New car choice (VW Loan)

LiE · 31 Mar 2014 at 19:14

My brother works for VW Group as a master tech, and one of the benefits he gets is being able to get access to a loan car scheme for family. This allows myself to order a brand new car from VW, Audi, Skoda or Seat, from a list which is always changing. Not everything is on the list, I believe the idea of this scheme is to generate used car stock for the group. This means what you ask for isn't always guaranteed.

I got on board back in October and specced myself a New Seat Leon FR 1.8TSI, which I'll be picking up in a few weeks. I get to loan this car for 6 months at £122/month, then hand it back for my next choice - you are limited to 8,000 in that 6 month period. Now, where this thread comes in, is I have to choose my next car which I'll be picking up in October for another 6 month stint.

My only requirement is that it be auto because of my preference for my commute. Here's my shortlist, including picking another Leon.

VW Scirocco GT 2.0 TDI 177PS DSG6 - £146/month
Seat Leon SC 1.8 TSI FR 180PS DSG - £122/month
A1 Sportback 1.4 TFSI Black Edition 185PS S Tronic - £122/month

ci_newman · 31 Mar 2014 at 19:48

My pick would be the Scirocco out of those three

Adam · 31 Mar 2014 at 20:18

Can you not keep the Leon for 12 months and see what the list looks like in 6 months time?

LiE · 31 Mar 2014 at 20:20

Nope, but I can order exactly the same car which would be the same thing. I'll be ordering off the list in 6 months either way.

I'm leaning toward the A1, it's small but the S Tronic with the 185 1.4 are apparently good. I do have to give a 2nd choice which I'm thinking Sirocco.

johnny6 · 31 Mar 2014 at 20:42

We have access to the same scheme at work.

Prepare yourself for list creep. You start off setting yourself a budget which you tell yourself you absolutely will not go over, then after a while you add another 10 quid here and 10 quid there and then start justifying to yourself that an extra 50 quid is nothing to get a brand new TT or Qsomething for 6 months.

Takes a lot of will power

The Skoda list can be quite good if they have the VRS's available. Quite cheap as well the last time I saw them on the list.

LiE · 31 Mar 2014 at 20:51

The list isn't as flexible or as extensive as that, my brother get's access to more interesting things and priority picking. You don't get to pick any options either apart from the colour, although the extra kit is normally added in automatically.

johnny6 · 31 Mar 2014 at 20:55

Avoid picking black if you can seems to pick up scratches like nobodies business.

Though to be fair if you pick an Audi your colour options will probably be

Black
Silver
Grey
Slightly different grey
Slightly different silver
And grey

AshD93 · 31 Mar 2014 at 20:57

johnny6 said:
Avoid picking black if you can seems to pick up scratches like nobodies business.

Though to be fair if you pick an Audi your colour options will probably be

Black
Silver
Grey
Slightly different grey
Slightly different silver
And grey

You missed recession white.

G|mp · 31 Mar 2014 at 21:00

Scirocco all day, they're lovely.

Psymonkee · 31 Mar 2014 at 21:08

I'd take the Leon personally, especially if it comes with the technology pack!

LiE · 31 Mar 2014 at 21:09

I'm planning to go for blue for both cars. My Seat is lime green

LiE · 31 Mar 2014 at 21:09

Psymonkee said:
I'd take the Leon personally, especially if it comes with the technology pack!

It does, only hesitation is that I'll have missed the opportunity to drive something different for 6 months.

blairw · 31 Mar 2014 at 21:11

Sounds a cracking deal as long as you are happy never truly owning the car (which wouldn't bother me in the slightest!)

LiE · 31 Mar 2014 at 21:22

Here's how my choices currently stand. I have to pick a 1st and 2nd choice colour too.

1st Choice
Audi A1 Sportback 1.4 TFSI Black Edition 185 S tronic
1 - Scuba blue, metallic
2 - Floret silver, metallic

2nd Choice
VW Sirocco GT 2.0 TDI 177PS DSG6
1 - Rising Blue, metallic
2 - Night Blue, metallic

Rwac · 31 Mar 2014 at 22:12

I'd agree with you, 185ps in an A1 must be relatively fun.

Psymonkee · 1 Apr 2014 at 08:01

LiE said:
It does, only hesitation is that I'll have missed the opportunity to drive something different for 6 months.

Ah somehow missed that in the OP. Errrm go Audi!

ci_newman · 1 Apr 2014 at 09:14

I wish I had access to a scheme like that

The depreciation on most cars would offset what it's costing you to run those cars over 12 months!

LiE · 1 Apr 2014 at 11:31

Yea it's pretty good. The fact I don't have to worry about tyres, servicing, tax and it has warranty. Together with my fuel card it's a great setup.

The main draw back is any damage done to the car has to be repaired when you hand it back by VW so can be expensive. I mentioned in my other thread my brothers TT got keyed, it's going cost him a fair whack.

LiE · 1 Apr 2014 at 11:32

Psymonkee said:
Ah somehow missed that in the OP. Errrm go Audi!

Yep, the Audi is looking like a good choice. I just have to hope it's not super popular.

I'm also undecided about the colour. White with a black roof looks pretty nice, and hides marks better than a darker colour.

johnny6 · 1 Apr 2014 at 20:20

LiE said:
The main draw back is any damage done to the car has to be repaired when you hand it back by VW so can be expensive. I mentioned in my other thread my brothers TT got keyed, it's going cost him a fair whack.

I've found them to be pretty reasonable to be honest. They allow quite a bit as wear and tear and use a robust smart repair pricing matrix.