To change my car or not to change! (Advice Needed)
Discussion
It's tricky - we had a burst of inflation so everything's gone up, then interest rates went up to control inflation making credit expensive on top!
Your instinct seems right that keeping your current car is the most "sensible" approach, anything else will mean putting money in, whereas your Corsa shouldn't be too expensive to keep going.
In terms of PCP the trick is to look for the cars that manufacturers are desperate to sell. Here's a Mazda MX-30 EV quoting £195 a month https://www.mazda.co.uk/offers/retail-offers/mazda... - that's for 6k miles but I think 15k a year would put it up to just under £250. I've no idea if an EV would work for you, but if you have a driveway and your 15k miles are done in chunks of no more than ~100 miles a day (with the Mazda) then it could be a pleasant change from the Corsa and save ££ on fuel too.
Your instinct seems right that keeping your current car is the most "sensible" approach, anything else will mean putting money in, whereas your Corsa shouldn't be too expensive to keep going.
In terms of PCP the trick is to look for the cars that manufacturers are desperate to sell. Here's a Mazda MX-30 EV quoting £195 a month https://www.mazda.co.uk/offers/retail-offers/mazda... - that's for 6k miles but I think 15k a year would put it up to just under £250. I've no idea if an EV would work for you, but if you have a driveway and your 15k miles are done in chunks of no more than ~100 miles a day (with the Mazda) then it could be a pleasant change from the Corsa and save ££ on fuel too.
Define your “bit of poke” - 0-60 in 8 -10 seconds? What sort of driving will you be doing?
Electric May suit you as above or maybe not?
Similar size to your Corsa?
There are a lot of variables that we don’t really know to give better advice.
Keeping your existing car tends to be cheaper in the long run but at 93k miles then maybe a change if a change is what you really want and I don’t blame you.
Just as an aside, whatever you do, don’t forget GAP insurance and not form the dealer - it paid off for me when some berk ran into the back of my car and wrote it off!
Electric May suit you as above or maybe not?
Similar size to your Corsa?
There are a lot of variables that we don’t really know to give better advice.
Keeping your existing car tends to be cheaper in the long run but at 93k miles then maybe a change if a change is what you really want and I don’t blame you.
Just as an aside, whatever you do, don’t forget GAP insurance and not form the dealer - it paid off for me when some berk ran into the back of my car and wrote it off!
samoht said:
It's tricky - we had a burst of inflation so everything's gone up, then interest rates went up to control inflation making credit expensive on top!
Your instinct seems right that keeping your current car is the most "sensible" approach, anything else will mean putting money in, whereas your Corsa shouldn't be too expensive to keep going.
In terms of PCP the trick is to look for the cars that manufacturers are desperate to sell. Here's a Mazda MX-30 EV quoting £195 a month https://www.mazda.co.uk/offers/retail-offers/mazda... - that's for 6k miles but I think 15k a year would put it up to just under £250. I've no idea if an EV would work for you, but if you have a driveway and your 15k miles are done in chunks of no more than ~100 miles a day (with the Mazda) then it could be a pleasant change from the Corsa and save ££ on fuel too.
Yes, absolutely everything is sky high at the moment. Your instinct seems right that keeping your current car is the most "sensible" approach, anything else will mean putting money in, whereas your Corsa shouldn't be too expensive to keep going.
In terms of PCP the trick is to look for the cars that manufacturers are desperate to sell. Here's a Mazda MX-30 EV quoting £195 a month https://www.mazda.co.uk/offers/retail-offers/mazda... - that's for 6k miles but I think 15k a year would put it up to just under £250. I've no idea if an EV would work for you, but if you have a driveway and your 15k miles are done in chunks of no more than ~100 miles a day (with the Mazda) then it could be a pleasant change from the Corsa and save ££ on fuel too.
The sensible approach, for sure would be to keep my Corsa. I have had it since a year old, know it’s mechanically sound and it’s got many more years left in it than it’s £3.5k trade in pride suggests but like I said being 30, do feel like could do with something more mature and it’s slow/dull which does end up grating on you when doing 15k miles a year.
Yeah, unfortunately an EV won’t work for us.
That’s the thing though, when you’re looking for PCP/Lease deals it’s pretty much “what is the best deal” rather than what do you really want and will a new Fabia for example really offer that much more than my current Corsa.
Appreciate the advice, cheers!
Boringvolvodriver said:
Define your “bit of poke” - 0-60 in 8 -10 seconds? What sort of driving will you be doing?
Electric May suit you as above or maybe not?
Similar size to your Corsa?
There are a lot of variables that we don’t really know to give better advice.
Keeping your existing car tends to be cheaper in the long run but at 93k miles then maybe a change if a change is what you really want and I don’t blame you.
Just as an aside, whatever you do, don’t forget GAP insurance and not form the dealer - it paid off for me when some berk ran into the back of my car and wrote it off!
Thanks for the reply, it’s just I do a lot of motorway miles and my current car is not best suited to the motorway. Electric May suit you as above or maybe not?
Similar size to your Corsa?
There are a lot of variables that we don’t really know to give better advice.
Keeping your existing car tends to be cheaper in the long run but at 93k miles then maybe a change if a change is what you really want and I don’t blame you.
Just as an aside, whatever you do, don’t forget GAP insurance and not form the dealer - it paid off for me when some berk ran into the back of my car and wrote it off!
So yeah 0-60 in 8-10, I’d say sounds about right.
Was looking at the 1.5 Fabia as think they’re pretty pokey but then again, it’s a big commitment paying around 20k all in for a Fabia and like I said above how much more will it offer than my current car.
Yep - gap insurance good thing to consider with these more expensive financed cars.
Was considering a personal loan, looking at used golfs etc but just don’t want to put all my money into a money pit with limited warranties etc when my car at the mo is mechanically fine.
That’s the only thing with used - never really know what you’re getting!
Edited by LP_Brentford on Wednesday 16th October 00:47
There are some decent lease deals around if your not too fussy on the car, problem is once your in so to speak your kind of stuck in the system then when its time to change.
The benefit is obviously a new car should be reasonably problem free and you can have peace of mind if your not too car savvy.
Im not against loans for cars because its my only vice really, i dont drink or smoke, go out for fancy meals that often or have sky tv etc so am happy to pay a little extra over 5 years or so, a lot dont though.
You will always lose thousands over the years on cars but you just have to suck it up as an enthusiast.
The benefit is obviously a new car should be reasonably problem free and you can have peace of mind if your not too car savvy.
Im not against loans for cars because its my only vice really, i dont drink or smoke, go out for fancy meals that often or have sky tv etc so am happy to pay a little extra over 5 years or so, a lot dont though.
You will always lose thousands over the years on cars but you just have to suck it up as an enthusiast.
Belle427 said:
There are some decent lease deals around if your not too fussy on the car, problem is once your in so to speak your kind of stuck in the system then when its time to change.
The benefit is obviously a new car should be reasonably problem free and you can have peace of mind if your not too car savvy.
Im not against loans for cars because its my only vice really, i dont drink or smoke, go out for fancy meals that often or have sky tv etc so am happy to pay a little extra over 5 years or so, a lot dont though.
You will always lose thousands over the years on cars but you just have to suck it up as an enthusiast.
Yeah, that’s what puts me off lease being “stuck in the system” as such but I know it does come with a lot of benefits and not having to have too much tied up in a depreciating asset. The benefit is obviously a new car should be reasonably problem free and you can have peace of mind if your not too car savvy.
Im not against loans for cars because its my only vice really, i dont drink or smoke, go out for fancy meals that often or have sky tv etc so am happy to pay a little extra over 5 years or so, a lot dont though.
You will always lose thousands over the years on cars but you just have to suck it up as an enthusiast.
Fair point on the loan, think I’ll wait irrespective for something I really want rather than rushing it.
It sounds to me like you really don't need to change but want to which is a normal emotion but it also sounds like you're struggling to afford to change which is a cruel fact of life.
I think throwing money you've not got at a car you don't need isn't a great idea.
I'd get your car valeted and stop thinking about cars until you really need to.
Certainly don't get a used car PCP.
I think throwing money you've not got at a car you don't need isn't a great idea.
I'd get your car valeted and stop thinking about cars until you really need to.
Certainly don't get a used car PCP.
Agree on the rates for used on PCP and a personal loan is a better option imo.
My step son changed from a Corsa to a Seat Ibiza like this one and having driven it, then it feels plenty quick enough especially in Sport mode on the DSG.
Has been totally reliable for him
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202406251...
My step son changed from a Corsa to a Seat Ibiza like this one and having driven it, then it feels plenty quick enough especially in Sport mode on the DSG.
Has been totally reliable for him
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202406251...
I can't see the original post, but just wanted to add two comments:
Firstly, if you are doing 15,000 miles per year then you are spending hundreds of hours per year in a car. I think it's reasonable to seek comfort above what you are currently experiencing in a Corsa.
Secondly, cars don't suddenly fall to bits. Warranties can be useful for insuring against rare, catastrophic failures but otherwise you might find them limited. Many, many people choose to run cars without a warranty.
Firstly, if you are doing 15,000 miles per year then you are spending hundreds of hours per year in a car. I think it's reasonable to seek comfort above what you are currently experiencing in a Corsa.
Secondly, cars don't suddenly fall to bits. Warranties can be useful for insuring against rare, catastrophic failures but otherwise you might find them limited. Many, many people choose to run cars without a warranty.
15k miles a year is actually quite a lot these days.
Is your Corsa petrol or diesel?
I think if you're just wanting a change to something a little bigger with more power you could do it without a great deal if expense.
Something like this Astra GTC for £5k might work.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2024083034...
I'm no fan of diesel but it makes sense if your mileage is high and you don't need to enter ULEZ regularly.
Is your Corsa petrol or diesel?
I think if you're just wanting a change to something a little bigger with more power you could do it without a great deal if expense.
Something like this Astra GTC for £5k might work.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2024083034...
I'm no fan of diesel but it makes sense if your mileage is high and you don't need to enter ULEZ regularly.
LP_Brentford said:
Yes, absolutely everything is sky high at the moment.
The sensible approach, for sure would be to keep my Corsa. I have had it since a year old, know it’s mechanically sound and it’s got many more years left in it than it’s £3.5k trade in pride suggests but like I said being 30, do feel like could do with something more mature and it’s slow/dull which does end up grating on you when doing 15k miles a year.
Yeah, unfortunately an EV won’t work for us.
That’s the thing though, when you’re looking for PCP/Lease deals it’s pretty much “what is the best deal” rather than what do you really want and will a new Fabia for example really offer that much more than my current Corsa.
Appreciate the advice, cheers!
For your usage I'd change but I'd go down the personal loan route looking to spend between 5-10k on something sensible swift & reliable that's also ULEZ compliant so that won't be a future issue.The sensible approach, for sure would be to keep my Corsa. I have had it since a year old, know it’s mechanically sound and it’s got many more years left in it than it’s £3.5k trade in pride suggests but like I said being 30, do feel like could do with something more mature and it’s slow/dull which does end up grating on you when doing 15k miles a year.
Yeah, unfortunately an EV won’t work for us.
That’s the thing though, when you’re looking for PCP/Lease deals it’s pretty much “what is the best deal” rather than what do you really want and will a new Fabia for example really offer that much more than my current Corsa.
Appreciate the advice, cheers!
As above, another Vauxhall makes a lot of sense.
GTC:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410095...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410024...
Insignia:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410105...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410125...
Newest shape:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409184...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202407121...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409184...
Going for the newer shape will also give you Android Auto etc & they're a good place to while away 15k a year in
ZX10R NIN said:
For your usage I'd change but I'd go down the personal loan route looking to spend between 5-10k on something sensible swift & reliable that's also ULEZ compliant so that won't be a future issue.
As above, another Vauxhall makes a lot of sense.
GTC:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410095...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410024...
Insignia:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410105...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410125...
Newest shape:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409184...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202407121...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409184...
Going for the newer shape will also give you Android Auto etc & they're a good place to while away 15k a year in
Thanks for the advice - funny you say this. This is what I'm actually thinking of doing, the Insignia you get an awful lot for your money thanks to seemingly few people wanting one and the heavy depreciation that hits Vauxhalls. As above, another Vauxhall makes a lot of sense.
GTC:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410095...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410024...
Insignia:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410105...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410125...
Newest shape:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409184...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202407121...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409184...
Going for the newer shape will also give you Android Auto etc & they're a good place to while away 15k a year in
ChrisH72 said:
15k miles a year is actually quite a lot these days.
Is your Corsa petrol or diesel?
I think if you're just wanting a change to something a little bigger with more power you could do it without a great deal if expense.
Something like this Astra GTC for £5k might work.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2024083034...
I'm no fan of diesel but it makes sense if your mileage is high and you don't need to enter ULEZ regularly.
Petrol. Is your Corsa petrol or diesel?
I think if you're just wanting a change to something a little bigger with more power you could do it without a great deal if expense.
Something like this Astra GTC for £5k might work.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2024083034...
I'm no fan of diesel but it makes sense if your mileage is high and you don't need to enter ULEZ regularly.
Think I'm going to take a look at the used Vauxhalls, seem to get a lot more for your money and the Insignia not bad car.
The Cardinal said:
I can't see the original post, but just wanted to add two comments:
Firstly, if you are doing 15,000 miles per year then you are spending hundreds of hours per year in a car. I think it's reasonable to seek comfort above what you are currently experiencing in a Corsa.
Secondly, cars don't suddenly fall to bits. Warranties can be useful for insuring against rare, catastrophic failures but otherwise you might find them limited. Many, many people choose to run cars without a warranty.
Thanks for the response, yep! Especially if looking at another Vauxhall, the repairs shouldn't be too excessive. (if needed) Firstly, if you are doing 15,000 miles per year then you are spending hundreds of hours per year in a car. I think it's reasonable to seek comfort above what you are currently experiencing in a Corsa.
Secondly, cars don't suddenly fall to bits. Warranties can be useful for insuring against rare, catastrophic failures but otherwise you might find them limited. Many, many people choose to run cars without a warranty.
Boringvolvodriver said:
Agree on the rates for used on PCP and a personal loan is a better option imo.
My step son changed from a Corsa to a Seat Ibiza like this one and having driven it, then it feels plenty quick enough especially in Sport mode on the DSG.
Has been totally reliable for him
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202406251...
Funny enough, went to Seat in the week and had a quote on a new Ibiza. £250 a month with 4.2k down! Silly money for not much more car. My step son changed from a Corsa to a Seat Ibiza like this one and having driven it, then it feels plenty quick enough especially in Sport mode on the DSG.
Has been totally reliable for him
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202406251...
Pistom said:
It sounds to me like you really don't need to change but want to which is a normal emotion but it also sounds like you're struggling to afford to change which is a cruel fact of life.
I think throwing money you've not got at a car you don't need isn't a great idea.
I'd get your car valeted and stop thinking about cars until you really need to.
Certainly don't get a used car PCP.
Exactly this! I think I might meet in middle with a personal loan on used, rates slightly better.I think throwing money you've not got at a car you don't need isn't a great idea.
I'd get your car valeted and stop thinking about cars until you really need to.
Certainly don't get a used car PCP.
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