Help me pick an EV please

[rustico12]

Hi all

I’ve decided to switch to EV, because it does actually fit my usage but im completely stumped on what to go for.

During the week, I do minimal miles + we have a wall box already. I do a London to Manchester trip twice a month, so it would need to be able to do 200+ miles on motorways. My budget is based around monthlies so what I’ve found is the below:

Tesla M3 - Out of question due to lack of CarPlay. + I prefer the looks & interior of the new shape (out of budget)

Polestar 2: 2021/22 vintage - These are seeming a good choice. I would get it with the Pilot/Plus pack but I’m reading reviews about the interior/seat comfort etc and not sure if being out of warranty is worth it.

VW ID.4 2021/22 - I’ve read a lot of hate for this car online, but not sure why? What are the downsides to it - looks a bit boring but I wouldn’t be averse to it.

Audi e-tron: 2021 (pre q8 name change) - These seem to be too cheap now, what’s the catch? I read that early models range isn’t up to scratch but is that the case with 21/22 models?

Audi q4 e-tron: These seem to be new and within budget but I’ve read reviews on overall quality being poor. Any experience on these?

Ioniq 5/6 aren’t my cup of tea.

Thoughts are welcome.

[G-wiz]

Are you buying or leasing?

[samoht]

What's the budget? (monthly or total price)

[Mikebentley]

What sort of budget are you looking to finance? I’ve got a Smart #1 Pro + model having had an MG4 Trophy before. I do 24k miles a year. I get 270+ miles range. It’s absolutely been a fantastic car. Several with very low miles at about £25k and even in Premium spec which has everything on it and a heat pump so greater range. Cannot recommend them highly enough.

[rustico12]

About £400-450pm with minimal deposit.

I wouldn’t be leasing, since I’m likely to wanna change in a year or two again.

[rustico12]

Mikebentley said:

What sort of budget are you looking to finance? I’ve got a Smart #1 Pro + model having had an MG4 Trophy before. I do 24k miles a year. I get 270+ miles range. It’s absolutely been a fantastic car. Several with very low miles at about £25k and even in Premium spec which has everything on it and a heat pump so greater range. Cannot recommend them highly enough.

Thanks. Sat in the MG4 and I just didn’t like it personally. They’re astonishingly good value card but it just wasn’t for me.

[Tomo1971]

I have an ID4 and a lot of the complaints were about the infotainment screen and system. The 24 model is way better and to be honest, those with the older model but whos system is updated to 3.7 are happier.

[Jimjimhim]

What about an ipace?

[James6112]

A nearly new Skoda Enyaq
2024 with all the extras for under 30k
300 mile range, a nice place to be

[rustico12]

Tomo1971 said:

I have an ID4 and a lot of the complaints were about the infotainment screen and system. The 24 model is way better and to be honest, those with the older model but whos system is updated to 3.7 are happier.

I think the 24 plate is just out of budget for me. How have you found the id.4 in terms of comfort, long distance and just general range?

[rustico12]

Jimjimhim said:

What about an ipace?

Would be nice, but my budget fits the 2020 model which I think has the older, laggy infotainment

[Jimjimhim]

rustico12 said:

Jimjimhim said:

What about an ipace?

Would be nice, but my budget fits the 2020 model which I think has the older, laggy infotainment

How often do you actually prod an infotainment system though? I usually do before I set off and then that's it, so if it's laggy it's not really an issue.

[rustico12]

Jimjimhim said:

How often do you actually prod an infotainment system though? I usually do before I set off and then that's it, so if it's laggy it's not really an issue.

Good point - would be good to hear some owner experiences of them. I’ve read that owning one out of warranty is more risky than others, but not sure how true that is.

[Mr E]

Why is CarPlay essential?

[Sunday Drive]

Why do you need CarPlay?

The Tesla software beats it, hands down.

I don’t miss CarPlay, at all. In fact, it feels quite old fashioned when we use it in our other car.

[rustico12]

Sunday Drive said:

Why do you need CarPlay?

The Tesla software beats it, hands down.

I don’t miss CarPlay, at all. In fact, it feels quite old fashioned when we use it in our other car.

I use Apple Music and Google Maps + really value having Siri to change songs, reply to messages etc. I’ve read that the Tesla Apple Music integration is rubbish and that the Tesla maps leave a lot to be desired.

Happy to be corrected on that though

[James6112]

Mr E said:

Why is CarPlay essential?

Carplay is good for better apps
Eg on my Enyaq i use ABRP nav, far superior to the native one. Can set filter to use only Tesla chargers & makes the whole experience far better! Works out journey, plans which Tesla site to use /duration/cost, works it all out.
Eg

Edited by James6112 on Wednesday 23 October 20:17

[Mr E]

Tesla mapping is fine. Better than fine.
I agree if you want to locate non Tesla changing options then you need to fire something else up. I generally found them on the phone and sent the destination to the car, but it’s not a slick as you might like.

Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Internet radio all fine. Never tried Apple Music.

[barryrs]

I still think my EQC is a nice place to be and probably available within budget.

I also took out the extended warranty which cost £700 for 2 additional years, so an older premium plus model shouldn’t be too risky.

[rustico12]

barryrs said:

I still think my EQC is a nice place to be and probably available within budget.

I also took out the extended warranty which cost £700 for 2 additional years, so an older premium plus model shouldn’t be too risky.

Discounted the EQC because of the range - Apparently it’ll struggle to do 200 at Motorway speeds, even less so in the winter?

EQC would be lovely though.