Going electric but which car to swap?
Discussion
We currently have two cars and they suit us perfectly. A Lexus RX450H that's used for family stuff and road trips and Mrs D's Audi TT.
Although we're really fond of both cars, we've decided we want to go electric with (at least) one car. The problem is, I just cannot decide which car to change.
The TT is mostly used for darting about locally so that would seem the obvious use-case for BEV, but there's nothing remotely like an EV TT out there - small, quick, fun. Basically, the only option I can get Mrs D even slightly interested in is the Alpine A290.
So then I think we should swap the Lexus because there's far more choice for big, wafty luxury. I've narrowed that down to a Jag ipace because I've always fancied a Jag and they're in budget. However, this would be the car we use for trips into Europe and around the UK and the range isn't great, and I still feel like petrol/hybrid is better for that kind of driving anyway. Those trips are only be a few times a year though, so I accept I may be overthinking that aspect.
I've been going in circles for weeks so am seeking inspiration. What did / would you do - change the fun runabout or the family road trip car?
Although we're really fond of both cars, we've decided we want to go electric with (at least) one car. The problem is, I just cannot decide which car to change.
The TT is mostly used for darting about locally so that would seem the obvious use-case for BEV, but there's nothing remotely like an EV TT out there - small, quick, fun. Basically, the only option I can get Mrs D even slightly interested in is the Alpine A290.
So then I think we should swap the Lexus because there's far more choice for big, wafty luxury. I've narrowed that down to a Jag ipace because I've always fancied a Jag and they're in budget. However, this would be the car we use for trips into Europe and around the UK and the range isn't great, and I still feel like petrol/hybrid is better for that kind of driving anyway. Those trips are only be a few times a year though, so I accept I may be overthinking that aspect.
I've been going in circles for weeks so am seeking inspiration. What did / would you do - change the fun runabout or the family road trip car?
Cyberster? Seen a couple on the road and in the metal they look great:
https://www.mgcyberster.co.uk/
https://www.mgcyberster.co.uk/
Funk said:
Cyberster? Seen a couple on the road and in the metal they look great:
https://www.mgcyberster.co.uk/
Style over substance. Shocking safety systems, interior feels like it was designed by someone who doesn't drive, feels heavy in the corners from my limited experience.https://www.mgcyberster.co.uk/
The alpine a290 looks OK, but I'd rather have the R5 or micra.
Never thought I'd say this, but I'd keep the audi and get rid of the lexus. Go for a tesla model Y awd. I went from an NX to the last gen MY and it's a massive massive upgrade in every way, apart from the seats and missing the HUD. Itll be a major upgrade on the rx too. Felt like going from vhs to 4k OLED. It's also much better than the ipace, other the jag interior is lovely and it rides better (the NX ride was crap, I've not been in an Rx but the my didn't feel any worse). You won't need a £1500 a year extended warranty for starters
Edited by Pickle_Rick on Monday 20th April 19:17
Funk said:
Oof.
I really wanted to like it, thinking it could be a modern upgraded version of my mr2 roadster, but it's nothing like it and in no way chuckable, and 3 seconds of acceleration (which is fantastic) and you've lost your licence. I love EVs, but this one is way off the mark. If they do a midlife refresh to fix it's issues like they did with the mg4 interior and media unit, then it will be a pretty decent car. Funnily enough we are swapping a mk3 TT convertible for a Tesla model 3 on one of the cheap deals
Currently it s used for the same sort of things, nipping to the shops, the occasional roof down drives and my OH commute twice a week which is a 25 mile trip
A model 3 suits this perfectly, especially in winter when the 2 mile drive to the shop would be done in the cold interior or the commute involves defrosting the car
We will be sad to see the TT go, it s been a great car but the model 3 fits the bill very well but before that we where looking at everything from ex30 to q6 etc but £297 a month for 2 years is such cheap motoring we will see what sort of interesting things are on the market by then
If I was buying a town car I would be tempted by a abarth 500 convertible electric
Could one on the new VAG small platform cars suit? ID polo, cupra rivan, Audi A2? Or even a cupra born is a decent drive, you can feel that they’re RWD
Currently it s used for the same sort of things, nipping to the shops, the occasional roof down drives and my OH commute twice a week which is a 25 mile trip
A model 3 suits this perfectly, especially in winter when the 2 mile drive to the shop would be done in the cold interior or the commute involves defrosting the car
We will be sad to see the TT go, it s been a great car but the model 3 fits the bill very well but before that we where looking at everything from ex30 to q6 etc but £297 a month for 2 years is such cheap motoring we will see what sort of interesting things are on the market by then
If I was buying a town car I would be tempted by a abarth 500 convertible electric
Could one on the new VAG small platform cars suit? ID polo, cupra rivan, Audi A2? Or even a cupra born is a decent drive, you can feel that they’re RWD
Edited by Quattr04. on Monday 20th April 22:10
Edited by Quattr04. on Monday 20th April 22:14
When you say your current cars suit you perfectly OP, what's the motivation to go EV?
