Tesla, BMW, Mercedes, Cupra or something else? - Page 1 - Car Buying

Rob2005uk

Original Poster

34 posts

89 months

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[news]

Friday 27th December 2024

In the new year I will be looking for a new car. Budget is around 20k to be funded by PCP.

My perusals of Auto Trader have led me to landing on the following shortlist:
BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe
Mercedes A class saloon
Mercedes CLA
Tesla Model 3
Cupra Formentor

The main criteria is, looks good, nice interior, automatic, heated seats, android auto (aware the Tesla doesn't have this), decent size boot, 4/5 doors

Nice to haves would include heated steering wheel and rear seats

Engaging to drive would also be nice, with a bit of power away from a stand still.

Petrol / petrol hybrid and electric are most suitable for my usage as it's mostly shorter journeys and town driving

The slight curve ball on funding might be Tesla, as I am due to start a new job which has some kind of salary sacrifice car scheme via Tusker but I don't know anything about pricing or terms yet.

Any thoughts of what I should also be considering?

Thanks

swanseaboydan

2,206 posts

187 months

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[news]

Friday 27th December 2024

20 k might get you into a basic macan - my missus had a 2 litre petrol one and it was a superb daily

Rob2005uk

Original Poster

34 posts

89 months

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[news]

Friday 27th December 2024

swanseaboydan said:

20 k might get you into a basic macan - my missus had a 2 litre petrol one and it was a superb daily

Definitely fits the interesting bill. I'd be worried about sky high maintenance costs though - unless I'm just presuming that because of the badge?

ZX10R NIN

30,060 posts

149 months

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Friday 27th December 2024

Rob2005uk

Original Poster

34 posts

89 months

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[news]

Friday 27th December 2024

ZX10R NIN said:

Thanks - lots to review here.

On the PCP Vs loan point, I tend to change cars every few years so leasing or PCP would seem to suit that MO better I think.

Robertb

3,451 posts

262 months

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Friday 27th December 2024

How about a Jag XE? A bit different, has a heated steering wheel and CarPlay/Android too!

Just for example…

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2024102957...

Rob2005uk

Original Poster

34 posts

89 months

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[news]

Friday 27th December 2024

Robertb said:

How about a Jag XE? A bit different, has a heated steering wheel and CarPlay/Android too!

Just for example…

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2024102957...

I've had 2 already - lovely cars but both had electrical issues

Mouse Rat

2,034 posts

116 months

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Friday 27th December 2024

Tesla or..
£20k will get you a nice Giulia 2.0t. £25k will get you a good Veloce.
They are well engineered, nicer to drive then any BMW or Merc and look fantastic.

swanseaboydan

2,206 posts

187 months

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[news]

Friday 27th December 2024

I’ve had 2 macans and a cayenne - never had an issue with any of them to be honest.
I did sell before they hit 50k miles if that makes a diffference

Sunday Drive

272 posts

44 months

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[news]

Friday 27th December 2024

Best car for £20k has to be the model 3. You can get a 2021 LR model with warranty on the battery and motors to 2028.

Plenty fast enough, cheap to run, all the tech you can ever need, comfy seats.

No brainer for this budget. Just make sure you get one with the upgraded alloys rather than the bucket lid wheel trims.

CG2020UK

2,881 posts

64 months

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Friday 27th December 2024

I picked up a 2020 Tesla Model 3 LR in June to free up some cash flow (babies, bigger house, investment opportunities).

Also have a 2023 G21 BMW 330e which is probably a “stronger” competitor to the Tesla than the cars you listed so have good perspective on rivals.

Honestly initially I found the Tesla average when I first got it but have grown to actually love the Tesla. Its personality is that it is very effective at everything in a way that is quite laughable and fun. It’s roomy, fast, has ridiculous grip levels, spacious interior, good tech and a decent sound system.

It’s not fun to drive due to no feel from the steering wheel but our 330e would need to be piloted very hard to just stay with a cruising Tesla. Also some angles they look good and others it looks weird.

For value for money nothing comes close as a daily driver.

We both prefer to our 330e.

Sunday Drive

272 posts

44 months

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Saturday 28th December 2024

CG2020UK said:

I picked up a 2020 Tesla Model 3 LR in June to free up some cash flow (babies, bigger house, investment opportunities).

Also have a 2023 G21 BMW 330e which is probably a “stronger” competitor to the Tesla than the cars you listed so have good perspective on rivals.

Honestly initially I found the Tesla average when I first got it but have grown to actually love the Tesla. Its personality is that it is very effective at everything in a way that is quite laughable and fun. It’s roomy, fast, has ridiculous grip levels, spacious interior, good tech and a decent sound system.

It’s not fun to drive due to no feel from the steering wheel but our 330e would need to be piloted very hard to just stay with a cruising Tesla. Also some angles they look good and others it looks weird.

For value for money nothing comes close as a daily driver.

We both prefer to our 330e.

I concur with this, having also owned a G20 330e.

Fastlane

1,339 posts

241 months

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Saturday 28th December 2024

Agree the Model 3 is a great do-it-all car. I am on my second. I'd wait and see what the company offers on their scheme.

All Teslas have alloy wheels, the rwd and long range have 18" alloys with plastic aero covers to improve efficiency. They are removable, should you so wish.

CrgT16

2,439 posts

132 months

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Saturday 28th December 2024

If you have 20k get a new model 3 with little deposit and drive cheaply (energy cost if you can charge at home is not inconsiderable) and no maintenance for 4 years. It’s a fast car and unlike some haters you can have a long trip on it no problems. If your job is daily 200 plus miles than it’s the wrong car. From your list I would get that one.

Depends on your use really but you can easily pcp a new model 3 with that budget.

Rob2005uk

Original Poster

34 posts

89 months

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[news]

Saturday 28th December 2024

Thanks all for comments and recommendations. Very helpful

jaydeeuk1

710 posts

84 months

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Saturday 28th December 2024

Sunday Drive said:

Best car for £20k has to be the model 3. You can get a 2021 LR model with warranty on the battery and motors to 2028.

Plenty fast enough, cheap to run, all the tech you can ever need, comfy seats.

No brainer for this budget. Just make sure you get one with the upgraded alloys rather than the bucket lid wheel trims.

The tesla will be the most reliable, nicer to drive, quickest and cheapest to run by far on that list.

Make sure it's a 2021 model or newer for the heatpump. 2022 has the ryzen media unit which is faster than the old atom one.

Sunday Drive

272 posts

44 months

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Saturday 28th December 2024

Fastlane said:

Agree the Model 3 is a great do-it-all car. I am on my second. I'd wait and see what the company offers on their scheme.

All Teslas have alloy wheels, the rwd and long range have 18" alloys with plastic aero covers to improve efficiency. They are removable, should you so wish.

I know they do, but they look rubbish, with or without the stick on dustbin lid trims, hence my advice to pick a model with upgraded wheels.