Used Performance Hatchback

[jjgreenwood]

Just wondering

What are peoples experiences from buying a used hot hatch under 2 years old.

I've always thought its better to buy new rather than have someone else's that they've nailed for a short period of time.

Even worse are demonstrators etc.

What is the PH view.

[Drezza]

Depends what price you put on the peace of mind. Depreciated 5% after 2 years no, 30% then yes. Only you can decide that.

[Cylon2007]

I have only bought 2 brand new cars, the first one was a Honda Civic Diesel Sport in 2007, great car but I had the issue with the clutch giving up at less than 25000 mainly motorway miles, decided I couldn't me Ars*d chasing Honda to fix so traded it for a 12 month old Passat 2.0TDI DSG. The other was Golf TSI 67 plate, lovely car no issues, got a really good deal as it cost me just under £16000 for a brand new one (diesel scrappage scheme got me £5000 trade in on an old diesel estate). Traded that for my current MX5 ND which I love.

All my other cars have been secondhand at various ages and apart from a Mitsubishi Charisma (yes OK I know) which was clearly a Monday morning/Friday afternoon car (all covered under warranty including a new gearbox) that I gave up on and traded for my first Passat (1998 1.8T 20V) all the cars have performed with no majot issues.

Buying at 12 - 24 months old seems the sweet spot to me and i have bought ex demo/manager cars and they have been fine.

[ZX10R NIN]

Buying ex demo's is no issue buying at two years old makes sense you've cleared some of the depreciation & when buying from a main dealer you'll get an extra year added to the warranty so it's a pretty sweet spot & you'll normally get a contribution if you take their finance.