For €7,500
After a few episodes in which convertibles were discussed, we are now focusing again on closed used cars. More or less out of necessity, because the announced better weather does not seem to have materialized yet. To live life somewhat cheerfully this summer, we portray three sedans with a sporty slant.
Speaking of sporty; With the European Football Championship and the Olympic Games plus traditional Wimbledon and the Tour de France, you will have to stock up on a lot of snacks and drinks in the coming months to get through all the competitions and events well-fed and refreshed. That’s why we keep our budget modest. We start looking with 7,500 euros.
Alfa Romeo 159 1.8 MPI Distinctive – 2007 – 134,506 kilometers – €6,950
With a BMW 3-series, Jaguar XE and Alfa Romeo Giulia, we previously portrayed three sports sedans that were three times as expensive as this week’s trio. But even with ‘only’ 7,500 euros in your pocket, you don’t have to go through life Alfa-less, because what about this Alfa Romeo 159? Even though it could never make us forget the predecessor 156, the 159 still makes an impression with its three piercing headlights. The above asking price of the 51-XB-XG (four previous owners) is not entirely correct, because according to the advertisement, €499 will be added for delivery, which includes a 12-month warranty. Likewise, we are still within our budget. And speaking of sitting; behind the wheel you have a view of a beautiful aluminum clock shop. The furniture is the most voluminous of this trio, but the CC offers the most space (except for the main room). Vacationers, take note: the rear seat does not fold down, so the luggage compartment does not exceed a fairly modest 405 liters.
The 159 sits firmly on the road and does not shy away from fast cornering. A wonderful ride, partly thanks to the double triangular wishbones at the front and multi-link suspension at the rear. You do feel the car weight. Remarkable, because there is only a small difference with the other two (just like the CC, it weighs 1,405 kilos, the Exeo weighs 1,375 kilos). Under the beautifully curved hood we find the only naturally aspirated machine of this trio. The massive exhausts should provide a sporty growl.
The model shown is the Distinctive and that means that this occasion is reasonably well equipped, but it is not excessive. For example, we miss a height adjustment for the passenger seat and both front seats do not have adjustable lumbar support, things that both others have on board and should not be missing on such a sports sedan. That doesn’t matter to true Alfists, because you buy an Alfa Romeo with your heart and less with your head.
Signaling
Brand Alfa Romeo
Type 159 1.8mpi Distinctive
Construction year April 2007
Mileage 134,506
Asking price €6,950 (+€499)
Where to buy? Auto Kalis, Nieuw-Beijerland
Technical data
Engine 4 cyl. in line, 1,796 cc
Max. assets 103 kW/140 hp at 6,500 rpm
Max. couple 175 Nm at 3,800 rpm
Luggage compartment 405 l
Max. trailer braked 1,400 kilos
Avg. consumption 1 in 13.0
0-100 km/h 10.2 sec
Top speed 206 km/h
Seat Exeo 1.8 TSI 150 hp Style – 2009 – 119,368 kilometers – €6,895
Seat’s ambition was to become the ‘Spanish Alfa Romeo’. It must be said: there were quite nice models and versions, such as the Cupra versions of the Ibiza and the ‘Jerommekes’ of the first generation Leon (1.8 20VT Cupra R, 2.8 V6 Topsport 4). When the Exeo was released in 2009, we predicted a bright future for it. Just think: Audi technology topped with chili pepper and for a milder price. Things turned out differently, because in four years less than 2,000 copies were sold here. Including this Seat Exeo: younger and less experienced than the 159, but here too the warranty costs extra: €695 for six months. What went wrong with the Exeo? Perhaps the (too) sporty expectations, because the Exeo is made up of parts from the A4, A6 and Cabriolet – therefore lacking its own face – and especially the contribution of A6 chassis elements ensures that the Exeo drives smoother and more comfortably than the A4. while you would expect just the opposite. Also worth mentioning: the A4 type introduced in 2001(!) served as a donor, which translates into 4 EuroNCAP crash test stars (159 and CC: 5 pieces) and the least space in the back.