Personally I'd look to change the TT. For £12.5k you can get into a 3 year old BMW i3S or Mini Electric Level 2 with minimal mileage that'll be a more fun car around town than a TT and cost bugger all to run.
I'd be wary of the iPace as lots of reports of reliability issues and the range/charging speeds were poor even back when it was launched. Great to drive though.
Personally I'd look to change the TT. For £12.5k you can get into a 3 year old BMW i3S or Mini Electric Level 2 with minimal mileage that'll be a more fun car around town than a TT and cost bugger all to run.
I'd be wary of the iPace as lots of reports of reliability issues and the range/charging speeds were poor even back when it was launched. Great to drive though.
Quattr04. said:
Funnily enough we are swapping a mk3 TT convertible for a Tesla model 3 on one of the cheap deals
Currently it s used for the same sort of things, nipping to the shops, the occasional roof down drives and my OH commute twice a week which is a 25 mile trip
A model 3 suits this perfectly
It doesn't quite though - I don't think there will be any roof down drives in the sunshine.Currently it s used for the same sort of things, nipping to the shops, the occasional roof down drives and my OH commute twice a week which is a 25 mile trip
A model 3 suits this perfectly
It's what I commented on another EV thread - there are plenty of EVs around, but they all seem to be very "functional" - i.e. electric versions of the type of ICE cars I wouldn't want anyway. I expect that will change in time.
Thanks for the replies. Very helpful.
We looked at a Cupra Born and that's probably second to the Alpine. I had kind of dismissed the VAG cars as the reviews seemed a bit underwhelmed.
Tesla isn't an option. I know they're well engineered cars but they're probably the last brand I'd want any association with these days, frankly.
BMW i3 is an interesting one as I've always liked them. We actually looked around at an i8 a few weeks ago and I was really trying to convince myself it could replace the Lexus as our practical family car
I'd completely forgotten about the MG Cyberster too. They look a tad expensive or what they are, and they are weirdly large for a 2-seat roadster, but they are at least interesting so I'll have a look.
We looked at a Cupra Born and that's probably second to the Alpine. I had kind of dismissed the VAG cars as the reviews seemed a bit underwhelmed.
Tesla isn't an option. I know they're well engineered cars but they're probably the last brand I'd want any association with these days, frankly.
BMW i3 is an interesting one as I've always liked them. We actually looked around at an i8 a few weeks ago and I was really trying to convince myself it could replace the Lexus as our practical family car
I'd completely forgotten about the MG Cyberster too. They look a tad expensive or what they are, and they are weirdly large for a 2-seat roadster, but they are at least interesting so I'll have a look.
SWoll said:
When you say your current cars suit you perfectly OP, what's the motivation to go EV?
Partly just because the current cars are gettting on a bit so we're starting to get that sense that we're ready to change, and given the way things are politically at the moment, it feels sensible to have some protection against fuel shocks. I quite like the idea of charging at home too, I hate going to petrol stations.davek_964 said:
It's what I commented on another EV thread - there are plenty of EVs around, but they all seem to be very "functional" - i.e. electric versions of the type of ICE cars I wouldn't want anyway. I expect that will change in time.
Yeah, spot on. I had kind of hoped there'd be an electric MX-5 or something by the time I made the switch but I guess they just need to shift as many units as possible at this stage. I've had similar thoughts.
My MX5 is a great car but it does come with some compromises as a daily drive and can be frustrating on a winter commute. Our family MPV is now 10 years old and really should be the next car we replace. However, it's my wife's car and she will run it until it dies. Also she is very anti EV and although I think one would work as a family car I'm not sure I could convince her of that just yet.
I'm really starting to like the idea of an EV but as yet I have never even been in one let alone driven one. As a petrol head it feels a bit wrong ro consider swapping an MX5 for an EV even though it would actually suit my driving situation far better.
