Generic what car for new commute question
Discussion
Going round in circles here, deciding whether to stick or twist.
I'm starting a new job in a few months that'll mean a change from working from home/getting the train to work, to commuting at least a couple of times a week from North Yorks to Liverpool (75ish miles).
Currently have a 69 plate BMW M440i, two and a bit years into a 4 year PCP, which having picked up the week before the first lockdown, has sat on my drive for 2 yrs and done less than 10k miles, and the increase in second hand values means the car is worth way more than the outstanding finance, meaning I can walk away from it easily enough (already had that conversation with BMW.)
Ironically this new commute is probably the first time I'd be using the car for something like what it's designed for, rather than popping to the shops every couple of days and the odd long drive for a weekend away here or there.
However, since I can essentially hand it back now and walk away, I'm tempted to see if there's something else that'd better suit doing 300 miles a week for similar money.
Having leased the three prior cars before this one, I've been keeping an eye on the Leasing Deals thread, but not sure either lead times or prices are as exciting as they once were.
So two questions really;
Is now the time I'm finally going to use the current car as nature intended, or do I get something else for around the same monthly cost (or less?) which is around the £450 PCM? Or is the sensible answer to spend £10-£15k on a few year old 3 series or an A4 or whatever?
A few additional points of consideration:
Any glaringly obvious candidates either in terms of car or how to actually buy/finance one?
I'm starting a new job in a few months that'll mean a change from working from home/getting the train to work, to commuting at least a couple of times a week from North Yorks to Liverpool (75ish miles).
Currently have a 69 plate BMW M440i, two and a bit years into a 4 year PCP, which having picked up the week before the first lockdown, has sat on my drive for 2 yrs and done less than 10k miles, and the increase in second hand values means the car is worth way more than the outstanding finance, meaning I can walk away from it easily enough (already had that conversation with BMW.)
Ironically this new commute is probably the first time I'd be using the car for something like what it's designed for, rather than popping to the shops every couple of days and the odd long drive for a weekend away here or there.
However, since I can essentially hand it back now and walk away, I'm tempted to see if there's something else that'd better suit doing 300 miles a week for similar money.
Having leased the three prior cars before this one, I've been keeping an eye on the Leasing Deals thread, but not sure either lead times or prices are as exciting as they once were.
So two questions really;
Is now the time I'm finally going to use the current car as nature intended, or do I get something else for around the same monthly cost (or less?) which is around the £450 PCM? Or is the sensible answer to spend £10-£15k on a few year old 3 series or an A4 or whatever?
A few additional points of consideration:
- Had I not changed roles I'd have gone electric, but not sure how feasible that is if I'm doing 150 miles a day. Know there are long range electric cars out there, not sure I can get one for the budget.
- Don't want an SUV, happy with anything else though, estate's, hot hatches, etc.
- so far ummed and ahhed at Golf GTIs/GTEs /Alfa Giuilias
- don't mind getting something a year or two old if it fits the bill
- I'm 6' 4" so don't fit in Minis and the like very well
- I live in rural North Yorks and want something fun to chuck about down country lanes.
Any glaringly obvious candidates either in terms of car or how to actually buy/finance one?
Stick, unless i) you just want to try something else or ii) you want to cash out and buy something outright - but the 440i sounds perfect.
I'm possibly a little biased
I do 20k per year. A few years back (2016) I spent a bit less and bought outright, a 2013 vw CC for £14k. Financially that worked well, cost pennies to run, and is very competent at long distance sub 70mph motorway running. I've put 90k on it. Pleasant, but not a particularly 'fun' car though.
A 440i is on my list to replace it.
I'm possibly a little biased
I do 20k per year. A few years back (2016) I spent a bit less and bought outright, a 2013 vw CC for £14k. Financially that worked well, cost pennies to run, and is very competent at long distance sub 70mph motorway running. I've put 90k on it. Pleasant, but not a particularly 'fun' car though.
A 440i is on my list to replace it.
Edited by Previous on Sunday 1st May 20:51
Previous said:
Stick, unless i) you just want to try something else or ii) you want to cash out and buy something outright - but the 440i sounds perfect.
I'm possibly a little biased
I do 20k per year. A few years back (2016) I spent a bit less and bought outright, a 2013 vw CC for £14k. Financially that worked well, cost pennies to run, and is very competent at long distance sub 70mph motorway running. I've put 90k on it. Pleasant, but not a particularly 'fun' car though.
A 440i is on my list to replace it.
Ah, so prevailing wisdom is stick.I'm possibly a little biased
I do 20k per year. A few years back (2016) I spent a bit less and bought outright, a 2013 vw CC for £14k. Financially that worked well, cost pennies to run, and is very competent at long distance sub 70mph motorway running. I've put 90k on it. Pleasant, but not a particularly 'fun' car though.
A 440i is on my list to replace it.
Edited by Previous on Sunday 1st May 20:51
To be fair, the 440i is a dream. Comfy, fast, I got the Harmon Kardon (sp?) upgrade so its a great place to spend time. Just missing adaptive cruise to be perfect.
It's only because I ordered it at the start of COVID that it's felt like an expensive luxury, and short journeys haven't really played to its strengths.
Pooh said:
A long range Tesla model 3 might be possible for that budget, it has more than enough range, is fun to drive and it would save you money on fuel and servicing.
I have a 160 mile round trip to the office, my Model 3LR does it fine - I have a 32amp charger at home and fill it overnight.I didn't buy it to save money, but it is saving thousands a year on petrol and servicing.
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