Where to go from an M2
Discussion
I currently drive a 2017 BMW M2. I've had it for 2 years and had great fun with it, but it's an expensive car to run and is due a £600+ major service plus rear tyres and brakes in the next few months - after doing a bit of maths I'm considering moving it on now rather than waiting until the end of PCP term next November.
The problem I am having is what to replace with - I am aware the cars I'm considering will be a step down from the M2 but I'm looking at buying these outright rather than PCP, so I have a max budget of around £25k. Shortlist is:
The problem I am having is what to replace with - I am aware the cars I'm considering will be a step down from the M2 but I'm looking at buying these outright rather than PCP, so I have a max budget of around £25k. Shortlist is:
- Mk8 Fiesta ST - nearly bought one of these when I got the M2. Performance should be more exploitable on a daily basis, but concerned it wouldn't feel special enough. Would the Orange Performance Edition feel more special?
- Megane RS Trophy 300 - I am very drawn to these (but haven't driven one) - there is a perfect spec one for sale currently at a good price which I am itching to pull the trigger on. I am concerned about Renault reliability - is this still a thing with French cars? Seen a few horror stories about the Lithium batteries on these.
- Mk3 Focus RS - again nearly bought one of these last time round, but the values have held so strongly I'm finding it hard to accept paying £25k for a car I could have got for £28k two years ago. At some point they will surely dip in value? Would also mean a 2017 car rather than a 2019 car with warranty.
- Mercedes A35 AMG - love the interior of these but it would mean stretching the budget to nearer £30k, which probably rules it out. Also haven't driven one.
Edited by resolve10 on Monday 9th November 17:19
Edited by resolve10 on Monday 9th November 17:20
If you like your M2 then spend the money as rear tyres & a service will always be cheaper than buying a new car, on the other hand if you just fancy a change the from your list it would be the Megane (reliability is on par with everything else out there) all that don't buy French is defunct.
I've driven a few now, they do look & feel special not quite as sweet as the previous gen but good none the less.
Also look at the i30N you can get one at around Fiesta ST money which make them a bargain & also consider the 308GTI.
I've driven a few now, they do look & feel special not quite as sweet as the previous gen but good none the less.
Also look at the i30N you can get one at around Fiesta ST money which make them a bargain & also consider the 308GTI.
I do like the M2, great car, but I feel like I've had the ownership experience now and am reluctant to put £1,000 plus into running it for another year.
Hyundai i20N is a valid recommendation, I love the exterior looks and all the reviews suggest it's an engaging drive, but I couldn't live with the interior - too bland.
I'm probably going to follow up the Megane, I've always wanted to tick the Renaultsport box and the way things are heading, they might not be around much longer.
The problem now is the semi-lockdown situation we are in means someone could buy the car tomorrow by click & collect, but I'm reluctant to until I've driven one so will have to hope it sticks around until December...
Hyundai i20N is a valid recommendation, I love the exterior looks and all the reviews suggest it's an engaging drive, but I couldn't live with the interior - too bland.
I'm probably going to follow up the Megane, I've always wanted to tick the Renaultsport box and the way things are heading, they might not be around much longer.
The problem now is the semi-lockdown situation we are in means someone could buy the car tomorrow by click & collect, but I'm reluctant to until I've driven one so will have to hope it sticks around until December...
I am no expert with PCP but isn't an early termination quite expensive in itself? As in far more costly than the maintenance due? Couldn't you buy the car at the end of the PCP for less than £25k?
Surprised the brakes need attention but presumably it is the front pads due to high mileage? It is a very easy DIY job.
Surprised the brakes need attention but presumably it is the front pads due to high mileage? It is a very easy DIY job.
No penalties for terminating a PCP, you can end the agreement at any time as long the settlement fee is paid (either by yourself or a dealer buying your car). The settlement figure is usually the remaining monthly payments plus the balloon payment, minus any interest on that figure - so in most cases you will get an interest rebate too.
The horror stories regarding PCP come from people taking out low deposit deals on badly-depreciating cars, then find themselves loaded up with thousands of negative equity and can't get out of the car.
I'm not against PCP as a means of owning cars but the deals are not as strong as they were a couple of years ago hence the change of thinking.
The horror stories regarding PCP come from people taking out low deposit deals on badly-depreciating cars, then find themselves loaded up with thousands of negative equity and can't get out of the car.
I'm not against PCP as a means of owning cars but the deals are not as strong as they were a couple of years ago hence the change of thinking.
resolve10 said:
No penalties for terminating a PCP, you can end the agreement at any time as long the settlement fee is paid (either by yourself or a dealer buying your car). The settlement figure is usually the remaining monthly payments plus the balloon payment, minus any interest on that figure - so in most cases you will get an interest rebate too.
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It shows how little I know about PCP. By "expensive" I didn't particularly mean through fees but if they let you walk away without additional paynents then that sounds good. Presumably that means they'll value the car for no less than outstanding payments + balloon payment. Wouldn't you want to buy the car at that price? .
nickfrog said:
It shows how little I know about PCP. By "expensive" I didn't particularly mean through fees but if they let you walk away without additional paynents then that sounds good. Presumably that means they'll value the car for no less than outstanding payments + balloon payment. Wouldn't you want to buy the car at that price?
Not quite no - think of it as a standard hire purchase finance agreement except you have the option to hand the car back at the end for no further payment (subject to condition and agreed mileage limits), or buy it for the pre-agreed balloon figure. If you decide to trade it in earlier, the dealer will treat it like a regular part exchange and value it accordingly. If the valuation is lower than your amount owed, you would have to pay the difference. If the valuation is higher, that equity would be yours to use against the new vehicle.
Unless you paid a big initial payment it's highly likely you'll owe money to get out. It's a false economy getting out now to avoid paying for maintenance if you've already soaked up a lot of the depreciation of the car with your initial and your payments to date. Total ownership is costing you the same no matter what. Having done PCP a few times and having terminated a few agreements the customer never wins.
From your list I'd probably get the Megane. I test drove one when they came out and thought it felt much stronger than the figures suggested with a feel to the steering that reminded me of the GT3. If I didn't need a boot or seats I'd get a proper sports car like a 987 Cayman S, 997.2 or an Evora. Those cars really make you appreciate the difference between a car that's been designed from the ground up as a sports car and one that's a lifestyle car that's been through a tuning department.
From your list I'd probably get the Megane. I test drove one when they came out and thought it felt much stronger than the figures suggested with a feel to the steering that reminded me of the GT3. If I didn't need a boot or seats I'd get a proper sports car like a 987 Cayman S, 997.2 or an Evora. Those cars really make you appreciate the difference between a car that's been designed from the ground up as a sports car and one that's a lifestyle car that's been through a tuning department.
nunpuncher said:
Unless you paid a big initial payment it's highly likely you'll owe money to get out. It's a false economy getting out now to avoid paying for maintenance if you've already soaked up a lot of the depreciation of the car with your initial and your payments to date. Total ownership is costing you the same no matter what. Having done PCP a few times and having terminated a few agreements the customer never wins.
From your list I'd probably get the Megane. I test drove one when they came out and thought it felt much stronger than the figures suggested with a feel to the steering that reminded me of the GT3. If I didn't need a boot or seats I'd get a proper sports car like a 987 Cayman S, 997.2 or an Evora. Those cars really make you appreciate the difference between a car that's been designed from the ground up as a sports car and one that's a lifestyle car that's been through a tuning department.
Yes I understand that, the deal I am in has reasonably low APR and I put £3k in up front. The offers I have had for the car are around the same as the settlement figure, so I could get out of it at no additional cost to myself, though I accept that I have still paid for this up front.From your list I'd probably get the Megane. I test drove one when they came out and thought it felt much stronger than the figures suggested with a feel to the steering that reminded me of the GT3. If I didn't need a boot or seats I'd get a proper sports car like a 987 Cayman S, 997.2 or an Evora. Those cars really make you appreciate the difference between a car that's been designed from the ground up as a sports car and one that's a lifestyle car that's been through a tuning department.
Would love a proper 2-seater sports car, either a Cayman or an Alpine, but I have two young kids that need ferrying around. We have another car in the household but the wife wouldn't drive either of those, so not an option sadly.
I will probably keep the M2 another year but the Megane is definitely favourite for when the time comes to replace it. Your description of the steering has whet my appetite to try one even more!
Re: Mk3 Focus RS
I had one from new for 2 years with the mountune 375 upgrade but spent most time looking on the net how to fix the stupidly hard ride.
Perhaps its just my local roads but the ride is stupidly hard. Great for the race track, I did Goodwood and Brighton speed trial but wearing on the road.
I traded it for an E93 M3, ride in comparison is like a limo.
I had one from new for 2 years with the mountune 375 upgrade but spent most time looking on the net how to fix the stupidly hard ride.
Perhaps its just my local roads but the ride is stupidly hard. Great for the race track, I did Goodwood and Brighton speed trial but wearing on the road.
I traded it for an E93 M3, ride in comparison is like a limo.
rev-erend said:
Re: Mk3 Focus RS
I had one from new for 2 years with the mountune 375 upgrade but spent most time looking on the net how to fix the stupidly hard ride.
Perhaps its just my local roads but the ride is stupidly hard. Great for the race track, I did Goodwood and Brighton speed trial but wearing on the road.
I traded it for an E93 M3, ride in comparison is like a limo.
I’ve always fancied the Focus, seems like a great all rounder.I had one from new for 2 years with the mountune 375 upgrade but spent most time looking on the net how to fix the stupidly hard ride.
Perhaps its just my local roads but the ride is stupidly hard. Great for the race track, I did Goodwood and Brighton speed trial but wearing on the road.
I traded it for an E93 M3, ride in comparison is like a limo.
From what I’ve read it is possible to tone down the suspension with a £300 set of springs but I don’t know the truth of it.
There is a dsc suspension controller out there too but this is a £1000.
Not sure I could pick one over an M2 though.
I nearly went for a Megane 280 instead of my Cupra. I wanted the dual-clutch 'box though, which wasn't being offered on the decent deals they had on both cars at the time. I think they look gorgeous and probably my pick of the C-segment hot hatches. Kinda regret not going for it sometimes. The exhaust on them, even with the ones with a GPF fitted, just sound amazing. The Trophy is even better, from what I've heard.
Hyundai i30N deserves a mention. Would love one of those too. Pretty similar to the Megane really. Apparently a bit better but i don't think it beats the Renault aesthetically.
Focus RS is another car i love. The issue I'd have is with reliability on the things. That would be the only thing that would worry me and potentially stop me buying one. Most people who have owned them seem to have had quite a few issues.
Never driven the MK8, but the MK7 Fiesta ST is probably the most fun car I've ever driven. The newer one seems to be an overall improvement on that. B-segment hatches are the most traditional IMO. However, it is a much smaller car, so bear that in mind.
A35 doesn't do much for me at all tbh. Just way too grown up. Out of the German variations, it'd be the Golf R for me. Leon Cupra also gets a mention. Really enjoying mine but the other non-VAG/German offerings are much more engaging cars to drive.
Hyundai i30N deserves a mention. Would love one of those too. Pretty similar to the Megane really. Apparently a bit better but i don't think it beats the Renault aesthetically.
Focus RS is another car i love. The issue I'd have is with reliability on the things. That would be the only thing that would worry me and potentially stop me buying one. Most people who have owned them seem to have had quite a few issues.
Never driven the MK8, but the MK7 Fiesta ST is probably the most fun car I've ever driven. The newer one seems to be an overall improvement on that. B-segment hatches are the most traditional IMO. However, it is a much smaller car, so bear that in mind.
A35 doesn't do much for me at all tbh. Just way too grown up. Out of the German variations, it'd be the Golf R for me. Leon Cupra also gets a mention. Really enjoying mine but the other non-VAG/German offerings are much more engaging cars to drive.
Edited by culpz on Tuesday 10th November 12:56
Welshbeef said:
S205 C63 AMG is surely an option.
Can these be had at £25k? I haven't even looked to be honest but surely the tax, servicing and other consumables would be even higher on this than the M2?culpz said:
I nearly went for a Megane 280 instead of my Cupra. I wanted the dual-clutch 'box though, which wasn't being offered on the decent deals they had on both cars at the time. I think they look gorgeous and probably my pick of the C-segment hot hatches. Kinda regret not going for it sometimes. The exhaust on them, even with the ones with a GPF fitted, just sound amazing. The Trophy is even better, from what I've heard.
Hyundai i30N deserves a mention. Would love one of those too. Pretty similar to the Megane really. Apparently a bit better but i don't think it beats the Renault aesthetically.
Focus RS is another car i love. The issue I'd have is with reliability on the things. That would be the only thing that would worry me and potentially stop me buying one. Most people who have owned them seem to have had quite a few issues.
Never driven the MK8, but the MK7 Fiesta ST is probably the most fun car I've ever driven. The newer one seems to be an overall improvement on that. B-segment hatches are the most traditional IMO. However, it is a much smaller car, so bear that in mind.
A35 doesn't do much for me at all tbh. Just way too grown up. Out of the German variations, it'd be the Golf R for me. Leon Cupra also gets a mention. Really enjoying mine but the other non-VAG/German offerings are much more engaging cars to drive.
Sounds like we have very similar taste in cars - only the Golf R doesn't appeal to me at all. I find German cars in general lack a little design flair compared to others. The latest Mercedes interiors definitely address this somewhat, but taking the A35 as an example it still looks a little bland on the outside unless specced in a bold colour and with the aero pack. I guess that's why the Ford and Renault offerings appeal to me.Hyundai i30N deserves a mention. Would love one of those too. Pretty similar to the Megane really. Apparently a bit better but i don't think it beats the Renault aesthetically.
Focus RS is another car i love. The issue I'd have is with reliability on the things. That would be the only thing that would worry me and potentially stop me buying one. Most people who have owned them seem to have had quite a few issues.
Never driven the MK8, but the MK7 Fiesta ST is probably the most fun car I've ever driven. The newer one seems to be an overall improvement on that. B-segment hatches are the most traditional IMO. However, it is a much smaller car, so bear that in mind.
A35 doesn't do much for me at all tbh. Just way too grown up. Out of the German variations, it'd be the Golf R for me. Leon Cupra also gets a mention. Really enjoying mine but the other non-VAG/German offerings are much more engaging cars to drive.
Edited by culpz on Tuesday 10th November 12:56
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