Sorry a boring car thread for middle-aged buffers like me...
I don't especially like SUVs however our current Leased Octavia is coming up to the end of it's contract in October and we need to think about the next vehicle, We've just had a 'Kamiq' for a week while the local dealership goosed the Octavia up...
Long and the short of it, the Boss liked the seats/seating position far more which ultimately trumps almost all other considerations. Her bad back could well be the deciding factor, and after a week of use I pretty much know could live with one, so I've been looking at used ~22-24 plate Kamiqs and Karoqs as they appear similar (basically Jacked up Polo/Golf, I don't want the big fat Kodiaq) and cost/features/etc seem to broadly align with our needs. I will take a look at SEAT equivalents, but they tend to cheap out on seating to hit a lower cost point (IME).
But before I get super fixated on Skoda/VAG group SUVs are there any Small/Mid-sized SUV type cars (ideally available used in the ~ £13-16k range) that I should be considering?
*Noting the SO has already identified a specific model that she is happy in (Kamiq) so anything less comfy/elevated than that is basically out by default.
The lady near me just bought a Ford Puma after years of driving saloons - we need to speak.
Hmmm, not keen on a 'Puma' TBH
I will take a look at SEAT equivalents, but they tend to cheap out on seating to hit a lower cost point (IME).
I have an Arona, basically an Ibiza on stilts. The seating is absolutely fine (including for my OH who also has a bad back). The 'infotainment' system annoys the crap out of me, but that's likely a fairly common complaint with any modern motor.
The Seat Ateca is the Kamiq equivalent, FR and then Xcellence is where the better finishes are. Both ranges tend to have parcel shelves rather than a slidey cover, though some higher spec Kamiq's may have them if that's important.
Kia Sportage's seem to be a popular choice.
Ford Kuga is their offering but boot is rather small.
After buying a newer car recently, I'd be more inclined to hunt out an older, higher spec prestige brand in good condition for the same money, e.g. Volvo XC60 (or the V90 Cross Country Ocean Race, but that's just a massive estate), BMW X3, VW Tiguan (grnated not as prestige, but certainly a stepup from Seat / Skoda).
Her bad back could well be the deciding factor,
I don't know the context to this, so not intruding.
But I wholly recommend 75 kettle bell swing daily workout and will undoubtedly spaff on about it it to anyone who mentions "bad back" forever more. Also relevant because my back was getting to the state where I'm thinking "maybe I need an SUV afterall".
I can't paste a link to the Kettlebell workouts thread, its on the front page.
I'd go Skoda over SEAT if looking at equivalents. IMO, Skoda tend to be better screwed together. The 1.5TSI engine is fine in our Skoda Kodiaq but my Sister has no complaints about the 1.0TSI in her SEAT Ateca either.
If you're looking for something a bit plusher but equally (if not more) reliable then take a look at the Mazda CX5. I'd plump for the petrol unless use-case really justifies the diesel (they DO NOT like short journeys). Note the petrol is NA rather than forced induction like the VAG TSI engines, this means it feels relatively sluggish due to lack of low-rev torque. To me this is a non-issue, just adapt driving style to suit but you'd need a decent test drive to make your own mind up.
We've had a Qashqai for over 8 years. The higher driving position certainly helps with bad backs and getting in and out of the car. That said, it feels like I'm sat on the floor now, as I changed from a saloon to a 'van' a year ago.
Toyota rav4 - 10 year / 100k warranty, plus Toyota reliability. They also do a plug in hybrid which does around 50 miles on battery so ideal for most people’s daily mileage
Very pleased with our Suzuki Vitara. Zero issues in about 50000 miles.
SUV is a bullshit term really, it doesn't seem to mean anything. But I do like our Kia Soul.
Got a Karoq SEL. Very similar to a Kamiq but slightly bigger boot. On the SEL spec the rear seats fold and can be lifted out individually which is handy. It's nice to drive although kinda wish we got an auto. Last service was expensive but that was probably unlucky having several routine things needed doing in one hit.
Be prepared for shrinkage in usable boot space compared to your Octavia.
Volvo XC40 if seat comfort is your priority?
