Wondering weather to buy a Range Rover Evoque

kevc1985

Hi, looking for some thoughts on this situation

My wifes car is coming up on 4 years old, its the older shape BMW 3 series, only done 19k miles but we are trying to start a family and the car has sport seats and not the best for my back (I have a company car so I don't drive hers that much).

We are looking at a Range Rover evoque, 69 plate with an extended warranty of 2 years it's costing us an additional £21.5k on top of the trade in for her current car, we would pay the £21.5k from savings as we are wanting a mortgage as soon as we find the right house.

I've done some homework on range rovers and I understand they can be unreliable and expensive to repair, even the stuff not under warranty like brake pads and things.

Currently private letting and looking for a detached house but we have been in this situation for a year and a half. We have a good amount of saving for a mortgage deposit, overpaying if a house goes to a closing date (Scotland) and funds to do the place up, it total I think it would take £135k from savings on top of the money for the car, we would be left with a little savings after this.

With the cost of living increase coming I don't know if its right to buy such a big purchase and spend a lot of money on a car which we don't really need, I've looked at similar cars and they are all around the same price for the standard that we would like. 

Am I worrying too much about this? Is anyone else putting on a big purchase similar or are people just getting on with life?

Norman_Castle

Any reason not to swap the car you consider unsuitable for a more practical one of similar value?

kevc1985

We have been looking, when I compared similar cars they are all around the same price.

The Range Rover was £1k - £2k more expensive than other cars which I'd be fine with paying as my wife really likes the car. A new shape car like the new 3 series are nice and had a great updated, with that the price has gone up.

Her current car is fine, never had an issue although its due an M.O.T and needs a new back tyre.  

lincroft1710

If I was wanting a mortgage and hoping to start a family, the last thing i'd be doing is spending £21.5K to change cars especially at a time when used car prices are very high. More especially on a car with an alleged poor record of reliability.

Grumpy_chap

It is not clear why the OP is looking to change the BMW now - a 4 yo 19k mile car that is "fine, never had an issue" shouldn't be a worry going into the MOT.  That leaves the rear tyre, which is a consumable part.  

As far as I understand the options, the "sports seats" are probably better for the OP's back than the "comfort seats" as, aren't the "sports seats" more supportive and better lumbar support etc?

A saloon might not be the best choice with a young family but, assuming children arrive one at a time (which is most common) or even just two in the first instalment, a 3-series would be adequate enough.

For the OP looking to buy a house, spending £21k from savings (or on finance, which IMO would be worse) ahead of completing on he house is madness, IMO.  Far better to stick with the current car, get the house and then make decisions around what to get by way of more suitable car at that time.  It would be very difficult if the OP & partner lose out on the house they really want for the sake of, say £15k, when they've just blown £21k on a shiny car.

If the family grows swiftly, it must be possible to swap out the current 3-series for something like a Superb Estate without incurring any cost-to-change.  Babies don't care whether they are in a budget car or a premium car, just so long as they are safe, fed, watered and loved.

prowla

They're good in bad weather.

TadleyBaggie

I know of a couple of Evoque owners and both have had serious issues. One needed a whole new steering assembly.

Range Rover always come close to bottom in the yearly customer satisfaction/reliability lists.

daveyjp

Reliability data don’t lie. You may be lucky and get a good one, you may end up with the 3 year old lemon which has spent more time with the wheels in the air at dealerships than on the road. 

I would say if your mileage will stay low avoid the diesel. Two owners I know with diesels have had expensive DPF  issues at 4-5 years old. 

Alanp

I know someone who had the evoke when they first came out, lovely car but they found it too small when taking the family on holiday and had to swap for their mums disco, they also found it a bit claustrophobic in the back ( shouldn’t be too much of an issue with young children) , they didn’t keep it long, and afaik, had no issues, but if you need a car that size, what about a Hyundai or Kia, both have decent warranty, although, Kia’s is longer…

Bigwheels1111

Not a reliable brand or car, wait until you see the service costs. Aghhhhhhhhhhhh.

Norman_Castle

kevc1985 said:

We have been looking, when I compared similar cars they are all around the same price.

I'm not sure you understood what was said. Why not exchange your current car for one of its current value.