Discussion
Six years back when the car market was normal I managed to get a lovely ex showroom model, fully loaded 340i for under £30k (cash plus part ex) - list was a daft £47k.
It's been pretty faultless and a joy to own. My usual buying pattern is to change every 3 to 4 years, use the equity in the car plus cash and buy pre reg. For context, Lexus / 135i / Lexus IS200t / 340i. Due to the state of the car market, I've hung on for longer this time.
However times are changing. I don't commute so just use it for leisure, shopping etc the odd long run (300 miles perhaps six times a year) . Around town yesterday it managed 23mpg at an average speed of 23mph!
That aside and with my sensible head on I'm looking to change. Mine's worth about £20k if I chop it in. I'm after something cheaper to run, reliable and 22/23 reg for about £20-22k that won't depreciate like a stone.
Do I keep it or use the equity to get into something newer. It basically needs to get some golf clubs in the back (don't mind seats down), comfortable for the odd long trip, not an SUV and not look completely daft.
I did a test drive of a Cupra Born EV - not too bad, 23 reg have already depreciated 40% - if its worth £10k after three years it probably won't be far off the 340i value wise. I'd save on tax, fuel, servicing and extended warranty (about £4k over three years). Reliability wise no idea.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202406140...
The next candidate I looked at was a Toyota Corolla GR sport - however would I instantly regret it despite it being a totally sensible but boring (I dunno) choice.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403267...
Then I was looking at Audi A3 with the 1 litre 3 pot. Plenty of nearly new available around my budget.
Obviously there are other candidates Hyundai, Kia etc but they don't float my boat.
I've never regretted selling a car but usually get buyers remorse no matter what. Anyone else kind of downgraded into something more economical but newer - did you regret it and any other suggestions ?
It's been pretty faultless and a joy to own. My usual buying pattern is to change every 3 to 4 years, use the equity in the car plus cash and buy pre reg. For context, Lexus / 135i / Lexus IS200t / 340i. Due to the state of the car market, I've hung on for longer this time.
However times are changing. I don't commute so just use it for leisure, shopping etc the odd long run (300 miles perhaps six times a year) . Around town yesterday it managed 23mpg at an average speed of 23mph!
That aside and with my sensible head on I'm looking to change. Mine's worth about £20k if I chop it in. I'm after something cheaper to run, reliable and 22/23 reg for about £20-22k that won't depreciate like a stone.
Do I keep it or use the equity to get into something newer. It basically needs to get some golf clubs in the back (don't mind seats down), comfortable for the odd long trip, not an SUV and not look completely daft.
I did a test drive of a Cupra Born EV - not too bad, 23 reg have already depreciated 40% - if its worth £10k after three years it probably won't be far off the 340i value wise. I'd save on tax, fuel, servicing and extended warranty (about £4k over three years). Reliability wise no idea.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202406140...
The next candidate I looked at was a Toyota Corolla GR sport - however would I instantly regret it despite it being a totally sensible but boring (I dunno) choice.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403267...
Then I was looking at Audi A3 with the 1 litre 3 pot. Plenty of nearly new available around my budget.
Obviously there are other candidates Hyundai, Kia etc but they don't float my boat.
I've never regretted selling a car but usually get buyers remorse no matter what. Anyone else kind of downgraded into something more economical but newer - did you regret it and any other suggestions ?
Edited by DT1975 on Tuesday 9th July 13:09
If you get a fastish EV
it will mitigate the sense of loss from losing the performance in a fast ICE car.
It wont have the drama but the instant torque and performance keeps you entertained around town.
You will be rewarded with minimal running costs - and hopefully be able to box clever with a used example that has lost the quicker portion of its depreciation.
So as stated, your on to something with an EV replacement.
I would consider a Tesla model 3 dual motor or a Polestar performance in and around the 20-25k mark
Edit to add, I seldom miss my weekend fun cars and often find myself not bothering to use them (Have a Volvo C40 twin motor - 407bhp odd)
it will mitigate the sense of loss from losing the performance in a fast ICE car.
It wont have the drama but the instant torque and performance keeps you entertained around town.
You will be rewarded with minimal running costs - and hopefully be able to box clever with a used example that has lost the quicker portion of its depreciation.
So as stated, your on to something with an EV replacement.
I would consider a Tesla model 3 dual motor or a Polestar performance in and around the 20-25k mark
Edit to add, I seldom miss my weekend fun cars and often find myself not bothering to use them (Have a Volvo C40 twin motor - 407bhp odd)
Jimjimhim said:
If you like it then why not just keep it, you will probably lose more money swapping cars than you will save with a cheaper to run car.
By using the cash equity in my car to get into something newer I won't lose money other than normal depreciation going forward. If I could directly swap for £20k more the merrier, I added on 2-3k as a buffer if I can get something with less miles.Running costs on the 340i aren't cheap as you've seen with the MPG figures then servicing, tax ,extended warranty, consumables etc.
It's not necessarily a financial decision but I feel the car's probably wasted for what it's used for.
DT1975 said:
Jimjimhim said:
If you like it then why not just keep it, you will probably lose more money swapping cars than you will save with a cheaper to run car.
By using the cash equity in my car to get into something newer I won't lose money other than normal depreciation going forward. If I could directly swap for £20k more the merrier, I added on 2-3k as a buffer if I can get something with less miles.Running costs on the 340i aren't cheap as you've seen with the MPG figures then servicing, tax ,extended warranty, consumables etc.
It's not necessarily a financial decision but I feel the car's probably wasted for what it's used for.
How you sell and buy could cost you a fair chunk of you do both through a dealer, private less so.
You're not going to see much of a saving and you could end up in something rather dull and I presume you're into your cars? I think though it sounds like you just fancy a change, if that's the case then don't think of trying to save lots of money because you won't.
BenS94 said:
Assuming it's a run-out F30 saloon, good ones are getting harder to come by and are clinging on very well to their value.
Given the nature of the car, and if you like it, space permitting, why not just buy something cheaper to run along side?
Yes - hence the price. Good point though,as with jims post I guess I don't have a clue what to do. Stick or get into something wholly practical, cheap to run and boring (EV point aside further up)We do have a Cooper S for B roads and a bit of fun. I'm totally undecided, probably surprised its still worth what it is and feel I could use that. Given the nature of the car, and if you like it, space permitting, why not just buy something cheaper to run along side?
DT1975 said:
BenS94 said:
Assuming it's a run-out F30 saloon, good ones are getting harder to come by and are clinging on very well to their value.
Given the nature of the car, and if you like it, space permitting, why not just buy something cheaper to run along side?
Yes - hence the price. Good point though,as with jims post I guess I don't have a clue what to do. Stick or get into something wholly practical, cheap to run and boring (EV point aside further up)We do have a Cooper S for B roads and a bit of fun. I'm totally undecided, probably surprised its still worth what it is and feel I could use that. Given the nature of the car, and if you like it, space permitting, why not just buy something cheaper to run along side?
Jimjimhim said:
The fuel isn't really an issue if you're not doing many miles.
How you sell and buy could cost you a fair chunk of you do both through a dealer, private less so.
You're not going to see much of a saving and you could end up in something rather dull and I presume you're into your cars? I think though it sounds like you just fancy a change, if that's the case then don't think of trying to save lots of money because you won't.
Fair play, hence running it by the forum. Probably want a change but don't really want to spend much on doing so, hence practical head on. How you sell and buy could cost you a fair chunk of you do both through a dealer, private less so.
You're not going to see much of a saving and you could end up in something rather dull and I presume you're into your cars? I think though it sounds like you just fancy a change, if that's the case then don't think of trying to save lots of money because you won't.
DT1975 said:
Six years back when the car market was normal I managed to get a lovely ex showroom model, fully loaded 340i for under £30k (cash plus part ex) - list was a daft £47k.
It's been pretty faultless and a joy to own. My usual buying pattern is to change every 3 to 4 years, use the equity in the car plus cash and buy pre reg. For context, Lexus / 135i / Lexus IS200t / 340i. Due to the state of the car market, I've hung on for longer this time.
However times are changing. I don't commute so just use it for leisure, shopping etc the odd long run (300 miles perhaps six times a year) . Around town yesterday it managed 23mpg at an average speed of 23mph!
That aside and with my sensible head on I'm looking to change. Mine's worth about £20k if I chop it in. I'm after something cheaper to run, reliable and 22/23 reg for about £20-22k that won't depreciate like a stone.
Do I keep it or use the equity to get into something newer. It basically needs to get some golf clubs in the back (don't mind seats down), comfortable for the odd long trip, not an SUV and not look completely daft.
I did a test drive of a Cupra Born EV - not too bad, 23 reg have already depreciated 40% - if its worth £10k after three years it probably won't be far off the 340i value wise. I'd save on tax, fuel, servicing and extended warranty (about £4k over three years). Reliability wise no idea.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202406140...
The next candidate I looked at was a Toyota Corolla GR sport - however would I instantly regret it despite it being a totally sensible but boring (I dunno) choice.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403267...
Then I was looking at Audi A3 with the 1 litre 3 pot. Plenty of nearly new available around my budget.
Obviously there are other candidates Hyundai, Kia etc but they don't float my boat.
I've never regretted selling a car but usually get buyers remorse no matter what. Anyone else kind of downgraded into something more economical but newer - did you regret it and any other suggestions ?
Before i got to the bottom of your post i was thinking a Corolla GR Sport might be suitable, if you think one of these is dull then i just cant see a 3 pot 1 litre audi being any better. The toyota will do local driving mainly in EV mode but still give way abouve 50mpg on a run.It's been pretty faultless and a joy to own. My usual buying pattern is to change every 3 to 4 years, use the equity in the car plus cash and buy pre reg. For context, Lexus / 135i / Lexus IS200t / 340i. Due to the state of the car market, I've hung on for longer this time.
However times are changing. I don't commute so just use it for leisure, shopping etc the odd long run (300 miles perhaps six times a year) . Around town yesterday it managed 23mpg at an average speed of 23mph!
That aside and with my sensible head on I'm looking to change. Mine's worth about £20k if I chop it in. I'm after something cheaper to run, reliable and 22/23 reg for about £20-22k that won't depreciate like a stone.
Do I keep it or use the equity to get into something newer. It basically needs to get some golf clubs in the back (don't mind seats down), comfortable for the odd long trip, not an SUV and not look completely daft.
I did a test drive of a Cupra Born EV - not too bad, 23 reg have already depreciated 40% - if its worth £10k after three years it probably won't be far off the 340i value wise. I'd save on tax, fuel, servicing and extended warranty (about £4k over three years). Reliability wise no idea.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202406140...
The next candidate I looked at was a Toyota Corolla GR sport - however would I instantly regret it despite it being a totally sensible but boring (I dunno) choice.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403267...
Then I was looking at Audi A3 with the 1 litre 3 pot. Plenty of nearly new available around my budget.
Obviously there are other candidates Hyundai, Kia etc but they don't float my boat.
I've never regretted selling a car but usually get buyers remorse no matter what. Anyone else kind of downgraded into something more economical but newer - did you regret it and any other suggestions ?
Edited by DT1975 on Tuesday 9th July 13:09
If you have it serviced annually at Toyota you will get another years warranty all the way up to 10 years old so no need to pay for an extended warranty. You can even get an estate version for even more boot space.
The Cupra may be slightly cheaper to run but the way EV values are falling on the second hand market there is no telling what it will be worth in a few years time whereas a decent spec toyota hybrid should retain decent value.
I've actually just ordered a suzuki swace which is a corolla in a different frock as a replacement for my current car.
Jimjimhim said:
The problem with the Toyota is he will end up with a CVT gearbox
I test drove the swace before ordering it and really didnt see the issue with the CVT box.Having said that many people say VW DSG gerboxes are crap and yet i've done nearly 90k miles over 4.5 years with one and not had a single issue with the box.
blue_haddock said:
Jimjimhim said:
The problem with the Toyota is he will end up with a CVT gearbox
I test drove the swace before ordering it and really didnt see the issue with the CVT box.Having said that many people say VW DSG gerboxes are crap and yet i've done nearly 90k miles over 4.5 years with one and not had a single issue with the box.
blue_haddock said:
Jimjimhim said:
The problem with the Toyota is he will end up with a CVT gearbox
I test drove the swace before ordering it and really didnt see the issue with the CVT box.Having said that many people say VW DSG gerboxes are crap and yet i've done nearly 90k miles over 4.5 years with one and not had a single issue with the box.
blue_haddock said:
Before i got to the bottom of your post i was thinking a Corolla GR Sport might be suitable, if you think one of these is dull then i just cant see a 3 pot 1 litre audi being any better. The toyota will do local driving mainly in EV mode but still give way abouve 50mpg on a run.
I say dull as I'm guilty of reading an old thread with someone thinking of chopping their 435d in. I don't actually mind the look of the thing. My last drive in a CVT was a Lexus CT I recall, not brilliant but that was along time ago. The problem is I test drive these cars, get back into the six pot with the ZF and it kind of resets me into keeping it :-) Pica-Pica said:
blue_haddock said:
Jimjimhim said:
The problem with the Toyota is he will end up with a CVT gearbox
I test drove the swace before ordering it and really didnt see the issue with the CVT box.Having said that many people say VW DSG gerboxes are crap and yet i've done nearly 90k miles over 4.5 years with one and not had a single issue with the box.
Changing your 340i for any of the other cars you have suggested sounds like a horrible idea, I’m pretty sure unless you need to change the regret would come very quickly.
I know how good the B58 engine cars are, I had a 240i I traded in last September for an F82 M4, don’t get me wrong I love my M4 but I still think the 40i BMW’s are pretty much unbeatable in the cost vs performance stakes.
I did consider even chopping my M4 in for a 540i when I was having an isssue and the dealer was awful in resolving it, I don’t and stuck with the M4 but it was a serious consideration
I know how good the B58 engine cars are, I had a 240i I traded in last September for an F82 M4, don’t get me wrong I love my M4 but I still think the 40i BMW’s are pretty much unbeatable in the cost vs performance stakes.
I did consider even chopping my M4 in for a 540i when I was having an isssue and the dealer was awful in resolving it, I don’t and stuck with the M4 but it was a serious consideration
DT1975 said:
I say dull as I'm guilty of reading an old thread with someone thinking of chopping their 435d in. I don't actually mind the look of the thing. My last drive in a CVT was a Lexus CT I recall, not brilliant but that was along time ago. The problem is I test drive these cars, get back into the six pot with the ZF and it kind of resets me into keeping it :-)
With your requirements in mind the best thing to do is keep the 340i (add android auto/CarPlay if you don't have it) with your lower mileage use the maintenance/fuel costs will be negligible.Also your depreciation will slow down as your car will be a low mileage FSH example, if you were to change I'd only suggest changing to a full fat M Car (if you want a BMW add AMG/RS etc) as they're depreciation will be minimal & you have a more desirable car when it comes to actually selling the car.
Everything mainstream will suffer greater depreciation than what you have or the full fat options above/below.
RS5
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202406040...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202407021...
M4:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202406180...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202407051...
C63:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202312064...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202311023...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202406190...
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