Old v New Comparisons after 2 years and £10k
Old v New Comparisons after 2 years and £10k
Author
Discussion

bolidemichael

Original Poster:

17,964 posts

230 months

Saturday 31st August 2019
quotequote all
So I have always owned used cars, in fact, I have never owned a car newer than ten years old, which is okay with me. However, this means that I don't know if the investment that I have made in maintenance and renovation means that my money could have been spent on a newer, shinier, look-how-well-I'm-doing-everyone kind of car (nothing that drinks from the Devil's pump!).

I own a 2004 S211 E500 (estate) which is a great car. I love the power, V8 relaxed motorway driving, the air suspension, space, build quality and the gradual improvement of the car.



Doing some calculations, I figure that it has cost me £10k including purchase over 23 months. During that period of time, I have covered 32,000 miles which I would estimate cost around £9,500 at 20 mpg.

So let's say that I have spent around £20k in total over 24 months, for ease of calculation. Let's for argument's sake say that the vehicle is worth £4k used, depending on whether a prospective owner values all the work done to the vehicle meaning less bork factor.

I think that the bulk of mechanical costs have been undertaken now (so less costly over the next twenty four months) and we're looking at a handful of perished bushes and then bodywork to get the car looking nicer ££££ and some interior fettling for a refresh.

Monthly figures (which might be useful for comparison):

Miles: 1,333
Cost (inc purchase): £416
Fuel: £416

How would this compare to buying/leasing a new or close to new car of a similar spec? I have never tried to buy a new or close-to-new car, so I simply don't have a gauge on what an equivalent vehicle is available for the outlay.

PH insight and contributions welcome!

VAGLover

918 posts

107 months

Sunday 1st September 2019
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You could have this
Pros
Brand new. In warranty. New tech. Diesel and cheaper to run for fuel
Cons
Slower

VAGLover

918 posts

107 months

Sunday 1st September 2019
quotequote all
Sorry. With correct miles

bolidemichael

Original Poster:

17,964 posts

230 months

Sunday 1st September 2019
quotequote all
bolidemichael said:
(nothing that drinks from the Devil's pump!).
VAG, I appreciate the response, but I bring your attention to the above prerequisite. redcard


VAGLover

918 posts

107 months

Sunday 1st September 2019
quotequote all
bolidemichael said:
bolidemichael said:
(nothing that drinks from the Devil's pump!).
VAG, I appreciate the response, but I bring your attention to the above prerequisite. redcard
Fair enough!
The petrol comes in the same price

joropug

3,043 posts

218 months

Sunday 1st September 2019
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It's all well and good doing this comparison I have done the same many a time, but..

You'll be comparing the most reliable new cars against in your own words a borkmaster4000.

If you had a more reliable mainstream older car it would be way cheaper.

I've just gone in between - 13 plate 70k C220 coupe for roughly 9k , that's the sweet spot for me. It works out the same cost as a 3 year lease on something lesser and should still be worth a decent amount in 3 years time.