FOAK: New car for herself

H wants a new motor. Got to be brand new, budget around £16k, we have
two kids and Labrador so it has to have enough space.

She's tried an A Class Merc [undecided], a Nissan Qashqai [I liked
it[1] but she felt it was too bulky] and a Golf Match [Ticked all the
boxes until she read the horror stories online]

Any suggestions?

TIA

[1] My favourite so far.

 

Fiat Bravo T-Jet Active. Can pick up a new one for a pittance [1] and
they go well with the 120bhp 1.4 Turbo engine. Look the bollocks, for a
family hatch, too.

[1] Around £11.5k

Picture:
http://img.thesun.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00367/Fiat_Bravo_367010a.jpg

 

A Hummer H2.

 

I'd go with the Qashqai. A friend has one and loves it - bought it
after having a Pug. Not as bulky as you think once you're used to it.
As far as space goes, she breeds labs and springers, has one kid and a
pony to deal with...

 

I had one as a hire car a few months ago (admittedly the smaller-engined
version, which was swiftly christened The Clockwork Mouse), and there was
much about it that was horrid. It was zippy and enthusiastic, handled very
well, but was generally unpleasant to be in. I reckon the Panda is a much
nicer vehicle.

 

I had a 1.9JTD-120 as a hire car in December. Thought it was pretty good
myself. Especially for the money.

The Panda would be a great choice, but the boot won't be big enough for
the dog.

 

I suppose I have no choice here but to recommend what is still one of the
most competent and versatile cars on the road, and one which will allow H to
have both kids up the front while providing the dog with an enormous cabin
to itself, once the rear seats have been removed.

 

Why? Are you loaded?

 

I had never heard of this, presumably new, addition to the Nissan range.
Googled for it and it
(http://autocult.com.au/img/gallery/SpeedDemon427.jpg) looks like the
enormous things they drive over here (Yukon, Tahoe etc) then I saw a
photo of it next to a golf
(http://media.autobild.de/bild/4/7cc21fcd346bedc0e7cea4549493f144_1.jpg)
and was really surprised.

I've never been in a bad (modern) Nissan - from the Micra's (square,
noddy and frogeyed), to the full size Altima's over here - they've all
been good.

I'd certainly look at one if it was my money.

 

It's a Renault Megane on stilts...

 

NAHAY?

 

Adrian wrote:

(Nissan Qashqai)

Well, it's a shared platform, so, yes, kinda.

 

In communiqué

Skoda Roomster 1.9 TDi. Had one as a courtesy car for the Octavia's
first (and only so far) service. Very, well, roomy. Could do with the
140 or even better 170 PD motor though really. Probably too bulky
though.

So a Fabia vRS then.


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He is, but I'm curious as to why it *has* to be brand new, unless he
lost a bet, or something.

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platypus wrote:

Transit Van

 

Trick photography. The golf's in front of the qashqai.

 

While I agree that there is an element of false perspective going on,
the Nissan isn't as huge as my mind thought it should be. But living in
the land of supersizes probably does that.

 

Compared to some, clearly I am.

 

Well, quite. If he's that loaded, why not just have a massive budget and get
an Aston?

 

It's probably a company car...