Calculating the price of 2 identicle cars on their mileage

Soldato
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I'm interested in replacing my car and I'm looking at a....bear with me here... a Honda Insight 1.3 IMA. I've driven the hybrid before and I really like it. While the car isn't the most attractive, I'm not going on looks but economy. My 1.4 TDCI pulls 75-80mpg and the Insight is 61mpg - I'm also working closer to home so not fussed about considering petrol - will miss the torque of the diesel though.

So, both cars are the same spec, but the difference is 17k and £480. Car 1 has 52k and is up for £8,480 and car 2 is 35k and up for £8000.

There is no way the 52k car is worth £8.4k, so my question to you is how do you negotiate the price of the car down based on its mileage? I don't see 17k being worth the £480.

The reason I'm interested in the 52k car is due to my brother working at the garage and the fact its closer to home than car #2. I'm also happy to move to petrol as my commute distance is now a lot less.

Thoughts?
 
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You don't, you decide what you would like to pay for the car and set the bar lower than that...with the aim to meet in the middle at hopefully your price.

The reasons why do not matter a jot, just tell them what you want to pay (unless its about 2 grand less, then forget it). Details as of to why "I don't think its worth more because of x, y or z" are irrelevant, ultimately they don't care
 
IMO the car with half the mileage is worth £480 more, but I wouldn't buy either unless you can do a daily commute on all electric.
 
IMO the car with half the mileage is worth £480 more, but I wouldn't buy either unless you can do a daily commute on all electric.

How would that work?!

The higher mileage car could be mint, the low mileage one a dog.
The higher mileage car could be in a more desirable colour.
The lower mileage car may have stretched every service by 2k while the high mileage one was done on the button.
The higher mileage car could be sitting on 4 new premium tyres.......

It isn't as simple as just looking at the odometer. On paper I ALWAYS over pay for my cars but IMO I always end up with a good deal, if that makes sense :p
 
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Thanks for your replies :)

I think I'll reevaluate this, maybe the IMA/Hybrid isn't such a good idea. From research, I seem to be able to get a Fiesta Econetic for 2k ish less, which is more appealing!!
 
Wait... you have a car that you claim does 75-80 MPG but you were considering an Insight, not for its looks but for its economy... but you are happy moving to a less economic petrol because you are now commuting less... now you are considering a Fiesta Econetic. :confused:

I don't get it.
 
Wait... you have a car that you claim does 75-80 MPG but you were considering an Insight, not for its looks but for its economy... but you are happy moving to a less economic petrol because you are now commuting less... now you are considering a Fiesta Econetic. :confused:

I don't get it.

Neither do I to be honest. I was thinking the hybrid would be ok as the commute is less of a distance but more traffic will be around - you can run these up to 30mph on the electric motor if charged, it was a plus point.

I guess I'm undecided on what to do and really don't want to loose the economy or torque of a diesel.

Also pointing out that my MPG value is true. I reset the trip every time I fill up and due to the fuel gauge on my Mk6 being digital, it perfectly shows 8 gallons. Therefore, when each gallon drops, I can calculate my economy!
 
Neither do I to be honest. I was thinking the hybrid would be ok as the commute is less of a distance but more traffic will be around - you can run these up to 30mph on the electric motor if charged, it was a plus point.

I guess I'm undecided on what to do and really don't want to loose the economy or torque of a diesel.

Also pointing out that my MPG value is true. I reset the trip every time I fill up and due to the fuel gauge on my Mk6 being digital, it perfectly shows 8 gallons. Therefore, when each gallon drops, I can calculate my economy!

It sounds like your current car is serving you well so I'd not be in a huge rush to move on. I'd look very carefully at the potential pitfalls of modern diesels in terms of potential bills and more importantly DPF issues if you are doing relatively short trips.
 
My commuting distance is shorter, but I'll still be using the car for long journeys during holidays & weekends.

Are you suggesting a petrol would be better suited?
 
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