Suggestions for New Car - Spending 30k foolish?
Discussion
Hi Everyone,
Would be good to get some ideas/inspiration for a potential car change.
At present I drive a 14 plate 1.8 Civic. Cheap, reliable, but pretty dull.
For the past couple of years I've been browsing autotrader to upgrade to something more enjoyable. Test drove 1-3 year old Golf R, S3, Golf GTI, Lexus IS300 and most recently a 17 plate B9 S5 Sportsback.
Absolutely loved the S5. Good blend of performance, great interior, looks, grip, practicality etc Really made me smile after 2 test drives.
At present I do around 4000 miles a year, mostly to and from work and every other weekend with my daughter. My heart says buy it, but head over rules and says 30k is too much for me to drop on a car.
Same time I've spent so much time on autotrader I'm sure I'd enjoy an upgrade, but is 30k crazy for my usage? Mortgage paid off os wouldn't be putting myself on the line financially.
So I'm hoping you guys can offer some suggestions please. When I look at older performance cars I'm always concerned they may be unreliable, so end up leaning towards newer cars. What do you guys reckon?
Cheers!
Would be good to get some ideas/inspiration for a potential car change.
At present I drive a 14 plate 1.8 Civic. Cheap, reliable, but pretty dull.
For the past couple of years I've been browsing autotrader to upgrade to something more enjoyable. Test drove 1-3 year old Golf R, S3, Golf GTI, Lexus IS300 and most recently a 17 plate B9 S5 Sportsback.
Absolutely loved the S5. Good blend of performance, great interior, looks, grip, practicality etc Really made me smile after 2 test drives.
At present I do around 4000 miles a year, mostly to and from work and every other weekend with my daughter. My heart says buy it, but head over rules and says 30k is too much for me to drop on a car.
Same time I've spent so much time on autotrader I'm sure I'd enjoy an upgrade, but is 30k crazy for my usage? Mortgage paid off os wouldn't be putting myself on the line financially.
So I'm hoping you guys can offer some suggestions please. When I look at older performance cars I'm always concerned they may be unreliable, so end up leaning towards newer cars. What do you guys reckon?
Cheers!
Only you know your financial situation but if it's money you can afford to lose, mainly depreciation, and your heart truly wants it, not just a short term desire/flavour of the month, then go for it!
If it were me and I was spending 30k plus doing low miles I would be buying something more interesting than an S5. Probably something with a V8 in just so I can listen to a sweet soundtrack.
Whatever car you decide to get, go with your heart over your head once you know you're financially secure on it.
Just to throw a curveball in, have you got a motorbike? I thought I was going to love cars until the end of time until I got my motorbike licence. Now cars are just A to B transport for me
If it were me and I was spending 30k plus doing low miles I would be buying something more interesting than an S5. Probably something with a V8 in just so I can listen to a sweet soundtrack.
Whatever car you decide to get, go with your heart over your head once you know you're financially secure on it.
Just to throw a curveball in, have you got a motorbike? I thought I was going to love cars until the end of time until I got my motorbike licence. Now cars are just A to B transport for me
AJ5641 said:
Only you know your financial situation but if it's money you can afford to lose, mainly depreciation, and your heart truly wants it, not just a short term desire/flavour of the month, then go for it!
If it were me and I was spending 30k plus doing low miles I would be buying something more interesting than an S5. Probably something with a V8 in just so I can listen to a sweet soundtrack.
Whatever car you decide to get, go with your heart over your head once you know you're financially secure on it.
Just to throw a curveball in, have you got a motorbike? I thought I was going to love cars until the end of time until I got my motorbike licence. Now cars are just A to B transport for me
I was initially considering ISF's but the 2012/13 examples have rocketed in value since lockdown. Now advertised around 27/28k, unless you but a 12 year old example for around 13k. Like the idea of Lexus due to their track record of reliability.If it were me and I was spending 30k plus doing low miles I would be buying something more interesting than an S5. Probably something with a V8 in just so I can listen to a sweet soundtrack.
