Best 'bang for buck' cars
Discussion
Been thinking about this for a little while as I'd like to change my car and my wife's car in a few years time so have been looking at everything from 2 seater sports cars to family estates and off roaders. Some cars seem to retain their value exceptionally well (ie Lotus Elise/Exige) whilst others depreciate like a stone. I've always preferred to buy cars and generally keep them a long time (wife's car 9 years so far and mine 6 so far). Looking at a variety of different budgets there's some real gems out there, especially if bought at the right time of year.
Just a few that I've come across like early 00's MR2's are about a grand. 2l Mk3 MX5's are around £2.5k. A 2007 lexus gs450h can be had for less than £4k. Skoda superb 3.2 v6 are pretty cheap as well. Or at the higher end of the spectrum the BMW 640d GC can be had for £15k+ which is an absolute steal compared with the rrp when new.
So just wanted to see what others thought and any particular suggestions of cars that represent really good value for money. Similar to the TG episode where they compared what you could buy on the used market vs a new budget hatchback.
Only rules are less than 15 years old and vaguely reliable. Something you could use everyday and won't cripple you financially. What cars do you think represent good bang for your £ (buck)?
Just a few that I've come across like early 00's MR2's are about a grand. 2l Mk3 MX5's are around £2.5k. A 2007 lexus gs450h can be had for less than £4k. Skoda superb 3.2 v6 are pretty cheap as well. Or at the higher end of the spectrum the BMW 640d GC can be had for £15k+ which is an absolute steal compared with the rrp when new.
So just wanted to see what others thought and any particular suggestions of cars that represent really good value for money. Similar to the TG episode where they compared what you could buy on the used market vs a new budget hatchback.
Only rules are less than 15 years old and vaguely reliable. Something you could use everyday and won't cripple you financially. What cars do you think represent good bang for your £ (buck)?
Depends on your needs. I do think that the Elise is one of the best do-it-all cars if you love driving (road and occasional track) and want something that looks good and is very cheap to run. Which model and spec is up to you depending on how hardcore you want it. But even a standard 111S or 111R for sub £20k is a brilliant tool.
That and something older and Japanese e.g. the Lexus you mentioned or a Subaru Legacy would make a great combination. Minimal depreciation and maximum fun. Alternatively, an old BMW in place of the Subaru would be a laugh. I run a tweaked E36 as a family car which is great fun, particularly in the wet. And zero depreciation.
Too many combinations so you would need to be clear on your priorities.
That and something older and Japanese e.g. the Lexus you mentioned or a Subaru Legacy would make a great combination. Minimal depreciation and maximum fun. Alternatively, an old BMW in place of the Subaru would be a laugh. I run a tweaked E36 as a family car which is great fun, particularly in the wet. And zero depreciation.
Too many combinations so you would need to be clear on your priorities.
No priorities or preferences, just cars that represent exceptional value for money.
Likewise I love the lotus (my dream garage car) but you can buy an mr2 or mx5 for a fraction of the cost. I know it's not the same but all are small, 2 seater, rwd sports cars. All will deliver driver enjoyment and it's amazing that there's a choice of cars for every budget.
Just looking for others suggestions on cars that represent great value for money. Can be a coupe, 4x4, barge etc etc. Similar to SOTW but at any budget, so long as it represents great value so especially looking at good, but high depreciation cars.
Likewise I love the lotus (my dream garage car) but you can buy an mr2 or mx5 for a fraction of the cost. I know it's not the same but all are small, 2 seater, rwd sports cars. All will deliver driver enjoyment and it's amazing that there's a choice of cars for every budget.
Just looking for others suggestions on cars that represent great value for money. Can be a coupe, 4x4, barge etc etc. Similar to SOTW but at any budget, so long as it represents great value so especially looking at good, but high depreciation cars.
If you want something new ish then the VXR Insignia is hard to beat:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Something with a 368 BHP v8 that looks like this:
Fully loaded (+12k of extras), original sale price £67k.
Mileage185k. 4 as new premium tyres, No issues, squeaks or rattles, uses no oil between services and valve seals were replaced at 150k (known issue). Full service history (Dealer to 2011, Specialist since). Drives beautifully and interior shows no wear, even the seat bolsters are as new. mine for the last 8 years.
Current value £2.3k according to WBAC. I am sure there are loads like it out there.
It is a BMW650i
Fully loaded (+12k of extras), original sale price £67k.
Mileage185k. 4 as new premium tyres, No issues, squeaks or rattles, uses no oil between services and valve seals were replaced at 150k (known issue). Full service history (Dealer to 2011, Specialist since). Drives beautifully and interior shows no wear, even the seat bolsters are as new. mine for the last 8 years.
Current value £2.3k according to WBAC. I am sure there are loads like it out there.
It is a BMW650i
gf15 said:
Something with a 368 BHP v8 that looks like this:
Fully loaded (+12k of extras), original sale price £67k.
Mileage185k. 4 as new premium tyres, No issues, squeaks or rattles, uses no oil between services and valve seals were replaced at 150k (known issue). Full service history (Dealer to 2011, Specialist since). Drives beautifully and interior shows no wear, even the seat bolsters are as new. mine for the last 8 years.
Current value £2.3k according to WBAC. I am sure there are loads like it out there.
It is a BMW650i
Stop it.Fully loaded (+12k of extras), original sale price £67k.
Mileage185k. 4 as new premium tyres, No issues, squeaks or rattles, uses no oil between services and valve seals were replaced at 150k (known issue). Full service history (Dealer to 2011, Specialist since). Drives beautifully and interior shows no wear, even the seat bolsters are as new. mine for the last 8 years.
Current value £2.3k according to WBAC. I am sure there are loads like it out there.
It is a BMW650i
I haven't got room for one, it's too thirsty for everyday use, I should spend the money on sensible things... But I would bloody love a 650i!
In May I bought my second Jag XFR - 65k miles for £15500
This is my third XF - previous one was another XFR - sold with 100k miles on the clock. Before that was an XF SV8.
All good bang-for-buck, with the XFR @ 503BHP and the SV8 @ 420. XFRs can be bought for around the £12k mark and SV8s for £8k.
This is my third XF - previous one was another XFR - sold with 100k miles on the clock. Before that was an XF SV8.
All good bang-for-buck, with the XFR @ 503BHP and the SV8 @ 420. XFRs can be bought for around the £12k mark and SV8s for £8k.
Jonny_ said:
Stop it.
I haven't got room for one, it's too thirsty for everyday use, I should spend the money on sensible things... But I would bloody love a 650i!
We did a run of 240 miles on Saturday in convoy. SWMBO RR Evoque 2.2. and my 650. I was in Evoque and SWMBO was in 650. 38 MPG VS 29, but with Diesel 10 % more expensive call and 35 Vs 29 or 20% more expensive in the 650..............not the difference I was expecting. I haven't got room for one, it's too thirsty for everyday use, I should spend the money on sensible things... But I would bloody love a 650i!
Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff