Changing Car for 25k

[muppet100]

Hello. Wonder if I could get some knowledge and recommendations based on following...

Currently driving a 10 year old diesel Golf. Nothing wrong with it but will shortly be due some inheritance and quite fancy changing it to a 'proper' car.

On the shortlist - 3 Series (G20), 5 Series (G30), A4 (B9.5), Lexus IS and Lexus NX.

I'm drawn to the Lexus for it's reliability rep and having test driven both models, the CVT isn't an issue though I'd rather the in-flight entertainment were better but don't necessarily consider it a deal breaker. The dealers I have been to have been decent, welcoming and at least pretending to be interested.

Previous to my Golf I was in a 5 Series (F10) and E90 before that. I'm probably a BMW guy but the two encounters I have had with main dealers this time around have put me off. I enquired about a specific car and was told the vehicle was in prep and someone would call me back, 4 days later the ad was removed and car had been sold (Sytner Maidenhead). Another dealer in Worthing I asked to send me some pictures or a video of imperfections (a la Cazoo, Cinch etc) but was given the impression this was too much trouble and told all 'approved used' are 'prepped to the highest standard'. Sigh.

I should add the previous BMW's were a joy to own and find as a general rule if the car is treated with respect and serviced at or above what the manufacturer recommends it really stacks the odds in the owners favour in terms of reliability. This perhaps is an argument against Lexus and for the Germans. I marginally prefer to be in a BMW or Audi than a Lexus but cannot overlook the fact I could have a warranted car in a Lexus IS until 2029'ish if I can put up with main dealer servicing costs until that point.

For budget of 25k it looks like I can get a 19 plate low mileage IS, a 17 plate NX with circa 40k miles, and a 3 or 5 Series with minimal mileage and even more of an A4 than with the BMW.

My priorities are probably more toward a comfortable ride vs a more pleasureable driving experience.

My questions:

1 - Might there be any benefit in waiting a while (6 months - 1 year) for car prices to potentially lower? My Golf needs cambelt, water pump, service and MOT before end of Sept so am keen to jettison it in next few weeks if I am to change car.

2 - Is it a good idea to have said maintenance work done on it and sell privately? WBAC, Cazoo etc quoting 3.5-4k and looking at Autotrader, worse examples than mine are up for over 5k. I expect cambelt and service to be around 700?

3 - Is it a good idea to buy a relatively new IS given they are no longer sold in the UK?

4 - Is it a good idea to buy a 16 or 17 plate NX for 25k?

5 - Anyone care to comment on their experience trading Japanese reliability/build quality vs German ergonomics?

6 - Has anyone reading purchased a car for this price from Cazoo or Cinch without issue? I'd have no qualms in doing so for a run around but with this sort of money, perhaps not.

Thanks,
Tom

[ZX10R NIN]

Unless you're going to sell the Golf privately I'd make it part of the deal for the new car & not get the work done.

The IS300 was replaced by the more spacious ES so I wouldn't worry it being discontinued, personally I'd look for one with the Premium Pack fitted:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207228...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204104...

I have to say there are three cars that I think you should at least test drive & they're the following:

You'll get a very nice Giulia Veloce which have proven reliable (still in Warranty) & they also happen to be a very good steer:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206287...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208208...

S60 T5 R Design Plus:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205276...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208028...

XF Portfolio:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203233...

[DT1975]

Reference Lexus V BMW

Since 2007 I've gone Lexus (IS200) to BMW (135i) back to Lexus IS200t back to BMW 340i.

I'd take BMW every time but I'm a low mileage user who looks after my cars. The G20 offering is leaps and bounds ahead of the IS and NX and unless you need any perceived practicality reasons for getting a NX I'd probably avoid. The F30 is on a par with the IS in relation to comfort / build quality but probably not long term reliability as we all know. That said I've only had a minor issue in 4 years.

The new Lexus warranty is basically untested, their servicing isn't exactly cheap plus its old school at 12 months without fail.

I'm watching Lexus IS prices constantly and the current prices are so far inflated I'd avoid and go elsewhere, even if its Kia or Hyundai. Its an old platform and there's a reason they've been binned. The G20 on the other hand.

If you can take a drive in an IS300h back to back with a G20....you won't need any persuasion.

[georgeyboy12345]

muppet100 said:

My questions:

1 - Might there be any benefit in waiting a while (6 months - 1 year) for car prices to potentially lower? My Golf needs cambelt, water pump, service and MOT before end of Sept so am keen to jettison it in next few weeks if I am to change car.

2 - Is it a good idea to have said maintenance work done on it and sell privately? WBAC, Cazoo etc quoting 3.5-4k and looking at Autotrader, worse examples than mine are up for over 5k. I expect cambelt and service to be around 700?

3 - Is it a good idea to buy a relatively new IS given they are no longer sold in the UK?

4 - Is it a good idea to buy a 16 or 17 plate NX for 25k?

5 - Anyone care to comment on their experience trading Japanese reliability/build quality vs German ergonomics?

6 - Has anyone reading purchased a car for this price from Cazoo or Cinch without issue? I'd have no qualms in doing so for a run around but with this sort of money, perhaps not.

Thanks,
Tom

1. On the one hand, your golf has some big bills on the horizon, so as you say, might be worth getting rid of now. On the other hand, I think you might have left it too late to find a decent car - it always takes longer to find a good car than you first think. I have been in this situation before and ended up buying the wrong car because I was in a rush to get rid of my old one.

2. The thought of selling a car privately brings me out in cold sweats. I sold some panniers for my commuter bike this weekend for £10 and even that was a stressful affair. I wouldn't even bother with Cazoo or WBAC, I'd just see if you can get £5k part-ex from whichever dealer you end up buying from.

3. If you are planning on keeping said Lexus IS until 2029 or whenever, then I wouldn't worry, but I think it'll probably depreciate more than an equivalent BMW or Audi.

4. I wouldn't buy an SUV as I really don't like them!

5. Japanese build quality is supposed to be much better than German, though some Jap cars seem more prone to rust. I wouldn't worry about that on a car that's only a few years old though.

6. Cazoo have a rating of 4.8 on autotrader and over 25,000 reviews, people on these forums have returned cars they don't like with minimal hassle. But then again, I personally like to have a good poke around a car before buying, even on a 2 grand shed.

Edited by georgeyboy12345 on Sunday 21st August 21:11

[Canon_Fodder]

muppet100 said:

My priorities are probably more toward a comfortable ride vs a more pleasureable driving experience.

OP you really don't need to make that false choice

[muppet100]

Thank you for the replies. Some things to think about...

@Canon_Fodder -- could you elaborate, please?

[Danzelp]

ZX10R NIN said:

Unless you're going to sell the Golf privately I'd make it part of the deal for the new car & not get the work done.

The IS300 was replaced by the more spacious ES so I wouldn't worry it being discontinued, personally I'd look for one with the Premium Pack fitted:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207228...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204104...

I have to say there are three cars that I think you should at least test drive & they're the following:

You'll get a very nice Giulia Veloce which have proven reliable (still in Warranty) & they also happen to be a very good steer:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206287...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208208...

S60 T5 R Design Plus:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205276...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208028...

XF Portfolio:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203233...

Apologies for hijacking the thread. But are you familiar with the key differences of the 2020 facelift Veloce? Really interested in one around this budget, but only seen positive reviews of the facelift without much actual info on the real world benefits... Current used costs of them puts it's slightly over budget anyway, but curious.

[ZX10R NIN]

Danzelp said:

Apologies for hijacking the thread. But are you familiar with the key differences of the 2020 facelift Veloce? Really interested in one around this budget, but only seen positive reviews of the facelift without much actual info on the real world benefits... Current used costs of them puts it's slightly over budget anyway, but curious.

The main difference is in the interior with a bigger screen/nicer dash with nicer materials inside & you get connected services, the gearbox had the shift slightly adjusted.

[stedaley]

I’d check the Toyota Corolla models out. That’s what I went for, managed to get a cancelled order and it’s a lovely car for a to b.

The 2.0l Hybrid system is a breeze and nippy enough around town. Highly recommended

[DT1975]

stedaley said:

I’d check the Toyota Corolla models out. That’s what I went for, managed to get a cancelled order and it’s a lovely car for a to b.

The 2.0l Hybrid system is a breeze and nippy enough around town. Highly recommended

That what I was thinking. I could chop in the 18 plate 340i for a new / nearly new Corolla but the idea doesn't sit that well with me. The fuel / VED savings (I still have a two years of luxury tax) are attractive plus a new car , reliability etc and would probably see me good for ten years or so, however future depreciation is a worry. Would a 340i end up holding its value better than a Corolla ? Plus £25 -£30k for a Corolla I kind of struggle with but I can't shake the idea if I put my sensible head on!

[ninjag]

Some friends of our have a Corolla Estate Hybrid and it's a smart looking car, bigger inside than I expected. They were getting over 65mpg local with normal style driving. It's actually got a bit of poke as well. Might actually consider one myself if the day comes when motoring fun is abolished by the t*ssers in charge.

[Slackman99]

Just for some balance, I'm in a similar position but with a slightly lower budget.

Went and sat in a Corolla estate the other day and whilst the dash was 'ok', all other parts of the cabin were functional but looked and felt fairly low rent, i e. It didn't really feel a very nice place to sit. Was also surprised at how small it seemed, with less space in the rear seats that my current Civic based on my seat position.

I really thought it would be a contender, liked the idea of the economy, likely reliability and good kit list, but having sat in a Superb/Passat/S90 which are all available for a similar price with a few more years or miles in them, I have ruled it out as it just didn't feel a nice place to while away the miles.

Currently looking to see if I can find a G30 520d in budget as by all accounts they are a nice place to be in.

[fflump]

DT1975 said:

That what I was thinking. I could chop in the 18 plate 340i for a new / nearly new Corolla but the idea doesn't sit that well with me. The fuel / VED savings (I still have a two years of luxury tax) are attractive plus a new car , reliability etc and would probably see me good for ten years or so, however future depreciation is a worry. Would a 340i end up holding its value better than a Corolla ? Plus £25 -£30k for a Corolla I kind of struggle with but I can't shake the idea if I put my sensible head on!

If you plan on keeping it for ten years or so then relative depreciation is not really an issue