Whatever car you decide to get, go with your heart over your head once you know you're financially secure on it.
Just to throw a curveball in, have you got a motorbike? I thought I was going to love cars until the end of time until I got my motorbike licence. Now cars are just A to B transport for me
I was also looking at the RCF but not sure how practical they are - don't thinkg the rear seats fold.
I guess other v8's could be Merc C63 and RS4, or M3. Running costs could be another level though. I suppose as long as they don;t have a mahjor issue, running costs may not be as bad as the depreciation on a newer S5.
Thanks for the suggestion about bikes, but doesn;t appear too much in all honesty. Just want one vehicle that can do a bit of everything.
b80 said:
Hi Everyone,
Would be good to get some ideas/inspiration for a potential car change.
At present I drive a 14 plate 1.8 Civic. Cheap, reliable, but pretty dull.
For the past couple of years I've been browsing autotrader to upgrade to something more enjoyable. Test drove 1-3 year old Golf R, S3, Golf GTI, Lexus IS300 and most recently a 17 plate B9 S5 Sportsback.
Absolutely loved the S5. Good blend of performance, great interior, looks, grip, practicality etc Really made me smile after 2 test drives.
At present I do around 4000 miles a year, mostly to and from work and every other weekend with my daughter. My heart says buy it, but head over rules and says 30k is too much for me to drop on a car.
Same time I've spent so much time on autotrader I'm sure I'd enjoy an upgrade, but is 30k crazy for my usage? Mortgage paid off os wouldn't be putting myself on the line financially.
So I'm hoping you guys can offer some suggestions please. When I look at older performance cars I'm always concerned they may be unreliable, so end up leaning towards newer cars. What do you guys reckon?
Cheers!
If you're only doing 4k a year then I'd be looking at an RS5 over the S5, the depreciation will be lower on the RS which will offset some of the running costs plus it will always be more desirable than the S5.Would be good to get some ideas/inspiration for a potential car change.
At present I drive a 14 plate 1.8 Civic. Cheap, reliable, but pretty dull.
For the past couple of years I've been browsing autotrader to upgrade to something more enjoyable. Test drove 1-3 year old Golf R, S3, Golf GTI, Lexus IS300 and most recently a 17 plate B9 S5 Sportsback.
Absolutely loved the S5. Good blend of performance, great interior, looks, grip, practicality etc Really made me smile after 2 test drives.
At present I do around 4000 miles a year, mostly to and from work and every other weekend with my daughter. My heart says buy it, but head over rules and says 30k is too much for me to drop on a car.
Same time I've spent so much time on autotrader I'm sure I'd enjoy an upgrade, but is 30k crazy for my usage? Mortgage paid off os wouldn't be putting myself on the line financially.
So I'm hoping you guys can offer some suggestions please. When I look at older performance cars I'm always concerned they may be unreliable, so end up leaning towards newer cars. What do you guys reckon?
Cheers!
I'd take a look at the RC-F as they're a special car with S5 running costs:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202007251...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202007311...
RS5
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008022...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202006049...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008283...
You'll get a very nice last of the line 6.2 C63:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008132...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202007271...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202006250...
BMW M2
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202007241...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008062...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202006250...
M4
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008162...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202007211...
IS-F's are a good pick & they're holding their money really well:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202007081...
Leftfield:
4.4 M6
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202003218...
No you're not foolish if you can treat yourself then do so.
Here's an alternative to the S5:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008202...
Here's an alternative to the S5:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008202...
I've worked my way up to £30k cars over the years (cash buyer).
Like OP no mortgage low miles but wouldn't move now on a car.
I tend to change every couple of years and look at cost to change and pre reg or ex demo, something with a bit of poke, a warranty and also a degree of functionality (ie I can fit golf clubs in the boot or fold the rear seats)
£30k can get you an almost new BMW 240i, a 19 plate 340i - straight six B58 engines both reliable, servicing reasonable. If you went the Lexus route for reliability 69 plate IS300h are going for £25k and are bombproof as expected as being discontinued in the UK. RCF's £25K plus, ISF's some dealers are taking the mick at the moment.
Personally I would leave things for now. Massive shortage of used vehicles and prices are all over the shop. When the manufacturing back log gets back to speed and furlough ends in October I'd expect £30k to get you more bang for your buck.
Like OP no mortgage low miles but wouldn't move now on a car.
I tend to change every couple of years and look at cost to change and pre reg or ex demo, something with a bit of poke, a warranty and also a degree of functionality (ie I can fit golf clubs in the boot or fold the rear seats)
£30k can get you an almost new BMW 240i, a 19 plate 340i - straight six B58 engines both reliable, servicing reasonable. If you went the Lexus route for reliability 69 plate IS300h are going for £25k and are bombproof as expected as being discontinued in the UK. RCF's £25K plus, ISF's some dealers are taking the mick at the moment.
Personally I would leave things for now. Massive shortage of used vehicles and prices are all over the shop. When the manufacturing back log gets back to speed and furlough ends in October I'd expect £30k to get you more bang for your buck.
slowpeddler65 said:
I've worked my way up to £30k cars over the years (cash buyer).
Like OP no mortgage low miles but wouldn't move now on a car.
I tend to change every couple of years and look at cost to change and pre reg or ex demo, something with a bit of poke, a warranty and also a degree of functionality (ie I can fit golf clubs in the boot or fold the rear seats)
£30k can get you an almost new BMW 240i, a 19 plate 340i - straight six B58 engines both reliable, servicing reasonable. If you went the Lexus route for reliability 69 plate IS300h are going for £25k and are bombproof as expected as being discontinued in the UK. RCF's £25K plus, ISF's some dealers are taking the mick at the moment.
Personally I would leave things for now. Massive shortage of used vehicles and prices are all over the shop. When the manufacturing back log gets back to speed and furlough ends in October I'd expect £30k to get you more bang for your buck.
This is good advice. If you have to go now it seems a lease would be best, but everyone I know trying to buy a used car at the moment is struggling to find anything sensible, while the dealers can’t keep up. Come early December and I suggest the wind will have changed. Like OP no mortgage low miles but wouldn't move now on a car.
I tend to change every couple of years and look at cost to change and pre reg or ex demo, something with a bit of poke, a warranty and also a degree of functionality (ie I can fit golf clubs in the boot or fold the rear seats)
£30k can get you an almost new BMW 240i, a 19 plate 340i - straight six B58 engines both reliable, servicing reasonable. If you went the Lexus route for reliability 69 plate IS300h are going for £25k and are bombproof as expected as being discontinued in the UK. RCF's £25K plus, ISF's some dealers are taking the mick at the moment.
Personally I would leave things for now. Massive shortage of used vehicles and prices are all over the shop. When the manufacturing back log gets back to speed and furlough ends in October I'd expect £30k to get you more bang for your buck.
Thanks everyone, appreciate all the responses.
I was seriously considering a Lexus F car before, the reliability factor is/was a big sway for me.
One of the issues is practicality. I don't want to run 2 cars and as I'm the only person in the household (apart from my young daughter) this will be the only care vehicle available to me. Although I'm not handy and doing regular runs to the tip, getting something like an RCF, or any kind of 2 door couple with small rear benches and boot appears like it could cause issues down the line if doing weekends/few days away with my daughter, or new girlfriends.
Something like the S5 sportsback seems a good balance across the spectrum,.If any RCF's do turn up near me I may take a closer look. I know Audi's don;t always get the best feedback on here, but I thought the car was immense... but then I'm not a proper petrolhead and maybe easily impressed!
Good shout with waiting a few months, tbh my head is also telling me the same, but something about the test drive really got the blood pumping with buying a sportier car!
I did take a Lexus IS 300H out earlier this year and thought it was decent, but obviously not in the same league as most cars mention in this thread when it comes to performance.
