Minimal Depreciation?

[halo34]

So I just sold my diesel octavia VRS - late 2013, fantastic car but I couldnt bear dealing with our friendly scottish garage monopoly as the nearest dealer. Its warranty was also up and I had my "fun".

I do 25k PA and need to keep costs down and I have two options to last 3 yrs OR to be able to cut loose in a year with reasonable depreciation. The roads are terrible up here and softer more pliant cars is in order for middle aged tendencies.

We have;

2013 VW Passat Highline estate - most of the toys, xenons 2.0 diesel, sat nav and upgraded alloys etc, 1 owner 51k
2012 Ford Focus 1.6 tdci titanium - lacks the xenons but still a decent package, 1 owner 39k

Passat is from VW used approved with the benefits that go with it @ £8800
Focus is private sale but well priced @ £6250 - MOT due so lets call it £6100

There is 2600 in it, but the VW covers 2 services and has a warranty behind it whilst the ford has dirt cheap servicing and parts.

I dont come on here much but need some sort of epiphany as I have no car and literally need to decide in the morning as my passat reservation runs out !

[talksthetorque]

I'd justify the passat on the xenons. What with the long winter nights up there they' be invaluable.
It will also be a far far far nicer place to spend one working year out of the next three ( 25kpa x 3@40mph average)
Whilst the focus is an OK car, after about three months you will be cursing yourself every time you get in it.

[MorganP104]

I'm in agreement with talksthetorque, for broadly the same reasons.

You clearly value comfort over sharp handling, which gives the nod to the Passat. Being an estate, it will also be practical, for those occasions when you need a big boot. Nothing against the Focus (bloody good car), but for something to get in, drive, and get out relaxed, it has to be the VW.

[briang9]

seeing the way diesels are being taxed etc..it may make more sense to look a petrol or hybrid option?

[halo34]

Gents I think you are both right. I have already saved £90 a month from stepping out of the VRS and being aggressive with the VW deal.

Also reflecting on it, I lug stuff about quite a bit and the passat has a fairly wide flat boot area. I think the focus would make me miserable on some level, it is a good car now doubt, but a 2 hour commute each day needs some comfort.

Mind made up!

Thanks guys

[halo34]

briang9 said:

seeing the way diesels are being taxed etc..it may make more sense to look a petrol or hybrid option?

They arent at this age - its still £30 PA. I would have to spend way more than 8k to get into a reliable hybrid option that will handle my 475 miles a week. Petrol wise I would write off cost savings in increased MPG.

Next car is going that route tho - hopefully just run the passat into the ground and pick up a scrappage scheme.

[Jag_NE]

halo34 said:

So I just sold my diesel octavia VRS - late 2013, fantastic car but I couldnt bear dealing with our friendly scottish garage monopoly as the nearest dealer. Its warranty was also up and I had my "fun".

I do 25k PA and need to keep costs down and I have two options to last 3 yrs OR to be able to cut loose in a year with reasonable depreciation. The roads are terrible up here and softer more pliant cars is in order for middle aged tendencies.

We have;

2013 VW Passat Highline estate - most of the toys, xenons 2.0 diesel, sat nav and upgraded alloys etc, 1 owner 51k
2012 Ford Focus 1.6 tdci titanium - lacks the xenons but still a decent package, 1 owner 39k

Passat is from VW used approved with the benefits that go with it @ £8800
Focus is private sale but well priced @ £6250 - MOT due so lets call it £6100

There is 2600 in it, but the VW covers 2 services and has a warranty behind it whilst the ford has dirt cheap servicing and parts.

I dont come on here much but need some sort of epiphany as I have no car and literally need to decide in the morning as my passat reservation runs out !

why are you tied to the monopoly dealer on a 4 year old car? you like the skoda yeah?

[halo34]

It was very low mileage and warrantied through skoda, so it made life much easier. The skoda was great, fast for what it was, had amazing seats and handled really well. However just starting to be a bit too harsh for me on the roads up here as well.

[ZX10R NIN]

Some other options worth keeping in mind:

Peugeot 508 Allure Loaded with kit very comfortable great engines:

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...

Insignia Elite

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

SRI

http://eu.hlserve.com/Delivery/Delivery.aspx?hm_CI...

Leftfield:

Last of the line Laguna I reckon you'd be able yo get it for around the same money as the Focus.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

I would normally say the Mondeo but estate ones seem to hold their money well in comparison to the others.