Currently I’m being drawn more and more to the Kamiq as it’s ‘enough’ car for our needs now, Auto is the default especially if my missus is driving it too, I reckon the 1.5 petrol is a better fit, this one was the 1.0L manual I think and seemed a bit too gutless till the turbo kicked in.
I guess it’s a “downgrade” in many ways from an octavia, but I really can’t justify the cost (we’ve got the funding of a potential Uni attendee to consider in a year or so too).
I’d maybe look at an XC40 but it’s going to cost more or I’ll have to go a bit older I think.
Only other thing that is maybe a redline for me is having Carplay, but I don’t think anyone has made a car without that since about 2022 have they.
Might have to look at a towbar for bike lugging if we do go with a Kamiq.
Just drove the Octavia home, it’s a nicer car but not really worth the seat whinging or the additional cost to have.
I replaced an aged (18 year old) Octavia estate with a Karoq last year. Honestly I'd have preferred to get a car in the same size category but the second hand market seemed to be absolutely full of SUVs while mid-sized cars were very thin on the ground, especially if you wanted anything slightly out of the ordinary like an estate or not the most basic engine option.
Generally the Karoq has been fine to live with so far, just the extra height doesn't really seem to offer much over a traditional car except to make putting bikes onto the roof rack harder.
The Kamiq seems to be as minimally an SUV as Skoda can get away with while still marketing it as an SUV, When spotting them out and about I sometimes don't realist it's an SUV rather than a small estate, but they are a bit taller on second glance. Also IIRC they're effectively responsible for the Fabia estate being discontinued, which is a pity because that seems like it would be a more practical option for a lot of people who instead look to the Kamiq.
So you are buying rather than leasing. It will be a change from driving a better handling saloon, and not necessarily more room in one (especially if the Octavia was an estate). Don't count on driving 'vision' being better as most cars are 'on stilts' these days.
Get an SUV if you want less space inside, to use more fuel, be potentially less safe inside (higher centre of gravity and more weight to stop), and be more dangerous to others if you hit them.
A Kia Ceed estate has more space inside, is narrower so easier to park, uses less fuel and is significantly cheaper than a Sportage. VW group only seem to make Skodas in estate car format and the one in the work pool has a horrible screen for a dashboard but that is style preference that others may forgive.
I understand the want for comfortable seats but don't think they are exclusive to SUVs or even included in all of them.
Sorry my rant about vehicle fashion making things worse in my opinion.
PS my S.O. has a Kia Soul (which is a mashup of a Kia Ceed restyled to look like Postman Pat's van, yes it is red) which she likes a lot.
Happy enough with my Vitara, now 8 years old, had it 6 years. Currently in Innsbruck with it, getting 59mpg on the way down. 1.0L Boosterjet (only a 1.4 hybrid and an EV model available now). It's a bit lacking on some of the steeper climbs, but there's nothing like the Alps back home, so I'm not really concerned with that.
I had 2 Atecas, xperience and xcellence diesel models before going electric. Was very happy with them (no issue with the leather seats) had a sportage (older style) before and happy with that too. TBH, if looking at SEAT/Skoda there ain’t anything between them so just go with who ever gives you the best deal/has car you want. When I looked at mine I priced up the Karoq vs Ateca and both times SEAT offered me the best deal by far so went with them. Would have happily had the Karoq if it was the best deal, similarly the VW Tiguan equivalent was always the dearest option when I looked at mine.
The Seat Ateca is the Kamiq equivalent,
no the Ateca is the Karoq equivalent. I think the kamiq is the Arona equivalent?
We have a BMW X1 atm and that's really nice. No idea how much they cost second hand though? It's about 1000x nicer than the Kodiaq we had for a few days a few years back. No idea why people rate VAG cars so highly?
My sister swears by her Rav 4 and the previous versions she had. Think she's had the current one 10 years and even after looking at a new one kept hers as it never lets her down and she likes it.
We had a mk2 Kuga in the past and the was a decent vehicle without really excelling in anything.
Best SUV we've had though was a Discovery Sport. Yes, terrible reputation but ours never missed a beat and was quiet, comfortable and never made long journeys a chore. Handled surprisingly well too!
So you are buying rather than leasing. It will be a change from driving a better handling saloon, and not necessarily more room in one (especially if the Octavia was an estate). Don't count on driving 'vision' being better as most cars are 'on stilts' these days.
