Automotive Matchmakers: Small or mid-sized automatic car in Portugal?
November 26, 2023 5:44 PM Subscribe
I would like to spend about €20K-€25K on a small or mid-sized car (used) for use in Portugal. I'm American so not familiar with some of the European-market car brands/models and I could use some suggestions. My top priorities are good handling and maneuverability, reliability, comfort on occasional longer trips, and fuel efficiency (no electric-only cars). What should I look at?
Last time I went car shopping (previously) I ended up with a BMW 228i and I LOVED it (had to sell it when I left the US, alas).
* This car will be used for a mix of urban and rural driving. Usually just two people so back seat comfort isn't a factor, but some cargo capacity would be nice. We plan to take some longer road trips a few times a year.
* Roads in older towns and cities can be very narrow so maneuverability and visibility in tight spaces is essential.
* National highways (autoestradas) in Portugal are maintained in very good to excellent condition, but conditions on local roads can vary a lot. It's not uncommon to go from smooth paved asphalt to rough dirt/gravel, potholes, cobblestones, etc. all in the same general area. This vehicle doesn't need AWD or off-road capability, but very stiff suspension or low clearance won't be comfortable or practical.
* Some of the rural roads would be great fun in a car with nice crisp handling.
* Most cars sold there are manual transmission. However, my wife has strictly vetoed getting an MT car while I am a reluctant and picky AT driver. So, this car must be an automatic that both of us can tolerate. Some kind of "manumatic" function would be great.
* I can buy the car in Portugal (logistically easier) or Germany (less convenient but possible if it opens up a wider selection or substantial cost savings).
Cars I have rented recently (all with manual transmissions, maybe one of them has a good automatic version?):
* Audi A3 hatchback (gas). Really intuitive to drive, comfortable, practical size. My favorite so far, also the most expensive. I don't care about luxury branding, maybe I should try a VW Golf?
* Opel Astra (gas). Decent handling and acceleration, plain but functional, a little noisy sometimes. Seems fine but doesn't stand out.
* Hyundai i20 (gas). Underpowered and noisy, not comfortable, would not want to drive it on a long trip.
* Renault Clio (gas). Felt like driving a tin can around.
* Ford Focus hatchback (diesel). My first experience with a diesel car. Felt sluggish in urban driving but smooth on the freeway and (having driven US-model Fords) I was pleasantly surprised by the good handling.
* Fiat Tipo hatchback (diesel). Fit and finish felt cheap and driving it was sometimes a struggle and never enjoyable.
Plus these two automatics:
* Toyota Corolla (gas hybrid). Boring. So boring. Yes I know I'm being a snob. Yes I know this car, or something like it, is probably the right answer. It's reliable and fuel efficient, it's comfortable enough, the hatchback has good cargo capacity, it's an automatic. It's just... joyless.
* Jeep Renegade (gas). Not very fuel efficient, felt big and boxy, generally mediocre.
Last time I went car shopping (previously) I ended up with a BMW 228i and I LOVED it (had to sell it when I left the US, alas).
* This car will be used for a mix of urban and rural driving. Usually just two people so back seat comfort isn't a factor, but some cargo capacity would be nice. We plan to take some longer road trips a few times a year.
* Roads in older towns and cities can be very narrow so maneuverability and visibility in tight spaces is essential.
* National highways (autoestradas) in Portugal are maintained in very good to excellent condition, but conditions on local roads can vary a lot. It's not uncommon to go from smooth paved asphalt to rough dirt/gravel, potholes, cobblestones, etc. all in the same general area. This vehicle doesn't need AWD or off-road capability, but very stiff suspension or low clearance won't be comfortable or practical.
* Some of the rural roads would be great fun in a car with nice crisp handling.
* Most cars sold there are manual transmission. However, my wife has strictly vetoed getting an MT car while I am a reluctant and picky AT driver. So, this car must be an automatic that both of us can tolerate. Some kind of "manumatic" function would be great.
* I can buy the car in Portugal (logistically easier) or Germany (less convenient but possible if it opens up a wider selection or substantial cost savings).
Cars I have rented recently (all with manual transmissions, maybe one of them has a good automatic version?):
* Audi A3 hatchback (gas). Really intuitive to drive, comfortable, practical size. My favorite so far, also the most expensive. I don't care about luxury branding, maybe I should try a VW Golf?
* Opel Astra (gas). Decent handling and acceleration, plain but functional, a little noisy sometimes. Seems fine but doesn't stand out.
* Hyundai i20 (gas). Underpowered and noisy, not comfortable, would not want to drive it on a long trip.
* Renault Clio (gas). Felt like driving a tin can around.
* Ford Focus hatchback (diesel). My first experience with a diesel car. Felt sluggish in urban driving but smooth on the freeway and (having driven US-model Fords) I was pleasantly surprised by the good handling.
* Fiat Tipo hatchback (diesel). Fit and finish felt cheap and driving it was sometimes a struggle and never enjoyable.
Plus these two automatics:
* Toyota Corolla (gas hybrid). Boring. So boring. Yes I know I'm being a snob. Yes I know this car, or something like it, is probably the right answer. It's reliable and fuel efficient, it's comfortable enough, the hatchback has good cargo capacity, it's an automatic. It's just... joyless.
* Jeep Renegade (gas). Not very fuel efficient, felt big and boxy, generally mediocre.
Best answer: Definitely look to the VW Golf if you're looking for a cheaper Audi. If you like the way the Focus handles, look for a petrol version - that will give you the handling you want and, depending on the model, all the zip you could ask for.
Definitely, the Corolla is the 'right' answer but, yeah. Nothing there to feel good about. If you liked the BMW you had, there are a plethora of BMW models available, although used auto models are going to attract a premium. You could definitely get something really nice in that price range in a manual, so I guess looking a bit harder will find you an auto.
posted by dg at 8:43 PM on November 26, 2023
Definitely, the Corolla is the 'right' answer but, yeah. Nothing there to feel good about. If you liked the BMW you had, there are a plethora of BMW models available, although used auto models are going to attract a premium. You could definitely get something really nice in that price range in a manual, so I guess looking a bit harder will find you an auto.
posted by dg at 8:43 PM on November 26, 2023
A thing you might like to consider is an automatic with paddle shifts on the steering wheel. You get them on the sportier models of things - like the Golf GTi or Audi S3 - which are probably out of your price range for a new car, but looking for something 5+ years old you might find something.
posted by parm at 4:06 AM on November 27, 2023
posted by parm at 4:06 AM on November 27, 2023
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Car questions on here often turn up happy Honda Fit/Jazz owners, so the hybrid Honda Jazz might be worth a look as well - they have quite a big boot for the size of the car.
posted by offog at 7:38 PM on November 26, 2023 [1 favorite]