Looking for Car Ideas & Inspiration Moving Back to the UK

[MTK1919]

After 13 years in Dubai, my family and I are moving back to the UK in early 2026. It’s been an amazing experience out here, but It feels like the right time to wrap things up and head home. Its becoming overpopulated in my view and every man and his dog is heading out here.

We’re already well down the road with the logistics of moving back, buying a home, schools, etc. But one thing I haven’t put much thought into yet is cars.

We’ll need two cars, and we have a combined cash budget of around £70k (could flex with finance for the right thing, but trying to avoid too much extra monthly commitment, around £1k/month max is acceptable).

Car For my wife

She’s looking for something in the VW Tiguan / Audi Q5 / Mini Countryman space. Nothing massive, but enough room for two kids and two small dogs in the boot. Sensible, practical, relatively new.

Car For me

This is where I’m struggling. I want something that’s a genuine jack of all trades:

Big enough for family duties

Interesting to drive

Powerful

A bit luxurious / special

Estate or saloon is fine

My dream “real-world” car would be an Alpina B3 Touring, but that’s likely out of cash budget (though maybe doable with a bit of finance), and I know they’re quite rare. The M3 Touring is an option, but to me its a touch OTT to, though I could be persuaded otherwise. Happy to consider anything that is similar to be honest.

I’ve been out of the UK car loop for over a decade, and I’m also rusty on the pros/cons of PCP vs leasing vs outright purchase, especially in the current market.

So I’d love:

Car suggestions (for both cars)

Thoughts on best financing options in today’s UK market

Alternatives to the Alpina/M3 that I could consider

Any general advice from people who’ve done a similar return move

All ideas welcome!

Cheers

[Vsix and Vtec]

I'd just get yourself something cheap and comfortable like CRV until you're sure of what you're doing. Don't forget to factor work into things (potential salary sacrifice etc) so take your time before jumping into some old beemer

[LRDefender]

One thing you should take into account is insurance costs. Do you have a transferable insurance history wrt previous claims or lack of?

[MTK1919]

Vsix and Vtec said:

I'd just get yourself something cheap and comfortable like CRV until you're sure of what you're doing. Don't forget to factor work into things (potential salary sacrifice etc) so take your time before jumping into some old beemer

Yeah agreed. I think the plan will be to get the Mrs's car first (cash purchase) and then hire a car for myself before figuring it all out. It certainly doesn't need to be boxed off on day one!

[P675]

Obviously I don't know your situation at all but I know a couple who came back from there recently and were extremely shocked by the cost of everything here when it came to buying a house and running cars, how far their money went. Please research everything properly and don't assume it's the same as when you left.

[MTK1919]

LRDefender said:

One thing you should take into account is insurance costs. Do you have a transferable insurance history wrt previous claims or lack of?

Good suggestion. I left the UK in 2012 with around 13yrs NCB.......these (to some degree) were accepted in the UAE and I've had that entire time free of claim here (touch wood that continues). I have age on my side when it comes to insurance so hopefully it won't be a huge pinch point.

[MTK1919]

P675 said:

Obviously I don't know your situation at all but I know a couple who came back from there recently and were extremely shocked by the cost of everything here when it came to buying a house and running cars, how far their money went. Please research everything properly and don't assume it's the same as when you left.

We've sat down with our good friends who were visiting from the UK about a typical budget. They are quite similar to us. 2 kids, relatively modest house / lifestyle, hardworking but fortunate with good jobs etc. Some of it was quite eye opening but its important we know the reality of what it looks like now. Compared with Dubai there won't be enough savings in the UK to offset the 0% tax in Dubai but its closer than you think when you add it all up.

[Crumpet]

F-Pace SVR and a BMW iX3.

The SVR is like a big hot hatch and was possibly my favourite car that I’ve owned. I don’t think anything has made me grin like that thing did and that’s compared to a subsequent Aston and currently a 992 GTS.

IX3 is a great family runaround, costs peanuts to run, safe, comfortable and the wife loves hers.

[RizzoTheRat]

For your wife's mid size SUV, take a look at the RAV4 and Lexus NX as well. 300 BHP in PHEV form, 50mpg on the motorway when using petrol only, and a 10 year 100k mile warranty if you get t serviced at a main dealer.

[MTK1919]

Crumpet said:

F-Pace SVR and a BMW iX3.

The SVR is like a big hot hatch and was possibly my favourite car that I ve owned. I don t think anything has made me grin like that thing did and that s compared to a subsequent Aston and currently a 992 GTS.

IX3 is a great family runaround, costs peanuts to run, safe, comfortable and the wife loves hers.

Umm food for thought. Very different I know but I had a Jag F Type R a couple of years back...... what-an-engine! Will check out the IX3, Cheers

[MTK1919]

RizzoTheRat said:

For your wife's mid size SUV, take a look at the RAV4 and Lexus NX as well. 300 BHP in PHEV form, 50mpg on the motorway when using petrol only, and a 10 year 100k mile warranty if you get t serviced at a main dealer.

Thanks, will take a look.

[JimmyConwayNW]

Finance might be a challenge if you've been out the country for that long as won't have much in the way of credit footprint ( unless you have had something running here then forgive me).

[MTK1919]

JimmyConwayNW said:

Finance might be a challenge if you've been out the country for that long as won't have much in the way of credit footprint ( unless you have had something running here then forgive me).

Important point thanks.

I've maintained a credit card in the UK since I've moved and recently setup a new mobile contract as I prepare a move back.

I receive a credit report from Clearscore and Experian each month in addition to TransUnion via my bank. They all sit in the very good end of the scale so hopefully ok there if I need it.

To be honest I'll want as little finance as possible but may need a small mortgage (<100k) to top up my savings. I do think I'll need a good 6 months to a year of regular UK income flowing through my bank though.....irrespective of my credit history.