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Grumpy's New Car
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Do your research carefully; compare prices and specs and think about what you really want from a car. Read the motoring press, use Google and search the plethora of brand specific forums. Then buy a Golf.3
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I wouldn't touch a Fiat as a long term investment/reliable/big distance car, even if it's just an 'it'll do car'. I'm sure there will be quite a few people that have them totally trouble free - but still hear far too many 'troubles' with both Italian and French cars.In amongst your meandering thoughts I can't see where you've actually stated your budget - what do you want to spend?For the moment - I wouldn't consider an EV for anything more than local journeys. Trying to plan charging points on a journey - then having to wait if they're busy - then having to wait while they charge - too much uncertainty for me - and it's my understanding that currently due to the cost of electric, they aren't particularly 'cheap to run'. And as you say, batteries on used models are a worry no matter what people say. If my petrol engined car needs a battery - it'll cost me a £100. If an EV needs a new battery you're talking £k's.I would go for a decent ICE car, nearly new, one that won't lose too much in value, not cost bucketloads to maintain, with a decent spec. Have you looked at German brands? I'd look at BMW/Audi/Merc - and then Honda/Lexus/Toyota on the Japanese side.2
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I am in agreements with your reasoningcymruchris said:For the moment - I wouldn't consider an EV for anything more than local journeys. Trying to plan charging points on a journey - then having to wait if they're busy - then having to wait while they charge - too much uncertainty for me - and it's my understanding that currently due to the cost of electric, they aren't particularly 'cheap to run'. And as you say, batteries on used models are a worry no matter what people say. If my petrol engined car needs a battery - it'll cost me a £100. If an EV needs a new battery you're talking £k's.I would go for a decent ICE car, nearly new, one that won't lose too much in value, not cost bucketloads to maintain, with a decent spec. Have you looked at German brands? I'd look at BMW/Audi/Merc - and then Honda/Lexus/Toyota on the Japanese side.
I don't have to contend with any of the that EV uncertainty, I would be forever watching the power going down, worrying about the battery every passing year. Will I get ba charge up before I have to walk.
When i can do 4/500 miles between fill ups in my JAG I never have to think about it, I will get an alert telling me 50 miles to empty and I know with 100% certainty I WIll get to a garage with fuel and no waiting
My car is now almost 7 years old and a dream to drive, I expect to keep it another 3/4 years and after that someone will be probably driving it in 20 years time. My next car will be same make and model
What is the life expectancy of an EV ?
What happens when the battery fails ?
Is it scrap at 10 years old ?
For me there will never be an EV in the forceable future or at least till they fix the battery and range issues2 -
Battery life is not the concern it was when EV's and hybrids first came along. There are plenty of Prius's (Prii?) on the road going strong with 200k miles on the clock and still on the original battery-just ask any Uber driver.
I think the original Nissan Leafs lacked forced air battery cooling, and this led to fairly rapid range degradation, but modern EV's have liquid cooling.No free lunch, and no free laptop
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My leaf is 8 years old, 80k miles, 84% original battery capacity, I think that is pretty average. However original range was not a lot on these first gen EVs but I think people are too hung up on battery longevity. The actual issue is that there is much less parts availability and fewer qualified mechanics so what would be a cheap fix on a mass market car can be very expensive on an EV.macman said:Battery life is not the concern it was when EV's and hybrids first came along. There are plenty of Prius's (Prii?) on the road going strong with 200k miles on the clock and still on the original battery-just ask any Uber driver.
I think the original Nissan Leafs lacked forced air battery cooling, and this led to fairly rapid range degradation, but modern EV's have liquid cooling.
I think there is the new fiskar EV available late this year that might fit your needs?I think....0 -
I agree - I think I'd only be disappointed, whether Fiat or any similar alternative.cymruchris said:I wouldn't touch a Fiat as a long term investment/reliable/big distance car, even if it's just an 'it'll do car'.
Well, no budget as it's what I need for the correct car. Having assessed options, £30k-ish top end.cymruchris said:In amongst your meandering thoughts I can't see where you've actually stated your budget - what do you want to spend?
It seems like 2019-20 model with reasonable miles. For an ICE, current choice:
Superb £18k
Mondeo £20k
Volvo S90 £22k
The "best" Mondeo right now is a hybrid, so no experience of those. Plus the battery fills half the saloon boot.
I'd still like to go EV and it seems the only viable option is the TM3/Y LR. Equivalent to the ICE options seem to be £30 (non-franchise) £33k (direct).
That £10k up front is all the fuel costs of an ICE for 4 years (12.5k miles, £1.50 per litre). Considering I don't have free electric power, the break even would be somewhat longer. It's a tough one to make work.
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How about an Audi A3 saloon? (Not sure if you want a Mondeo saloon or a hatchback style car) Fits the year range, low mileage, decent spec options. There's a few sub £20k/2019/2020 models with low mileage with varying engine and trim options.Earlier Mazda's were rustbuckets - but they seem to have improved - the Mazda 6 comes in for similar money:I don't know so much about recent Ford's, but I know you've driven a couple - the Kuga is a bit of a crossover?I don't think you mentioned the Skoda Kamiq? That looks a reasonable package as well:
Suzuki might also be an under-rated contender - Japanese reliability - my dad had a 1.4 boosterjet Vitara that was well spec'd and punchy - they also have the SX4:Another outsider could be the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross - bit more of a 'marmite' style - but worth a look.Buying a car is a bit of a personal thing though - what appeals to you might not appeal to the rest of us
If you like the look of it, it's comfortable to drive, has the spec you want, and isn't besieged by common problems - I'm sure you'll do ok whatever you choose.
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I had one. It was absolutely fine, think a slightly posher Mondeo.Grumpy_chap said:@MikeJXE - funny enough, we looked at an XE Portfolio in the summer. It was a lovely car but we felt it may have been used as a taxi so didn't go ahead.
It will be an option if we end up with an ICE.
If you're looking at electric, the 38kWh Ioniq may be an option for you (I have the Premium SE now). To make sure the range works on your route/driving style though I'd recommend renting one for a month from Apex (who I think still have them) or similar. These aren't on sale new any longer.
The Kona with (I think) 64kWh battery pack may be a better fit on a range vs price level. Part of me wishes this is what I'd got instead of the Ioniq on a rare occasion.💙💛 💔0 -
20k gets a really nice Mondeo, estate if you want, 20k miles or lessGrumpy_chap said:Well, no budget as it's what I need for the correct car. Having assessed options, £30k-ish top end.
It seems like 2019-20 model with reasonable miles. For an ICE, current choice:
Superb £18k
Mondeo £20k
Volvo S90 £22k
Similar with Superb, but the estates carry a premium
The S90s of that era are in the 20-30k range.
I'd go Ford1 -
Comfortable, well specced with a bit of EV thrown in, what about a VW Passat GTE?
I know, a bit pricey but worth a look.0
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