Meh, I will be coming from a shiny 74 plate leased Octavia Estate I am under no illusions. But I don’t actually love ‘big’ cars, without a family to consider I’d be driving a small hatch still, refined handling might matter to some but this is just day to day transportation.
I have essentially had a week long test drive in a 26 plate Kamiq, yes the boot was smaller, but was adequate, back seats were fine for two teenagers. I’ll look at the leasing options but TBH unless it’s half the price of the Octavia, I think I’m better off buying used circa 3-4 years old. I know we could happily live with it.
They are ubiquitous, I suddenly noticed while driving one that they are chuffing everywhere, so many on the roads. Essentially the same car with minimal changes from about 2019 to today (spec/kit/trim tweaks only from what I can glean) 3 basic engine options two gearboxes (man/auto?). I will never like SUVs, but I can deal with having one now I think.
my Sister has no complaints about the 1.0TSI in her SEAT Ateca either.
It's probably the same engine as in our Arona. It puts out something nuts like 120PS.
There's a 1.5 model which I was eyeing up. The salesman said I didn't need it, I was like "well I'll be the judge of that!" but he was right. It's perfectly capable, it's not going to be setting any land speed records but it is rapid for what it is.
I've heard recently that there's been a lot of problems with the 1.5 engine, make of that anecdote what you will.
Going back to the comfy seat thing. As a tall person with a knackered back, some SUVs and vans are significantly more comfortable than "normal" cars. This is down to them generally having more cabin height, meaning I can jack the seat up and get a decent bend in my leg (which really helps me personally when sitting).
I really struggle driving any sort of long journey in a normal car because of this. Since having a revelation about it when driving a hire SUV on holiday in NZ (only hire car available and lots of long drives) almost 15 years ago, I've converted to SUVs (hoping to go back to a small van next). I don't like their efficiency, cost, styling, etc. but back comfort is my overriding criterion for picking a car (or bike for that matter).
I had lots of opportunity to drive a lot of SUV’s, and SUV-adjacent vehicles, and for me, most were rather bigger than I wanted/needed, so I decided on a Ford EcoSport, pretty much after I drove one. At the time they were very basic, almost like a pumped-up Ka, but then they refreshed it and fitted better seats, dash/infotainment system, heated screen, etc, and that’s what I bought to replace my old Octavia. The higher seating position is what really made me want it, plus the heated screen that comes as standard with Ford cars, but the 1.0 engine is very nippy, it’s got enough space for me, and I really enjoy driving it. It’s a crossover, rather than an SUV, but I drove pretty much every mainstream SUV on the U.K. market, up to and including an Audi Q7 and a top-end RangeRover, various Jeep models, and a whole bunch of Kia, Toyota and other imports, and none really offered what the little EcoSport had, I’ve driven the Puma, but they came onto the market just about when I bought my EcoSport, and were far too new and expensive - nice to drive, though. I considered the Kuga, but again just a bit bigger than I really needed, it’s just the higher seating position that I wanted.
There’s a huge selection available now, so a very wide range of options, I’m really very lucky that my job at the time allowed me to drive lots of very different vehicles, often for a couple of hundred miles at a time, so I discovered quite quickly what I didn’t want, because some had dreadful seats and horribly poor driving positions; certain van-derivatives were so uncomfortable that I’d be near to tears after half an hour, with another hour or more to go - an arthritic knee with a fixed cramped position did not make for a happy experience!
Mine is an ex-Motability car, worth looking out for, low mileage is often the case, mine was 14 months old, and had 3400 miles on the clock, but had suffered a bit of damage to the bottom of the doors on one side, which had been repaired, but that meant a lower price.
Toyota Yaris Cross? Getting 68mpg out of ours.
We've got a Cupra Formentor and a 3 series touring.r
Formentor is not very useable in terms of boot space and may as well have a hatchback, whereas the 3 series will fit 3 bikes and 3 people and their kit inside.
Can't really comment on fuel economy as they're both hybrids and me and my wife drive differently....
my other half has the VAG group 1.5 petrol Kamiq.
She has the manual which was quite rare when we were shopping second hand. It is a lovely shifter. Fairly short throw, good engagement.
Surprisingly nippy, but its a really oddly short ratio gearbox. high speed motorway driving you can be over 3000 rpm in 6th, which drains the fuel.
if you are getting an auto, suggest you ensure its one where you can override it and shift manually when desired - not sure if that is standard in all trims/all VAG brands.
If you do want a Skoda, I am impressed with their "monte carlo" level trim, I'd say its nicer than my Audi S-line trim.
Kia Sportage is quite big, but the Niro is smaller. I borrowed one whilst my car was being fixed and liked it. Not a boot, but a nice enough car and Kia tend to have good insides.
if you are getting an auto, suggest you ensure its one where you can override it and shift manually when desired - not sure if that is standard in all trims/all VAG brands.
I'm sure everyone will now line up with examples to the contrary but I don't think I've ever driven an auto which didn't have a manual shift mode, even going back to the porridgeboxes of the 90s.
I'm sure everyone will now line up with examples to the contrary but I don't think I've ever driven an auto which didn't have a manual shift mode, even going back to the porridgeboxes of the 90s.
Correct. But also, in 6 years of driving auto's I've used this function exactly once. It was the day I bought it to try out the flappy paddles and has never been used since.
I'm sure everyone will now line up with examples to the contrary but I don't think I've ever driven an auto which didn't have a manual shift mode, even going back to the porridgeboxes of the 90s.
Correct. But also, in 6 years of driving auto's I've used this function exactly once. It was the day I bought it to try out the flappy paddles and has never been used since.
When I had my RS5 I'd sometimes use the flappy paddles, but not that often. An SUV, not really - very occassionally it can be useful when towing heavy loads up or downhil, but even then auto boxes are that good these days they generally shift when required anyways
Agreed, is not often that paddles are really needed. I do use minus-paddle occasionally, my car (2.0 TDI with DSG) wants to grind 80km/h uphills at about 1100rpm on 7th gear even when fully loaded with bikes and passengers so I sometimes blip to lower gear.
a potential Uni attendee
Assuming they'll want stuff lugged to and from the Uni - most do? If so, the larger car still has a place doesn't it?
If bad back is an issue - might I recommend an Audi TT - we went from a Celica to a TT & the wife's back is much happier.
Going back to the comfy seat thing. As a tall person with a knackered back, some SUVs and vans are significantly more comfortable than "normal" cars. This is down to them generally having more cabin height, meaning I can jack the seat up and get a decent bend in my leg (which really helps me personally when sitting).
^^The exact conversation I had with her yesterday^^, sat back in the Octavia, Her seat is already cranked to the top of it's height adjustment, to me this is an ergonomic oddity; the seat to floor distance was a good ~3" more in the Kamiq (by my estimation) basically the shorter vehicle sits it's occupants more upright (partly to make efficient use of the cabin space?) and that is beneficial to her as we're talking about a knackered sciatic nerve and associated NHS Butchery, so kettle bell workouts ain't going to solve her issues any time soon, just putting her in the right position.
With my wonderfully flexible torso I can merrily fold myself into most cars and find a suitable position, the Missus just can't, so a comfortable car seat is a bit of a Unicorn situation for her.
...She has the manual which was quite rare when we were shopping second hand. It is a lovely shifter. Fairly short throw, good engagement.
Surprisingly nippy, but its a really oddly short ratio gearbox. high speed motorway driving you can be over 3000 rpm in 6th, which drains the fuel.
if you are getting an auto, suggest you ensure its one where you can override it and shift manually when desired - not sure if that is standard in all trims/all VAG brands.
I'm minded to go for the 1.5L/150PS Auto (the Boss only has an auto licence anyway). The one I tried was a 1.0L/110PS - 5 speed manual, the gearing jumps between 3-4-5 were a bit tall IMO (coming from a 2.0L Diesel 6 speed), it reminded me of a Golf "blueline" I had as a work hire a few year ago that was frankly awful to drive.
Turbo lag on that 1.0L did mean it was a bit gutless pulling away, but I could live with it if forced to but there seem to be enough 1.5L about, there's a 40hp difference and they seem to claim the same combined mpg (apparently the 1.5L has cylinder shut off for efficiency) all of this must translate over to an Arona. I'm going to rule out diesel, our more recent local driving habits are a recipe for DPF issues down the line IMO. and as efficient as the Octavia has been an extra 10mpg is soon offset by the additional price per/Litre.
