Cash or HP for a 'what' used car?
Discussion
Hi All,
I'm going to be buying a car in the next few weeks and it has been 5 years since I owned a car in the UK. (That sounds like a confession!
)
I have looked at the Golf R (Mk8), BMW M135i, M235i (2021/2022) and SUV's, like the Volvo XC40, VW Tiguan etc.
My basic criteria are these:
1. Something not too flashy and not especially prized by joy-riders or thieves (car will likely live on a driveway)
2. I don't like taking care of older cars so newer the better without being brand new.
3. Still under a decent Warranty.
4. Not too bad for fuel economy; circa 34mpg and better.
5. Sporty feel but with every Nanny system available; never to be tracked or driven close to its potential. I'm no PH Driving God. However, I do like 'quick' cars even if not especially fast.
6. Decent interior - i.e well put together, not overly plasticky feel.
7. Would be nice if it can fit a bicycle in the boot albeit obviously there are other solutions for this. I just prefer to carry my bike in the boot.
8. Most of these criteria can be binned for the 'right' older car...
The last car I owned in the UK was a Golf R Mk7. I really enjoyed that car and it made me rethink why I owned M3's, Z4M, 911 (997.2) etc before it when it was all I personally 'needed' for the fun factor. It was also as practical as I needed it to be.
However, as tempting as a Mk8 might be, where it will be parked concerns me (somewhere in Leeds on a driveway). So I'm leaning towards a 2021/22 M235i since it looks fairly nondescript and seems to meet all my criteria.
If I do get one (I'll test drive one first) what would you recommend in today's economic climate - cash or HP finance?
I can pay cash, then it is done. Is that the best option though these days?
Any advice appreciated and thank you in advance if I don't necessarily reply.
I'm going to be buying a car in the next few weeks and it has been 5 years since I owned a car in the UK. (That sounds like a confession!
)I have looked at the Golf R (Mk8), BMW M135i, M235i (2021/2022) and SUV's, like the Volvo XC40, VW Tiguan etc.
My basic criteria are these:
1. Something not too flashy and not especially prized by joy-riders or thieves (car will likely live on a driveway)
2. I don't like taking care of older cars so newer the better without being brand new.
3. Still under a decent Warranty.
4. Not too bad for fuel economy; circa 34mpg and better.
5. Sporty feel but with every Nanny system available; never to be tracked or driven close to its potential. I'm no PH Driving God. However, I do like 'quick' cars even if not especially fast.
6. Decent interior - i.e well put together, not overly plasticky feel.
7. Would be nice if it can fit a bicycle in the boot albeit obviously there are other solutions for this. I just prefer to carry my bike in the boot.
8. Most of these criteria can be binned for the 'right' older car...
The last car I owned in the UK was a Golf R Mk7. I really enjoyed that car and it made me rethink why I owned M3's, Z4M, 911 (997.2) etc before it when it was all I personally 'needed' for the fun factor. It was also as practical as I needed it to be.
However, as tempting as a Mk8 might be, where it will be parked concerns me (somewhere in Leeds on a driveway). So I'm leaning towards a 2021/22 M235i since it looks fairly nondescript and seems to meet all my criteria.
If I do get one (I'll test drive one first) what would you recommend in today's economic climate - cash or HP finance?
I can pay cash, then it is done. Is that the best option though these days?
Any advice appreciated and thank you in advance if I don't necessarily reply.
I just went and bought a car from the VAG group and a main dealer.
Cash means nothing it seems. Didnt move on price, wouldnt give me a tank of fuel, tax or even a touch up pen to fix the few chips on the car (wouldnt even do it for me) but the car was the spec I wanted and couldnt find a similar one anywhere so bought it a week later.
Just go test drive and see what you fancy tbh
Cash means nothing it seems. Didnt move on price, wouldnt give me a tank of fuel, tax or even a touch up pen to fix the few chips on the car (wouldnt even do it for me) but the car was the spec I wanted and couldnt find a similar one anywhere so bought it a week later.
Just go test drive and see what you fancy tbh
Dealers don't see cash purchases as a good thing generally, they make more out of selling finance packages and extras than they do out of the car generally.
That's not to say you shouldn't use cash if it's best for you but don't expect a dealer to be excited and start offering discounts for cash
That's not to say you shouldn't use cash if it's best for you but don't expect a dealer to be excited and start offering discounts for cash
I have a M135i (with Pro pack) on lease and it ticks all the boxes, seriously considering another (lease or buy new/lightly used with cash+sub £10k loan) when this goes back in mid '24.
Golf R i have considered but the threat of break ins for the keys (had an attempt when i had the previous shape m135i mind) plus the price is higher, interior is worse and the touch screen and touch sensitive buttons are apparently not the best so these aspects don't sell it to me one bit!
Are you looking to buy new? Have you asked TRL (Tony Lewis) for a quote on a M135i? His prices are hard to beat.
i'm also considering a M340i Xdrive, used of course but 1yr old examples can be had for circa £40k ish.
Golf R i have considered but the threat of break ins for the keys (had an attempt when i had the previous shape m135i mind) plus the price is higher, interior is worse and the touch screen and touch sensitive buttons are apparently not the best so these aspects don't sell it to me one bit!
Are you looking to buy new? Have you asked TRL (Tony Lewis) for a quote on a M135i? His prices are hard to beat.
i'm also considering a M340i Xdrive, used of course but 1yr old examples can be had for circa £40k ish.
DiscoSINGH said:
Finance - either HP or PCP, you might get some "freebies" thrown in for taking finance.
Settle the finance within a month - job done.
Cash is no longer king.
check the T&C's as most add a clause you have to have it for 6 months or something or they can come after you for the discount.Settle the finance within a month - job done.
Cash is no longer king.
Seeing as you like the Golf R so much how about the Seat Leon Cupra 300 as an estate with the 4WD as well.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210220...
Significantly under budget, brilliant drive, will take the bike and isn’t targeted in the way a BMW, Audi, Merc or VW is.
Pretty well known now that they are reliable so don’t need to bother with a warranty.
Also can take it to Revo or APR.
Personally I’d take a bank loan with M&S at the moment as their interest rate will be lower than a dealers HP rate.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210220...
Significantly under budget, brilliant drive, will take the bike and isn’t targeted in the way a BMW, Audi, Merc or VW is.
Pretty well known now that they are reliable so don’t need to bother with a warranty.
Also can take it to Revo or APR.
Personally I’d take a bank loan with M&S at the moment as their interest rate will be lower than a dealers HP rate.
PastelNata said:
Hi All,
I'm going to be buying a car in the next few weeks and it has been 5 years since I owned a car in the UK. (That sounds like a confession!)
I have looked at the Golf R (Mk8), BMW M135i, M235i (2021/2022) and SUV's, like the Volvo XC40, VW Tiguan etc.
My basic criteria are these:
1. Something not too flashy and not especially prized by joy-riders or thieves (car will likely live on a driveway)
2. I don't like taking care of older cars so newer the better without being brand new.
3. Still under a decent Warranty.
4. Not too bad for fuel economy; circa 34mpg and better.
5. Sporty feel but with every Nanny system available; never to be tracked or driven close to its potential. I'm no PH Driving God. However, I do like 'quick' cars even if not especially fast.
6. Decent interior - i.e well put together, not overly plasticky feel.
7. Would be nice if it can fit a bicycle in the boot albeit obviously there are other solutions for this. I just prefer to carry my bike in the boot.
8. Most of these criteria can be binned for the 'right' older car...
The last car I owned in the UK was a Golf R Mk7. I really enjoyed that car and it made me rethink why I owned M3's, Z4M, 911 (997.2) etc before it when it was all I personally 'needed' for the fun factor. It was also as practical as I needed it to be.
However, as tempting as a Mk8 might be, where it will be parked concerns me (somewhere in Leeds on a driveway). So I'm leaning towards a 2021/22 M235i since it looks fairly nondescript and seems to meet all my criteria.
If I do get one (I'll test drive one first) what would you recommend in today's economic climate - cash or HP finance?
I can pay cash, then it is done. Is that the best option though these days?
Any advice appreciated and thank you in advance if I don't necessarily reply.
If you have tha cash to buy then do so BUT if the car you're looking has incentives if you (2 years free servicing & some form of contribution etc) take out their finance, then I'd do this & then clear the finance whilst still keeping the incentives.I'm going to be buying a car in the next few weeks and it has been 5 years since I owned a car in the UK. (That sounds like a confession!
)I have looked at the Golf R (Mk8), BMW M135i, M235i (2021/2022) and SUV's, like the Volvo XC40, VW Tiguan etc.
My basic criteria are these:
1. Something not too flashy and not especially prized by joy-riders or thieves (car will likely live on a driveway)
2. I don't like taking care of older cars so newer the better without being brand new.
3. Still under a decent Warranty.
4. Not too bad for fuel economy; circa 34mpg and better.
5. Sporty feel but with every Nanny system available; never to be tracked or driven close to its potential. I'm no PH Driving God. However, I do like 'quick' cars even if not especially fast.
6. Decent interior - i.e well put together, not overly plasticky feel.
7. Would be nice if it can fit a bicycle in the boot albeit obviously there are other solutions for this. I just prefer to carry my bike in the boot.
8. Most of these criteria can be binned for the 'right' older car...
The last car I owned in the UK was a Golf R Mk7. I really enjoyed that car and it made me rethink why I owned M3's, Z4M, 911 (997.2) etc before it when it was all I personally 'needed' for the fun factor. It was also as practical as I needed it to be.
However, as tempting as a Mk8 might be, where it will be parked concerns me (somewhere in Leeds on a driveway). So I'm leaning towards a 2021/22 M235i since it looks fairly nondescript and seems to meet all my criteria.
If I do get one (I'll test drive one first) what would you recommend in today's economic climate - cash or HP finance?
I can pay cash, then it is done. Is that the best option though these days?
Any advice appreciated and thank you in advance if I don't necessarily reply.
I'd say test drive the i30N:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211021...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301193...
Or the 308 GTI:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208028...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210040...
I wouldn't get a Golf R or 135i or 235i if you are worried about theft. What about one of these
Audi A4 45 TFSI Quattro
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211021...
Skoda Octavia vRS
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212092...
VW Arteon R
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202012...
Mercedes CLA 35 AMG Shooting Brake
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301203...
BMW 340i Touring xDrive
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211031...
Credit it really expensive at the moment, but dealers are heavily incentivised to sell finance. Best thing is to take out some kind of PCP deal/whatever then immediately pay it off.
Audi A4 45 TFSI Quattro
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211021...
Skoda Octavia vRS
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212092...
VW Arteon R
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202012...
Mercedes CLA 35 AMG Shooting Brake
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301203...
BMW 340i Touring xDrive
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211031...
Credit it really expensive at the moment, but dealers are heavily incentivised to sell finance. Best thing is to take out some kind of PCP deal/whatever then immediately pay it off.
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