A car to last until 2030

sand_hun

I'm looking to buy a used car, a small hatchback - most likely a VW Polo or Ford Fiesta with a budget of 11k.

It's a tough choice between these two manufacturers - according to a reliability service the Polo does not fare well against the Fiesta.

I intend to keep my next car for a decade and then switch to hybrid / electric.

In this scenario would it be better to opt for a early 2017 model with a best in class trim and zero road tax? Or would it be wiser to go for a newer model (post April 2017) and accept the hit of tax?

nick74

Why does it have to last to 2030? All that's happening then is that it will no longer be possible to buy a new car solely fuelled by petrol or diesel. 

sand_hun

It doesn't have to last to 2030 but I don't change cars very often.

I don't do a lot of driving (about 5k miles per year).

tacpot12

I would tend to go for the car with the better trim level as you intend to keep it a long time. 10 years is a long time to live with a car that you feel is lacking something. The difference in ages will not be enough to make enough of a difference in lifespan. 
Lower tax now might not remain a long term benefit, but any money saved is a good thing. 

DrEskimo

Any reason you don't want to go EV now?

I made the switch couple of years back and kicking myself I didn't do it much sooner. 

sand_hun

DrEskimo said:

Any reason you don't want to go EV now?

I made the switch couple of years back and kicking myself I didn't do it much sooner. 

I'm not sure if I can afford it. Also, if I wait, say 8-10 years I think there will be many better options around by then.

What EV do you have?

[Deleted User]

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6217609/number-plate-from-one-car-to-another#latest
"I'm buying a new car (online via Cazoo) but wish to keep my existing number plate. Is this allowed?"
How many cars are you getting?

sand_hun

blueskinnedbeast said:

How many cars are you getting?

One

DrEskimo

sand_hun said:

DrEskimo said:

Any reason you don't want to go EV now?

I made the switch couple of years back and kicking myself I didn't do it much sooner. 

I'm not sure if I can afford it. Also, if I wait, say 8-10 years I think there will be many better options around by then.

What EV do you have?

Yea that's a fair point, they are still relatively new so difficult to find on a modest budget.

I have a Renault Zoe. It's the 2nd generation one, so has the 41kWh battery which allows about 150miles all year around with 'normal' driving (130 I'm the depths of winter and 180 in summer). I also own the battery, whereas a lot of Zoe's have a lease on the battery (higher upfront cost, but no monthly fee or mileage).

Good size for parking, great boot space and lots of good equipment (Android Auto, DAB, BT phone, climate control, rear senors and camera and I can set the climate remotely with an app). They are lovely to drive too. Great instant power, lovely and quiet and no gears, so the best 'automatic' I've ever driven.

If the first generation Zoe with a 22kWh battery can work for you (about 70-100miles realistically), then I would recommend one as a cheaper alternative to the 41kWh version.

tommyedinburgh

I purchased a Seat Leon Cupra brand new last year. The 2030 announcement means I will likely keep it for ever now and buy something else nearer 2030. I like the idea of having a Cupra in 2040+. 

parsnip88

we have a 18 plate polo. 
Now all I will say it that vw's reputation as being these amazingly reliable machine is imo not all its meant to be. They are great cars up to around 5 years old then they will start costing you lots in repairs. 
You will undoubtedly have a turbo to replace unless its a non turbo model and it'll be awfully slow.
Not sure why you would want to commit to a car for 10 years. Right now id get something cheap and run it until it dies and see what happens to EV prices if you want something newer.