On gearboxes there's no way I'd buy a manual car now.
Slightly iffy left knee aside the main reason is all but the worst modern autos are better than manual gearboxes.
I'm on my second VAG DSG car (had a manual Ford in between). There's very few circumstances where a manual would be as good let alone superior on an objective basis.
Last week I had the privilege of driving a Morgan Plus Four. C. 250HP/tonne, lightweight, beautifully balanced car. It was biblically good and made all the better by the ZF auto box, which in Sport mode went through the gears harder and more precisely than most people could ever manage with a stick.
I do get that with a car like that you might want the experience/engagement of doing the shifting for yourself but that's a very subjective thing. For a daily driver I'll just stir the porridge 😉
I reckon a 1.0 with the DSG might be worth looking at. Is it the 7speed one? The closer and extra ratios, the smooth take up and fast shifting Vs a manual might be better than the manual.
Sorry my rant about vehicle fashion making things worse in my opinion
Not in my experience.
Nothing fashionable about them, they have been around for decades. They use a little more fuel but handle really well, the CoG penalty is tiny and insignificant for road use (I use something else for track days). Estates are great too but when based on the same platform offer very little more in terms of volume (compare Tiguan to Golf estate for instance). Big benefit for me is that they are shorter than estates and far more practical to store a bike inside standing with front wheel off and simply held by the dropper to the ceiling. Impossible in an estate.
If buying and looking at long term ownership then avoid any newer VAG - Toyota/Suzuki/Korean is what I’d recommend.
For ultimate seat comfort then Volvo, not quite as robust as the brands above hence why for anyone else I’d place them in 2nd spot. If I was personally buying then Volvo would be #1
If you'd consider an EV then Kia e-niro or Hyundai Kona is in your price range. Worth a test drive if only to rule out the concept. But IME worth a go.
Jumping onto this post.
Our Honda crv is beginning make some strange noises, it's 14 years old and 150k miles, I'm not sure it's worth chasing the issues with money now combined with its oil leak.
I'm thinking of changing to a 2015 or newer vw Tiguan, hopefully the 1.5tsi version of we can afford that.
Any owners here and any pros or cons to the engine? The 1.5 lump is in plenty of cars so thought it would be fairly sorted....
Karoq here. 5 years old, 50,000 miles. Had a couple of Yeti's before. It's comfortable, reliable and boring in that order. Which suits me fine. 1.5 TSI DSG SEL model here as well so had the seats out a few times, they are heavy mind. I can get a bike in there with the front wheel off and seats down.
Apart from a couple of broken springs (roads here are terrible), it's just had standard servicing, tyres and one air con regass. I bought on PCP during lockdown and then paid the balance as I couldn't see any reason to change it.
I am now looking at whatever the Electric version is as I just prefer driving an EV (we have an MG4). I don' drive anywhere near as much as I used to, but still a couple of 150+ mile trips a month, and have no issues with seating/comfort. On a long run I can get 45 MPG+ (according to computer so probably less), stereo is fine, lights are good, seems to still be pretty well bolted together- no squeaks or rattles. Had no issues with engine touch wood.
I am now looking at whatever the Electric version is as I just prefer driving an EV
Enyaq? They’re not badly priced used (possibly due to everyone having range anxiety?), comparable to a Karoq looking online, My only though is that the relative floor to seat height might be reduced with a battery crammed into bottom of the car… but that is very specifically my concern, most people won’t worry about that.
I have a 21 plate Seat Leon with the 1.5 TSI engine. It has a habit of slight, occassional kangaroo-ing at start up but otherwise its a nice engine. the 1.0 engine is adequate, but the 1.5 gives a bit more grunt at both ends. Low end torque is not quite as good as the 2.0 TDi it replaced, but is much better than the NA 1.6 petrol I've had before. It offers similar performance to the TDi (on paper its the same IIRC) but delivers it in a different way, and is much quieter and smoother.
I'd defintiely go for DSG and the electronic handbrake (which may now be standard depending on age).
Be very wary of anything where all the controls are done via the touchscreen, its a PITA. I think the Skoda's have kept the heating controls as knobs. I believe the 2021+ Octavia's also have a USB-C port next to the rear view mirror for a dashcam.
