Fiesta driver seeks value performance

SithUK

SithUK

SithUK

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Joined
19 Mar 2004
Posts
188
Currently drive a 4 yr old diesel Fiesta. Thinking about a couple of year old A3 2.0 TDI or 1 series 120d.

Looking for something quicker and more comfortable on longer drives. I like small(ish) cars for ease of driving around town and parking. I appreciate there is a trade off to make here in that a bigger car is typically a more comfortable cruiser. I have no "keep up with the Jones" bias to owning new.

I have a short commute to work and like to take a long trip at the weekend. I currently drive a previous model diesel Fiesta. I would like a more comfortable car to be in: options I am looking for include cruise control and climate control. I am also after sub 8 second 0-60mph performance. 3 doors please. I do 6k annual mileage. I have 7 years no claims.

I share the frustration with those on my earlier 1 series thread that fuel and possibly insurance costs are typically given unequal weighting to depreciation, maintenance and financing costs when making a purchase decision. I reckon that an older car which loses less money each year is likely to offer better ownership value than a brand new car. I don't mind driving a 6 year old car.

I've summarised my current ownership costs below:

Existing annual ownership costs are approximately:
Insurance: £400
Fuel: £640
Maintence: £300
Tax: £35
Depreciation: £500
Loss of return on capital: £225 [if I put the capital value of the car in a 5% real return investment (£4500 * 5% = £225)]

Total ownership cost: Approx £2100/year (£175/month)

I'd be willing to stretch up to £5k/year on ownership costs. Maybe more for the right car.

Having read quite a few previous posts I appreciate how little I know compared to most here (Hi Fox).

Any advice appreciated.

Thank you for reading the long post.

[edit: annual mileage and no claims added. Explanation of loss of capital return added.]
 
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Diesel for 4k a year, clearly as well intentioned and sensible as the OP is with his fantastic opening post, something is a amiss.
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I am not wed to diesel fuelled cars in any way. Please feel free to suggest petrol fuelled options.

Thank you for your interest. I'm looking forward to reading all the replies.
 
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What about an R32 Mk5 Golf (£10k-£12k)?

Insurance: £700
Fuel: £1270
Maintence: £850
Tax: £235
Depreciation: £1000
Loss of return on capital: £550

Total: £4600
 
I've been looking into the Mk5 Golf Gti, prompted by the suggestions here. They do look promosing, especially with the DSG gearbox. How much is a Mk5 Gti at around £11k likely to depreciate? £1.5k/year?
 
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What about an A3 TFSI? Apparently a 6.9 second 0-60. This seems to be Audi's version of the Golf GTI? The Golf seems to be more expensive. Would this be the better second hand buy?

Just how harsh is the S-Line ride compared to a Golf Gti? Anything to watch out for with the DSG gearbox?

2006 A3 T FSI 2.0 (£10k-£11k)?

Insurance: £500
Fuel: £1055
Maintence: £750
Tax: £235
Depreciation: £1000
Loss of return on capital: £550

Total: £4090
 
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Fox: I'm afraid I am guessing. Could you advise more accurate maintenance numbers?

Why are the A3 TFSIs cheaper than the Golf Gtis? The Mark 5 just holding its money too well? The A3 TFSI is a bit of a sleeper in comparison?

Any idea how hard is the s-line ride compared to the Golf Gti?
 
Thanks for the Ibiza tip. I hadn't considered them at all. 1.8 petrol and autotrader reports a 0-60mph of 7.3s. Comparable fuel efficiency to the 2.0 TFSI A3. Second hand they seem to have depreciated heavier than the A3s. I'd therefore hope to pay a lower depreciation charge to own one. Then again, the A3 might hold its money just as well.

I need to go and view both options. I suspect the A3 will be a nicer place to be (sound levels, quality of finish?).
 
Kingy: I've discounted two seaters. I like the capacity to take more than two people, even if I do typically use the back seat as a coat shelf. For a sole car choice I've decided on avoiding the two seaters. I am keen on them though, just not yet.

I know the E46 330ci sport coupe is popular on this forum. For very good reason. It is a comfortable place to be and is a 6.5s car (0-60). I've seen reasonable looking 2005 examples for £10k.

I estimate costs of ownership at:
Insurance: £600
Fuel: £1270
Maintence: £1000
Tax: £235
Depreciation: £1200
Loss of return on capital: £500

Total: £4,800

This compares to £4,200 for the A3 TFSI.

It is a difficult choice. I do not think the extra performance is worth £600/year. The slightly shorter wheelbase of the A3 may be easier to navigate around town too. Though I not so sure, the E46 330 is quite compact too.
 
I think a 2005 E46 330Ci is going to be depreciating by a lot more than £1200 a year, personally.
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Hi Fox, would £1.7k/year be nearer the mark for annual depreciation on a 2005 330ci?

you seem to be counting opportunity cost which I'm not really sure is right, its not something you actually have to pay, is it
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Opportunity cost?
 
Yes, your figure for loss on return of capital? Thats opportunity cost, right? Ie it's money you WOULD have earnt had you invested the money you are spending on the car? It isn't a bill you need to pay.
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Fox, you are right that it is not a bill I would need to pay. I still like to consider the lost (potential) return on the investment though.
 
Sanaxe: Thanks for that. I've updated the way I calculated the RoC. I'm now applying the opportunity cost to the relative increased cost over my current car.

Fox: The opportunity cost equates to around £370/year for a 350z or E46 330ci over the Fiesta. Not a deal breaker perhaps but interesting to note.
 
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