Cost of ‘upgrading’
Discussion
I’m not quite ready to change my car yet but like most on here I do enjoy a bit of research.
Currently driving a Fiesta ST3, it’s a 2017 66 plate so the last of the mk7 cars and I like it a lot. Thinking about where to go next it’ll most likely be another hot hatch as it suits my circumstances and does both the fun and practical stuff well. Ideally I would aim for the next size up for a bit more all round usability, as in a more settled ride and improved quality and refinement. It still needs to be fun to drive but that’s perhaps not top priority anymore. What I do like when I change cars is to get something newer than my current one as it feels more like a step up and this leads me to the potential problem.
In the past I’ve tried to limit my budget to around 10k. Obviously 15k is now the new 10k so I’ll have to suck it up and pay more when the time comes. But browsing AT I have noticed something about pricing of cars when they move from one generation to another. Take my ST3 for example, a 2017 mk7 can be had for 11k but you’ll need 17k for a 2018 mk8. I understand the newer car will cost more but it seems out of proportion. The same thing happens with most other makes, particularly with ones I’m considering.
2016 Megane RS275 Nav with cup chassis 15k
2018 Megane RS280 over 20k
2016 Golf gti with pp around 16k
2017 Golf gti performance (245bhp) over 20k
I really like the i30N but an early one from 2018 is again over 20k. I know there’s no previous car to compare this with.
So it seems that if I want something newer than 2017 I’m now well over budget. It’s not a complete no no but I do wonder if it’s really worth it. I’d guess that the price hike has something to do with technology and things like improvements in infotainment and the like. Not sure if all that bothers me much though. I like the Fiesta because I can just get in it and drive without having to select drive modes and set it all up. I don’t get things like launch control. I very rarely even turn the stereo on!
Does anyone else feel that cars have become too complicated and therefore too expensive for their own good? Or is it worth forking out for the latest versions if they’re so much better than the previous ones?
Currently driving a Fiesta ST3, it’s a 2017 66 plate so the last of the mk7 cars and I like it a lot. Thinking about where to go next it’ll most likely be another hot hatch as it suits my circumstances and does both the fun and practical stuff well. Ideally I would aim for the next size up for a bit more all round usability, as in a more settled ride and improved quality and refinement. It still needs to be fun to drive but that’s perhaps not top priority anymore. What I do like when I change cars is to get something newer than my current one as it feels more like a step up and this leads me to the potential problem.
In the past I’ve tried to limit my budget to around 10k. Obviously 15k is now the new 10k so I’ll have to suck it up and pay more when the time comes. But browsing AT I have noticed something about pricing of cars when they move from one generation to another. Take my ST3 for example, a 2017 mk7 can be had for 11k but you’ll need 17k for a 2018 mk8. I understand the newer car will cost more but it seems out of proportion. The same thing happens with most other makes, particularly with ones I’m considering.
2016 Megane RS275 Nav with cup chassis 15k
2018 Megane RS280 over 20k
2016 Golf gti with pp around 16k
2017 Golf gti performance (245bhp) over 20k
I really like the i30N but an early one from 2018 is again over 20k. I know there’s no previous car to compare this with.
So it seems that if I want something newer than 2017 I’m now well over budget. It’s not a complete no no but I do wonder if it’s really worth it. I’d guess that the price hike has something to do with technology and things like improvements in infotainment and the like. Not sure if all that bothers me much though. I like the Fiesta because I can just get in it and drive without having to select drive modes and set it all up. I don’t get things like launch control. I very rarely even turn the stereo on!
Does anyone else feel that cars have become too complicated and therefore too expensive for their own good? Or is it worth forking out for the latest versions if they’re so much better than the previous ones?
The price hike is down to there being a massive shortage of new cars due to semiconductor shortages worldwide.
The lack of new car supply has pushed up demand and prices for nearly new which in turn has pushed up prices of cars up to 3-4 years old.
Often 2-3 year old cars are up for sale for not much less they could have cost new. Unless you really want/need the current climate is not a good time to be swapping cars
The lack of new car supply has pushed up demand and prices for nearly new which in turn has pushed up prices of cars up to 3-4 years old.
Often 2-3 year old cars are up for sale for not much less they could have cost new. Unless you really want/need the current climate is not a good time to be swapping cars
SteBrown91 said:
The price hike is down to there being a massive shortage of new cars due to semiconductor shortages worldwide.
The lack of new car supply has pushed up demand and prices for nearly new which in turn has pushed up prices of cars up to 3-4 years old.
