My Kia Sorento dilema...any thoughts please?

GAILEY

Morning moneysavers,
I have a little dilema in relation to the purchase of a new vehicle..been going round and round in my head and I thought I'd ask your thoughts..
Myself and OH decided that we needed a fresh vehicle...but that is where the clarity ends!
We have a LR Discovery, which we weren't happy with and which seemed (in a LR sort of way) to be more trouble and cost than it was worth - so we were going to part ex it (not had it long enough for scrappage - and it's value too high). However, someone made us an offer for it so we sold it privately instead.
We now need the fresh vehicle, and the primary purpose is to tow a biggish caravan - so we have opted for the Kia Sorento, which seems to tick all the boxes and is nice to drive.
However, I can't decide:-
1. Whether to buy new or nearly new (we've been let down by so many vehicles in the past that I want one with a warranty and hopefully hassle free).
2. Whether to buy now, or in Feb when the new model is released ( We are more than happy with an old model)

I have looked at the prices for used nearly new sorento's on all of the main websites - but find that the prices are generally a couple of thousand more than if I were to buy a new imported sorento from motorprovider. It would seem on the face of it to make sense to buy a new one (subject to UK spec and manufacturer warranty - which I understand they come with) BUT I am tempted to hang on until Feb to see if the prices come down further with the approach of the new model - But am trying to weigh this against possible price increase with VAT going back up in Jan and possible shortage of supply (if they are selling off old stock and not making more). I have all of this spinning round in my head...as a new vehicle would be a very major purchase...and I want to get it right.

Anyone any thoughts? - they would be much appreciated!:o

BillScarab

The new Sorento is a very different car to the current one. The current one is a proper 4x4 whereas the new one is more of a crossover. So choosing between the two it depends on whether having a real off-roader is important to you or whether the more car like new Sorento would be better for you.

There's a review fo the new one here http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/carreviews/6230513/Kia-Sorento-review.html

I think if it was in budget I'd be going for that. Mind you I'd keep the Disco, despite it's faults.

GAILEY

Oh sorry - I am not making myself clear am I?

I meant buying new - ie. a brand new car on the current model - not the new model..I am sure I couldn't afford one of the new models..and don't really like the look of them - I am worried about when the best time to buy is ...do I plunge in now or hold out to Feb (when I know the VAT will be back up) - but will this disadvantage be offset by discounts offered to shift the old model to make way for the shiny new model...or will I find that they have actually got rid of the old model stock by then by winding down production..and find myself high and dry.

On a seperate note - does anyone know if fitting LPG to a new car invalidates a warranty??

BillScarab

The problem with buying the old one when the new one has just been launched is that the residual value will be awful. The Sorento has poor residuals anyway (32% after 3 years according to Whatcar). Buying one when t he new model is out will hit them even worse so you would need to get a big discount to avoid losing too much cash. Obviously it's not so much of an issue if you plan to keep it for a long time.

GAILEY

yes - thats a real worry.

TBH if we got a reliable towcar we are the "keep it till it drops" brigade, so would be looking I suppose to keep at least 6 years..more if possible.

The point you make though seems to be on the side of waiting to see if bigger discounts are available nearer the time? At the moment MProvider see to be putting the xs auto (which is the minimum spec we would need) out for £16,500 (or rather £17,000 - as this is without tax/first reg fee) - which is a good amount off the list price of £24,995 / parkers target price of £23,750. It seems like a healthy discount ...although it would be estimated to be worth £8200 in 3 years time (:eek:) - meaning a cost to me of almost £3K a year in the first 3 years. Do you know if the bod's at Parker take into consideration when doing their valuations the fact that a new model if coming...or will the £8200 be amended in Feb?

emmell

If you wait you may have the problem of no stock available, they will probably have stopped making the existing model now. We had this problem with a few different cars when my husband was looking for a new pool car for his company, no dealers had stock and a rather long waiting list for new models (they weren't Kia's though).
If you have a look at What Car magazine, they list the prices of all new cars and the discounted price you should be able to buy for. Do your research and you may be able to get a discounted new car for less than an ex demonstrator and as you have no P/X you should be able to get a good deal. I have done this a few times and have bought new cheaper than nearly new.
Don't be afraid to quote any discounted prices to a dealer, they have them in their computer system and can check instantly.
ML.

GAILEY

Thanks Emmell - that's another thing I was worried about - stock levels.

Seems I am damned if I do and damned if I don't - if I take the plunge now I fear there will then be a price plummet with the new model and I will have wasted money I could have saved......
but then I could wait then find nothing left that I want at the price.....

seems to be the same as booking flights!!!...except far more expensive:rotfl:

Hintza

My thoughts would be you will get the best deal in December but having said that you need to check availability (ie can they deliver at short notice) to try and get it sorted before VAT goes up. So start looking at prices online and see where it goes.

emmell

GAILEY Have you visited a dealer yet to get an idea of prices and availability, see if they are still taking factory orders or do you have to pick your new car from a list of cars parked up in an airfield somewhere. Or as they will call it "our distribution centre".
When we tried to get a pool car a few years ago (diesel estate) neither the Ford dealer or the Skoda dealer could find any cars available in the UK, both cars were being replaced with new models, but sometimes they make runout models more desirable by turning them into special editions or adding extras at no cost.
I'd do some footwork round the garages, go in with an open mind that you can buy now or wait, let the dealer know that you are in no hurry and you may wait for the new model.
Ask for brochure and price list, go through the different models available, leave your phone number and wait for them to ring, make sure that they know if they want to sell you a car now they will have to make it very tempting.
Good luck.
ML.

gilbert_and_sullivan

Just before you buy a new one, will it be £400+ ved, i seem to recall them being in high CO2 group, do check, you might be better with a pre 06 otherwise
.
Also if you are considering used, have you looked at a Hyundai Terracan...no longer sold here, but they had a 5 year unlimited mileage warranty and they have a rock solid reputation.
I know a chap who's Terracan has just come out of warranty with about 160K on the clock, apart from minor interior trim loosening and a rear diff oil leak all fixed under warranty it hasn't missed a beat...full auto with leather etc, surprisingly good vehicle.

GAILEY

Thanks - yes, I see the Sorento is the top tax band and also above average insurance too. The pre Aug 06 ones are only 138bhp though - so rather gutless for such a large vehicle.

I will have a look at the Hyundai you mention...and I'm also looking at the Isuzu Rodeo...

I'm trying to fight the urge to dive in and buy.....