I was seriously considering a Lexus F car before, the reliability factor is/was a big sway for me.
One of the issues is practicality. I don't want to run 2 cars and as I'm the only person in the household (apart from my young daughter) this will be the only care vehicle available to me. Although I'm not handy and doing regular runs to the tip, getting something like an RCF, or any kind of 2 door couple with small rear benches and boot appears like it could cause issues down the line if doing weekends/few days away with my daughter, or new girlfriends.
Something like the S5 sportsback seems a good balance across the spectrum,.If any RCF's do turn up near me I may take a closer look. I know Audi's don;t always get the best feedback on here, but I thought the car was immense... but then I'm not a proper petrolhead and maybe easily impressed!
Good shout with waiting a few months, tbh my head is also telling me the same, but something about the test drive really got the blood pumping with buying a sportier car!
I did take a Lexus IS 300H out earlier this year and thought it was decent, but obviously not in the same league as most cars mention in this thread when it comes to performance.
What about a Kia Stinger GT S:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202006190...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/201910052...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008262...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008072...
If you're looking for an S5 Sportback I really think you should test drive one of these, with your budget you'll get one with 4 years worth of warranty left too.
Here's a readers thread on one:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202006190...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/201910052...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008262...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008072...
If you're looking for an S5 Sportback I really think you should test drive one of these, with your budget you'll get one with 4 years worth of warranty left too.
Here's a readers thread on one:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
ZX10R NIN said:
What about a Kia Stinger GT S:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202006190...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/201910052...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008262...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008072...
If you're looking for an S5 Sportback I really think you should test drive one of these, with your budget you'll get one with 4 years worth of warranty left too.
Here's a readers thread on one:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Cheers, I will take a closer look, but there is an element of badge snobbery going on from my end if I'm being completely honest https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202006190...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/201910052...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008262...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008072...
If you're looking for an S5 Sportback I really think you should test drive one of these, with your budget you'll get one with 4 years worth of warranty left too.
Here's a readers thread on one:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I'm happy to spend substantially less than 30k, the 30k is just what the S5's are currently priced around.
Terrible idea above buying something like a M240 / IS 300H, the depreciation will be massive nearly new.
I’d be looking at something like this, 5 years old, E63 Wagon (5.5TT), plenty of room, plenty fast enough, low depreciation (a fair few around this price).
Or the much newer C63, https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
The S5 is a pretty dull car, it isn’t ‘special’, the RS5 is.
I’d be looking at something like this, 5 years old, E63 Wagon (5.5TT), plenty of room, plenty fast enough, low depreciation (a fair few around this price).
Or the much newer C63, https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
The S5 is a pretty dull car, it isn’t ‘special’, the RS5 is.
Lord.Vader said:
Terrible idea above buying something like a M240 / IS 300H, the depreciation will be massive nearly new.
I’d be looking at something like this, 5 years old, E63 Wagon (5.5TT), plenty of room, plenty fast enough, low depreciation (a fair few around this price).
Or the much newer C63, https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
The S5 is a pretty dull car, it isn’t ‘special’, the RS5 is.
Just carried out a few autotrader searches and they look like a good shout actually. Have to weigh up higher maintance, AMG parts tax etc v depreciation on newer cars on the next rung down. I’d be looking at something like this, 5 years old, E63 Wagon (5.5TT), plenty of room, plenty fast enough, low depreciation (a fair few around this price).
Or the much newer C63, https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
The S5 is a pretty dull car, it isn’t ‘special’, the RS5 is.
The thing is, at 5 years old they're pretty much all being sold by independent traders/dealers. I'll do my own research into them; read forums about what to look out for, run searches, service history etc, but I'd still be concerned about buying something where the gearbox or other expensive items are screwed or on their way out as I have no clue mechanically.
I know RAC do checks that are apparently hit and miss, are there people (experts) that provide services for checking cars like this over? I'd happily pay decent money for some piece of mind during the purchase process.
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