OK so I'm probably unusual around here - I love cars and driving but really don't like spending any more than I need to.
I've been through a higher than average number of cars, mostly to deal with change in circumstances but sometimes buying something more "interesting" and selling it later because I didn't feel it was worth the money. I won't go through them all but most recently I had a nearly new Peugeot 508 as a business tool (PCP funded by mileage claims). When the system at worked changed, I got out of the PCP and bought an Octavia VRS. As much as I enjoyed that, it annoyed me in several ways (lack of comfort/refinement mainly) - so I ended my short experiment with hot hatchery and bought an X Type Jag for a few grand in the meantime.
Nothing I've owned has ever scratched every itch and ticked every box - but now I have much more financial freedom than I used to. So, rather than a usual "spec me", I was wondering if people could make suggestions of what I might be able to start saving towards as something that should last for the long term. Obviously within reason - the car I've got is a few grand and saving/financing a few 10s of 1000s wouldn't be too hard. But like I said, I don't like spending more than I have to - so this is more "spec me a budget"! If it's not really good then I'd prefer to spend my money on other things like holidays.
What I like/need
- Comfort and refinement. I do appreciate the smoothness of engines with more than 4 cylinders. Ride quality over handling
- Not too big. Parking at home is on road, finding a space and not quite fitting is annoying. The length of the 508 was a bit too big.
- Decent performance - nothing mad but 60 in 6-7s is great. A good auto is preferred over a manual which is preferred over a crap auto
- Good levels of equipment, decent infotainment, other gadgets
- Well built. Not annoyingly unreliable
- Sensible fuel economy. In the 30s
What I don't like or care about
- Couldn't care less about image. Looks aren't a huge priority
- While I appreciate a 6 cylinder, I do believe a 4 can be refined *enough*
- Not fussed about handling overly although the AWD traction in the current car is nice
- Dislike bad value for money, I couldn't live with something compromised in other areas just because it has a desirable or cool badge
- Age and mileage don't bother me directly but obviously have an impact on other criteria (reliability, kit etc)
Now there are plenty cars out there that would tick these boxes, what I'm trying to figure out is whether the amount Id have to spend to get something I'd really enjoy owning would be worthwhile.
So what do you reckon - how much would you be working towards financially and what would you be desiring?
I've been through a higher than average number of cars, mostly to deal with change in circumstances but sometimes buying something more "interesting" and selling it later because I didn't feel it was worth the money. I won't go through them all but most recently I had a nearly new Peugeot 508 as a business tool (PCP funded by mileage claims). When the system at worked changed, I got out of the PCP and bought an Octavia VRS. As much as I enjoyed that, it annoyed me in several ways (lack of comfort/refinement mainly) - so I ended my short experiment with hot hatchery and bought an X Type Jag for a few grand in the meantime.
Nothing I've owned has ever scratched every itch and ticked every box - but now I have much more financial freedom than I used to. So, rather than a usual "spec me", I was wondering if people could make suggestions of what I might be able to start saving towards as something that should last for the long term. Obviously within reason - the car I've got is a few grand and saving/financing a few 10s of 1000s wouldn't be too hard. But like I said, I don't like spending more than I have to - so this is more "spec me a budget"! If it's not really good then I'd prefer to spend my money on other things like holidays.
What I like/need
- Comfort and refinement. I do appreciate the smoothness of engines with more than 4 cylinders. Ride quality over handling
- Not too big. Parking at home is on road, finding a space and not quite fitting is annoying. The length of the 508 was a bit too big.
- Decent performance - nothing mad but 60 in 6-7s is great. A good auto is preferred over a manual which is preferred over a crap auto
- Good levels of equipment, decent infotainment, other gadgets
- Well built. Not annoyingly unreliable
- Sensible fuel economy. In the 30s
What I don't like or care about
- Couldn't care less about image. Looks aren't a huge priority
- While I appreciate a 6 cylinder, I do believe a 4 can be refined *enough*
- Not fussed about handling overly although the AWD traction in the current car is nice
- Dislike bad value for money, I couldn't live with something compromised in other areas just because it has a desirable or cool badge
- Age and mileage don't bother me directly but obviously have an impact on other criteria (reliability, kit etc)
Now there are plenty cars out there that would tick these boxes, what I'm trying to figure out is whether the amount Id have to spend to get something I'd really enjoy owning would be worthwhile.
So what do you reckon - how much would you be working towards financially and what would you be desiring?
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