Purchasing Advice!

digitalwolf · 17 Sep 2008 at 11:12

Hi there!

I'm due to start a new job in the next couple of weeks. I'll be working as a sub contractor (self employed) and will be doing around 25-30k miles a year.

As much as I love my car, there is no chance i'm doing that mileage in a Saxo.

I've been looking at dirty diesels, Grande Punto 1.9 JTD Sporting, Seat Ibiza TDi FR 130, Golf 1.9 TDi 130 etc.

People keep telling to get a new car on finance or something as if the car goes off the road, basically I can't work.

As i'm using it for work, whats the best way to purchase one? Finance? Lease?

Howard · 17 Sep 2008 at 11:14

Editing because I actually have nothing really useful to ask or contribute

GravyMonster · 17 Sep 2008 at 11:16

For that kind of mileage a derv is the way forward. What's your budget?

Morba · 17 Sep 2008 at 11:19

Don't finance a new car. if you have to, get a 2nd hand one. Diesel is the way to go.

digitalwolf · 17 Sep 2008 at 11:22

I need a car with some kind of decent warranty.

I can't hire a car as i'm only 20, courtesy car would be a must if it ever went in for work.

GravyMonster · 17 Sep 2008 at 11:33

If you buy a used car from a dealer you should be able to finagle a 1 year warranty into the deal. If not you can buy one from a third party. Just make sure it covers the important stuff, not just non wear and tear items.

blaze of glory · 17 Sep 2008 at 11:40

Speakinh as an ex-Fiat mechanic I would probably go for the Grande Punto. The 1.9JTD is a real diamond of a diesel. Very quick, very economical with sensible servicing costs.

Servicing wise, cambelts need doing at 90k and oil changes at 9k. The engine will rev freely throughout the rev range without and flat/dead spots. The build quality of the Fiat isn't going to be up to the standard of the Germans and depreciation will be slightly higher. However parts tend to be a little cheaper.

Fiat have some very good finance deals atm, why not get yourself down to your local dealer and see whats on offer.

digitalwolf · 17 Sep 2008 at 11:46

Would it be better for me to pick up a GP 1.9 Jtd thats a year old?

I hear you can remap these to 150bhp+ ??

Diesel · 17 Sep 2008 at 11:51

Aren't things like Mondeos, Octavias etc. better for this sort of mileage?

GravyMonster · 17 Sep 2008 at 11:52

digitalwolf said:
Would it be better for me to pick up a GP 1.9 Jtd thats a year old?

Goes without saying. It'll have taken the major hit of depreciation for the first year already. However I wouldn't want to spend 30k miles a year in a Punto.

You still haven't told us your budget though?

iraiguana · 17 Sep 2008 at 12:02

If you want a new one, lease usually works out cheapest tax wise.

I would go for a test drive and judge build/comfort. I expect the golf to provide the best space and comfort of those three, I never like the punto when I had it for a rental. Leon is more a comparison for the golf though.

Scuzi · 17 Sep 2008 at 12:05

Why are you looking at cars designed for women to drive to the supermarket in when you plan on doing 30k a year?

digitalwolf · 17 Sep 2008 at 12:05

I'm coming from a Saxo so anything modern will be comfortable.

My budget is £2k deposit + monthly payments.

Have Fiat changed the engine in the Grande Punto?

Seems like they are running a 16v diesel now in the latest ones?

digitalwolf · 17 Sep 2008 at 12:06

Scuzi said:
Why are you looking at cars designed for women to drive to the supermarket in when you plan on doing 30k a year?

I'm a youngster. Think I want to be seen in a Mondeo lol.

Apart from ST haha.

Scuzi · 17 Sep 2008 at 12:06

How much can you afford on the monthly payments? You could buy an Aston Martin DB9 with a £2k deposit

digitalwolf · 17 Sep 2008 at 12:08

£250.

snowdog · 17 Sep 2008 at 12:10

digitalwolf said:
I'm a youngster. Think I want to be seen in a Mondeo lol.

Apart from ST haha.

You want to be seen in a punto or an ibiza but not in a normal mondy :confused:

?

Do yourself a favor and get something more comfy than a compact car...

GravyMonster · 17 Sep 2008 at 12:12

If you're going to be doing 30,000 miles a year for your job I think you need to stop seeing your car as a plaything and see it more as a tool that enables you to eat.

If you want a fun car buy a second car with some poke.

digitalwolf · 17 Sep 2008 at 12:17

So I go for a larger car........

Monthly payments will be higher. Insurance will be higher.

I'm coming from a Saxo that was designed with dwarfs in mind. The Grande Punto is pretty roomy inside.

Peter Diffey · 17 Sep 2008 at 12:20

digitalwolf said:
So I go for a larger car........

Monthly payments will be higher. Insurance will be higher.

I'm coming from a Saxo that was designed with dwarfs in mind. The Grande Punto is pretty roomy inside.

Both will be dire for your usage