Car to replace leased Fiesta ST?
Discussion
I currently lease a Fiesta ST (2015) and it goes back in the summer. I have several months left but would like to have a good idea of what car I will purchase next by that time, rather than leaving it to the last minute to decide. I really don't know what to replace it with. I quite enjoy driving it, sometimes, although I wish the ride was nicer and of course I'm used to the power now. I think the logical next step is to get something a bit bigger, more comfortable and more powerful. The other issue is that I seem to mostly drive it in rush hour and spend a lot more time in traffic than I'd like to.
I've worked out that I currently pay out more for cars than I do for the mortgage. For reference, I pay ~£240 a month with a £1.8k deposit (over 3 years), which works out just shy of £300 a month over the entire term for the Fiesta, plus another ~£300 for the other car we own. Ideally, I'd like to pay less than I pay now, or the same amount so I can spend more on things like holidays or the ever increasing costs of raising a child. Not very PH but that's how life goes.
Used cars might be an option but I do need something reliable enough to start 260 days of the year and do 50 miles a day. This is why I did a lease this time round, as new cars are in fact more reliable than old ones. There's also all the comparisons between depreciation on a used car and being able to effectively 'rent' a new car for a few years then hand it back. I'm not really bothered if I 'own' the car either.
Assuming I try to use the equity that I'll have in the ST, I'll be back at a Ford dealer. Annoyingly, Ford don't currently make any cars (with exception of the unrealistic idea of a new Ford GT...) that I want to own. I don't want the new Fiesta ST, nor any of the Focus ST's or RS. This makes me think I should just hand it back and either find a lease deal online or at another dealer.
The question is... which car!? Key points:
1. As fast as or faster than the ST
2. More comfortable than the ST, especially for back seat passengers (not a difficult ask!)
3. A bit bigger than the ST
4. Under £300 a month, taking into account the deposit as well. Example: £299 a month with a £5k deposit is not £299 a month.
5. I would REALLY miss the heated front windscreen and heated seats but it's not a deal breaker.
I think my problem might be: Fast, Good or Cheap. Pick two.
Thanks
I've worked out that I currently pay out more for cars than I do for the mortgage. For reference, I pay ~£240 a month with a £1.8k deposit (over 3 years), which works out just shy of £300 a month over the entire term for the Fiesta, plus another ~£300 for the other car we own. Ideally, I'd like to pay less than I pay now, or the same amount so I can spend more on things like holidays or the ever increasing costs of raising a child. Not very PH but that's how life goes.
Used cars might be an option but I do need something reliable enough to start 260 days of the year and do 50 miles a day. This is why I did a lease this time round, as new cars are in fact more reliable than old ones. There's also all the comparisons between depreciation on a used car and being able to effectively 'rent' a new car for a few years then hand it back. I'm not really bothered if I 'own' the car either.
Assuming I try to use the equity that I'll have in the ST, I'll be back at a Ford dealer. Annoyingly, Ford don't currently make any cars (with exception of the unrealistic idea of a new Ford GT...) that I want to own. I don't want the new Fiesta ST, nor any of the Focus ST's or RS. This makes me think I should just hand it back and either find a lease deal online or at another dealer.
The question is... which car!? Key points:
1. As fast as or faster than the ST
2. More comfortable than the ST, especially for back seat passengers (not a difficult ask!)
3. A bit bigger than the ST
4. Under £300 a month, taking into account the deposit as well. Example: £299 a month with a £5k deposit is not £299 a month.
5. I would REALLY miss the heated front windscreen and heated seats but it's not a deal breaker.
I think my problem might be: Fast, Good or Cheap. Pick two.
Thanks
Do the maths on buying a warranted 2 year old car? In my experience, cars really aren't made like they were in the 1980s, and so long as they are regularly serviced, they just don't tend to fail like they used to. If anything they seem to be a bit more reliable than brand new, as they delivery "bugs" have been sorted. Personally, I'd go for a 2 year old Focus ST estate, but you seem to have ruled that out, so maybe get some figures worked out for an Audi A3 5 door or Golf equivalent?
So, you're looking at getting something bigger, faster and more comfortable than the Fiesta ST, but still something reasonably new, for less than you're paying now? I'm not sure how that's really going to work out tbh.
The only thing i can think of is some SEAT dealers, i think it was Stockport actually, doing a £269 up-front deposit and then £269 per month for 2 years, 8k miles per annum, on a Leon Cupra 300.
The only thing i can think of is some SEAT dealers, i think it was Stockport actually, doing a £269 up-front deposit and then £269 per month for 2 years, 8k miles per annum, on a Leon Cupra 300.
Edited by culpz on Wednesday 3rd January 10:02
culpz said:
So, you're looking at getting something bigger, faster and more comfortable than the Fiesta ST, but still something reasonably new, for less than you're paying now? I'm not sure how that's really going to work out tbh.
The only thing i can think of is some SEAT dealers, i think it was Stockport actually, doing a £269 up-front deposit and then £269 per month for 2 years, 8k miles per annum, on a Leon Cupra 300.
This, also. The only thing i can think of is some SEAT dealers, i think it was Stockport actually, doing a £269 up-front deposit and then £269 per month for 2 years, 8k miles per annum, on a Leon Cupra 300.
Edited by culpz on Wednesday 3rd January 10:02
http://www.seatwarrington.co.uk/newcars/details/se...
We have had a Cupra 290 black edition over the last 12 months on a 2yr lease and it’s been great, quick and reasonably economical for what it is with a good spec (nav, heated seats, adaptive suspension, 19” alloys etc). Would get another if the deals are available and similar prices in 12 months time when it’s up for changing.
We had a Fiesta ST on a 2 yr lease before the Cupra, much prefer the Cupra in all respects.
duckson said:
This, also.
http://www.seatwarrington.co.uk/newcars/details/se...
We have had a Cupra 290 black edition over the last 12 months on a 2yr lease and it’s been great, quick and reasonably economical for what it is with a good spec (nav, heated seats, adaptive suspension, 19” alloys etc). Would get another if the deals are available and similar prices in 12 months time when it’s up for changing.
We had a Fiesta ST on a 2 yr lease before the Cupra, much prefer the Cupra in all respects.
+1 on this. Fantastic deal. I have just swapped from a Peugeot 208 GTi by PS (£210/month) to a 5 door Seat Leon Cupra (£259/month) on a 2 year 10k miles a year lease. I ordered it in July and it came in November - so you need to get it sorted now if your Fiesta goes back on the Summer. Really nice car - practical, comfortable and fast. I am getting 30 mpg out of it too!http://www.seatwarrington.co.uk/newcars/details/se...
We have had a Cupra 290 black edition over the last 12 months on a 2yr lease and it’s been great, quick and reasonably economical for what it is with a good spec (nav, heated seats, adaptive suspension, 19” alloys etc). Would get another if the deals are available and similar prices in 12 months time when it’s up for changing.
We had a Fiesta ST on a 2 yr lease before the Cupra, much prefer the Cupra in all respects.
Thanks for the responses.
I think it is a PCP, haven't got the paperwork to hand though.
I like the look of the Leon but I think the running costs are going to be a bit much really. It's affordable on my salary, but the other half was not impressed at the potential for me spending 'even more' on cars than I do now! Can't really justify increased fuel costs, tyre prices (£160 for 2 tyres vs £150 for 1..), etc. Perhaps the Fiesta is a happy medium as the running costs aren't too bad overall.
What I'm going to do initially is speak to the dealer where I got the Fiesta from and see where i stand financially, then make a decision. Financially, it may make more sense to use the 'equity' towards something else. Maybe I'll put up with a lower spec Fiesta for a year or so .. I dunno. Looking around, I don't think ~£250/month is a lot to throw around for a new car so I might even try to negotiate keeping the ST for another year, but at at lower cost, then chop it in for something else.
I was also after ideas for other, similar (but a bit more grown up) cars that I could look at. Not just the usual suspects like a Focus/Leon/A3 but something a bit more leftfield perhaps.
I think it is a PCP, haven't got the paperwork to hand though.
I like the look of the Leon but I think the running costs are going to be a bit much really. It's affordable on my salary, but the other half was not impressed at the potential for me spending 'even more' on cars than I do now! Can't really justify increased fuel costs, tyre prices (£160 for 2 tyres vs £150 for 1..), etc. Perhaps the Fiesta is a happy medium as the running costs aren't too bad overall.
What I'm going to do initially is speak to the dealer where I got the Fiesta from and see where i stand financially, then make a decision. Financially, it may make more sense to use the 'equity' towards something else. Maybe I'll put up with a lower spec Fiesta for a year or so .. I dunno. Looking around, I don't think ~£250/month is a lot to throw around for a new car so I might even try to negotiate keeping the ST for another year, but at at lower cost, then chop it in for something else.
I was also after ideas for other, similar (but a bit more grown up) cars that I could look at. Not just the usual suspects like a Focus/Leon/A3 but something a bit more leftfield perhaps.
Seems like that Cupra deal fitted perfectly with your wish list. Cheaper than you current 300/month, bigger and faster than the fiesta too.
Of course it will be a bit more to run, you will struggle to find a bigger faster car being cheaper I would imagine. Also, if a few mpg down and more expensive tyres are a potential deal breaker, maybe doing £600/month on 2 cars is something to reassess!
If you are just mainly commuting anyway you could always just use your equity and buy an old 1.8 civic petrol for about 2-2.5k and run that for 2 years and bank the 300/month. It won't break down.
Leftfield choice? Gulietta QV, not sure on lease cost on new ones though. Probably not as cheap as the Cupra.
Of course it will be a bit more to run, you will struggle to find a bigger faster car being cheaper I would imagine. Also, if a few mpg down and more expensive tyres are a potential deal breaker, maybe doing £600/month on 2 cars is something to reassess!
