Downgrading the car - what options?
Discussion
Hi All
I used to be properly into cars but these days not so much at all. 15 years of driving in Bristol has basically made me lose any love I once had for driving! I now consider the car as nothing more than a tool for getting to and from work.
I currently have a recently acquired Audi A3 Sportback (1.6TDI Stronic) but as part of an impending and unexpected house move I’m considering cashing in and replacing with something more modest. I just don’t know what....
The Audi is lovely to drive and cheap to run but as I do about 8k a year it’s a bit of a luxury I don’t need. It’s worth about 15k so I was thinking on spending half of the proceeds on a replacement and banking the rest.
So we’re looking at c. £7.5k with the following criteria:
5 doors, cheap running costs, not too cheap and nasty in the cabin (this was the biggest reason to opt for the Audi as I like a nice interior), reasonable value for money in terms of extras. Ideally something no more than 5-6 years old.
I traded up from a Mk2.5 Focus which I really liked for what it was. Tempted to go back to that and save even more cash but then we’re getting into 7/8 year old cars again. The newer shape focus is a possibility.
All suggestions gratefully received as I’m really not a car buff any more!
Cheers!
I used to be properly into cars but these days not so much at all. 15 years of driving in Bristol has basically made me lose any love I once had for driving! I now consider the car as nothing more than a tool for getting to and from work.
I currently have a recently acquired Audi A3 Sportback (1.6TDI Stronic) but as part of an impending and unexpected house move I’m considering cashing in and replacing with something more modest. I just don’t know what....
The Audi is lovely to drive and cheap to run but as I do about 8k a year it’s a bit of a luxury I don’t need. It’s worth about 15k so I was thinking on spending half of the proceeds on a replacement and banking the rest.
So we’re looking at c. £7.5k with the following criteria:
5 doors, cheap running costs, not too cheap and nasty in the cabin (this was the biggest reason to opt for the Audi as I like a nice interior), reasonable value for money in terms of extras. Ideally something no more than 5-6 years old.
I traded up from a Mk2.5 Focus which I really liked for what it was. Tempted to go back to that and save even more cash but then we’re getting into 7/8 year old cars again. The newer shape focus is a possibility.
All suggestions gratefully received as I’m really not a car buff any more!
Cheers!
Edited by BRISTOL86 on Monday 12th March 09:39
Edited by BRISTOL86 on Monday 12th March 09:46
I've been through something similar recently, we're moving, so wanted to balance the larger mortgage payment with a lower car payment.
I found, for me, it really depends on how much you want to save Vs any limits you have on car branding etc. I looked at Golf's, but didn't even price up an Astra as I know I would not be happy driving one.
If to you it is really just a tool I'm sure you can find plenty of options for your budget and save some money.
Good luck
I found, for me, it really depends on how much you want to save Vs any limits you have on car branding etc. I looked at Golf's, but didn't even price up an Astra as I know I would not be happy driving one.
If to you it is really just a tool I'm sure you can find plenty of options for your budget and save some money.
Good luck
Yeah pretty much sums my thoughts up about it. Am actually tempted to save more money and go back to my Mk2.5 Focus but then with more road tax and and older car, part of me thinks spend another £2-£3k on something a little newer and cheaper to tax and ultimately it’ll all wash out.
We’re not desperate for cash but its a nice comfort blanket to have liquid cash there ready rather than a saleable asset.
Also presumably no dealers will even consider a ‘trade down’ exchange type deal and I’m gonna have to resign myself to privately selling?
We’re not desperate for cash but its a nice comfort blanket to have liquid cash there ready rather than a saleable asset.
Also presumably no dealers will even consider a ‘trade down’ exchange type deal and I’m gonna have to resign myself to privately selling?
Too much slow commuter driving won't be kind to a diesel DPF [edit]...Is the audi depreciating so fast that its not worth keeping until you actually need the money?
I've gone from doing 10-12k per year to either doing naff all or a drive to london once a month (so estimated 6k per year).
