Stick with car chosen pre lockdown or hold off?
Discussion
I'm in a bit of a quandry.
I'm a key worker (NHS) and currently need to buy a car.
I don't have a car at the moment (luckily sold my old one just before the madness began).
I'm looking for:
- Budget is 15k (ish).
- Diesel ?? (fairly long commute on fast B roads - I do around 14k per year - all my cars for the last 10 years have been diesel)
- Probably a 2015 ish model (or newer if budget allows).
- Something along the lines of a BMW 3 or 4 series / C Class Merc / Jag Xe (always had Vauxhalls / Fords so fancy something "nicer").
- Good spec
Just as Covid took off I had found a car that met the above criteria from a main dealer and it is on hold for me (although I guess almost all cars are on hold at the moment).
I haven't paid any deposit due to the situation.
So my dilemma is:
- do I continue with the purchase once lockdown eases (paying the price negotiated pre lockdown).
- do I hold off to see if my buck will go further (? not fair on dealer although he wouldn't have shifted the car anyway).
I can probably get by without having my own car for a max of a month or 2.
I've never looked at leasing due to the mileage I do (but never explored that side of things).
Any advice gratefully received. :-)
I'm a key worker (NHS) and currently need to buy a car.
I don't have a car at the moment (luckily sold my old one just before the madness began).
I'm looking for:
- Budget is 15k (ish).
- Diesel ?? (fairly long commute on fast B roads - I do around 14k per year - all my cars for the last 10 years have been diesel)
- Probably a 2015 ish model (or newer if budget allows).
- Something along the lines of a BMW 3 or 4 series / C Class Merc / Jag Xe (always had Vauxhalls / Fords so fancy something "nicer").
- Good spec
Just as Covid took off I had found a car that met the above criteria from a main dealer and it is on hold for me (although I guess almost all cars are on hold at the moment).
I haven't paid any deposit due to the situation.
So my dilemma is:
- do I continue with the purchase once lockdown eases (paying the price negotiated pre lockdown).
- do I hold off to see if my buck will go further (? not fair on dealer although he wouldn't have shifted the car anyway).
I can probably get by without having my own car for a max of a month or 2.
I've never looked at leasing due to the mileage I do (but never explored that side of things).
Any advice gratefully received. :-)
Edited by Willy Orwonty on Thursday 30th April 10:14
Edited by Willy Orwonty on Thursday 30th April 10:25
I'm not sure you've gone for but at that price their are some great well spec'd non German cars out there that will fill all of your criteria.
The XE R Sport is a good call getting a well spec'd one is a bit harder but they're out there:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Don't discount the XF R Sport either:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Infiniti Q50 Sport when it comes to spec these are loaded (they use the Mercedes drivetrains) with kit & are a nice place to be & come with adaptive cruise etc:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Q70 Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Volvo S60 R Design Lux Nav D4
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
The DS5 is often overlooked but get in one & you'll be impressed the fit & finish is good, they're also a decent steer:
Prestige
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Rare diesel hybrid DS5
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
All the above are 170-190bhp & are a decent steer good on fuel & loaded with spec, now you can get a well spec'd option German but you compromise somewhere be it power age or stretching the budget etc:
150 A4 Black Edition Plus
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
175
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
320d Pro Media M Sport +
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
330d Pro Media M Sport+ (this would be my pick of the German offerings)
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
The best you'll get from Mercedes is an AMG Line Premium, Premium pluses are over budget.
C220 AMG Line Premium
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Prices won't drop a lot straight after lock down there'll stay as they are for a while, if you feel you got a good deal on your current car then go for it.
The XE R Sport is a good call getting a well spec'd one is a bit harder but they're out there:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Don't discount the XF R Sport either:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Infiniti Q50 Sport when it comes to spec these are loaded (they use the Mercedes drivetrains) with kit & are a nice place to be & come with adaptive cruise etc:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Q70 Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Volvo S60 R Design Lux Nav D4
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
The DS5 is often overlooked but get in one & you'll be impressed the fit & finish is good, they're also a decent steer:
Prestige
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Rare diesel hybrid DS5
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
All the above are 170-190bhp & are a decent steer good on fuel & loaded with spec, now you can get a well spec'd option German but you compromise somewhere be it power age or stretching the budget etc:
150 A4 Black Edition Plus
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
175
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
320d Pro Media M Sport +
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
330d Pro Media M Sport+ (this would be my pick of the German offerings)
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
The best you'll get from Mercedes is an AMG Line Premium, Premium pluses are over budget.
C220 AMG Line Premium
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Prices won't drop a lot straight after lock down there'll stay as they are for a while, if you feel you got a good deal on your current car then go for it.
Cheers chaps!
Looking at the other Xe's you linked to the one I've found has a decent spec for the price (just over £14k).
I think the original owner liked ticking boxes of the extras that cost.....
- 2015
- 1 owner
- 33k on clock
- Auto 180 diesel
- full Jag dealer service history
- Portfolio Trim Level
- Decent colour (Celestial Black)
- Pan Roof
- Meridian sound system
- Cold Climate Pack (heated seats / wheel / windscreen / washer)
- Power Convenience Pack (keyless entry & start / extra power sockets / powered boot)
- Advanced Parking Assist Pack & surround camera system (auto parking)
- Memory Pack / folding mirrors / seat memory
- Split rear seats
- Blind spot monitor/ reverse traffic detection / closing vehicle sensing
I doubt I'll find another locally with as many toys to play with so I'll take your advice & stick with the above.
Stay safe y'all.
Looking at the other Xe's you linked to the one I've found has a decent spec for the price (just over £14k).
I think the original owner liked ticking boxes of the extras that cost.....
- 2015
- 1 owner
- 33k on clock
- Auto 180 diesel
- full Jag dealer service history
- Portfolio Trim Level
- Decent colour (Celestial Black)
- Pan Roof
- Meridian sound system
- Cold Climate Pack (heated seats / wheel / windscreen / washer)
- Power Convenience Pack (keyless entry & start / extra power sockets / powered boot)
- Advanced Parking Assist Pack & surround camera system (auto parking)
- Memory Pack / folding mirrors / seat memory
- Split rear seats
- Blind spot monitor/ reverse traffic detection / closing vehicle sensing
I doubt I'll find another locally with as many toys to play with so I'll take your advice & stick with the above.
Stay safe y'all.
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