Often 2-3 year old cars are up for sale for not much less they could have cost new. Unless you really want/need the current climate is not a good time to be swapping cars
This. The lack of new car supply has pushed up demand and prices for nearly new which in turn has pushed up prices of cars up to 3-4 years old.
Often 2-3 year old cars are up for sale for not much less they could have cost new. Unless you really want/need the current climate is not a good time to be swapping cars
You’re likely conflating issues and putting it all on the differences between cars. I was previously looking (before prices rose) but have shelved plans to change for now because I don’t need to do it and don’t feel it’s worth it.
The price differentials between older and newer models have always been there. People mark down older models as newer models are more desirable in general. Same with most things.
I bought one of the run-out mk7 Golf GTIs. There was an extra discount at the dealers for it so I grabbed it even though I knew there was going to be a newer model in a few months time. So the older models are usually on the whole, cheaper.
I bought one of the run-out mk7 Golf GTIs. There was an extra discount at the dealers for it so I grabbed it even though I knew there was going to be a newer model in a few months time. So the older models are usually on the whole, cheaper.
I think the issue is that you want a newer car, and you want the next size up, and prices have risen, so it's a bit of a triple whammy.
To some extent all cars of the same model generation are grouped together price-wise, there's some difference for year and mileage. There's often quite a big gap between "current generation" cars and "old" models - if you buy a Mk8 Fiesta you could put a private plate on and pretend you've bought a brand new car, which you can't with the Mk7.
I think your sensible options are (a) if you want something bigger and more comfortable, get something of similar age to your Fiesta or slightly older or (b) stick with the Fiesta. There's not that much to fear with a 5 year old car I don't think, as long as you find a good one.
Yes, I wasn’t planning on changing just yet. At the earliest it’ll be later this year or perhaps even next year. I’ll be interested to see if the chip shortages are getting sorted by then.
It was the Golf in particular that made me think as I was looking at the latest mk7 Gti with performance pack compared to the Mk7.5 performance model. Huge difference despite them seeming to be very similar cars.
I suppose it makes sense that people who usually buy brand new but can’t will go for the latest generation used meaning that the gap has increased between these cars and the previous models. I wonder if that will change over the next year. If not I may need to look for something slightly older as I don’t think I could justify the increased cost.
It was the Golf in particular that made me think as I was looking at the latest mk7 Gti with performance pack compared to the Mk7.5 performance model. Huge difference despite them seeming to be very similar cars.
I suppose it makes sense that people who usually buy brand new but can’t will go for the latest generation used meaning that the gap has increased between these cars and the previous models. I wonder if that will change over the next year. If not I may need to look for something slightly older as I don’t think I could justify the increased cost.
ChrisH72 said:
Yes, I wasn’t planning on changing just yet. At the earliest it’ll be later this year or perhaps even next year. I’ll be interested to see if the chip shortages are getting sorted by then.
It was the Golf in particular that made me think as I was looking at the latest mk7 Gti with performance pack compared to the Mk7.5 performance model. Huge difference despite them seeming to be very similar cars.
I suppose it makes sense that people who usually buy brand new but can’t will go for the latest generation used meaning that the gap has increased between these cars and the previous models. I wonder if that will change over the next year. If not I may need to look for something slightly older as I don’t think I could justify the increased cost.
I hope so! Looking in a similar part of the market to you and similarly don’t think I would justify the move at current prices. It was the Golf in particular that made me think as I was looking at the latest mk7 Gti with performance pack compared to the Mk7.5 performance model. Huge difference despite them seeming to be very similar cars.
I suppose it makes sense that people who usually buy brand new but can’t will go for the latest generation used meaning that the gap has increased between these cars and the previous models. I wonder if that will change over the next year. If not I may need to look for something slightly older as I don’t think I could justify the increased cost.
If it turns into a longer term price move I may reevaluate.
samoht said:
I think your sensible options are (a) if you want something bigger and more comfortable, get something of similar age to your Fiesta or slightly older or (b) stick with the Fiesta. There's not that much to fear with a 5 year old car I don't think, as long as you find a good one.
Option b for now but ultimately when the time comes I think you’re probably correct with option a.It does rule out some cars I really like sadly. I’ve followed prices of the i30N since they came out. Pre pandemic they were starting to drop below 20k but now you’d struggle to get a 2018 model for that. Then there’s the FK8 type r which is another favourite but they’re closer to 30k so no chance.
I’ve never owned anything by Renaultsport or anything VAG though so they’re certainly on the radar. Not sure if the old RS Megane is more comfortable than the Fiesta especially with cup chassis. I have noticed that the later ones come with 18 inch wheels which may help.
ChrisH72 said:
It does rule out some cars I really like sadly. I’ve followed prices of the i30N since they came out. Pre pandemic they were starting to drop below 20k but now you’d struggle to get a 2018 model for that. Then there’s the FK8 type r which is another favourite but they’re closer to 30k so no chance.
The FK8 in particular is a bit of a perfect storm - it won every group test, then the chip shortage curtailed production, then Honda bulldozed the factory. There will be a new CTR out before too long with the same basic drivetrain, I imagine that may finally deflate this particular price bubble.i30N will depreciate in time, just need to accept you may be buying a slightly older car, look for one that's well cared for. At least they have a 7 year warranty so buying a 4-5 year old car has some cover left.
ChrisH72 said:
I’m not quite ready to change my car yet but like most on here I do enjoy a bit of research.
Currently driving a Fiesta ST3, it’s a 2017 66 plate so the last of the mk7 cars and I like it a lot. Thinking about where to go next it’ll most likely be another hot hatch as it suits my circumstances and does both the fun and practical stuff well. Ideally I would aim for the next size up for a bit more all round usability, as in a more settled ride and improved quality and refinement. It still needs to be fun to drive but that’s perhaps not top priority anymore. What I do like when I change cars is to get something newer than my current one as it feels more like a step up and this leads me to the potential problem.
In the past I’ve tried to limit my budget to around 10k. Obviously 15k is now the new 10k so I’ll have to suck it up and pay more when the time comes. But browsing AT I have noticed something about pricing of cars when they move from one generation to another. Take my ST3 for example, a 2017 mk7 can be had for 11k but you’ll need 17k for a 2018 mk8. I understand the newer car will cost more but it seems out of proportion. The same thing happens with most other makes, particularly with ones I’m considering.
2016 Megane RS275 Nav with cup chassis 15k
2018 Megane RS280 over 20k
2016 Golf gti with pp around 16k
2017 Golf gti performance (245bhp) over 20k
I really like the i30N but an early one from 2018 is again over 20k. I know there’s no previous car to compare this with.
So it seems that if I want something newer than 2017 I’m now well over budget. It’s not a complete no no but I do wonder if it’s really worth it. I’d guess that the price hike has something to do with technology and things like improvements in infotainment and the like. Not sure if all that bothers me much though. I like the Fiesta because I can just get in it and drive without having to select drive modes and set it all up. I don’t get things like launch control. I very rarely even turn the stereo on!
Does anyone else feel that cars have become too complicated and therefore too expensive for their own good? Or is it worth forking out for the latest versions if they’re so much better than the previous ones?
There are a couple of factors that have pushed this, the chip shortage hasn't helped but also the cost of raw materials as well as rising energy costs, means that car prices have increased significantly which means new car sales are also low as people hold onto what they have.Currently driving a Fiesta ST3, it’s a 2017 66 plate so the last of the mk7 cars and I like it a lot. Thinking about where to go next it’ll most likely be another hot hatch as it suits my circumstances and does both the fun and practical stuff well. Ideally I would aim for the next size up for a bit more all round usability, as in a more settled ride and improved quality and refinement. It still needs to be fun to drive but that’s perhaps not top priority anymore. What I do like when I change cars is to get something newer than my current one as it feels more like a step up and this leads me to the potential problem.
In the past I’ve tried to limit my budget to around 10k. Obviously 15k is now the new 10k so I’ll have to suck it up and pay more when the time comes. But browsing AT I have noticed something about pricing of cars when they move from one generation to another. Take my ST3 for example, a 2017 mk7 can be had for 11k but you’ll need 17k for a 2018 mk8. I understand the newer car will cost more but it seems out of proportion. The same thing happens with most other makes, particularly with ones I’m considering.
2016 Megane RS275 Nav with cup chassis 15k
2018 Megane RS280 over 20k
2016 Golf gti with pp around 16k
2017 Golf gti performance (245bhp) over 20k
I really like the i30N but an early one from 2018 is again over 20k. I know there’s no previous car to compare this with.
So it seems that if I want something newer than 2017 I’m now well over budget. It’s not a complete no no but I do wonder if it’s really worth it. I’d guess that the price hike has something to do with technology and things like improvements in infotainment and the like. Not sure if all that bothers me much though. I like the Fiesta because I can just get in it and drive without having to select drive modes and set it all up. I don’t get things like launch control. I very rarely even turn the stereo on!