So I'm in a similar boat with my now purchased, ex lease Octavia vrs. It seemed to be depreciating about £200 per month which was making me think i may as well lease again and have a brand new car (service and tyres are coming up and first MOT in august). But then the last three months we buy any car started offering more to buy it since my quote last year.
I've gone from doing 10-12k per year to either doing naff all or a drive to london once a month (so estimated 6k per year).
So I'm in a similar boat with my now purchased, ex lease Octavia vrs. It seemed to be depreciating about £200 per month which was making me think i may as well lease again and have a brand new car (service and tyres are coming up and first MOT in august). But then the last three months we buy any car started offering more to buy it since my quote last year.
Have you looked at leasing?
Some cracking deals on Honda Jazz and Seat Arona's just now..... OK, your tied in for the term (24 months) but you get a new car, wont need much (if any) servicing in the time/miles you are doing - deals can be had for less than £200 a month.
Least then the full value of you Audi sale is there (less deposit for lease - £600).
Some cracking deals on Honda Jazz and Seat Arona's just now..... OK, your tied in for the term (24 months) but you get a new car, wont need much (if any) servicing in the time/miles you are doing - deals can be had for less than £200 a month.
Least then the full value of you Audi sale is there (less deposit for lease - £600).
When I bought t I was expecting to be doing 3 x 300 mile round trips a month for work so was anticipating doing c. 20k a year and then the goalposts changed.
I don’t need the money desperately it’s more a case of having reached a ‘do we really need this’ moment rather than anything else. The the longer we hang on to it the more it’ll depreciate whereas what I would replace it with has probably slowed right down on the depreciation front.
I don’t need the money desperately it’s more a case of having reached a ‘do we really need this’ moment rather than anything else. The the longer we hang on to it the more it’ll depreciate whereas what I would replace it with has probably slowed right down on the depreciation front.
Tomo1971 said:
Have you looked at leasing?
Some cracking deals on Honda Jazz and Seat Arona's just now..... OK, your tied in for the term (24 months) but you get a new car, wont need much (if any) servicing in the time/miles you are doing - deals can be had for less than £200 a month.
Least then the full value of you Audi sale is there (less deposit for lease - £600).
We will be taking on a bigger mortgage so I’m not looking to take any additional finance on, so will be looking for something cheap and cheerful to buy outright. Some cracking deals on Honda Jazz and Seat Arona's just now..... OK, your tied in for the term (24 months) but you get a new car, wont need much (if any) servicing in the time/miles you are doing - deals can be had for less than £200 a month.
Least then the full value of you Audi sale is there (less deposit for lease - £600).
BRISTOL86 said:
Yeah pretty much sums my thoughts up about it. Am actually tempted to save more money and go back to my Mk2.5 Focus but then with more road tax and and older car, part of me thinks spend another £2-£3k on something a little newer and cheaper to tax and ultimately it’ll all wash out.
We’re not desperate for cash but its a nice comfort blanket to have liquid cash there ready rather than a saleable asset.
Also presumably no dealers will even consider a ‘trade down’ exchange type deal and I’m gonna have to resign myself to privately selling?
Dealers have no difficulty with a trade down exchange type deal. They will work out your part exchange value, work out the value of the car they have, offer you the difference. We’re not desperate for cash but its a nice comfort blanket to have liquid cash there ready rather than a saleable asset.
Also presumably no dealers will even consider a ‘trade down’ exchange type deal and I’m gonna have to resign myself to privately selling?
BRISTOL86 said:
We will be taking on a bigger mortgage so I’m not looking to take any additional finance on, so will be looking for something cheap and cheerful to buy outright.
Actually, I did go leasing. Mortgage went up, but my car payment has gone down by c£300 a month from my BMW PCP agreement.It depends on your situation, but I didn't want to purchase as this ties up cash I need now for a new boiler, windows etc. Also as above, as it's new servicing costs will be minimal.
Clearly you need to make the right decision for yourself, but freeing up some capital and finding a lease at a low monthly payment might work.
BRISTOL86 said:
Also presumably no dealers will even consider a ‘trade down’ exchange type deal and I’m gonna have to resign myself to privately selling?
Most will. I did exactly this. Drove in away in the new car with a cheque with for the difference.
Getting rid of my monthly car payment is a great feeling. We're in a similar position re mortgage and its nice to have the extra cash each month.
Hi if you're looking for a smart newish car I'd say take a look at the Kia C'eed their interiors are on par with most mainstream cars but you'll also have 3 years worth of manufacturers warranty left.
In 4 spec they come pretty much loaded (heated seats DAB etc) with everything you could possibly need:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
If you haggle & maybe stretch another £500 you could land this auto but it only has 2 years warranty left.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Also well worth a look is the Alfa Giulietta in Sportiva/Veloce trim:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Auto
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
The other VFM option is the Astra they're a decent car & again you'll get one loaded with kit (so at least you're in comfort whilst dealing with the best driving Bristol has to offer) & are reliable:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
If you don't mind a smaller car, then the Clio in GT Line Spec is another good car:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
All the above are reliable cars that won't cost you the earth to run & are very well equipped places to sit, the Kia would be my choice given you're trying to keep your finances on a slightly tighter leash having 3 years worth of warranty left means there's no chance of unexpected bills, all will be decent steers (although the Focus is the best in this respect) so it'll probably come down to what interior you like the best.
In 4 spec they come pretty much loaded (heated seats DAB etc) with everything you could possibly need:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
If you haggle & maybe stretch another £500 you could land this auto but it only has 2 years warranty left.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Also well worth a look is the Alfa Giulietta in Sportiva/Veloce trim:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Auto
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
The other VFM option is the Astra they're a decent car & again you'll get one loaded with kit (so at least you're in comfort whilst dealing with the best driving Bristol has to offer) & are reliable:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
If you don't mind a smaller car, then the Clio in GT Line Spec is another good car:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
All the above are reliable cars that won't cost you the earth to run & are very well equipped places to sit, the Kia would be my choice given you're trying to keep your finances on a slightly tighter leash having 3 years worth of warranty left means there's no chance of unexpected bills, all will be decent steers (although the Focus is the best in this respect) so it'll probably come down to what interior you like the best.
Why don't you shed it for a bit, stash loads of money and try some stuff that your interested in or even consider a second car which you can 'look forward to' on the weekends and become bored of in central Bristol. I live not far from Bristol but fortunately don't have to travel at regular times although I feel your pain.
Perhaps if you had something to look forward to on the weekends it might rekindle your love for cars, that way if you only spent £7k it would open your options a bit more as practicality could be taken care of by your daily shed so you could look at 3 door cars, 2 seater cars etc.
Just a thought, seems a shame to erode a perfectly healthy love of cars to drive something mundane.
Si
Perhaps if you had something to look forward to on the weekends it might rekindle your love for cars, that way if you only spent £7k it would open your options a bit more as practicality could be taken care of by your daily shed so you could look at 3 door cars, 2 seater cars etc.
Just a thought, seems a shame to erode a perfectly healthy love of cars to drive something mundane.
Si
Skoda Fabia? My wife has a 1.2TSi and is a decent car, less than 4 metres long so easy to park, but room for 4 adults in side. This old style is a bit dated looking compared to latest Fabia, but is a decent car with a sweet engine and gearbox (5 speed). It is 13 reg 40k miles. We would go for a similar car in a few years time.
troika said:
If the Audi is a recent purchase, you’ll take such a bath selling into the trade that I’d keep it if you don’t need the cash. Just make sure you give it an Italian tune up every now and again as you do low mileage for a diesel.
I’ve actually been very surprised at the trade offers based on a couple of phone discussions. Based on Parker’s valuation an offer I’ve had is only about £1k short of private sale money. By the time you factor in the cost of selling privately and the time spent dealing with absolute wasters I’m half tempted to just get on with it. Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff