EV general discussion

Is the Capris really £50k new or is that just a silly list price no one actually pays?

The cost of a new in stock car appears to be £40k so £30k for a used one doesn’t seem unreasonable depreciation.

Edit: you said no Kia/Hyundai, what about Genesis?

Still about 25% in the first year, so I'd prefer to get a car which is a year older and save 25%, as it just seems sensible.


Genesis didn't come up with my filters, so not sure if they've got the range.


Looking at options, realistically it's i4 vs Capri.


Might have to get a subscription for paper bags :D



I had a look at the EV6 but couldn't see anything for a reasonable price with an upgraded sound system. Spending 35k on a Kia feels mental.
 
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It's interesting that you're ok with the Capri but not some of the Hyundai/Kia for example.

I drove one for an hour or so a week or so ago (the 250kw), and tbh I quite liked it overall - but premium inside it definitely was not. Don't get me wrong it's fine and I'd have one based on the drive however there is obvious skimping like the drivers/passenger door pull / armrest is both quite hard and only available in a light colour which seems to be difficult to keep clean going by the test car I had. Very cheap looking in the rear too (hey I don't sit there, I don't care).

By comparison an Enyaq feels a notch up in general "niceness" terms inside especially at higher trim levels. I know you said no direct MEB cars but tbh the Capri pretty much is so I'd struggle to see the difference. On the same basis I wouldn't rule out a Tavascan

If you were to look at a newish ioniq 5 I'd personally say it had a better interior for "quality" than the Ford. A GV60 is on another level again, never been in a GV70 but they also look classy at least from pictures. I4 is somewhere around there too, definitely a league above the Ford (as you'd expect).

The main criteria Id have, other than the obvious "what do I actually like" would be which car could I buy with the longest manufacturer warranty (inc extended) and who seems to actually be able to resolve issues, recognising this might be really difficult to figure out.

All the manufacturers mentioned will do a reasonably long range version of each car tbh so surprised you're not finding certain models etc
 
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It's interesting that you're ok with the Capri but not some of the Hyundai/Kia for example.

I drove one for an hour or so a week or so ago (the 250kw), and tbh I quite liked it overall - but premium inside it definitely was not. Don't get me wrong it's fine and I'd have one based on the drive however there is obvious skimping like the drivers/passenger door pull / armrest is both quite hard and only available in a light colour which seems to be difficult to keep clean going by the test car I had. Very cheap looking in the rear too (hey I don't sit there, I don't care).

By comparison an Enyaq feels a notch up in general "niceness" terms inside especially at higher trim levels. I know you said no direct MEB cars but tbh the Capri pretty much is so I'd struggle to see the difference.

If you were to look at a newish ioniq 5 I'd personally say it had a better interior for "quality" than the Ford. A GV60 is on another level again, never been in a GV70 but they also look classy at least from pictures. I4 is somewhere around there too, definitely a league above the Ford (as you'd expect).

The main criteria Id have, other than the obvious "what do I actually like" would be which car could I buy with the longest manufacturer warranty (inc extended) and who seems to actually be able to resolve issues, recognising this might be really difficult to figure out.

All the manufacturers mentioned will do a reasonably long range version of each car tbh so surprised you're not finding certain models etc
I test drove a Enyaq sportsline, compared to my series 2 GC M235i the interior was low rent with the rear being especially 'cheap'. Considering the price of the price they are the money isn't spend on the interior.
The Ford explorer is probably better value for money and has the same interior as the Capri, and both better than the comparable VW. I didn't like the braking on those platforms at all.
 
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I imagine you might be exceptionally disappointed with most "new" EV interiors then tbh. Not wrongly I should say, car interiors have taken a noticable dip imo
I test drove a Enyaq sportsline, compared to my series 2 GC M235i the interior was low rent with the rear being especially 'cheap'. Considering the price of the price they are the money isn't spend on the interior..


Btw the braking in the Capri / explorer is exactly the same as the other MEB cars - agree it's poor. Disagree r.e interior but that sort of thing will always be subjective, plus I don't think there is loads in it
 
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It's interesting that you're ok with the Capri but not some of the Hyundai/Kia for example

It's not about necessarily the materials I touch, just the fit and finish.

Hard to describe but just found the Kia and Hyundai to be a bit cheap feeling.

That's not to say I think the Capri is premium, but it was a nicer overall cabin than the Kia and Hyundai in my experience.

I also couldn't find the EV6 with any upgraded sound system, but may not be looking correctly.

By comparison an Enyaq feels a notch up in general "niceness" terms inside especially at higher trim levels. I know you said no direct MEB cars but tbh the Capri pretty much is so I'd struggle to see the difference. On the same basis I wouldn't rule out a Tavascan

Enyaq is the only other car on the MEB platform which is tempting, as I quite like the interior. But they're very hard to find with decent spec (upgraded stereo and DCC) with the required range.

Tavascan doesn't meet the range requirements for me, have seen it's not really hitting the same range as the other MEB products. Ride in them seems to be pretty poor but haven't yet experienced it.

Also a bit more in the V2 trim.



Main trouble seems to be finding the right spec on these cars, since most are lease - they don't seem to be sold with any added extras.

If you were to look at a newish ioniq 5 I'd personally say it had a better interior for "quality" than the Ford. A GV60 is on another level again, never been in a GV70 but they also look classy at least from pictures. I4 is somewhere around there too, definitely a league above the Ford (as you'd expect).

They don't have the required range so have written them off.



Think I'll just spend a bit more time in a few different products but the range is a biggie as faffing with public chargers is a no no for me.
 
I imagine you might be exceptionally disappointed with most "new" EV interiors then tbh. Not wrongly I should say, car interiors have taken a noticable dip imo

Don't really have high requirements, just decent switchgear, logical layout for buttons and no rattles

When I had a Subaru and Vauxhall I found both to be frustrating with the layout of buttons and how things like the speed limiter functioned.

Can't remember which it was but it would only limit your speed if you had your foot on the accelerator, so if going downhill it would exceed the limiter if you let it coast. Bizarre.
 
I like the speed limiter, it's often handy when you're in unfamiliar areas with lots of speed cameras. Cruise control pushes on too keenly, and adaptive can be too hesitant. I could live without it, and will likely have to, but it's not a bad feature.

You might like the BYD Seal - I've added it to my shortlist - but I know you said no Chinese cars. You're really limiting your options in general with all those requirements.

The biggest issue with the Taycan is that Porsche are charging extortionate servicing costs for a car that doesn't really need much servicing.
 
Do you think you are quite fussy?

No, I know I am :D

I prefer to tell people I'm "Particular". RIP everyone I work with :cool:



Why would you even need a speed limiter? I can't think of a single time I would find that useful.

I use it 24/7 when driving. I don't like speed warnings because they're automatic and often wrong, but I like to set a limiter to make sure I don't exceed the speed limit on a road.

Really helpful on an EV where it's really easy to exceed the limit.


Takes all the stress out of driving for me because I know that I'm never at risk of getting a ticket.


I don't like cruise because it takes away the control I have of the speed, especially in urban areas.



Couldn't personally live without it anymore, as I do between 15 and 20 thousand miles a year and need less stress while driving.


It's also why:

Good sound system (base ID.7 is passable but the ID.4 is woeful)
Good adaptive lights (with proper cornering, don't need adaptive full beam)
Electric memory seats (it's a shared car, not fussed if it was just me driving)

Are the bare minimum for me.



Hence looking likely the I4 is the way to go. At least the new house has a long driveway and car will be tucked around the corner out of sight of people.


Logically it's the right option, but emotionally I detest the car.
 
Just get another ID.7. You can't be as unlucky as the first time.

Barring a very minor rattle from the vent below the head unit when the fans first kick in (it goes after a minute or so), mine's pretty much been flawless.
 
With your requirements I'd be looking at a BMW i5 @MrRockliffe. You may have said before why you aren't considering them though.

They are a great car (I've driven a few) and look fairly neutral compared to an i4. Obviously new cost is significant, and to get memory seats you need the Comfort Plus pack, which isn't cheap and is fairly rare on used examples.

The adaptive lights on them are good and the B&W stereo is decent (but it's worth noting it's not a true high end system). The Harman Kardon system is standard and does the job, it's far better than the base iD7 system, which I thought was a bit limited.
 
Agreed with the above. i4 40 would be cheaper, but I know you're not a fan of the looks. i5s are subjectively a better looking car and better specced, but not sure if they're in your budget?
 
Just get another ID.7. You can't be as unlucky as the first time.

Welcome to: my luck.

I think I'd be tense driving it and REALLY don't want to deal with VW if/when it goes wrong again.


The BMW i4 eDrive 40?

Yeah, the M50 doesn't appeal as insurance would be through the roof and lower range capability than the 40.

With your requirements I'd be looking at a BMW i5 @MrRockliffe. You may have said before why you aren't considering them though.

They are a great car (I've driven a few) and look fairly neutral compared to an i4. Obviously new cost is significant, and to get memory seats you need the Comfort Plus pack, which isn't cheap and is fairly rare on used examples.

The adaptive lights on them are good and the B&W stereo is decent (but it's worth noting it's not a true high end system). The Harman Kardon system is standard and does the job, it's far better than the base iD7 system, which I thought was a bit limited.

I had a 520i as a courtesy car and thought it was okay. Doesn't feel any more premium than the i4 inside though, and the cost is a lot higher.

Think I'd struggle to find an extra 10k over an i4 just because I don't like the look of the i4, which also has a better boot.


This i5 would be perfect spec: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202601099024700
 
Agreed with the above. i4 40 would be cheaper, but I know you're not a fan of the looks. i5s are subjectively a better looking car and better specced, but not sure if they're in your budget?

Just feels bonkers to spend that much to get a car which is not feasibly better than the i4, nor the VAG products putting aside my preferences/experiences.


As in, on paper, it doesn't seem great value and I absolutely wouldn't want to drop 40k on an EV, as much as I like EVs.



For 40k I'd much rather be in a 30d X5 or M340d, as I much prefer them as a product, but detest the idea of putting fuel into the car all the time again.



I know that no car is a good investment, but EVs seem to be hit really hard when compared to their ICE equivalents, and this is just something I mentally struggle with.


Better way to explain:

EVs feel like an appliance for me, so don't feel a desire to spend a lot of money on one compared to a nice ICE, which feels more like a hobby because I get more engagement out of it.
 
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