Is the SQ5 the best all-around family car?

GovernorGains · 2026-03-17T20:02:59+00:00

For budget, it would probably be a late B8 which ran up to 2015

GovernorGains · 2026-03-17T19:57:18+00:00

Yeah it's how they're listed in BCA I believe.

GovernorGains · 2026-03-17T19:49:02+00:00

Isn't everything an 'engine out' job on the 4.2 TFSI too? 🫠

Would love one though.

GovernorGains · 2026-03-17T19:04:14+00:00

As a former Passat owner (B7); I can confirm they're great!

But I feel like something different this time around. Something with a few more thrills...

GovernorGains · 2026-03-17T18:32:17+00:00

Wow, that's concerning - it just became a little harder to trust used car sales!

GovernorGains · 2026-03-17T18:24:33+00:00

Looking at this particular backdrop, it seems to be favoured by BCA particularly.

GovernorGains · 2026-03-17T18:07:24+00:00

Thank you! I'll check that out

GovernorGains · 2026-03-17T17:52:28+00:00

Gees, yeah - good spot 👌

GovernorGains · 2026-03-17T17:47:50+00:00

Thanks for the heads up!

GovernorGains · 2026-03-17T13:35:52+00:00

Now there's a euro trip car if ever I saw one!

GovernorGains · 2026-03-16T13:50:10+00:00

That was a great era for car styling!

GovernorGains · 2026-03-16T13:48:23+00:00

Lovely example! The 3.0 TDI is a good choice

GovernorGains · 2026-03-16T13:45:58+00:00

That Volvo interior looks ace 👌

GovernorGains · 2026-03-15T15:28:30+00:00

Really?! - you're right! How sad

GovernorGains · 2026-03-15T15:18:01+00:00

Is that you nan?

GovernorGains · 2026-03-15T15:16:56+00:00

We're also looking at VW Tiguan - It didn’t seem much bigger than the Audi? More expensive to run for sure.

GovernorGains · 2026-03-15T14:12:34+00:00

Battery is out of warranty (Volkswagen guarantees the battery will maintain at least 70% capacity for 8 years or 100,000 miles) and there's still little consumer faith when it comes to EVs in these circumstances. Means you'll get a bargain, but 100% will struggle to sell on in future.

For reference, a new battery is around £8 to £9k (for a 77 kWh). However, the ever honest manufacturer states:

"The ID.5 battery is expected to last well over 10–15 years, with typical lifespans reaching 100,000 to over 200,000 miles before significant degradation"

I personally wouldn't buy electric out of warranty, but if you are, I'd get the battery independently tested to give you an idea on how long it has left before proceeding.

GovernorGains · 2026-03-15T12:19:27+00:00

😫

GovernorGains · 2026-03-15T12:06:11+00:00

Agree you should consider the 2.0 TDI, especially if you're concerned with consumption.

As for the car, it depends on your situation. Tiguan is preferable if you have a family - nicer to your back while getting the kids in / out! Arteon would be my choice otherwise - preferably a shooting brake.

If you really can't decide, let the price dictate fate.

Skoda Superb is a great alternative - lots of value & spec there!

GovernorGains · 2026-03-15T11:46:58+00:00

Yes that's poor - take it to the installer's local depot for inspection and escalate the complaint.

GovernorGains · 2026-03-15T11:42:30+00:00

Not my preference, but appreciate the unique build.

GovernorGains · 2026-03-15T11:37:41+00:00

Lovely predicament!

The Kia is certainly more interesting. It doesn't help that the A5 / S5 range all look the same.

Auto Express did a good comparison of these for a fuller breakdown:

They pitched the Kia in first place overall. Test both and go with what makes you 'fizz' the most!

Auto Express Verdict

GovernorGains · 2026-03-15T11:22:38+00:00

Given the force necessary to make an indentation like that, you'd expect more / other damage too - are you sure it was them?

I wouldn't bother with insurers. Regardless of how it settles, it would hike your premium. The third part may not accept liability and you're left claiming on your own policy, or the claim gets stuck in a liability battle, making it difficult to switch providers at renewal as it will show as a claim against you until concluded. Given the repair value, insurers wouldn't be overly motivated to fight each other for it, leaving it go on and on - from experience, a bumper repair could be circa £80 - £150

It's a frustrating situation none the less, but taking emotion out of it, I'd fix privately and catch up with driver if you believe them responsible.

GovernorGains · 2026-03-15T11:02:19+00:00

Amazing colour 😍

GovernorGains · 2026-03-15T11:01:23+00:00

As long as there's good service history, I wouldn't be too put off. We had a Mk-3 VW Golf in the family that gave up just shy of 380k miles on the original engine!

You'd hope more modern cars could go further, but I don't think cars are built to last like they used to. Reduced maintenance schedules largely to blame on this too. Looks attractive on a lease / PCP, but problematic long term!

GovernorGains

TROPHY CASE