Best car to save money when doing lots of miles

RustyGuitar

Hey all. I'm in the process of trying to buy a new car , but am really struggling on what the best option is. I travel approximately 20000 miles per year so car value will depreciate relatively rapidly.
I was considering a Tesla model 3 at one point because I thought I'd save a lot of money with electric over petrol/ diesel . But the initial cost seems too high.
I would like a relatively 'nice ' car as I spend so much time in the car e.g Jag XE, BMW 3 series etc.
However what my question is what would make more financial sense..buy a used car and run it to the ground or lease a car. I'm also thinking a diesel which Meets the ULEZ requirements would be the most cost effective with the miles I do however I would love to hear some advice.

As you can see I'm pretty confused about all the different options in terms of how to buy a car , type of emission and all other options so any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance

DUTR

You have to do the maths to suit your own budget, what is best for you isn't best for the next person.
Initial cost seems too high? That simply means the initial cost is beyond your budget and current situation.

AdrianC

RustyGuitar wrote: »

I'm also thinking a diesel which Meets the ULEZ requirements

Bear in mind that by the time the ULEZ moves out to the circulars, all diesels <7yo will be exempt.

benbay001

How about some form of hybrid Lexus?
IS300h?

daveyjp

Toyota Camry hybrid. Cheaper than a Lexus, but good for hundreds of thousands of miles.

Nebulous2

Doing a lot of miles is likely to cost you a lot of money, and the biggest factor will be depreciation. Find one that is very cheap and hasn't much value left to depreciate. That may clash with your desire to have a relatively nice car however.

mobileron

As an ex Jaguar driver who retired 5 years ago, i bought a Skoda Superb.
Thus was on the advise of the fleet car buyer of a major company,apart from the normal service bills never spent a penny so far.

Never did that with the Jags,read the reviews online on this car.

Herzlos

What's your driving pattern like? Lots of 50 mile trips or infrequent 400 mile trips?


If it's shorter trips and you can get charged at your destinations, then I'd be looking at a 2-3 year old Leaf or Zoe. They aren't as big as you're talking about but pretty nice and will be virtually free to run.

Cisco001

I knew someone in your situation bought 4 years old diesel in high miles and drive it for 1 year and sell it privately. Then repeat.

Sea_Shell

Don't forget to factor in comfort!

No point saving a few £££ if it gives you back/neck ache after an hour behind the wheel.

Where possible you need a longer test drive than just 5mins round the block.

Can you adjust the seat fully to really get the driving position you want?

scaredofdebt

Consider leasing.

I was quoted around £250 a month for a new Skoda Octavia (I think it was 20k miles but maybe not)

50+ MPG, great motorway car, no worries about repairs etc as it's brand new and under warranty.

You can also look at leasing electric but they cost more, I think the Tesla came out around £400 a month but double check as memory is a bit hazy.

I'm not a snob when it comes to cars, I recently had a P reg pug 306 for example, but when you factor in repair bills it can work out cost effective to lease from new.

(I've just spent over a grand having my Kia Rio fixed, new EGR valve plus some other issues) If I'd bought from new that wouldn't be my problem (car is now out of warranty).