Does anyone else feel that cars have become too complicated and therefore too expensive for their own good? Or is it worth forking out for the latest versions if they’re so much better than the previous ones?
So 2018/19 models will be harder to find hence the stronger pricing.
There are some 2017+ hot hatches that are good fun drives as well as having a more supple ride:
Astra GTC VXR you should at least test driving one, they're a smidge off of the RS275 Cup when it comes to A road shenanigans BUT the trade off is a ride that's more suited to daily driving & the seats are superb for long/short/fun journeys.
You're still over your 15k number so you'll have to haggle & stretch the budget but the cost of upgrading has been similar if you look at the price of cars.
Astra GTC VXR:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201131...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110148...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110068...
If you can live with a 2016 then you're nigh on budget:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201131...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112170...
The 308 GTI PS 270 is another that's the right mix as long as you're happy with the dash layout then there are some sensibly priced ones out there:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111239...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110078...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110238...
If you can live with 210bhp then the Infiniti Q30 Sport will tick a lot of boxes (it's the same car as the A250 AMG Engineered in everything the sheet metal but with awd) comfortable quick & enjoyable when you want it to be:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112220...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201091...
Q60 Premium Tech
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111259...
Yeah as others have said, prices are pretty hysterical lately. There is a 67 plate kia picanto near me for 12k - I imagine pretty much the same as the new list price!
Part of the price jump you see though will be because you're upgrading "class" as well as looking for a newer model - golf costs more than polo, etc.
Part of the price jump you see though will be because you're upgrading "class" as well as looking for a newer model - golf costs more than polo, etc.
It’s not so much the price difference between my car and something bigger, that’s to be expected. It’s more the difference between a 2016 hot hatch and an equivalent 2018 car like the examples above.
Thanks for the list ZX,
Nothing is out of the question really and all of those cars I’ve looked at. I think I’d enjoy driving the Vauxhall, but I’m not particularly excited by owning one. Also 5 doors would probably work best which of course also rules out the Megane but it’s not a complete deal breaker. The Infiniti is perhaps too slow and also gets a bit more towards luxury and away from sporty than I’d like.
The 308 is a car that I do very much like. Sounds strange but I struggle to get past the issue with the Alcon brakes. All my cars over the past few years have needed new brakes soon after I’ve bought them. The Fiesta had new front discs and pads for just under 200 quid. The 308 is said to be more like 2k by the time you’ve had the callipers refurbed which apparently they will all need. I can imagine many owners moving them on when this is close to needing done which feels a bit risky. Other than that they do look good cars.
Thanks for the list ZX,
Nothing is out of the question really and all of those cars I’ve looked at. I think I’d enjoy driving the Vauxhall, but I’m not particularly excited by owning one. Also 5 doors would probably work best which of course also rules out the Megane but it’s not a complete deal breaker. The Infiniti is perhaps too slow and also gets a bit more towards luxury and away from sporty than I’d like.
The 308 is a car that I do very much like. Sounds strange but I struggle to get past the issue with the Alcon brakes. All my cars over the past few years have needed new brakes soon after I’ve bought them. The Fiesta had new front discs and pads for just under 200 quid. The 308 is said to be more like 2k by the time you’ve had the callipers refurbed which apparently they will all need. I can imagine many owners moving them on when this is close to needing done which feels a bit risky. Other than that they do look good cars.
ChrisH72 said:
It’s not so much the price difference between my car and something bigger, that’s to be expected. It’s more the difference between a 2016 hot hatch and an equivalent 2018 car like the examples above.
Thanks for the list ZX,
Nothing is out of the question really and all of those cars I’ve looked at. I think I’d enjoy driving the Vauxhall, but I’m not particularly excited by owning one. Also 5 doors would probably work best which of course also rules out the Megane but it’s not a complete deal breaker. The Infiniti is perhaps too slow and also gets a bit more towards luxury and away from sporty than I’d like.
The 308 is a car that I do very much like. Sounds strange but I struggle to get past the issue with the Alcon brakes. All my cars over the past few years have needed new brakes soon after I’ve bought them. The Fiesta had new front discs and pads for just under 200 quid. The 308 is said to be more like 2k by the time you’ve had the callipers refurbed which apparently they will all need. I can imagine many owners moving them on when this is close to needing done which feels a bit risky. Other than that they do look good cars.
