25k PA - Options

[halo34]

I do 25k PA with a mix of A roads and dual carriageway.

I need a family friendly car, that has longer service intervals and a reasonable consumables cost.

Currently run a stop gap 2010 1.6 tdci focus, which is fine but is a 3 door and lacks a 6th gear so lose economy cruising above 60mph.

I also like to keep a little ahead of depreciation so ignored new;

Offers on the table so far are....

2013 Octavia VRS estate diesel, 24k for 15k
2012 320 D M Sport estate, 34k for 16k

Cars last a short time with me usually as I get bored but what are my real options in terms of managing my costs here. I struggle with new as I lose a bucket, I cant lease as job security and PCP is a similar situation.

I considered a E class, but struggled a bit in terms of unless its a sport, I find it a bit "mature".

The VRS is great, but I think they are going to drop line stones (just my perception).

So it comes down to keep the focus till it dies (1.6 tdci so thats a gamble) or change out. Suggestions welcome...

[ZX10R NIN]

Doing 25k a year you're going to get bored because you're spending so much time in the car also with that kind of mileage I'd be buying something that I could run for four years & then think about moving it on.

Something with under 50k on the clock preferably an auto & a 3.0 engine but a 2.0 should be adequate so here are car's I'd consider:

2010 E250 Sport 25k FMBSH 205bhp

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

2009 E350 Sport 17k FMBSH 235bhp

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

2012 Mondeo Titanium X Sport 25k FSH 200bhp

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

2012 520d M Sport 33k FBMWSH 185bhp

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

[halo34]

Thanks - some good suggestions in there.

Above 2.0 would be nice but I have to keep an eye on economy sadly as self funded travel.

BMW dealer have moved a little on the 3 series as well.

So basically the cost to change between that and the VRS is the same, its more around value retention. Personally I think the VRS probably has slightly lower ownership costs but higher likelyhood of depreciation to come, despite being a very good proposition.

[ZX10R NIN]

You'll be surprised at how much the Mondeo will maintain value:

2009 2.2 Titanium X Sport Estate 108k

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

The Skoda has dropped quite a bit:

2010 VRS 103k

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

Surprisingly (or not due to the number made/sold) the 320d M Sport doesn't fair much better residual wise:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

The 2.2 Mondeo in TXS spec is a rare one normally spec'd to the nines with air cooled seats etc so they seem to retain value.

So The Mondeo TXS 40k FSH below is 13.5k before haggling:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

14k for a 2012 31k example:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

Or for your full budget 2015 (new shape) Titanium 180 Auto with 2 years Warranty left 25k FSH

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

65 Plate Titanium 180 (the Titanium is the equivalent to Titanium X spec in the old model) these still come with Nav/DAB/Bluetooth etc

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

So if you take the 2015 cars as example you'll lose roughly 8k in depreciation vs 10k on the Skoda/BMW over the next four years/100k, on top of that you'll also have a car that's two years newer if you're self financing this seems the smarter option.

Also with the auto Mondeo the dealer will deliver it to a franchise near you so you don't have to go out of your way.

Edited by ZX10R NIN on Friday 27th January 10:05

[halo34]

Hello,

Some great suggestions - so spent the day yesterday looking at the options.

Friend has a mondeo and sadly I just didn't get on with it. My wife has a fiesta which is great, but there was just an intangible something that didn't quite do it for me and the fuel economy was apparently away off expectations.

Dropped the BMW I was looking at - something suggested despite being used approved, it had led a hard life when talking to the dealers.

So I am going with the default option of the VRS Diesel. Its a nice place to sit and whilst I might take a hit over the term, it boiled down to the car that did it for me!

I suspect I will re-visit mercedes a bit down the line though!

Thanks for the help

[ZX10R NIN]

Glad you got sorted, there was never a wrong answer just what one suited you best our 2010 pool car 2.2 has averaged 46.2mpg over the last 80k.

[halo34]

So - picked car up saturday and other than a poorly touched up bit on the bumper, which they are coming back to me on - delighted with the car.

It's honestly a complete package - look past the Skoda badge at your peril these days. I got out after the 300 mile run home feeling fresh and relaxed.

Also managed 52 mpg and commute is 58 miles for the same result, thats including the odd fun burst.

So overall perfect car for me - hopefully long term reliability will stand up. I can see why people get them and then find it hard to choose something else.