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My dad wants to buy a car. For the last 20 years, he's driven nothing but base-model superminis (Polo, Metro, AX, AX, Fiesta, Ka, Ka) and he thinks it's time for a change. He would like to spend up to £8,000 on a well-equipped second-hand car with a bit more luggage space.
Here's what he's considering:
Volvo V40
Alfa Romeo 156 Sportwagon
Citroen Xsara Picaso
Which would you pick? Can you think of something else that's worth considering?
quote:Originally posted by New Way Of Decay: Shouldn't this be in Ringos inbox?
I thought it would be interesting to get a range of opinions, rather than just one from someone who has very different priorities to those of a man nearing 60. I don't think the car's modding potential will sway him.
ETA: I even put pictures up so non-car-types can say which looks nicest!
posted
They all look exactly the same. But the bottom one's quite a pretty shade of green.
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From those three I'd go with the Volvo - it doesn't look like you would expect a Volvo to look, but is as reliable as Volvos are. Alfas are shite; they look good, but are terribly unreliable and - as Omikin points out - the number of Alfa garages is pretty light. Parts are also expensive, should you need them.
The Picasso is rightly named. It's bloody ugly, and looks like a fat lump of iguana turd.
All things said though, I'd persuade your Dad to add another to the shortlist - given that he seems to be after an estate-sized vehicle, the Audi A4 1.9TDI Avant is one that springs to mind. They run like clockwork, are easy on the petrol consumption, are hard as nails and will get you to the moon and back. You'd probably be able to get something about 3-4 years old for your £8000.
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quote:Originally posted by Samuelnorton: Audi A4 1.9TDI Avant is one that springs to mind. They run like clockwork, are easy on the petrol consumption, are hard as nails and will get you to the moon and back.
I'll go with that recommendation. Sophisticated, nimble and nowhere near as stodgy as the Volvo, the Audi seems a good fit.
Also: Is the BMW 3 available as an estate there? Also might be worth a look. Not sure how they're priced though.
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Well I can't say I've driven any of those cars. I've been in a Citroen Picasso though and it's just as shite as it looks. Owning an Alpha does make you a bit of a **** , so I'd have to opt for the Volvo out of that line up.
Personally though, I'd go for a Mercedes C220 Estate. The older one with the square headlights. Should be able to pick one up for around 12-14k. The best looking estate car ever made bar none.
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