Depreciation friendly fast daily
Discussion
I'm after a fast daily to make commuting easier and more enjoyable. I've considered a couple of new motors but don't think I am ready to commit to that sort of cost yet.
So I'm looking for something with plenty of poke but won't break the bank in terms of running costs and critically depreciation as I will look to keep it for 2 years max unless I fall in love with it. Extra kit like cruise, heated seats and climate control would be very nice but could probably live without if the car was spot on.
Budget less than 15k. So far I've considered
Rs Megane 275 (perfect apart from I like the idea of something other than an inline 4 motor)
M135i (not a fan of the pre facelift models, post facelift or the 235 are too expensive)
Focus St mountune (5 cyl fun with added power but 10k for a 9 or 10 yr old focus seems like a lot to me)
Impreza STI (always been a massive fan but sought after ones are often jdm models or heavily modded making insurance a pita. The 2.5's are seemingly made out of chocolate from the factory)
Some fresh ideas and opinions would be appreciated.
So I'm looking for something with plenty of poke but won't break the bank in terms of running costs and critically depreciation as I will look to keep it for 2 years max unless I fall in love with it. Extra kit like cruise, heated seats and climate control would be very nice but could probably live without if the car was spot on.
Budget less than 15k. So far I've considered
Rs Megane 275 (perfect apart from I like the idea of something other than an inline 4 motor)
M135i (not a fan of the pre facelift models, post facelift or the 235 are too expensive)
Focus St mountune (5 cyl fun with added power but 10k for a 9 or 10 yr old focus seems like a lot to me)
Impreza STI (always been a massive fan but sought after ones are often jdm models or heavily modded making insurance a pita. The 2.5's are seemingly made out of chocolate from the factory)
Some fresh ideas and opinions would be appreciated.
Turbojuice said:
I'm after a fast daily to make commuting easier and more enjoyable. I've considered a couple of new motors but don't think I am ready to commit to that sort of cost yet.
So I'm looking for something with plenty of poke but won't break the bank in terms of running costs and critically depreciation as I will look to keep it for 2 years max unless I fall in love with it. Extra kit like cruise, heated seats and climate control would be very nice but could probably live without if the car was spot on.
Budget less than 15k. So far I've considered
Rs Megane 275 (perfect apart from I like the idea of something other than an inline 4 motor)
M135i (not a fan of the pre facelift models, post facelift or the 235 are too expensive)
Focus St mountune (5 cyl fun with added power but 10k for a 9 or 10 yr old focus seems like a lot to me)
Impreza STI (always been a massive fan but sought after ones are often jdm models or heavily modded making insurance a pita. The 2.5's are seemingly made out of chocolate from the factory)
Some fresh ideas and opinions would be appreciated.
All of those will continue to depreciate. The Megane will because they always have, and the BMW will because there's so many of them. the focus ST isn't the RS, so will continue to drop. The Impreza is probably the best bet depreciation wise. So I'm looking for something with plenty of poke but won't break the bank in terms of running costs and critically depreciation as I will look to keep it for 2 years max unless I fall in love with it. Extra kit like cruise, heated seats and climate control would be very nice but could probably live without if the car was spot on.
Budget less than 15k. So far I've considered
Rs Megane 275 (perfect apart from I like the idea of something other than an inline 4 motor)
M135i (not a fan of the pre facelift models, post facelift or the 235 are too expensive)
Focus St mountune (5 cyl fun with added power but 10k for a 9 or 10 yr old focus seems like a lot to me)
Impreza STI (always been a massive fan but sought after ones are often jdm models or heavily modded making insurance a pita. The 2.5's are seemingly made out of chocolate from the factory)
Some fresh ideas and opinions would be appreciated.
I've owned 2 Megane RS', and an M135i. Comparing both like for like, the Megane was better to drive when pushing on, and the bmw was more of a relaxed cruiser with decent power.
Thanks for the suggestions so far but i think I need to clarify. I'm not looking for a depreciation PROOF car, I'm looking for one which simply has LOW depreciation. Yes it's a bit of a how long is a piece of string type scenario. Im aware I might be wanting too much.
I couldn't drive a c5 everyday the running costs would kill me.
Evo is similar too much maintenance required on those for a daily for my liking.
E46 m3 is something I didn't consider but sounds more along the lines of what I'm looking for.
I couldn't drive a c5 everyday the running costs would kill me.
Evo is similar too much maintenance required on those for a daily for my liking.
E46 m3 is something I didn't consider but sounds more along the lines of what I'm looking for.
Sadly there's no such thing as a car which can be guaranteed to hold its value going forward.
A poor strategy would be to look at cars which have not lost much money in recent times as there is only one way that they can go if / when the economy or market sentiment changes.
Better to pick something that has already dropped loads, is unloved and therefore can't drop much further, or alternatively look for a car you fancy but one where the seller is motivated to accept a lower than market price in return for a quick / easy sale. Didn't say last bit would be easy....
Rather like choosing a financial investment, it's misguided to choose one just because it has performed very well in the last few years.
A poor strategy would be to look at cars which have not lost much money in recent times as there is only one way that they can go if / when the economy or market sentiment changes.
Better to pick something that has already dropped loads, is unloved and therefore can't drop much further, or alternatively look for a car you fancy but one where the seller is motivated to accept a lower than market price in return for a quick / easy sale. Didn't say last bit would be easy....
Rather like choosing a financial investment, it's misguided to choose one just because it has performed very well in the last few years.
Id be looking at something that is probably at the lowest point it will be price wise right now and therefore likely to start to rise in coming years. That way you haven't taken the depreciation hit yourself.
Take for example the e46 M3. This is already a rising star. But. You can still buy these relatively cheaply. The very good examples are going up fairly rapidly. A lower end of the market example may need a few pounds spent on it - but as long as it doesn't need too much you may end up making money on it.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Likewise something like a 997 i think. Currently i think they are quite the bargain. Can be had for less than 20k and i think they'll start to rise quite soon given the new models are going to have different engine set ups to the more traditional design. Certainly could be a star of the future and i don't think they'll drop any further in price.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
vauxhall vx220 - the badge much obscures a really good car and unlike its cousin the elise, prices aren't as high and aren't rising quite as much. Not what you might consider an everyday car but certainly something that has gotten to the lower end of where it will be price wise. You could buy and use it and likely not lose too much money.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Another option is to look at larger cars - bigger engines/bigger layout. Most of the time these depreciate more than their smaller siblings. Take for example the 6series BMW - certainly can get a lot of car for the money. Even the m6 is cheaper compared to some of its other "m" cousins and the re-introduction of the 8series i think may see cars like the m6 start to rise in value. SO getting one now would make a decent investment. Plus its a v10. Likely to be a rarer commodity in coming years.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Even certain hatchbacks. Like the R26 RS Megane. Certainly a car that isn't overly expensive right now but also something that will start to attract larger values over the coming years i think.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
In terms of your original offerings. I don't think i'd consider a Focus as depreciation proof. Perhaps the RS - but not the ST.
That said. Impreza's are starting to rise in value if you find a good one. I sold a Spec D last year for £7500. Currently a good example is near double that. But you can pick up good models for money that you should be able to keep in the car even using it each day. Take WR1 - 2.0 boxer block so not as fragile as the 2.5. But at this price. You will likely not see the value drop too much.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Take for example the e46 M3. This is already a rising star. But. You can still buy these relatively cheaply. The very good examples are going up fairly rapidly. A lower end of the market example may need a few pounds spent on it - but as long as it doesn't need too much you may end up making money on it.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Likewise something like a 997 i think. Currently i think they are quite the bargain. Can be had for less than 20k and i think they'll start to rise quite soon given the new models are going to have different engine set ups to the more traditional design. Certainly could be a star of the future and i don't think they'll drop any further in price.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
vauxhall vx220 - the badge much obscures a really good car and unlike its cousin the elise, prices aren't as high and aren't rising quite as much. Not what you might consider an everyday car but certainly something that has gotten to the lower end of where it will be price wise. You could buy and use it and likely not lose too much money.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Another option is to look at larger cars - bigger engines/bigger layout. Most of the time these depreciate more than their smaller siblings. Take for example the 6series BMW - certainly can get a lot of car for the money. Even the m6 is cheaper compared to some of its other "m" cousins and the re-introduction of the 8series i think may see cars like the m6 start to rise in value. SO getting one now would make a decent investment. Plus its a v10. Likely to be a rarer commodity in coming years.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Even certain hatchbacks. Like the R26 RS Megane. Certainly a car that isn't overly expensive right now but also something that will start to attract larger values over the coming years i think.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
In terms of your original offerings. I don't think i'd consider a Focus as depreciation proof. Perhaps the RS - but not the ST.
That said. Impreza's are starting to rise in value if you find a good one. I sold a Spec D last year for £7500. Currently a good example is near double that. But you can pick up good models for money that you should be able to keep in the car even using it each day. Take WR1 - 2.0 boxer block so not as fragile as the 2.5. But at this price. You will likely not see the value drop too much.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
If you're looking for a Megane choose a RB8/Trophy models as they'll hold their money a bit better than the Cup Lux models.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Another hot hatch worth considering is the (stretch & you can just get a MK2) Focus RS:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
TT RS
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
CLK 55 AMG (these are firming up nicely & are no worse on fuel than an M3)
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
C55 AMG (very hard to find & again prices are firm so you won't lose much)
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
3.2 Alfa Romeo Brera Prodrive
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Mini JCW GP
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
If I was going to get an ST it would be one that has had the major work already done.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
R32 Golfs are depreciating steadily so are worth a look
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
If you're going for a Subaru, I'd look for something like a Litchfield Type 20:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/05-54-SUBARU-IMPREZA-2-...
Gen2 Mazda3 MPS's seem to be steady & are a bit different.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Another hot hatch worth considering is the (stretch & you can just get a MK2) Focus RS:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
TT RS
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
CLK 55 AMG (these are firming up nicely & are no worse on fuel than an M3)
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
C55 AMG (very hard to find & again prices are firm so you won't lose much)
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
3.2 Alfa Romeo Brera Prodrive
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Mini JCW GP
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
If I was going to get an ST it would be one that has had the major work already done.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
R32 Golfs are depreciating steadily so are worth a look
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
If you're going for a Subaru, I'd look for something like a Litchfield Type 20:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/05-54-SUBARU-IMPREZA-2-...
Gen2 Mazda3 MPS's seem to be steady & are a bit different.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Astra VXR possibly worth a look as it's done most of it's depreciating already - https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
M235i just out of budget, but perhaps worth holding out for as you're not too keen on the early 135i?
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
Golf R just about in budget also - https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
Slightly older I'd consider the V8 M3 depending on what the commute is like
M235i just out of budget, but perhaps worth holding out for as you're not too keen on the early 135i?
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
Golf R just about in budget also - https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
Slightly older I'd consider the V8 M3 depending on what the commute is like
Lots of interesting suggestions that a hadn't thought about before. 130 is a good shout though they seem very rare. Also didn't realise e90 m3's can be had for under 18k. The 1k Saab puts a big tick in the depreciation friendly box.
Thanks all for the suggestions. All very different so lots to think about.
Thanks all for the suggestions. All very different so lots to think about.
Blanchimont said:
All of those will continue to depreciate. The Megane will because they always have, and the BMW will because there's so many of them. the focus ST isn't the RS, so will continue to drop. The Impreza is probably the best bet depreciation wise.
I've owned 2 Megane RS', and an M135i. Comparing both like for like, the Megane was better to drive when pushing on, and the bmw was more of a relaxed cruiser with decent power.
That's very helpful feedback on those cars as they were probably the first two that came to mind. I've owned 2 Megane RS', and an M135i. Comparing both like for like, the Megane was better to drive when pushing on, and the bmw was more of a relaxed cruiser with decent power.
I do think the BM makes much more sense as a commuter, especially in auto form. I would be worried how the megane would feel to drive every day.
Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff