£40k to blow on a car - please help!

Hintza · 1 January 2008 at 10:56AM

Having read this thread with interest it brings to mind what my Granny used to say:-

"Look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves"

We all have different ways of spending our money some will decide on an expensive house, some on 2-3 overseas holidays a year, some will put all their money in their childrens education and some will want to buy an expensice car or other luxuries. Some will be able to afford them all.

That does not mean they are keen on money saving.

When it comes to buying cars we all have different criteria, I for one would not be seen dead in an MPV I think they are hideous contraptions, but who am I to say that they are not suitable for someone else.

To the OP, as has been suggested have a look at the 300C which is great value for money and will come in a bit below budget. Other than that you are into the standard Volvos, BMWs, Landrovers etc.

One that might be fun is the Lexus RX?

bartsimpson · 1 January 2008 at 11:38AM

exel1966 wrote: »

Save yourself the huge depreciation hit. Lease whichever car you choose and change it if you get bored with it. Far simpler than buying and selling If you're not happy after a while.

I've not really looked into the option of leasing, partly because I don't understand the pros & cons of having a car this way. In my understanding the monthly fee you pay for the lease basically amounts to the depreciation cost anyway, or is this not the case?

vikingaero · 1 January 2008 at 11:44AM

Audi Allroad 3.0 TDi

Inactive · 1 January 2008 at 11:48AM

bartsimpson wrote: »

I've not really looked into the option of leasing, partly because I don't understand the pros & cons of having a car this way. In my understanding the monthly fee you pay for the lease basically amounts to the depreciation cost anyway, or is this not the case?

You seem to have changed your tune, you had " 40k to blow " at the start of this thread, now you are considering leasing.:rolleyes:

Hintza · 1 January 2008 at 11:48AM

bartsimpson wrote: »

I've not really looked into the option of leasing, partly because I don't understand the pros & cons of having a car this way. In my understanding the monthly fee you pay for the lease basically amounts to the depreciation cost anyway, or is this not the case?

My 300C is currently on lease and if you are patient there can be very good deals around.

Just be realistic about your mileage and chedck the cost per mile if you go over then its just a matter of doing the sums.

The $64,000 question will of course be what any new car bought will be worth in 1,2 or 3 years time.

I have been pricing up Discos and reckon I am cheaper leasing but I am not convinced on the residual value.

One other point I want a towbar and that is just dead money on a 1 year lease.

Butif you are interested why not try a one yea lease and see how you get on and you can then decide if it's for you.

Hintza · 1 January 2008 at 11:50AM

Inactive wrote: »

You seem to have changed your tune, you had " 40k to blow " at the start of this thread, now you are considering leasing.:rolleyes:

What is the difference? New car for £40k or £40k car on lease?

Inactive · 1 January 2008 at 12:59PM

Hintza wrote: »

What is the difference? New car for £40k or £40k car on lease?

It was the word " blow " that gave me the impression that the OP wasn't greatly bothered about how he spent his / her money.;)

DKLS · 1 January 2008 at 1:55PM

The suggestion of a S Max made me laugh, the op is considering some tasty motors, and someone suggests an all out kiddie carrier.

Lease or outright purchase you should be able to get a decent set of wheels, I just wish there was a lease contract that changed cars every 4 months.

vikingaero · 1 January 2008 at 2:26PM

Leasing works if you are a 9-5 man, pop down the shops at the weekend and go on the odd trip. Loads of colleagues on our fleet commute x miles per day to work and add on a few miles at weekends. They fit the lease profile of 10-12k and car returned in good condition perfectly

If you have an unpredictable job or have a lifestyle that is not the norm then it is generally better to by the car outright in cash or HP. Some of our reps rack up 50k + per year. Some techs will cover 10k one year and 50k the next. The cars are less likely to be as cared for and it means that we avoid excess fees and damage charges.