Which £25,000 SUV is best for me and my daughter to share?
Dear Alex,
My daughter and I need new cars so we are thinking about buying a car for us to share, as we live five minutes apart. She needs a car for the school run. I use a car less frequently for days out, as well as for holidays in the UK. We are thinking of keeping her 10-year-old VW Golf instead of selling it, as a back-up, buying a larger car the size of a Hyundai Tucson or Nissan Qashqai to share. Is this a good idea? What would you recommend for £25,000?
– PT
Dear PT,
It’s a good plan – rather than buying two new cars, you’re keeping one and making do and mending, which I’m always a fan of. The newer car can be go-to transport for both of you; if it’s in use, you have the Golf as a back-up.
Besides, 10 years is no age for a modern car, so there’s no reason to ditch the Golf – and unless something serious goes wrong, whatever you spend in maintenance will likely be minuscule compared with the cost of depreciation associated with a newer model, especially if the second car is going to spend much of its time simply parked until it’s required.
As for which newer car to get, you’ve already mentioned two of my go-to suggestions. Of the two, I’d suggest the Hyundai – the latest Tucson is a class act, in plug-in, mild or full hybrid forms. I’d suggest either of the latter two, as they make more sense given your usage.
The mid-range Premium provides a good range of equipment, while there’s also the balance of a five-year warranty – which should amount to three years on the 2022 example I found with 14,000 miles, yours for £24,999.
Even better value is the Mazda CX-5. How about a 2023 example – almost new – with only 3,500 miles? That’s what £25,000 gets you, in well-equipped Centre-Line specification that includes smaller wheels and plumper tyres, which help provide a comfortable ride quality.
Mazda’s reliability record is solid, while inside the CX-5 feels much more expensive than it is, thanks to high-quality materials and smart design. The only downside is that the 2.0-litre petrol engine can sometimes feel a bit gutless – although it is very efficient.
My final suggestion is another perennial favourite, the Volvo XC40. Not only is it smooth to drive, it’s beautifully finished inside, with an upmarket feel. It’s one of the safest SUVs, too.
Because Volvo is a bona fide premium brand these days, you get a little less car for your cash with the XC40 – but £24,990 still buys you a 2021 T3 Inscription with 15,000 miles, a full history, plenty of equipment and a willing petrol turbo engine of which I’m a big fan.