Possibly need a “new” car 🫣

Mimi_Arc_en_ciel

Bigphil1474 said:

Workplace salary sacrifice schemes can work out well but it's worth considering them in the round. I looked at ours and I could have a brand new BEV car that all in would cost me a net of about £150 a month, plus electricity cost, for something like a Kia Nero. Bargain. However, it would also mean that in 10 years time when I hope to retire, my pension would be £2,500 less per year so even in simplest of terms it's really more like £350+ a month and probably more if I live long enough.

Personally I'd go with buying back your car from the insurers and either living with the cosmetic damage or fix as good as you need.

Yes I’ve been informed about the buy back! I didn’t know about this previously (was told this morning) so I am hoping this is an option 

Mimi_Arc_en_ciel

SiliconChip said:

Mimi_Arc_en_ciel said:

SiliconChip said:

Are you sure about your annual mileage? 20K seems high based on what you've said:

Travel to work, 30 miles per day on around 150 days = 4500 miles

Travel to family, 60 miles x 2 x 12 = approx 1500 miles.

That only accounts for 6000 miles, where are you doing the other 14,000? The answer may guide what type of vehicle is suitable.

Hi, thanks for the reply. 

I pulled the mileage from my MOT certs since covid. It’s between 19.5k and 21k so I went in the middle lol 

You still need to answer the question about what type of driving you're doing to cover the unaccounted for 14K miles - tootling around town may suggest a different solution to travelling from Plymouth to Aberdeen several times a year.

Some of it will be day trips, some will be holiday, some will be running errands 

Goudy

Buying it back from the insurance company can be a good options but it depends on it's condition and how much more use you think you can get out of it.

It's 165k now and with a write off marker on it's record it's going to have a very low value going forward.
It's only value really is how much life you can get out of it for as little money as possible.

If it wants a large chunk on money spending to get it back on the road, then perhaps you need to think about cutting your losses with it.

If it is a Cat S, that's structural and will probably requires a lot of work. So make sure you know what you are considering buying back, you're going to put your family in it!

Cars these days are designed to divert the energy from crashes around the occupants.
So even mild bumps can impact things like crumple zones, seat belt mounts and so on.
 

GunJack

I've just been looking at CMax diesels, you can get a decent looking one for not much over £2k, if they write-off yours a small personal loan may get you a decent example.. 

Mimi_Arc_en_ciel

Goudy said:

Buying it back from the insurance company can be a good options but it depends on it's condition and how much more use you think you can get out of it.

It's 165k now and with a write off marker on it's record it's going to have a very low value going forward.
It's only value really is how much life you can get out of it for as little money as possible.

If it wants a large chunk on money spending to get it back on the road, then perhaps you need to think about cutting your losses with it.

If it is a Cat S, that's structural and will probably requires a lot of work. So make sure you know what you are considering buying back, you're going to put your family in it!

Cars these days are designed to divert the energy from crashes around the occupants.
So even mild bumps can impact things like crumple zones, seat belt mounts and so on.
 

My cars officially been wrote off today under "economical" - I am still waiting on the insurer to contact me.

Regarding my car - I have spent a fair bit of money on it this year already. Before the accident i was informed by my garage I needed to replace the "diesel injector" as the pipe was leaking. Other than that, the car was fine.

If it is cosmetic and only the injector then I'm probably best buying it back. Its just been such a pain!  

Grumpy_chap

Mimi_Arc_en_ciel said:

My cars officially been wrote off today under "economical" - I am still waiting on the insurer to contact me.

You need to be quick to say that you wish to purchase back the salvage as, once a car is deemed as "written off", it won't be hanging around anywhere long before it goes to the crusher or the auction.

maxmycardagain

If the car is on your property dont let the insurers take it away

sally982

Insurers should give you the option to buy back the car. Definitely request that. Also, the Volvo XC40 is reliable and popular (9th most sold car in 2024). They offer a range of fuel types, including electric. Worth taking a look.