Opportunities: 3 comfortable upper middle class cars for 15,000 euros

Everyone owns an SUV, the larger middle class is dying out. That is so unfair! There’s something to be said for an affordable, comfortable, larger midsize car with a fifth door. It drives wonderfully and is also very practical.

The range of used cars is huge. You can find used cars everywhere at a dealer, via gaspedal.nl, a specialized website and even on Facebook. Which comfortable upper middle class car do you buy for 15,000 euros? Autovisie selects the best used cars every week.

Three comfortable upper middle class cars for 15,000 euros

1. Citroen DS5 (2011 – 2018)

When this model was introduced, “DS” was not yet a brand, but the reference to the past brings with it obligations. Externally it has a special appearance, with many details and lines without function. In the interior, you initially feel like you are in an airplane, and this is further reinforced by the regular switches on the roof and the “head-up display”.

It’s a shame that visibility is limited, especially to the rear, but fortunately there is a rear view camera. Who would have ever thought of giving this car such stiff shock absorbers? What’s special: The petrol engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission as standard. At Windraak there is a dark gray “So Chic” (2014, 80,000 km) for €14,750.

What should you pay attention to on this occasion?

A loose nut between the fuse box and the starter motor can cause various undesirable reactions. It looks worse than it is, it’s just a matter of screwing it in correctly. An unrecognized key can be easily resolved by inserting it into the appropriate opening and holding the start button for ten seconds, which is necessary to reset.

An engine that is too hot according to the dashboard can be caused by a faulty sensor. The ABS pump sometimes gives up and that is simply an expensive repair.

2. Ford Mondeo (2014 – 2019)

This last generation Mondeo is a real Ford and that’s a serious compliment. This means, among other things, a successful appearance and a beautifully balanced chassis, nice and comfortable, with a sporty touch if desired.

Steering and shifting are also exemplary. The excellent front seats also contribute to this comfort; adults also sit comfortably in the back. The luggage compartment is the largest of the three with at least 550 liters. Bring your holiday luggage with you! The 1.0 liter engine is underpowered, the 1.5 liter suits the car well. Calculate about 1 in 12.5. A freshly imported 1.5 “Titanium” (2018, 117,000 km) is listed at a car company in Sittard for €14,990.

What should you pay attention to on this occasion?

If a Mondeo starts to skid, the hazard warning lights turn on automatically. That’s nice, but often they don’t want to go out. In itself it’s a small thing, the instructions for use even say what to do about it.

It also happens that the switch for the hazard warning lights is stuck in the housing and therefore does not turn off. A bit of tinkering… solved! In addition, this Mondeo is also a very reliable car!

3. Opel Insignia (2017 – 2020)

The Insignia was such a beautiful car! The interior is nice and spacious, even long-legged Dutch people can sit comfortably in the back and the luggage compartment, with a minimum volume of 490 liters, is anything but sufficient. What is striking is the partially digital dashboard, which is also very complete. The AGR seats (option: Healthy Back Campaign) are particularly recommended for longer journeys.

We’re not talking about taste, but the Insignia “Sports Tourer” (five-door) is a beautifully understated car, almost timeless.

It’s also quite comfortable, the 1.5 liter turbo engine is generously powerful enough and only runs 1 in 15. A deep dark blue “Business+” (2018, 150,000 km) is listed at a car company in Strijen for €14,950.

What should you pay attention to on this occasion?

The 1.5-liter turbocharged engine in this Insignia is a blast. It’s important to note this, especially because its predecessor, the 1.4 Turbo, had some well-known flaws. Of course, something can always happen, but this last generation Insignia is technically recommended.

What occasion will it be?

Some people are completely addicted to Citroën and/or DS. Ok! Have Fun. Objectively speaking, this is not the best choice. It is mainly between Mondeo and Insignia, which are also very similar in terms of quality. Anyway… I choose the Opel Insignia.