Which option makes more sense?
Discussion
Hi all,
I'm currently looking to buy a new car, I have created a list of potential cars. Some of the cars would be second hand, whereas others would be brand new (almost).
If I was to buy a second hand car I would have around £15,000 to spend and would be able to pay cash. The other option would be to buy a new car on PCP/other finance route with a decent deposit, realistically the value of the car could be in and around £30,000.
I have had my current car (Fiesta Zetec S) for 7 years, for the first 6 of those years it was hugely reliable and I enjoyed driving it. During the last year or so it has had many problems and it just feels like time to finally change.
Either option leaves me with plenty of potential cars, that's not the issue, in fact having that many options is amazing and I have done my fair share of research, albeit not coming to a comprehensive decision.
I don't really have specific needs in a car, I only do 8000 miles per year and my journey to work is a mix of dual carriageway and twisty country roads. Insurance isn't an issue.
My head keeps telling me to get something like a new Golf R but it could be a little boring, the safe option. At 23 this is probably the time to get something a little more special.
I'm currently looking to buy a new car, I have created a list of potential cars. Some of the cars would be second hand, whereas others would be brand new (almost).
If I was to buy a second hand car I would have around £15,000 to spend and would be able to pay cash. The other option would be to buy a new car on PCP/other finance route with a decent deposit, realistically the value of the car could be in and around £30,000.
I have had my current car (Fiesta Zetec S) for 7 years, for the first 6 of those years it was hugely reliable and I enjoyed driving it. During the last year or so it has had many problems and it just feels like time to finally change.
Either option leaves me with plenty of potential cars, that's not the issue, in fact having that many options is amazing and I have done my fair share of research, albeit not coming to a comprehensive decision.
I don't really have specific needs in a car, I only do 8000 miles per year and my journey to work is a mix of dual carriageway and twisty country roads. Insurance isn't an issue.
My head keeps telling me to get something like a new Golf R but it could be a little boring, the safe option. At 23 this is probably the time to get something a little more special.
wormus said:
Since when did 23yo people drive 30k cars? I must be to old and out of touch! 
If you don't already have one, get some property. The novelty of shiny new cars soon wears off. This is a fact.
23 year olds that have good jobs and have saved a fair chunk of money.If you don't already have one, get some property. The novelty of shiny new cars soon wears off. This is a fact.
The property point is obviously valid, and is something to consider however I can continue to save for a house whilst also being able to buy a better car.
I'm 23, currently have an M135i, regret it. Previous cars were 350z/Clio 200 etc.
In your situation, which I was and what I wish I did myself was buy A decent E46 M3 CS/E90 M3 with the cash you have and don't owe out on anything. If you want 2 seats then perhaps a Cayman/Elise/Z4M coupe have good chance of keeping decent residuals whilst also being nice to drive and be seen in.
In your situation, which I was and what I wish I did myself was buy A decent E46 M3 CS/E90 M3 with the cash you have and don't owe out on anything. If you want 2 seats then perhaps a Cayman/Elise/Z4M coupe have good chance of keeping decent residuals whilst also being nice to drive and be seen in.
I think as many of you have suggested, the second hand route is the better option.
One of the reasons I was drawn to a new car was the reliability aspect and warranty that comes with it. May just be a case of getting warranty on a used car for the extra peace of mind.
The E90 M3 is a great shout, something I hadn't considered.
I'm not so keen on the Monaro, or VX220 though.
One of the reasons I was drawn to a new car was the reliability aspect and warranty that comes with it. May just be a case of getting warranty on a used car for the extra peace of mind.
The E90 M3 is a great shout, something I hadn't considered.
I'm not so keen on the Monaro, or VX220 though.
Tickle said:
You sound like you've got your head screwed on O/P for someone at 23, good for you.
What about a car that is pretty depreciation proof?
BMW M-Coupe
Elise/Exige
Clio V6
Sure there are plenty more....
I love the Elise, I always have, I'm just not sure I could live with it everyday. I see it as more of a weekend/second car.What about a car that is pretty depreciation proof?
BMW M-Coupe
Elise/Exige
Clio V6
Sure there are plenty more....
Anything that would be depreciation proof would be great, although I would imagine I would keep the car for 5 years or so leaving it hard to predict sell on values.
DanGPR said:
I'm 23, currently have an M135i, regret it. Previous cars were 350z/Clio 200 etc.
In your situation, which I was and what I wish I did myself was buy A decent E46 M3 CS/E90 M3 with the cash you have and don't owe out on anything. If you want 2 seats then perhaps a Cayman/Elise/Z4M coupe have good chance of keeping decent residuals whilst also being nice to drive and be seen in.
I agree with what Dan said. I financed a mk6 golf, whereas I wish I had just bought a mk5 and not been forking out each month for PCP!!In your situation, which I was and what I wish I did myself was buy A decent E46 M3 CS/E90 M3 with the cash you have and don't owe out on anything. If you want 2 seats then perhaps a Cayman/Elise/Z4M coupe have good chance of keeping decent residuals whilst also being nice to drive and be seen in.
I wish I could be putting more away for a house. Oh well!
chrisb92 said:
DanGPR said:
I'm 23, currently have an M135i, regret it. Previous cars were 350z/Clio 200 etc.
In your situation, which I was and what I wish I did myself was buy A decent E46 M3 CS/E90 M3 with the cash you have and don't owe out on anything. If you want 2 seats then perhaps a Cayman/Elise/Z4M coupe have good chance of keeping decent residuals whilst also being nice to drive and be seen in.
I agree with what Dan said. I financed a mk6 golf, whereas I wish I had just bought a mk5 and not been forking out each month for PCP!!In your situation, which I was and what I wish I did myself was buy A decent E46 M3 CS/E90 M3 with the cash you have and don't owe out on anything. If you want 2 seats then perhaps a Cayman/Elise/Z4M coupe have good chance of keeping decent residuals whilst also being nice to drive and be seen in.
I wish I could be putting more away for a house. Oh well!
Current options seem to be:
E90 M3
Cayman
370Z
wormus said:
Since when did 23yo people drive 30k cars? I must be too old and out of touch!
If you don't already have one, get some property. The novelty of shiny new cars soon wears off. This is a fact.
But it doesn't, least not for me. I have owned my Mustang for nearly six years and it is as much a novelty as it was the day I bought it, it is daily driven too, not locked up only for nice days.If you don't already have one, get some property. The novelty of shiny new cars soon wears off. This is a fact.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff