Would you look to change your vehicle right now?
Discussion
I'm running what is almost a shed in monetary terms, it's a 10yr old Accord estate with over 130k on the clock but still comfortable for big miles. I've had it 4 years and I'm bored with it now, fancy something a little newer. It's been a great car on the whole, but it's starting to show its age inside and out.
I'm looking to spend anything between £15k and £25k on a new one. Fancy something like a Superb, Passat or A6 estate with plenty of toys. Doesn't need to be the fastest but I'm looking for a comfy cruiser. I've even considered a Transporter or Vito with rear seats, but the VWs are ridiculously priced at the moment.
Clearly everything has gone up in value, except for my leggy Japanese tourer.
Anyone else at the switch point and considering whether it's worth splashing the cash or not? I'm still hopeful of a slight correction this winter but it's looking less likely. Don't want to buy high and find the market falls soon after.
I'm looking to spend anything between £15k and £25k on a new one. Fancy something like a Superb, Passat or A6 estate with plenty of toys. Doesn't need to be the fastest but I'm looking for a comfy cruiser. I've even considered a Transporter or Vito with rear seats, but the VWs are ridiculously priced at the moment.
Clearly everything has gone up in value, except for my leggy Japanese tourer.
Anyone else at the switch point and considering whether it's worth splashing the cash or not? I'm still hopeful of a slight correction this winter but it's looking less likely. Don't want to buy high and find the market falls soon after.
Yes very much at this point, had my Octavia 5 years now and fancy something new. Can't justify it in the current market when there is nothing wrong with it though and I'm in no particular rush.
I know we're all sat with crystal balls and literally anything could happen, but the chip shortage isn't going away anytime soon and BMW were quoted in the FT today as saying they planned to keep production numbers lower after the chip shortage resides and prices high. I don't think it's going to return to "normal" anytime soon.
I know we're all sat with crystal balls and literally anything could happen, but the chip shortage isn't going away anytime soon and BMW were quoted in the FT today as saying they planned to keep production numbers lower after the chip shortage resides and prices high. I don't think it's going to return to "normal" anytime soon.
Edited by ahenners on Monday 13th September 22:23
I won't let my current car go (22 year old E36 3 Series) as I've had it from new and I'm very attached. I would like to add an F32 4 Series Gran Coupé though. They've gone up quite a bit recently so I'll wait until prices ease off.
georgeyboy12345 said:
What makes you think the market will "correct"?
The fact that component supply issues have strangled the availability of new cars, thus increasing the demand used cars. When the new car issues sort themselves out the supply of new cars will speed up again and demand for used cars will fall again, along with prices. That's my belief anyway.Recently changed our family car out of necessity, and have to swallow the high used car prices. Didn't get a good price for old car due to miles/age so lost out on that end.
Thinking of downsizing my 17 reg S90, but again due to the higher than usual mileage (48k) I am not seeing a good price to trade in so not doing to take another hit. Car still in excellent shape so should last few more years.
I really missed times when used cars are plentiful and prices were negotiable
Thinking of downsizing my 17 reg S90, but again due to the higher than usual mileage (48k) I am not seeing a good price to trade in so not doing to take another hit. Car still in excellent shape so should last few more years.
I really missed times when used cars are plentiful and prices were negotiable
The current situation is principally caused by a temporary supply issue. Chips won't be in short supply forever, hence values will eventually gradually go back down. But no guarantee when or how sharply.
Having said that, personally I wouldn't let high prices stop me getting a new car if I definitely wanted one. There are, obviously, plenty of 5-6 year old estates available within your budget. But I probably wouldn't buy a new car just because I was 'bored' of my current one at present, I would want to have some specific 'wants' that I would like a new car to provide. Whether that's better economy, cruise control, better seats, more power, whatever - a specific benefit that I'd hope to gain by changing. Because you can then justify buying a car now because you start enjoying the benefit straight away.
I'd also consider a slightly broader range of possible brands that would give that benefit - e.g. in your case Mondeo or Insignia estate, or a Merc or BMW - looking more widely will give you a chance of locating the best value available within the current market, rather than fixing on specific brand(s) and models that may be particularly in demand and pricey.
So yes I would change my vehicle, but only for a good reason, not just being bored with my current one.
Having said that, personally I wouldn't let high prices stop me getting a new car if I definitely wanted one. There are, obviously, plenty of 5-6 year old estates available within your budget. But I probably wouldn't buy a new car just because I was 'bored' of my current one at present, I would want to have some specific 'wants' that I would like a new car to provide. Whether that's better economy, cruise control, better seats, more power, whatever - a specific benefit that I'd hope to gain by changing. Because you can then justify buying a car now because you start enjoying the benefit straight away.
I'd also consider a slightly broader range of possible brands that would give that benefit - e.g. in your case Mondeo or Insignia estate, or a Merc or BMW - looking more widely will give you a chance of locating the best value available within the current market, rather than fixing on specific brand(s) and models that may be particularly in demand and pricey.
So yes I would change my vehicle, but only for a good reason, not just being bored with my current one.
Edited by samoht on Monday 13th September 23:17
ahenners said:
BMW were quoted in the FT today as saying they planned to keep production numbers lower after the chip shortage resides and prices high.
Almost like BMW are desperately trying to get people to buy at the inflated prices by claiming the shortage will last forever. Can't see why they would do that when many are opting to sit tight and wait it out instead of paying over the odds. 
They simply can't afford to long term. They have factories, machinery, current and future designs, etc., etc., etc., that they only make a return on through selling cars. Claiming prices will stay high is a tactic to tempt the hold-outs.
Personally, I'd change if I had to, and buy something relatively cheap.
Some valid points. I am bored but it's also pretty poor as an estate, the boot tapers and I usually put my bike in the back of it so its always a hassle getting it in and out. I do have a rack also but I don't like attracting attention to it in car parks etc so if I'm on my own, just chuck it inside. The van would be the best option but not quite as comfortable as a long distance tourer.
I like my stuff to be tidy, and this Honda has the usual stone chips, scratches, paint going on the wheels. It's not really cost effective to sort it all out, it's worth somewhere between £3-4k. More power would be handy for towing, but I'd probably only look at 190 rather than over 200 for that sweet spot of cost Vs power. Adaptive cruise and an auto box are high on the priority list, simply to make long distances more comfortable. All the things my current daily doesn't have.
I like my stuff to be tidy, and this Honda has the usual stone chips, scratches, paint going on the wheels. It's not really cost effective to sort it all out, it's worth somewhere between £3-4k. More power would be handy for towing, but I'd probably only look at 190 rather than over 200 for that sweet spot of cost Vs power. Adaptive cruise and an auto box are high on the priority list, simply to make long distances more comfortable. All the things my current daily doesn't have.
Its kind of worked both ways for me atm, I've sold my partners TT at a really high price but then at the same time we are replacing it with a 335d which I also think may be higher than a year or 2 ago.
However, atm it just makes sense as we weren't using the TT, so i dont really mind.
Also, no guarantee this will end any time soon but who knows.
I have seen a few comments from people saying it has peaked but my car is still increasing on WBAC.
However, atm it just makes sense as we weren't using the TT, so i dont really mind.
Also, no guarantee this will end any time soon but who knows.
I have seen a few comments from people saying it has peaked but my car is still increasing on WBAC.
Chicken Chaser said:
Anyone else at the switch point and considering whether it's worth splashing the cash or not?
Yes, well no, I think. I had the money sat to replace my shed with a newer one at the start of the year, didn't get on with it, then the MOT expired. Figured I'd MOT it to sell, and got hit with a massive bill, but the pressure was off to replace. Viewed one, was going to buy it but it smelled of smoke, figured there'd be another along soon enough even though the salesman said they were paying a grand more for the same car as they came off Motability.
Now there's half as many on the market and a £10k car is £13k.
I can't risk another MOT adventure, so I guess I'm still in the market, but not really up for taking the bath just yet. FFS.
Chicken Chaser said:
Some valid points. I am bored but it's also pretty poor as an estate, the boot tapers and I usually put my bike in the back of it so its always a hassle getting it in and out. I do have a rack also but I don't like attracting attention to it in car parks etc so if I'm on my own, just chuck it inside. The van would be the best option but not quite as comfortable as a long distance tourer.
I like my stuff to be tidy, and this Honda has the usual stone chips, scratches, paint going on the wheels. It's not really cost effective to sort it all out, it's worth somewhere between £3-4k. More power would be handy for towing, but I'd probably only look at 190 rather than over 200 for that sweet spot of cost Vs power. Adaptive cruise and an auto box are high on the priority list, simply to make long distances more comfortable. All the things my current daily doesn't have.
It's easy really if you want to change then change the market is where it is there are certain cars that are still sensible numbers whilst easily being o a par with the Superb the Vauxhall Insignia is a very good buy:I like my stuff to be tidy, and this Honda has the usual stone chips, scratches, paint going on the wheels. It's not really cost effective to sort it all out, it's worth somewhere between £3-4k. More power would be handy for towing, but I'd probably only look at 190 rather than over 200 for that sweet spot of cost Vs power. Adaptive cruise and an auto box are high on the priority list, simply to make long distances more comfortable. All the things my current daily doesn't have.
BiTurbo 2.0d Country Tourer
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108256...
Elite Nav 170
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108196...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108065...
Or if you don't mind a petrol you can get the Elite Nav in 260bhp AWD form:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109067...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109117...
These are overlooked & underrated but are well worth a least a test drive.
Edited by ZX10R NIN on Tuesday 14th September 17:38
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