Time to change my car...or not?

hislan

I've got a Renault Megane Scenic 1.6 petrol 03 model with 76k on the clock. At 9 years old, I'm starting to think about whether it's time to change cars or not. I had to fit a new clutch at £600 last November, and don't want any more 'nasty surprises'!

I've seen a Ford Fiesta 1.4 diesel 09 model with only 16k on the clock for sale at £7.5k, and am wondering whether it's worth taking the plunge and changing cars?

I've looked at the cost of fuel based on my current 11k miles per year mainly urban driving. The scenic would cost approx £2,041 a year in petrol, whereas the Fiesta would be approx £1,165 in diesel. Added to this the difference in tax, and I would save £1,046 a year in fuel and tax if I purchased the Fiesta!

However, I currently own my Scenic outright! I would need to get a loan if I'm to purchase the Fiesta. My plan is to trade in / sell my Scenic for £1.2k and borrow the £6k balance on a loan.

In fact, I intend to borrow £7.5k at a lower 6%APR with £1,166 interest over 5 years. Use £6 k towards paying for the car, and put £1.5k in an isa which would earn £251.25 in interest over 5 years (reducing the interest payments to £914.75 over 5 years)

The big question is.....is it the right time to take the plunge and buy a car and take out a loan.....or should I stick with My current car????

Sorry for the long winded post, but I'm at a stale mate in deciding!

atrixblue.-MFR-.

you dont do enough long haul mileage to warrant buying a deisel in my opnion.

most if not all now modern deisels are fitted with a DPF (deisel particulate filter) when these clog up due to not being able to regenerate and burn off excess fuel and carbon it can be costly if you do stop start short trips dont bother looking for a diesel.

as to regard to your scenic it may well be time to let it go, it all depends on how its been treated, serviced belts tentioners water pump done at proper service time or under (as i rekon renault have over estimated their majour service interval) if your cars been good to you and is reliable with hardly any money spent other than a clutch (wich to be fair is a wear and tear item) i'd be inclined to keep it.

the fiesta isnt a bad car in petrol versions, as with the focus.

hislan

How much long haul mileage would warrant a diesel? I do motorway driving probably once every couple of weeks (a couple of 50 mole round trips getting up to maximum+ motorway speed) - would that be enough to clear out the DPF?

hislan

Sorry, meant to say 50 mileas each way!

LandyAndy

hislan wrote: »

How much long haul mileage would warrant a diesel? I do motorway driving probably once every couple of weeks (a couple of 50 mole round trips getting up to maximum+ motorway speed) - would that be enough to clear out the DPF?

hislan wrote: »

Sorry, meant to say 50 mileas each way!

:rotfl:Sorry but it did make me laugh.

LandyAndy

The Scenic could go on for a few years yet without major cost. It isn't exactly high mileage.

I'd be inclined to keep it for now.

getmore4less

Keep the Scenic and start saving for the next one so your borrowing will be less and shorter term.

If something really big comes up look at changing early.

Maybe look at doing some things yourself, get a haynes manual.

Also scan the web for know issues so you can fix before they are a breakdown problem.

mattyprice4004

My car could lunch it's engine tomorrow, better sell it!

Seriously though, keep it. You've had a major part replaced that should be fine for years.

mcjordi

keep the scenic till its starts costing you loads every mot. youve just has the clutch done so id be inclined to keep it..

Lum

You wont get anywhere near the advertised MPG on a modern diesel car.

My Mondeo is supposed to do 64MPG. I'm lucky if I get 42.

hislan

The mpg was from an online calculator (not the advertised mpg)! It seems to be pretty accurate on my current Scenic!

Sorry about the predictive text earlier (made me laugh too!) :-)