Do I swap or?

[Cliffhanger]

Hello everyone.

My wife currently drives a Ford Focus 1.5 auto estate (petrol). It’s just coming up to 5 years old and I want to look at getting a Hybrid suv..

I want the Toyota RAV4 (current model), she likes the Mini Countryman which is ok but not very big when I’m over 6ft and our lads not far off.

I do like the Volvo XC40 but not sure on the reliability and my money won’t get the model I want.

Currently the focus is only being used to ferry the kids back and forth from school (3 miles a day) and then the odd family break twice a year to Wales/Devon. In the week it averages about 30mpg and about 35 on longer journeys.

It’s only done 20k miles and had a few electrical problems lately with the emissions and air blowers not working both which cost me £££’s.

I’ve looked in to an electric car but the insurance out weighs the cheapness of charging so doesn’t work out to be any cheaper.

I have a driveway so have the room for a charger.....

Then again if I get the RAV4 I wouldn’t need a charger.

What’s are your thoughts, should I save my money and keep the Ford hoping it’ll never break again or swap it for a RAV4 or Countryman...?

 

[Cliffhanger]

I already have the money set aside so no loans needed. Could probably afford £22-£23k. Would never buy a new one.

Could never leave my wife without a car.. kids and accidents and shopping.... plus it’s our main car as I have Mini Cooper.

Bloody hilly round here anyway.

Just worried about the reliability with this car... it’s like an old boiler at the moment.

Had Toyotas before and no they are bomb proof and totally reliable.

Just wondering if these hybrids are worth the exchange.

 

[Cliffhanger]

If I get the mini I'll need a charger so that about £1500 (+ installation) so that less car to buy which will get a 2020 plate one... The rav4 has no plug in so no charger.

I've looked at the Extended warranties and they aren't cheap... £600 a year...

Does anyone know about these self charging hybrids are they any good.... Had a few Toyotas before and found them to be totally bomb proof and ultra-reliable.

Another reason for wanting a 4x4 is that we moved out to a small village last year so hills everywhere and surrounded by un-salted lanes (in winter).

Don't need a fully fledged 4x4 just enough to get us out of trouble... in the winter.

 

[Cliffhanger]

I just worry cos in the last two years I have emissions problems (strange on a petrol car) which the garage couldn't figure out what was the problem and cost be £800 to fix then in January all the blowers stopped working and cost me £350 to fix.

Had numerous electrical problems which were fixed under warranty.... electric windows....radio...touch screen....boot not locking....

its not the most economical car either...

I just thought a hybrid would be better for smaller trips....

 

[Cliffhanger]

Fuel economy is basically irrelevant when doing 3 miles though. Even if it did 20mpg (and it definitely does more than that) that is less than a pound a day in fuel. You'll literally never see the return back on a hybrid from an economy point of view.


Depends on the circumstances. My wife does a 1.7 mile trip to her parents at least 4 times a week. Country roads, no foot paths and a toddler in tow. Anything other than driving it wouldn't be safe.

Fuel economy would be better and wouldn't matter if we both worked but only a single earner at £45k it still something that could be better.

Yep exactly the same here. no foot paths and young boys in tow...

Don't trust other drivers to keep in the middle... much safer to drive that distance.