Fortunately, there is a (divisible) folding rear seat here. In any case, the Style is well equipped. With a tire pressure sensor, AUX input, alarm and automatically folding exterior mirrors, this Spaniard with German genes distinguishes himself from his fellow colleagues this week. The powerful 1.8 with 150 hp, in combination with an accurate six-speed gearbox, gives a relaxed calling card on the road, which all in all makes it more of a smooth everyone’s friend than an occasion with a distinct character. In addition, you buy the Exeo for its build quality, because there is nothing wrong with that. The photos show a neatly maintained black sedan by two ex-owners. In short: a car with clear advantages and disadvantages – with the icing on the cake being its relative rarity.
Signaling
Brand Seat
Type Exeo 1.8 TSI 150 hp Style
Construction year April 2009
Mileage 119,368
Asking price €6,895
Where to buy? Vakgarage Auto Nol, Nijkerk
Technical data
Engine 4 cyl. in-line, 1,781 cc, turbo
Max. assets 110 kW/150 hp at 5,700 rpm
Max. couple 220 Nm at 1,800 rpm
Luggage compartment 460 l/nb
Max. trailer braked 1,400 kilos
Avg. consumption 1 in 12.7
0-100 km/h 9.3 sec
Top speed 217 km/h
Volkswagen Passat CC 1.8 TSI – 2009 – 174,539 kilometers – €6,950
As a car manufacturer you can also do things differently and design a coupe version of a sedan. That’s nothing new: liftbacks have been around for decades. As a sporty variant of the Passat, Volkswagen introduced the CC (now called Arteon). They are now available on the used market for relatively low entry prices, but you are stuck with quite experienced ones. With this Volkswagen Passat CC that is not so bad: less than 175,000 kilometers. On the other hand, we suspect that with this mileage the worst problem with the sensitive 1.8 TSI will have already been resolved. It is also a pity that there is no mention of warranty about this fresh import vehicle.
Despite the most powerful engine of this trio that ensures the highest performance and the least fuel thirst, such a CC is not a real sports car. The shifting (like the Exeo has a six-speed gearbox, the 159 has five gears) is light and smooth, but also somewhat numb, which also applies to the clutch and steering: light and precise, but not very communicative. The handling is quiet and confidence-inspiring, but not really dynamic either.
The headroom in the back is understandably less, but because the legroom is good, sitting slightly slouched does not cause any problems. The rear seat is fixed, but with no less than 532 liters of luggage space, this is not a problem. The model shown appears to be the entry-level model in the series, but indebted to the coupe concept, the equipment is the most lavish of this set. For example, a limited-slip differential, electrically adjustable sports seats and an electric tailgate are only found on the X-337-XP. The latter feature shows that the CC is of course not a real sedan – the rear entry is certainly not easy for taller people. In addition, the CC is a four-seater – there are two seats in the rear that are separated by a storage compartment. That makes it less versatile than the 159 and the Exeo.
Signaling
Brand Volkswagen
Type Passat CC 1.8 TSI
Construction year September 2009
Mileage 174,539
Asking price €6,950
Where to buy? Autostad, The Hague
Technical data
Engine 4 cyl. in-line, 1,798 cc, turbo
Max. assets 118 kW/160 hp at 5,000 rpm
Max. couple 250 Nm at 1,500 rpm
Luggage compartment 532 l
Max. trailer braked 1,500 kilos
Avg. consumption 1 in 13.2
0-100 km/h 8.6 sec
Top speed 222 km/h
Which well-priced, well-trained sedan will you go into this sporty summer with?
Two sedans and a five-door coupe in the shape of the Volkswagen Passat CC. The latter will appeal to many people the most, but at the same time it is a case of ‘who wants to be beautiful, has to suffer pain’. The 159 and the Exeo are traditional sedans, with the Exeo notable for its rarity and the 159 for its muscular appearance. Which relatively cheap four-wheeler would you like to experience this sports summer with? Or would you rather have a BMW 3-series or a nice driver’s sedan like the Ford Mondeo or Mazda 6? Let us know!
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl