What would you buy??
Discussion
Hello everyone,
I'm looking for a car with a budget of about £16k and I'm really not sure what to get! I do around 6000 miles a year, but a lot of those journeys are either very short or fairly short. About once a month I do a longer journey round trip of 200 miles. I have two kids so I need a decent size boot and the car needs to have 4/5 doors. I do enjoy driving, so I would like something sporty and fun. I'm open to most fuel types, be that petrol, some sort of hybrid or full electric (no Tesla's please). I'm also trying to keep my costs down, so no mega high insurance or expensive warranties.
Oh and crystal ball time, something that won't lose mega money in depreciation.
Must haves
4 or 5 doors
Decent size boot
Android Auto or easy ability to change cars head unit
Fun
Decent bit of poke
Low monthly costs to run
Nice to have
Auto
Leather
Nice interior
Thanks
I'm looking for a car with a budget of about £16k and I'm really not sure what to get! I do around 6000 miles a year, but a lot of those journeys are either very short or fairly short. About once a month I do a longer journey round trip of 200 miles. I have two kids so I need a decent size boot and the car needs to have 4/5 doors. I do enjoy driving, so I would like something sporty and fun. I'm open to most fuel types, be that petrol, some sort of hybrid or full electric (no Tesla's please). I'm also trying to keep my costs down, so no mega high insurance or expensive warranties.
Oh and crystal ball time, something that won't lose mega money in depreciation.
Must haves
4 or 5 doors
Decent size boot
Android Auto or easy ability to change cars head unit
Fun
Decent bit of poke
Low monthly costs to run
Nice to have
Auto
Leather
Nice interior
Thanks
How long do you expect to keep it?
Are yo ugoing to be happy if you buy for £16k tomorrow and it's only worth £8k next year, or do you expect to buy for £16k and it'll do you for 5 years and then be worth a few £k?
£16k will lease you some adequate cars for several years.
Personally I would investigate some electric cars if I was spending over £10k.
At least look at the long journeys you've done over the last year and what you might do next year, and understand the problems and opportunities of away charging.
But with a low annual mileage like 5,000, the main thing would be to have a nice car which was comfortable for the few long journeys and low risk of problems.
TBH I don't really understand people wanting to spend 5 fgure sums who don't have some enthusiasm for some car or other.
It's a lot of dosh to spend on something you don't particularly like.
Are yo ugoing to be happy if you buy for £16k tomorrow and it's only worth £8k next year, or do you expect to buy for £16k and it'll do you for 5 years and then be worth a few £k?
£16k will lease you some adequate cars for several years.
Personally I would investigate some electric cars if I was spending over £10k.
At least look at the long journeys you've done over the last year and what you might do next year, and understand the problems and opportunities of away charging.
But with a low annual mileage like 5,000, the main thing would be to have a nice car which was comfortable for the few long journeys and low risk of problems.
TBH I don't really understand people wanting to spend 5 fgure sums who don't have some enthusiasm for some car or other.
It's a lot of dosh to spend on something you don't particularly like.
Cheap insurance and low running costs aren't generally found in combination with fun in a largish practical car, and I very much doubt you're going to put six thousand miles a year on what's going to be a fairly ordinary £16k car without it depreciating, so I'd guess you'd be better off if you spent half the budget and saved the rest instead of paying for a warranty.
That said, the obvious answer is a 335i touring. Or you can have more choice if you'd be OK with a saloon.
That said, the obvious answer is a 335i touring. Or you can have more choice if you'd be OK with a saloon.
Edited by E63eeeeee... on Sunday 3rd November 12:10
Edited by E63eeeeee... on Sunday 3rd November 12:11
OutInTheShed said:
How long do you expect to keep it?
Are yo ugoing to be happy if you buy for £16k tomorrow and it's only worth £8k next year, or do you expect to buy for £16k and it'll do you for 5 years and then be worth a few £k?
£16k will lease you some adequate cars for several years.
Personally I would investigate some electric cars if I was spending over £10k.
At least look at the long journeys you've done over the last year and what you might do next year, and understand the problems and opportunities of away charging.
But with a low annual mileage like 5,000, the main thing would be to have a nice car which was comfortable for the few long journeys and low risk of problems.
TBH I don't really understand people wanting to spend 5 fgure sums who don't have some enthusiasm for some car or other.
It's a lot of dosh to spend on something you don't particularly like.
I usually keep cars for about 3-4 years. Leasing does get you a nice new car, but you obviously pay for that and I would rather go for something where it gives me a starting point for the next car. Leasing to me seems like a bit of a minefield too, or I just don't understand very well. Are yo ugoing to be happy if you buy for £16k tomorrow and it's only worth £8k next year, or do you expect to buy for £16k and it'll do you for 5 years and then be worth a few £k?
£16k will lease you some adequate cars for several years.
Personally I would investigate some electric cars if I was spending over £10k.
At least look at the long journeys you've done over the last year and what you might do next year, and understand the problems and opportunities of away charging.
But with a low annual mileage like 5,000, the main thing would be to have a nice car which was comfortable for the few long journeys and low risk of problems.
TBH I don't really understand people wanting to spend 5 fgure sums who don't have some enthusiasm for some car or other.
It's a lot of dosh to spend on something you don't particularly like.
An electric car would likely fit my needs very well, but I can't see any that I like!
E63eeeeee... said:
Cheap insurance and low running costs aren't generally found in combination with fun in a largish practical car, and I very much doubt you're going to put six thousand miles a year on what's going to be a fairly ordinary £16k car without it depreciating, so I'd guess you'd be better off if you spent half the budget and saved the rest instead of paying for a warranty.
That said, the obvious answer is a 335i touring. Or you can have more choice if you'd be OK with a saloon.
I know cars depreciate, I'm just trying to find one that doesn't massively reduce in value. That said, the obvious answer is a 335i touring. Or you can have more choice if you'd be OK with a saloon.
Edited by E63eeeeee... on Sunday 3rd November 12:10
Edited by E63eeeeee... on Sunday 3rd November 12:11
Is the 335i not an engine with lots of issues? Turbos and stuff go wrong don't they?
Obvious answer for your criteria would be one of the newish hot hatches due to performance, practicality, running costs etc.
Manual
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/16807831
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/17402468
Auto
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/17445867
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/17548834
Saloon
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/17432977
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/17399103
Estate
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/17382705
Manual
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/16807831
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/17402468
Auto
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/17445867
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/17548834
Saloon
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/17432977
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/17399103
Estate
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/17382705
Dom drives said:
E63eeeeee... said:
Cheap insurance and low running costs aren't generally found in combination with fun in a largish practical car, and I very much doubt you're going to put six thousand miles a year on what's going to be a fairly ordinary £16k car without it depreciating, so I'd guess you'd be better off if you spent half the budget and saved the rest instead of paying for a warranty.
That said, the obvious answer is a 335i touring. Or you can have more choice if you'd be OK with a saloon.
I know cars depreciate, I'm just trying to find one that doesn't massively reduce in value. That said, the obvious answer is a 335i touring. Or you can have more choice if you'd be OK with a saloon.
Edited by E63eeeeee... on Sunday 3rd November 12:10
Edited by E63eeeeee... on Sunday 3rd November 12:11
Is the 335i not an engine with lots of issues? Turbos and stuff go wrong don't they?
I've heard a few things about the 335 engine, not terrible but I think they do have a few issues?
I don't really want one, and I don't think diesel is right for me anyway, I don't do many miles.
A 4 series grand coupe might work well.
The Skoda is nicer than I was expecting, but not really my thing.
That Alfa though, wow that's a good looking car, especially in red! I'm not 100% on that particular interior, but overall seems to tick lots of boxes. I will have to check the internet to see how reliable they are!
I don't really want one, and I don't think diesel is right for me anyway, I don't do many miles.
A 4 series grand coupe might work well.
The Skoda is nicer than I was expecting, but not really my thing.
That Alfa though, wow that's a good looking car, especially in red! I'm not 100% on that particular interior, but overall seems to tick lots of boxes. I will have to check the internet to see how reliable they are!
Dom drives said:
I've heard a few things about the 335 engine, not terrible but I think they do have a few issues?
I don't really want one, and I don't think diesel is right for me anyway, I don't do many miles.
A 4 series grand coupe might work well.
The Skoda is nicer than I was expecting, but not really my thing.
That Alfa though, wow that's a good looking car, especially in red! I'm not 100% on that particular interior, but overall seems to tick lots of boxes. I will have to check the internet to see how reliable they are!
335i has a petrol engine. I don't really want one, and I don't think diesel is right for me anyway, I don't do many miles.
A 4 series grand coupe might work well.
The Skoda is nicer than I was expecting, but not really my thing.
That Alfa though, wow that's a good looking car, especially in red! I'm not 100% on that particular interior, but overall seems to tick lots of boxes. I will have to check the internet to see how reliable they are!
E63eeeeee... said:
Dom drives said:
I've heard a few things about the 335 engine, not terrible but I think they do have a few issues?
I don't really want one, and I don't think diesel is right for me anyway, I don't do many miles.
A 4 series grand coupe might work well.
The Skoda is nicer than I was expecting, but not really my thing.
That Alfa though, wow that's a good looking car, especially in red! I'm not 100% on that particular interior, but overall seems to tick lots of boxes. I will have to check the internet to see how reliable they are!
335i has a petrol engine. I don't really want one, and I don't think diesel is right for me anyway, I don't do many miles.
A 4 series grand coupe might work well.
The Skoda is nicer than I was expecting, but not really my thing.
That Alfa though, wow that's a good looking car, especially in red! I'm not 100% on that particular interior, but overall seems to tick lots of boxes. I will have to check the internet to see how reliable they are!
Saloon wise the Jaguar XE S would get the nod over the 335i:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410145...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409234...
Going for a halo model will lower you depreciation but you'll get slightly higher running costs.
2.0T wise I'd go for the Giulia in Veloce spec:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410034...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410235...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202407191...
Hatchback wise.
A35:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410265...
i30N:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410165...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410315...
PS 308 GTI:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410084...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410115...
Focus ST-3:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409204...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410255...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410034...
Estate:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409274...
Warm hatch wise the Megane GT is a good option:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409304...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202407041...
Q30 Sport:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409194...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202411035...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410145...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409234...
Going for a halo model will lower you depreciation but you'll get slightly higher running costs.
2.0T wise I'd go for the Giulia in Veloce spec:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410034...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410235...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202407191...
Hatchback wise.
A35:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410265...
i30N:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410165...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410315...
PS 308 GTI:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410084...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410115...
Focus ST-3:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409204...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410255...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410034...
Estate:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409274...
Warm hatch wise the Megane GT is a good option:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409304...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202407041...
Q30 Sport:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202409194...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202411035...
A lot of people suggesting 6/7/8 year old sporty versions of ordinary stuff.
These things are all out of warranty and will lose a lot of value over the next 3 years in my view.
Once you factor in that loss, plus an allowance for stuff going wrong it's an expensive way of ending up where you'll be in 3 years?
How much 'fun' are you going to get from the car's performance potential with the way you use it?
For similar outlay, you might get a much newer PHEV with adequate performance, which might retain a lot more value 3 years down the line?
While saving a bit on fuel for local trips. With lower risk due to having some manufacturer's warranty?
Or you could get an older 335i for half the money and have less to lose?
You could take the view that you'll probably be OK for 3 years of low mileage and not lose much.
Depends on your comfort zone with risk.
I know what I'd do, because I know what cars I like enough to take a punt on them.
Only valid reason for pending a lot on a car is 'Because I want it!'.
These things are all out of warranty and will lose a lot of value over the next 3 years in my view.
Once you factor in that loss, plus an allowance for stuff going wrong it's an expensive way of ending up where you'll be in 3 years?
How much 'fun' are you going to get from the car's performance potential with the way you use it?
For similar outlay, you might get a much newer PHEV with adequate performance, which might retain a lot more value 3 years down the line?
While saving a bit on fuel for local trips. With lower risk due to having some manufacturer's warranty?
Or you could get an older 335i for half the money and have less to lose?
You could take the view that you'll probably be OK for 3 years of low mileage and not lose much.
Depends on your comfort zone with risk.
I know what I'd do, because I know what cars I like enough to take a punt on them.
Only valid reason for pending a lot on a car is 'Because I want it!'.
OutInTheShed said:
A lot of people suggesting 6/7/8 year old sporty versions of ordinary stuff.
These things are all out of warranty and will lose a lot of value over the next 3 years in my view.
Once you factor in that loss, plus an allowance for stuff going wrong it's an expensive way of ending up where you'll be in 3 years?
How much 'fun' are you going to get from the car's performance potential with the way you use it?
For similar outlay, you might get a much newer PHEV with adequate performance, which might retain a lot more value 3 years down the line?
While saving a bit on fuel for local trips. With lower risk due to having some manufacturer's warranty?
Or you could get an older 335i for half the money and have less to lose?
You could take the view that you'll probably be OK for 3 years of low mileage and not lose much.
Depends on your comfort zone with risk.
I know what I'd do, because I know what cars I like enough to take a punt on them.
Only valid reason for pending a lot on a car is 'Because I want it!'.
What phev would you suggest? I don't think I've seen much that interests me, maybe a 2019 330e m sport, but they will probably be a bit ropey at my budget?These things are all out of warranty and will lose a lot of value over the next 3 years in my view.
Once you factor in that loss, plus an allowance for stuff going wrong it's an expensive way of ending up where you'll be in 3 years?
How much 'fun' are you going to get from the car's performance potential with the way you use it?
For similar outlay, you might get a much newer PHEV with adequate performance, which might retain a lot more value 3 years down the line?
While saving a bit on fuel for local trips. With lower risk due to having some manufacturer's warranty?
Or you could get an older 335i for half the money and have less to lose?
You could take the view that you'll probably be OK for 3 years of low mileage and not lose much.
Depends on your comfort zone with risk.
I know what I'd do, because I know what cars I like enough to take a punt on them.
Only valid reason for pending a lot on a car is 'Because I want it!'.
Kuwahara said:
Having owned a Giulia I would endorse that 100% , also the Grand Coupe BMW which I have ended up in at the moment which was supposed to be a stop gap but it’s very easy to live with if a bit dull, doesn’t drive nearly as nicely as the Alfa.
How did you find it was living with it? What was it like on fuel? Did it have Android Auto and what was the stereo like?Soooo many questions!
If my budget reduces then I think the BMW will be a good choice in 430i
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