The brakes aren't 2k obviously check for wear beforehand but the brakes are around 1k all done & the calipers don't need rebuilding every 40k.Thanks for the list ZX,
Nothing is out of the question really and all of those cars I’ve looked at. I think I’d enjoy driving the Vauxhall, but I’m not particularly excited by owning one. Also 5 doors would probably work best which of course also rules out the Megane but it’s not a complete deal breaker. The Infiniti is perhaps too slow and also gets a bit more towards luxury and away from sporty than I’d like.
The 308 is a car that I do very much like. Sounds strange but I struggle to get past the issue with the Alcon brakes. All my cars over the past few years have needed new brakes soon after I’ve bought them. The Fiesta had new front discs and pads for just under 200 quid. The 308 is said to be more like 2k by the time you’ve had the callipers refurbed which apparently they will all need. I can imagine many owners moving them on when this is close to needing done which feels a bit risky. Other than that they do look good cars.
If the brakes are close to worn on the car you're looking at then negotiate accordingly, discs seem to be lasting to around the 40+ k marker if you do a few trackdays (my mate has done 9 & he had to change his at 32k £980 inc VAT)
Okay thanks,
The Peugeot is definitely one to consider. I’ve watched and read several reviews and it appears to be highly rated. All the ones from 2018 seemed to be branded puretech 260 so I’m not sure what differences were made. A nice 2017 270 seems to be about 17k at the moment so given another 12 months would hopefully come down closer to budget.
The Peugeot is definitely one to consider. I’ve watched and read several reviews and it appears to be highly rated. All the ones from 2018 seemed to be branded puretech 260 so I’m not sure what differences were made. A nice 2017 270 seems to be about 17k at the moment so given another 12 months would hopefully come down closer to budget.
Just read Evo group test between the Golf Gti performance, i30n and 308 gti 270. Very interesting.
All very good yet different cars. They actually place the Golf last as although it's the most refined and sophisticated it's less engaging than the others. Hyundai wins as a proper performance car but they do comment on it's weight which I've heard before. The light weight Pug sounds right up my street and as its still the best value used I'll definitely be test driving one.
All very good yet different cars. They actually place the Golf last as although it's the most refined and sophisticated it's less engaging than the others. Hyundai wins as a proper performance car but they do comment on it's weight which I've heard before. The light weight Pug sounds right up my street and as its still the best value used I'll definitely be test driving one.
Depends what is important to you.
I appreciate I'm a broken record with Megane's on here (for good reason) but if you are just looking for a change, then you will manage to get a Megane RS250 Cup for around you're £10k budget. It will be older than you're Mk7 Fiesta.
Apart from the Trophy's, the Mk3 Meg's 250/265/275 are basically mechanically the same. Interiors are also more or less the same, apart from a change to the rev counter. Obviously the later models are facelifted and arguably look a bit more modern.
Mk4 290/300 is a different car altogether though and would be worth the premium.
I appreciate I'm a broken record with Megane's on here (for good reason) but if you are just looking for a change, then you will manage to get a Megane RS250 Cup for around you're £10k budget. It will be older than you're Mk7 Fiesta.
Apart from the Trophy's, the Mk3 Meg's 250/265/275 are basically mechanically the same. Interiors are also more or less the same, apart from a change to the rev counter. Obviously the later models are facelifted and arguably look a bit more modern.
Mk4 290/300 is a different car altogether though and would be worth the premium.
Hmm priorities...
At the moment we use my wife's Hyundai mpv for family journeys and holidays. It's very dependable but as you can imagine slow and dull to drive. I use my ST3 for work mid week and cover very few miles. We do all fit in the Fiesta but it's a hassle being 3dr and the fidgety ride would be a pain on long journeys so we just don't bother. In some ways this works well as it keeps my costs and mileage down but on the other hand I'm not getting much use out of the nicer car.
If we keep this set up a Megane could work. I do like them but as you say it'll be a fair bit older than the Ford and I'm not sure it offers much better, just a different make. I could also go down the GT86 route as that would do the very occasional journey with 3 of us and be a different experience to the ST.
Going 5dr means we would use my car more. A bigger hatch with more settled ride could be used for a week away and longer journeys to visit my dad (110 miles) which we will be doing more as he gets older. This way I get to spend more time driving something I enjoy. When we use my wife's car I drive 99% of the time anyway.
So I guess 5dr practicality is high on the list. Newer and lower miles would be preferable in terms of reliability if using it more too.
At the moment we use my wife's Hyundai mpv for family journeys and holidays. It's very dependable but as you can imagine slow and dull to drive. I use my ST3 for work mid week and cover very few miles. We do all fit in the Fiesta but it's a hassle being 3dr and the fidgety ride would be a pain on long journeys so we just don't bother. In some ways this works well as it keeps my costs and mileage down but on the other hand I'm not getting much use out of the nicer car.
If we keep this set up a Megane could work. I do like them but as you say it'll be a fair bit older than the Ford and I'm not sure it offers much better, just a different make. I could also go down the GT86 route as that would do the very occasional journey with 3 of us and be a different experience to the ST.
Going 5dr means we would use my car more. A bigger hatch with more settled ride could be used for a week away and longer journeys to visit my dad (110 miles) which we will be doing more as he gets older. This way I get to spend more time driving something I enjoy. When we use my wife's car I drive 99% of the time anyway.
So I guess 5dr practicality is high on the list. Newer and lower miles would be preferable in terms of reliability if using it more too.
ChrisH72 said:
Hmm priorities...
At the moment we use my wife's Hyundai mpv for family journeys and holidays. It's very dependable but as you can imagine slow and dull to drive. I use my ST3 for work mid week and cover very few miles. We do all fit in the Fiesta but it's a hassle being 3dr and the fidgety ride would be a pain on long journeys so we just don't bother. In some ways this works well as it keeps my costs and mileage down but on the other hand I'm not getting much use out of the nicer car.
If we keep this set up a Megane could work. I do like them but as you say it'll be a fair bit older than the Ford and I'm not sure it offers much better, just a different make. I could also go down the GT86 route as that would do the very occasional journey with 3 of us and be a different experience to the ST.
Going 5dr means we would use my car more. A bigger hatch with more settled ride could be used for a week away and longer journeys to visit my dad (110 miles) which we will be doing more as he gets older. This way I get to spend more time driving something I enjoy. When we use my wife's car I drive 99% of the time anyway.
So I guess 5dr practicality is high on the list. Newer and lower miles would be preferable in terms of reliability if using it more too.
IMO the Megane is a more capable car. The chassis on them is outstanding, they really are incredible cars. Even lightly fettled ones have serious pace. I know the Mk7 ST is also a capable hot hatch, so depends on how much you are going to use the performance I suppose.At the moment we use my wife's Hyundai mpv for family journeys and holidays. It's very dependable but as you can imagine slow and dull to drive. I use my ST3 for work mid week and cover very few miles. We do all fit in the Fiesta but it's a hassle being 3dr and the fidgety ride would be a pain on long journeys so we just don't bother. In some ways this works well as it keeps my costs and mileage down but on the other hand I'm not getting much use out of the nicer car.
If we keep this set up a Megane could work. I do like them but as you say it'll be a fair bit older than the Ford and I'm not sure it offers much better, just a different make. I could also go down the GT86 route as that would do the very occasional journey with 3 of us and be a different experience to the ST.
Going 5dr means we would use my car more. A bigger hatch with more settled ride could be used for a week away and longer journeys to visit my dad (110 miles) which we will be doing more as he gets older. This way I get to spend more time driving something I enjoy. When we use my wife's car I drive 99% of the time anyway.
So I guess 5dr practicality is high on the list. Newer and lower miles would be preferable in terms of reliability if using it more too.
Hard decision to make, but other option is to replace the ST with something more interesting yet family friendly. Then replace the Hyundai with something a little more focussed (GT86 is a good option to be fair).
In my experience of owning several performance dailies, nothing does it all really (unless you are spending mega money). Interesting daily/family wagon and something fun for hooning/track works best I think.
That would be my ideal really.
Unfortunately my wife has zero interest in cars. She likes to buy them brand new and keep until they break down. The Hyundai was ex demo and cost just over 10k back in 2016. I have pointed out to her that an equivalent car now would be double the price. She also favours easy to drive, high driving position, likes SUVs obviously. If she was a car person it’d work well for her to have the fiesta but she wouldn’t want it. I’d say she would be better off in a 5dr city car like a picanto next time which she’ll be able to afford nearly new.
Unfortunately my wife has zero interest in cars. She likes to buy them brand new and keep until they break down. The Hyundai was ex demo and cost just over 10k back in 2016. I have pointed out to her that an equivalent car now would be double the price. She also favours easy to drive, high driving position, likes SUVs obviously. If she was a car person it’d work well for her to have the fiesta but she wouldn’t want it. I’d say she would be better off in a 5dr city car like a picanto next time which she’ll be able to afford nearly new.
Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff