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Post by rodge on Dec 19, 2020 21:25:13 GMT
Really jumping the gun here but we are planning on moving back to Ireland in the next 18 months, possibly earlier than that, even next summer.
There’s a number of reasons behind this decision but I want to focus on the car issue.
We’ve been living in California for the last 7+ years.
My no claims bonus can’t be transferred from one country to another so even though I have a clean driving record, I’m looking at starting from the beginning again.
At 47 years old.
Currently driving an X5 35i which I love. It does everything I need it to and has 7 seats. We’ve also got a RX300 that’s 20 years old and we haven’t replaced as we know we are moving back.
Previous vehicles in Ireland were an S-Max TDCi,
E46 325i, mk1 Focus.
I’m open to suggestions and would not restricted to any brand, although I’m not pushed on Nissans as I’ve driven loads the last 2 years I’ve been here,
Not keen on French or Italian cars as I’ve heard too many horror stories.
Don’t have a budget but want to stay under 4 years old.
Preferably something that can fit a family of 5, including 3 teenagers. Need practical but fun to drive and cheap to insure. Not worried about fuel economy as I’ve been used to 18mpg being great for the last 7 years!
Suggestions on a postcard please!
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Post by ChrisM on Dec 19, 2020 21:30:22 GMT
Ford S-Max again.... or Kuga
Peugeot 3008 (although it is French.... Peugeots used to be cheap to insure some years ago)
Some of the many VW Group offerings... Skoda Kodiaq, Karoq, VW Touran, Tiguan
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Post by michael on Dec 19, 2020 21:41:32 GMT
If the X5 works there get another one back over in Ireland.
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Post by Martin on Dec 19, 2020 21:44:50 GMT
If the X5 works there get another one back over in Ireland. Exactly. |
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Post by rodge on Dec 19, 2020 22:55:21 GMT
If the X5 works there get another one back over in Ireland. Exactly. I’d love to but the insurance will be a killer in Ireland. I’ve just put my details into an online provider I used before and they’ve refused to quote me. |
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Post by Tim on Dec 21, 2020 9:49:26 GMT
Not keen on French or Italian cars as I’ve heard too many horror stories. It's not the 1970s anymore!! If you like x-Drive but want something cheaper to insure than an X5 I could offer you a lightly used 2013 320d xDrive Touring. It'll be about £6k next summer if you're interested. It's got a full service history and been absolutely trouble-free. Well, apart from the usual BMW (not unique to them, I grant) replacement of various suspension parts including a recent advisory for track rod ends (again) or lower arms (again, £300 each side), intermittently misbehaving transfer box (£5k from BMW), slightly suspicious gasping noise when I change from 1st to 2nd and of course lets not forget the rust on all 4 door bottoms, both front wings and the tailgate (it's in the dealer today for them to see if any of it is covered by warranty. I'm not holding my breath). On the plus side it is quite fun to drive and you can get a surprising quantity of cardboard boxes in it! So, if it still exists, and hasn't fully dissolved like a 1970s Beta, you're welcome to take it off my hands?  |
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Post by ChrisM on Dec 21, 2020 12:01:04 GMT
The way things are going over here with covid and restrictions on liberty, I think I'd much prefer to stay in the USA if I were there, rather than return to the crazy world we have in Europe.
Considered something like a Kia Sorrento or is Korean stuff off the menu?
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Post by Bob Sacamano v2.0 on Dec 21, 2020 12:28:39 GMT
The Hyundai Tucson was the best selling car in Ireland last year so there should be plenty about. Could do worse.
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Post by PetrolEd on Dec 21, 2020 13:44:26 GMT
What’s the budget?
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Post by johnc on Dec 21, 2020 14:37:31 GMT
I’d love to but the insurance will be a killer in Ireland. I’ve just put my details into an online provider I used before and they’ve refused to quote me. That might be to do with your current location. The online systems can't cope with anything that doesn't tick all their boxes and doesn't match up with the credit reference searches. You'd be better to phone someone. |
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Post by rodge on Dec 22, 2020 6:33:46 GMT
Not keen on French or Italian cars as I’ve heard too many horror stories. It's not the 1970s anymore!! If you like x-Drive but want something cheaper to insure than an X5 I could offer you a lightly used 2013 320d xDrive Touring. It'll be about £6k next summer if you're interested. It's got a full service history and been absolutely trouble-free. Well, apart from the usual BMW (not unique to them, I grant) replacement of various suspension parts including a recent advisory for track rod ends (again) or lower arms (again, £300 each side), intermittently misbehaving transfer box (£5k from BMW), slightly suspicious gasping noise when I change from 1st to 2nd and of course lets not forget the rust on all 4 door bottoms, both front wings and the tailgate (it's in the dealer today for them to see if any of it is covered by warranty. I'm not holding my breath). On the plus side it is quite fun to drive and you can get a surprising quantity of cardboard boxes in it! So, if it still exists, and hasn't fully dissolved like a 1970s Beta, you're welcome to take it off my hands? I might give you a call Tim! |
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Post by rodge on Dec 22, 2020 6:49:33 GMT
I’m not against Kia or Hyundai.
Over driven a number of them in the last few years and have been increasingly impressed by them.
I don’t have a budget in mind, probably 15k or less to be honest.
Regarding insurance, I’ll investigate further when it’s nearer the time.
Main criteria are fun to drive, practical, cheap enough to insure, don’t care if it’s petrol or diesel.
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Post by johnc on Dec 22, 2020 8:45:17 GMT
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Post by Tim on Dec 22, 2020 8:48:57 GMT
I'd recommend the Mondeo long before a BMW.......  |
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Post by Bob Sacamano v2.0 on Dec 22, 2020 16:52:31 GMT
I’d love to but the insurance will be a killer in Ireland. I’ve just put my details into an online provider I used before and they’ve refused to quote me. When I handed back my company car and bought my own I got some headed paper and drafted a letter saying that I'd driven a company car for x number of years and had not had any accidents. I then got our MD to sign it. Insurance companies were happy to accept this and give me NCD. Can you get a similar letter from your US insurance company or your employers? |
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Post by Martin on Dec 22, 2020 17:20:11 GMT
I’d love to but the insurance will be a killer in Ireland. I’ve just put my details into an online provider I used before and they’ve refused to quote me. When I handed back my company car and bought my own I got some headed paper and drafted a letter saying that I'd driven a company car for x number of years and had not had any accidents. I then got our MD to sign it. Insurance companies were happy to accept this and give me NCD. Can you get a similar letter from your US insurance company or your employers? I had the same thing when I opted out, the insurance companies I looked at would only accept a maximum of 5 years, but it's much better than starting from zero. |
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Post by rodge on Dec 22, 2020 17:28:25 GMT
I like the look of that. I had a Mk1 Mondeo years ago and it was a brilliant all rounder. I’ve also driven several newer ones and have found them up to the task at hand. Might have to consider them. |
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Post by rodge on Dec 22, 2020 17:29:40 GMT
I’d love to but the insurance will be a killer in Ireland. I’ve just put my details into an online provider I used before and they’ve refused to quote me. When I handed back my company car and bought my own I got some headed paper and drafted a letter saying that I'd driven a company car for x number of years and had not had any accidents. I then got our MD to sign it. Insurance companies were happy to accept this and give me NCD. Can you get a similar letter from your US insurance company or your employers? I’ll check this out. I’m with Geico who are huge so it’s possible I can get a letter of cover or such like. |
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Post by Roadsterstu on Dec 31, 2020 9:09:57 GMT
I like the look of that. I had a Mk1 Mondeo years ago and it was a brilliant all rounder. I’ve also driven several newer ones and have found them up to the task at hand. Might have to consider them. Given that you have the same Mondeo over there, and how much car you can get for the money, decent to drive, etc it could be ideal. I know you said you were not bothered about petrol or diesel but that's fine at US fuel prices. You might change your mind once back in Ireland! |
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