500 miles per week
Discussion
I may be getting a new job soon that will require me to do a 100 mile round trip 5 days a week.
In preparation for this I'm thinking about the best way to do this from a car side as it's not something I have had to do for a number of years.
I currently have a 2021 V60 T6 Recharge that I own outright. If I sold it through the likes of Motorway I imagine I'd get around £22k for it. I don't really want to keep this and put loads of miles on it as I think it will depreciate pretty hard.
The journey will be a mixture of motorway and B-roads. On one hand I want to get something that is as cost efficient as possible, on the other hand I know from having done a similar commute in the past that having something comfortable, refined and reliable is important.
I am currently leaning towards getting a used EV (Ioniq 5?) as if I get a home charger installed I can make a lot of savings against an ICE car in terms of weekly running cost.
That said, EV's do depreciate pretty hard and I'd probably be spending £18k to get an Ioniq 5. I wonder if the savings I make on fuel costs will be wiped out by the depreciation I'll see in say a years time if I was to rinse and repeat with the car I'd be selling having another 25k miles on it.
The alternative would be to get something diesel, I have had a 330D before and if they weren't holding their value so well I'd probably just go for one, but I do begrudge paying what is being asked when in 2020 I bought a 2016 330D M Sport with 30k miles for £19k. Similar money is being asked for that car today which is crazy.
Open to some suggestions?
In preparation for this I'm thinking about the best way to do this from a car side as it's not something I have had to do for a number of years.
I currently have a 2021 V60 T6 Recharge that I own outright. If I sold it through the likes of Motorway I imagine I'd get around £22k for it. I don't really want to keep this and put loads of miles on it as I think it will depreciate pretty hard.
The journey will be a mixture of motorway and B-roads. On one hand I want to get something that is as cost efficient as possible, on the other hand I know from having done a similar commute in the past that having something comfortable, refined and reliable is important.
I am currently leaning towards getting a used EV (Ioniq 5?) as if I get a home charger installed I can make a lot of savings against an ICE car in terms of weekly running cost.
That said, EV's do depreciate pretty hard and I'd probably be spending £18k to get an Ioniq 5. I wonder if the savings I make on fuel costs will be wiped out by the depreciation I'll see in say a years time if I was to rinse and repeat with the car I'd be selling having another 25k miles on it.
The alternative would be to get something diesel, I have had a 330D before and if they weren't holding their value so well I'd probably just go for one, but I do begrudge paying what is being asked when in 2020 I bought a 2016 330D M Sport with 30k miles for £19k. Similar money is being asked for that car today which is crazy.
Open to some suggestions?
Edited by Al U on Tuesday 24th June 11:29
Think I'd just get a higher mileage Model 3 if making a reasonable effort to spend as little as possible on the commute.
It'll be a good chunk more efficient than the Ioniq 5 and should be cheaper to buy too.
EV is a no brainer though. Around £2 a day Vs what? Atleast £12 but more like £20 in petrol/diesel.
£400 Vs £4000 a year. It will dwarf all the other costs if you buy well.
It'll be a good chunk more efficient than the Ioniq 5 and should be cheaper to buy too.
EV is a no brainer though. Around £2 a day Vs what? Atleast £12 but more like £20 in petrol/diesel.
£400 Vs £4000 a year. It will dwarf all the other costs if you buy well.
A Tesla for sure, you’ll save a packet on fuel, it will always be full in the morning having recharged cheaply overnight and will actually be a nice thing to drive with all the autonomous features to take the strain off you with all that commuting.
One thin, why would you sell it after a year though? Whatever car you buy that’s a sure fire way to lose money. EVs are actually very reliable and can cope with huge mileage with the our needing brakes, clutches,
Oil etc and a Tesla battery is likely to retain enough range for your use up to several hundred thousand miles judging by the data out there.
One thin, why would you sell it after a year though? Whatever car you buy that’s a sure fire way to lose money. EVs are actually very reliable and can cope with huge mileage with the our needing brakes, clutches,
Oil etc and a Tesla battery is likely to retain enough range for your use up to several hundred thousand miles judging by the data out there.
If you're buying at 3-4 years old the depreciation should be levelling out considerably and when you consider the purchase price + savings when compared to an ICE it's a no brainer for your usage with access to charging.
100 miles per day possible in the majority of EV's easily, and whilst efficiency does affect cost the reality is that if you are on a cheap overnight tariff like Octopus Go the difference in running costs over 25k miles per year is minimal (3 miles/kWh @ 7p kW = £583, 4 miles/kWh @ 7p kW = £437)
As you're going to be spending a lot of time in whatever you buy get a few test drives and make sure you're comfortable and happy with the controls etc. as Tesla's way of doing things isn't for everyone and IME they're not the most comfortable and are noisy at speed compared to other options.
100 miles per day possible in the majority of EV's easily, and whilst efficiency does affect cost the reality is that if you are on a cheap overnight tariff like Octopus Go the difference in running costs over 25k miles per year is minimal (3 miles/kWh @ 7p kW = £583, 4 miles/kWh @ 7p kW = £437)
As you're going to be spending a lot of time in whatever you buy get a few test drives and make sure you're comfortable and happy with the controls etc. as Tesla's way of doing things isn't for everyone and IME they're not the most comfortable and are noisy at speed compared to other options.
Edited by SWoll on Tuesday 24th June 12:32
So since writing this post I have been offered the role I mentioned in my first post, so definitely will be changing the car.
To answer the poster above, I don't want to keep the Volvo as it will be too expensive to run at that sort of mileage. I'd be doing £75 a week in fuel alone I imagine, not to mention the depreciation putting that many miles on it.
So assuming I do go electric, I was hoping to get a used car on a finance deal (or cash even) where they throw in a charger, then pay off the finance as soon as the charger is installed. I don't have a charger currently and don't really want to spend £1k on one.
With regard to the Tesla Model 3 I don't really like the fact they don't have android auto which I use a lot, I also don't like that they are super common and dare I say they have a bit of an image problem recently.
They do seem well regarded as far as electric cars go, but I guess what I really want to know is something like a Hyundai Ioniq 5 that much worse in terms of efficiency? I think what appeals with the Hyundai is that they have a more established dealer network, better warranty options on used etc.
To answer the poster above, I don't want to keep the Volvo as it will be too expensive to run at that sort of mileage. I'd be doing £75 a week in fuel alone I imagine, not to mention the depreciation putting that many miles on it.
So assuming I do go electric, I was hoping to get a used car on a finance deal (or cash even) where they throw in a charger, then pay off the finance as soon as the charger is installed. I don't have a charger currently and don't really want to spend £1k on one.
With regard to the Tesla Model 3 I don't really like the fact they don't have android auto which I use a lot, I also don't like that they are super common and dare I say they have a bit of an image problem recently.
They do seem well regarded as far as electric cars go, but I guess what I really want to know is something like a Hyundai Ioniq 5 that much worse in terms of efficiency? I think what appeals with the Hyundai is that they have a more established dealer network, better warranty options on used etc.
Al U said:
So since writing this post I have been offered the role I mentioned in my first post, so definitely will be changing the car.
To answer the poster above, I don't want to keep the Volvo as it will be too expensive to run at that sort of mileage. I'd be doing £75 a week in fuel alone I imagine, not to mention the depreciation putting that many miles on it.
So assuming I do go electric, I was hoping to get a used car on a finance deal (or cash even) where they throw in a charger, then pay off the finance as soon as the charger is installed. I don't have a charger currently and don't really want to spend £1k on one.
With regard to the Tesla Model 3 I don't really like the fact they don't have android auto which I use a lot, I also don't like that they are super common and dare I say they have a bit of an image problem recently.
They do seem well regarded as far as electric cars go, but I guess what I really want to know is something like a Hyundai Ioniq 5 that much worse in terms of efficiency? I think what appeals with the Hyundai is that they have a more established dealer network, better warranty options on used etc.
As above, if you plan to end up on an EV tariff any difference in cost due to efficiency is going to be minimal even with your mileage and not something I would be overly concerned about.To answer the poster above, I don't want to keep the Volvo as it will be too expensive to run at that sort of mileage. I'd be doing £75 a week in fuel alone I imagine, not to mention the depreciation putting that many miles on it.
So assuming I do go electric, I was hoping to get a used car on a finance deal (or cash even) where they throw in a charger, then pay off the finance as soon as the charger is installed. I don't have a charger currently and don't really want to spend £1k on one.
With regard to the Tesla Model 3 I don't really like the fact they don't have android auto which I use a lot, I also don't like that they are super common and dare I say they have a bit of an image problem recently.
They do seem well regarded as far as electric cars go, but I guess what I really want to know is something like a Hyundai Ioniq 5 that much worse in terms of efficiency? I think what appeals with the Hyundai is that they have a more established dealer network, better warranty options on used etc.
As a an example an e-tron returning 2.5 miles/kWh will cost you £55 a month in electricity at 7p a kW. A Model 3 RWD returning 4 miles/kWh will cost you £35 a month. Peanuts compared to petrol/diesel essentially.
I'd get an approved used Tesla Model 3.
£15k/£17k will get you one with a years' warranty from Tesla, should still have battery warranty for a few years to come.
The standard range model will knock out 4 miles / kWh easy enough, even up to 5.
500 miles a week should cost you around £8-£10 if you charge on a EV specific tariff.
Appreciate they are common and the image has been tarnished recently, but they're a fantastic car. Run for a couple of years, sell when the battery warranty is coming to an end and go again.
£15k/£17k will get you one with a years' warranty from Tesla, should still have battery warranty for a few years to come.
The standard range model will knock out 4 miles / kWh easy enough, even up to 5.
500 miles a week should cost you around £8-£10 if you charge on a EV specific tariff.
Appreciate they are common and the image has been tarnished recently, but they're a fantastic car. Run for a couple of years, sell when the battery warranty is coming to an end and go again.
RayDonovan said:
I'd get an approved used Tesla Model 3.
£15k/£17k will get you one with a years' warranty from Tesla, should still have battery warranty for a few years to come.
The standard range model will knock out 4 miles / kWh easy enough, even up to 5.
500 miles a week should cost you around £8-£10 if you charge on a EV specific tariff.
Appreciate they are common and the image has been tarnished recently, but they're a fantastic car. Run for a couple of years, sell when the battery warranty is coming to an end and go again.
They're a decent car but not sure I'd want to spend 25k miles a year in one given the choice. Great efficiency but refinement and comfort not it's strong points IME.£15k/£17k will get you one with a years' warranty from Tesla, should still have battery warranty for a few years to come.
The standard range model will knock out 4 miles / kWh easy enough, even up to 5.
500 miles a week should cost you around £8-£10 if you charge on a EV specific tariff.
Appreciate they are common and the image has been tarnished recently, but they're a fantastic car. Run for a couple of years, sell when the battery warranty is coming to an end and go again.
SWoll said:
RayDonovan said:
I'd get an approved used Tesla Model 3.
£15k/£17k will get you one with a years' warranty from Tesla, should still have battery warranty for a few years to come.
The standard range model will knock out 4 miles / kWh easy enough, even up to 5.
500 miles a week should cost you around £8-£10 if you charge on a EV specific tariff.
Appreciate they are common and the image has been tarnished recently, but they're a fantastic car. Run for a couple of years, sell when the battery warranty is coming to an end and go again.
They're a decent car but not sure I'd want to spend 25k miles a year in one given the choice. Great efficiency but refinement and comfort not it's strong points IME.£15k/£17k will get you one with a years' warranty from Tesla, should still have battery warranty for a few years to come.
The standard range model will knock out 4 miles / kWh easy enough, even up to 5.
500 miles a week should cost you around £8-£10 if you charge on a EV specific tariff.
Appreciate they are common and the image has been tarnished recently, but they're a fantastic car. Run for a couple of years, sell when the battery warranty is coming to an end and go again.

RayDonovan said:
SWoll said:
RayDonovan said:
I'd get an approved used Tesla Model 3.
£15k/£17k will get you one with a years' warranty from Tesla, should still have battery warranty for a few years to come.
The standard range model will knock out 4 miles / kWh easy enough, even up to 5.
500 miles a week should cost you around £8-£10 if you charge on a EV specific tariff.
Appreciate they are common and the image has been tarnished recently, but they're a fantastic car. Run for a couple of years, sell when the battery warranty is coming to an end and go again.
They're a decent car but not sure I'd want to spend 25k miles a year in one given the choice. Great efficiency but refinement and comfort not it's strong points IME.£15k/£17k will get you one with a years' warranty from Tesla, should still have battery warranty for a few years to come.
The standard range model will knock out 4 miles / kWh easy enough, even up to 5.
500 miles a week should cost you around £8-£10 if you charge on a EV specific tariff.
Appreciate they are common and the image has been tarnished recently, but they're a fantastic car. Run for a couple of years, sell when the battery warranty is coming to an end and go again.

Good cars tbh, and effortless to drive, park, etc.
Cheap too
Nissan Leaf. £13.6k gets you a dealer approved 62kwh which will smash your range requirements.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202504111...
Even a 39/40kwh model will do you in all seasons without a problem, £11.3k from a main dealer for a 23 reg:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202312204...
I've been driving Leafs daily for 7 years. I love them, really comfy and superb VFM.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202504111...
Even a 39/40kwh model will do you in all seasons without a problem, £11.3k from a main dealer for a 23 reg:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202312204...
I've been driving Leafs daily for 7 years. I love them, really comfy and superb VFM.
I keep going on about Megane e-tech. Early depreciation gone after 3 years while still has another 2 year overall warranty. Brilliantly refined to drive and dynamically sorted.
And the OS is Android if the OP is used to it.
They have been holding their (used) value amazingly well over the past year.
And they're not an ID3!
And the OS is Android if the OP is used to it.
They have been holding their (used) value amazingly well over the past year.
And they're not an ID3!
Edited by nickfrog on Tuesday 24th June 16:32
If I am really honest I just can't get onboard with the thought of parting with my hard earned and getting a Tesla. I can't put my finger on what it is that makes me not want one, maybe it's because they are so unremarkable where there are so many of them on the road. There is maybe an appeal to having something that blends in and no one will take a second look at (maybe before the image problems).
Then again there must be a reason there are so many of them on the road, I have never driven one and I think it's probably time to get some test drives sorted. I may change my mind instantly if I like the way the car drives.
Then again there must be a reason there are so many of them on the road, I have never driven one and I think it's probably time to get some test drives sorted. I may change my mind instantly if I like the way the car drives.
CG2020UK said:
If you are wanting even cheaper VW ID3 is a lot of value for money.
In all honesty when it comes to EVs it s very hard to see past Tesla s and the Model 3 is a brilliant daily driver.
I like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 I drove. If you want one I d still say go for it.
Put off by how plasticky the interior on these looks in particular the door card, as well as the tiny driver display, lack of illuminated heater controls and horror stories around the infotainment. I'd also put this in the "too small" category, as I would a Nissan Leaf.In all honesty when it comes to EVs it s very hard to see past Tesla s and the Model 3 is a brilliant daily driver.
I like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 I drove. If you want one I d still say go for it.
nickfrog said:
I keep going on about Megane e-tech. Early depreciation gone after 3 years while still has another 2 year overall warranty. Brilliantly refined to drive and dynamically sorted.
And the OS is Android if the OP is used to it.
They have been holding their (used) value amazingly well over the past year.
And they're not an ID3!
I do think Megane E-tech looks decent to be fair, might see if I can get a test drive on one locally. Size wise looks quite similar to an ID3 saying that.And the OS is Android if the OP is used to it.
They have been holding their (used) value amazingly well over the past year.
And they're not an ID3!
Edited by nickfrog on Tuesday 24th June 16:32
I'm pleased I don't need to do this any more!
I used to do 50 miles each way, Mon to Fri for a couple of periods of 2 or 3 years.
I mostly drove cheap sheds, so depreciation wasn't a worry, apart from one car instantly depreciating to zero.
Fuel cost was 45mpg in a diesel or 38 is in a petrol.
In today's money that's £3000 to £3500 a year in fuel.
That kind of money doesn't go a huge way against the depreciation of something shiny, but these days some EVs which will do the job can be had cheap enough to pay back pretty quickly.
Riding a motorbike instead a few days a week was nice.
But it's an awful waste of time!
If the cost of the commute is such a concern, is the job worth it?
I used to do 50 miles each way, Mon to Fri for a couple of periods of 2 or 3 years.
I mostly drove cheap sheds, so depreciation wasn't a worry, apart from one car instantly depreciating to zero.
Fuel cost was 45mpg in a diesel or 38 is in a petrol.
In today's money that's £3000 to £3500 a year in fuel.
That kind of money doesn't go a huge way against the depreciation of something shiny, but these days some EVs which will do the job can be had cheap enough to pay back pretty quickly.
Riding a motorbike instead a few days a week was nice.
But it's an awful waste of time!
If the cost of the commute is such a concern, is the job worth it?
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