I do like the new crop of small EVs like the R5, the Inster and the upcoming Twingo. All still expensive as they're new. For me, the original Mini electric level 3 would probably be my top choice. They can be had for a little over 10k now so not much risk. I hear they're fun to drive and the level 3 comes with a big sunroof which wouldn't be all that different to my RF for open top driving.
Have you considered going PHEV for the family car? Something like a Mazda CX60 could work if you have around 20k to spend. 40 odd miles of electric driving, plenty of power and nice interior.
My MX5 is a great car but it does come with some compromises as a daily drive and can be frustrating on a winter commute. Our family MPV is now 10 years old and really should be the next car we replace. However, it's my wife's car and she will run it until it dies. Also she is very anti EV and although I think one would work as a family car I'm not sure I could convince her of that just yet.
I'm really starting to like the idea of an EV but as yet I have never even been in one let alone driven one. As a petrol head it feels a bit wrong ro consider swapping an MX5 for an EV even though it would actually suit my driving situation far better.
I do like the new crop of small EVs like the R5, the Inster and the upcoming Twingo. All still expensive as they're new. For me, the original Mini electric level 3 would probably be my top choice. They can be had for a little over 10k now so not much risk. I hear they're fun to drive and the level 3 comes with a big sunroof which wouldn't be all that different to my RF for open top driving.
Have you considered going PHEV for the family car? Something like a Mazda CX60 could work if you have around 20k to spend. 40 odd miles of electric driving, plenty of power and nice interior.
ChrisH72 said:
For me, the original Mini electric level 3 would probably be my top choice. They can be had for a little over 10k now so not much risk.
But what is the range on them like at this age?That's the other thing I can't get my head around regarding EVs. I browsed some classifieds at the weekend, and although all adverts state mileage - very few EV ads state battery health, which I would think is a key item of information. You could spend a few thousand on a high mileage 20 year old MX5, Clio, Fiesta or whatever - and although it wouldn't be great, there is a very good chance you could jump in it and drive a long way. With a 20 year old EV - especially if it was a small car that originally had a range of about 150 miles on a good day - that isn't happening.
davek_964 said:
ChrisH72 said:
For me, the original Mini electric level 3 would probably be my top choice. They can be had for a little over 10k now so not much risk.
But what is the range on them like at this age?That's the other thing I can't get my head around regarding EVs. I browsed some classifieds at the weekend, and although all adverts state mileage - very few EV ads state battery health, which I would think is a key item of information. You could spend a few thousand on a high mileage 20 year old MX5, Clio, Fiesta or whatever - and although it wouldn't be great, there is a very good chance you could jump in it and drive a long way. With a 20 year old EV - especially if it was a small car that originally had a range of about 150 miles on a good day - that isn't happening.
I drive a maximum of 80 miles a week and not more than 40 miles in any one day. I can also charge at home. So for me the range isn't an issue.
If it was the main family car I'd probably want something with a range of more than 250 miles to cover longer trips.
ChrisH72 said:
I do like the new crop of small EVs like the R5, the Inster and the upcoming Twingo. All still expensive as they're new. For me, the original Mini electric level 3 would probably be my top choice.
Yeah it almost feels like it's just a touch too early. There's more interesting stuff coming all the time. A MINI has been ruled out simply because it seems almost everyone we know has one. ChrisH72 said:
Have you considered going PHEV for the family car? Something like a Mazda CX60 could work if you have around 20k to spend. 40 odd miles of electric driving, plenty of power and nice interior.
Ooh interesting. I hadn't really considered a PHEV but it's worth exploring. I'll always have a soft spot for Mazda after my MX-5 brought me so much joy. I seem to remember the CX-60 had issues (with the ride?) so maybe not so good for long journeys.ZX10R NIN said:
What's your budget?
That will give more insight into what's out there.
I bought the RX outright so if I use a pessimistic trade-in value, my spreadsheet tells me it will have cost me about £350 per month in total. That's everything - depreciation, servicing at Lexus, tax and insurance. That will give more insight into what's out there.
Then there's fuel on top so I'm looking around the £400-500 per month range, or if I buy outright that comes in at around £20k. If I go EV I can get it through salary sacrifice which opens the door a little wider.
What’s your motivation for wanting to go EV?
Like I said before, they are great for all the day to day driving you do, going to the shops and coming out to a instantly warm car for example is great, the instant power is great around town too
They’re also great for longer journeys, I feel more relaxed and less tired after 3 hours in my model 3 than I did in the A4 it replaced, easy to charge up away from home too
Do want to save money, or just have a nicer driving experience? Or just fancy a new car?
Why not start with the TT, you’ll probably find in 6 months you’re enjoying a EV so much you end up swapping the Lexus too.
Like I said before, they are great for all the day to day driving you do, going to the shops and coming out to a instantly warm car for example is great, the instant power is great around town too
They’re also great for longer journeys, I feel more relaxed and less tired after 3 hours in my model 3 than I did in the A4 it replaced, easy to charge up away from home too
Do want to save money, or just have a nicer driving experience? Or just fancy a new car?
Why not start with the TT, you’ll probably find in 6 months you’re enjoying a EV so much you end up swapping the Lexus too.
davek_964 said:
ChrisH72 said:
For me, the original Mini electric level 3 would probably be my top choice. They can be had for a little over 10k now so not much risk.
But what is the range on them like at this age?That's the other thing I can't get my head around regarding EVs. I browsed some classifieds at the weekend, and although all adverts state mileage - very few EV ads state battery health, which I would think is a key item of information. You could spend a few thousand on a high mileage 20 year old MX5, Clio, Fiesta or whatever - and although it wouldn't be great, there is a very good chance you could jump in it and drive a long way. With a 20 year old EV - especially if it was a small car that originally had a range of about 150 miles on a good day - that isn't happening.
I borrowed it frequently as it is a fun thing to punt around, fully charged it would usually show 90 ish miles, so fine for town work.
Not sure I'd swap a TT for it though, as after a couple of days I got a bit bored of it and wanted my 1 Series Coupe back.
Lovely thing inside though and fully loaded - pano roof, heads up display, Harmon Kardon, red with white leather. If it had 5 doors I'd have been very tempted to buy it for a runaround - but having 2x 2 door cars isn't hugely useful for us sadly.
bodhi said:
Not sure I'd swap a TT for it though, as after a couple of days I got a bit bored of it and wanted my 1 Series Coupe back.
I think I've reached the point where I know that a small electric car (i3 would probably be my choice) would make much more sense as a runaround than the car I currently use. Plus - since we get free charging at work, it would cost virtually nothing to run. If I accepted that it would only be suitable for local trips, then an approved ~2020 I3 at ~£11k makes a lot of sense. Use it as a local runaround, and treat it as a throwaway car several years in the future. We have other ICE cars, so the fact that it would be purely for local journeys wouldn't be a big issue.
Problem is, I also don't want to get rid of my current daily (a somewhat overkill Quadrifoglio) until I was sure I was happy using the i3 - even though it would be 100 times more suitable.
And sadly, I think my wife would actually kill me if I bought another car just so I could try it before making the decision.
I suspect I will keep my Alfa for a while, but would not be surprised if this time next year I've decided to sell it and change.
You've got a two car garage where you have a boring car for boring journeys and a fun car for fun. City driving you could do with either car.
I would replace the Lexus (if you must replace one car). An EV will never be a fun car, it is really well suited to the boring though.
I have two cars, an EV for boring (and it's so boring it's perfect, I wouldn't change it for anything), and a fun car for fun. I never take the EV for fun, nor have fun in the EV, but that suits me (and I think you) perfectly.
I'd look at something that has good lane keep assist, something that has good radar cruise, and something that is rated for >300 miles, and it can replace the Lexus.
I have a Tesla Model Y and it does all of the above so well for me, and I use it when doing boring trips around town. It would be quite a nice two car garage with a decent EV and the TT.
I would replace the Lexus (if you must replace one car). An EV will never be a fun car, it is really well suited to the boring though.
I have two cars, an EV for boring (and it's so boring it's perfect, I wouldn't change it for anything), and a fun car for fun. I never take the EV for fun, nor have fun in the EV, but that suits me (and I think you) perfectly.
I'd look at something that has good lane keep assist, something that has good radar cruise, and something that is rated for >300 miles, and it can replace the Lexus.
I have a Tesla Model Y and it does all of the above so well for me, and I use it when doing boring trips around town. It would be quite a nice two car garage with a decent EV and the TT.
durbster said:
ChrisH72 said:
Have you considered going PHEV for the family car? Something like a Mazda CX60 could work if you have around 20k to spend. 40 odd miles of electric driving, plenty of power and nice interior.
Ooh interesting. I hadn't really considered a PHEV but it's worth exploring. I'll always have a soft spot for Mazda after my MX-5 brought me so much joy. I seem to remember the CX-60 had issues (with the ride?) so maybe not so good for long journeys.Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff