Considering Changing To Something Quicker...

[jellybeard999]

I'm considering a change of car towards the back end of this year, and would like to get a few test drives in over the summer

I'm not sure what I want, which is partly reason for the exercise. I don't want to plough more than I can afford into this, so want to avoid finance deals etc.

Say sub £10k, ideally a couple of k less, but would consider stretching a bit for the right car. I don't want anything too old, as it is to be used every day, similarly, it must be fairly reliable. Running costs are the prime concern, insurance, repairs, servicing etc. Insurance I can easily run a quick guide on elephant, all the below are ok. I'm not really sure what to expect in servicing etc, so any insight would be appreciated.

Current car - Mk1 Focus 2.0

I've looked on PH and Autotrader and picked out several candidates to at least look at. I know some are flawed (Alfa reliability, TT handling etc), but I'd like to form my own opinions, unless there is some disastrous reason to avoid.

Renault Clio 197
Focus ST
Audi TT (225 or 3.2 V6)
Alfa Romeo GT (3.2 V6)
Mazda 3 MPS
Mazda 6 MPS
BMW 330Ci
Skoda Octavia VRS
Nissan 350Z

Are the premium brands going to cost more to run, simply due to the brand, or does it vary massively car to car (ie would a Ford or Nissan be cheaper simply because of the brand, or would the more expensive models be bumped up in line with similar alternatives) ? I've always used local guys for servicing, but I guess something away from the norm would need to go to a specialist/dealer to keep the book looking good etc ?

Any comments appreciated. I'm just testing waters and may find it's not worth changing currently, but worst case is I get a few nice test drives

 

[jellybeard999]

Don't forget the Honda Integra DC5 on that list too

I can only echo the comment above about figuring out what you actually want from the car.

As mentioned, this is why I want to try the different bases.

All Type-R are way too expensive to insure. The Civic isn't too bad, but doesn't appeal.

Considered a Mondeo ST220?

8k would buy a tidy one

I have, but it's not something I am interested in. If I did a lot of motorway miles I'd look more closely, but I dont.

A huge difference in the drive of those cars too.

Make up your mind what sort of car you want first.

Do you want a focused hot hatch ala 197, or something to munch motorway miles in comfort ala 330ci

That's why I'm considering all options and going to get test drives

I don't do many motorway miles at all, mostly dual carriageway and rural A roads.

Local Nissan dealer informed me replacement discs and pads all round on a 350Z is £1600. Bear costs like this in mind. There is a huge difference in running costs between some of those cars.

Thanks for the info, if they're that expensive, that's one to strike off. It's the sort of thing you don't know until you look into it. Is there a site that gives average service / consumables cost etc ? Can you expand further? Which would have higher costs ? Aside from fuel etc.

 

[jellybeard999]

Have you actually tried shopping around for insurance? Granted, you will need to go with a specialist but I'm insuring mine for ~ £900 F/C for a 12-month policy at 23 years old with 3 years NCD and that is with A-Plan.

No I haven't shopped around, but when I got quotes of £2k plus from elephant (well over double some of the others) I just discounted it. Could be a consideration then I'll add one to have a look at (unlikely a dealer will have one though isn't it?) and see what the fuss is.

I'm with adrian flux at the moment, 22, 3y ncb, will be 23 and nearly 4y ncb when (if) I come to change though.

Back seats are tight

I rarely use the rear seats anyway, and if I do whoever is in can put with it, I wouldn't have to sit there

 

[jellybeard999]

Not thought about a scooby?

Again, got towards £3k through elephant. I assumed and expected these to be well out as far as insurance goes

 

[jellybeard999]

Then may I ask why you have the Octavia vRS, 330Ci and Mazda6 on your list? They are very similar in characteristics. If anything the vRS is even more 'dull' so to speak.

Isn't the Mondeo 5 series sized (ie large) whereas the 6 and 3 series are more mid sized?

Tbh, they're the more outside choices anyway, I'm ideally after a smaller coupe, just covering various bases and going to try different kinds of car.

Previously, I'd been quite limited, while now I can open the choices a bit more and get a feel for different cars and the various options available.

 

[jellybeard999]

I think you should decide on what you want from a car first, then go test drive ones aimed at what you want.

You will only come away thinking "Damn, wish i had purchased that..." etc.

People keep saying this, but how do you know until you try ???

I drive mostly A roads, and as above, all the larger cars are outside choices.