If you are just mainly commuting anyway you could always just use your equity and buy an old 1.8 civic petrol for about 2-2.5k and run that for 2 years and bank the 300/month. It won't break down.
Leftfield choice? Gulietta QV, not sure on lease cost on new ones though. Probably not as cheap as the Cupra.
Edited by ITP on Thursday 4th January 00:23
ITP said:
Seems like that Cupra deal fitted perfectly with your wish list. Cheaper than you current 300/month, bigger and faster than the fiesta too.
Of course it will be a bit more to run, you will struggle to find a bigger faster car being cheaper I would imagine. Also, if a few mpg down and more expensive tyres are a potential deal breaker, maybe doing £600/month on 2 cars is something to reassess!
If you are just mainly commuting anyway you could always just use your equity and buy an old 1.8 civic petrol for about 2-2.5k and run that for 2 years and bank the 300/month. It won't break down.
Leftfield choice? Gulietta QV, not sure on lease cost on new ones though. Probably not as cheap as the Cupra.
I think that deal did fit with what I want but as you rightly suggested the running costs and the fact we're paying out so much for cars at the moment, has to be taken into consideration. That particular deal is a one off as well, bit like when Golf R's were offered for about £200 a few years ago. Hard to find an offer like that now!Of course it will be a bit more to run, you will struggle to find a bigger faster car being cheaper I would imagine. Also, if a few mpg down and more expensive tyres are a potential deal breaker, maybe doing £600/month on 2 cars is something to reassess!
If you are just mainly commuting anyway you could always just use your equity and buy an old 1.8 civic petrol for about 2-2.5k and run that for 2 years and bank the 300/month. It won't break down.
Leftfield choice? Gulietta QV, not sure on lease cost on new ones though. Probably not as cheap as the Cupra.
Edited by ITP on Thursday 4th January 00:23
Almost all my driving at the moment is commuting and I was trying to do some 'shed maths' earlier to see if I could just get something old, NA and Jap
I thought the equity was only available if I entered into another agreement? Or is it mine to cash out if I hand the car back? Need to check the paperwork for the exact answer but just in general terms of a PCP type agreement.
Depending on what you owe, but what about buying out your ST with a 3 or 5 year low rate personal loan or similar - you can pay it off earlier if the money comes around.
That SEAT Cupra deal seems to be a reasonably regular occurrence. If it comes with ACC and/or collision avoidance, as many VAG group car do, you may find your insurance is surprisingly cheap - worth getting a quote - you only live once, save your saving for when you get lumbered with kids.
That SEAT Cupra deal seems to be a reasonably regular occurrence. If it comes with ACC and/or collision avoidance, as many VAG group car do, you may find your insurance is surprisingly cheap - worth getting a quote - you only live once, save your saving for when you get lumbered with kids.
Edited by Emeye on Thursday 4th January 08:51
I think the OP is already 'lumbered' with a child...
Keeping his ST is a cheaper option I'm sure.
Not sure the 'you only live once' quote applies to a generic European hatchback, however nippy it is. Not likely to be proudly impressing your grandkids in the future with old photos of the SEAT you had when you were younger, it's not an Aston Martin, hence probably not worth getting into too much debt over..
Keeping his ST is a cheaper option I'm sure.
Not sure the 'you only live once' quote applies to a generic European hatchback, however nippy it is. Not likely to be proudly impressing your grandkids in the future with old photos of the SEAT you had when you were younger, it's not an Aston Martin, hence probably not worth getting into too much debt over..
ITP said:
I think the OP is already 'lumbered' with a child...
Keeping his ST is a cheaper option I'm sure.
Not sure the 'you only live once' quote applies to a generic European hatchback, however nippy it is. Not likely to be proudly impressing your grandkids in the future with old photos of the SEAT you had when you were younger, it's not an Aston Martin, hence probably not worth getting into too much debt over..
I missed that - I am lumbered with 4 kids now Keeping his ST is a cheaper option I'm sure.
Not sure the 'you only live once' quote applies to a generic European hatchback, however nippy it is. Not likely to be proudly impressing your grandkids in the future with old photos of the SEAT you had when you were younger, it's not an Aston Martin, hence probably not worth getting into too much debt over..
, though they were quite impressed by the pictures of my bright Yellow Mk1 SEAT Leon Cupra I had as a company car in the early noughties 
.So we are not talking about an Aston, but everyone has their own levels, and I know how much happier I was running around in my twenties and thirties in a wide variety of hot hatches, bargain old BMWs and Mercs, Mk1 Audi TTs etc (at one point I had 5 cars) than I was when I had a bleedin Focus Focus diesel company car.
Just owning something a bit more interesting and/or rapid can make driving in modern Britain at least slightly bearable. Your priorities change as you get older and more kids, but IMO if you love cars or enjoy driving, and can just afford it, you should drive a car you want rather than something than drains your life away.
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