persuaded by a good reason!

So the question really is which of my 3 options would be the best option and which batista within that model should be the one to aim for? They are all around a similar price here in NI, my budget is max £15k, but preferably less.

Thanks.

goochy · 30-04-2024 10:15pm

Can you get the german cars on that budget ?

What about a volvo ?

bazz26 · 30-04-2024 10:30pm

The 508 will be the most modern of those 3 but make sure you are happy with the layout of the dashboard and cockpit. The driving position may not suit you as the steering wheel is very small and can obstruct your view of the instrument cluster depending on your height. Some people can not get used to it. Other than that they are pretty stylish. 2.0 litre diesel would be the one to go for but most out there are the 1.5 litre diesel which is a bit underpowered.

4 Series is the oldest design of the 3 and would be the nicest to drive but that's not important to you. Interior feels dated these days and is a bit cramped. Rear doors are small and have a narrow opening, boot is decent and access is good. 8 speed automatic is one of the best out there.

A5 has the best build quality of the 3, interior fit and finish is typical Audi. Boot is a good size too. Infotainment system feels a bit dated if that bothers you. I think all the diesels from 2016 onwards are DSG dual clutch automatics. Rear space is better than the 4 Series.

funkey_monkey · 30-04-2024 10:46pm

@bazz26 the 2.0L 508 only comes with an auto box which has a few poor reviews.

The steering wheel is something that keeps cropping up whenever I read about the 508. I've not sat in one so I think I may try it first.

funkey_monkey · 30-04-2024 10:48pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122083635#Comment_122083635

Yeah, just about. They'd be up the miles a bit though.

Iodine1 · 30-04-2024 11:02pm

508 lovely drive, probably the most comfortable car you could get.

pah · 01-05-2024 10:32pm

….any minute now….

goochy · 01-05-2024 10:40pm

Volvo has a bit of prestige but cheaper than Germans

BlakeS94 · 01-05-2024 11:26pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122087880#Comment_122087880

Have you considered an EV 😂😂

funkey_monkey · 02-05-2024 9:24am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122087996#Comment_122087996

Yes... and the answer is no!

goochy · 02-05-2024 10:29am

for 15k - no

funkey_monkey · 29-05-2024 9:16pm

Seen a 508 for sale at a local dealer for £15k. It had 33k miles and was a 2019 GT Line model. Regretting not going to see it now, as I've not seen anything of interest since.

Only other thing that is taking my eye is an A5. Are their auto boxes okay? Is there anything to look out for with them or model variants to look for or avoid? Is a Quattro worthwhile - I live in a rural area so thought it would be good for winter driving.

Mad_Lad · 29-05-2024 9:49pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122199924#Comment_122199924

The DSG is a decent box but needs oil changed every 40K miles, if there's no evidence for this being done then do it as early as you can. Personally I would just go for the manual, less risk.

For normal driving I wouldn't bother with the quattro, it is handy for pulling hard out of junctions and roundabouts especially on wet roads, but personally I don't think it's worth the extra unless that's important to you. A 2.0L isn't crazy power for it to matter much in the end.

The A4 and 5s are nice cars, I'd prefer them over the Peugeot any day especially the older ones.

I'm not really aware of any major issues with the Audis to be honest.

funkey_monkey · 29-05-2024 10:31pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122200038#Comment_122200038

I'd only be looking at a 2019/2020 Peugeot 508. I think a German marque would hold its value better.

Mad_Lad · 30-05-2024 12:00am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122200162#Comment_122200162

The 5008 isn't my thing to be honest but you're correct, the Audi cars would hold their value better.

goochy · 30-05-2024 8:34am

The German cars will be older / higher miles so more risky than newer 508 .

Whether about volvo ??

bazz26 · 30-05-2024 8:37am

Resale values are relative. Cars with high resale values cost more to buy in the first place. You cannot have it both ways.

Mad_Lad · 30-05-2024 8:41am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122200844#Comment_122200844

I'd rather the higher mileage audi than a peugeot.

goochy · 30-05-2024 8:46am

Its not a run of the mill peugeot

Mad_Lad · 30-05-2024 8:49am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122200866#Comment_122200866

Maybe but they'll be mostly higher mileage too and I'd still rather have the Audi.

Edit:

If I could get the peugeot cheap enough I'd probably take it because the 508 isn't bad really.

funkey_monkey · 30-05-2024 9:30am

The Audi's I was looking at were 2017 and have mileage in the 60k - 80k range, costing ~ £15k/£16k. TBH - I'd like to go up in mileage and get one a bit cheaper as I only do about 5k per year.

The 508 I was looking at was a 2019 model with 30k for £15k.