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Loan affordability, can I afford it?
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I have to agree with this. Sure, if you have the cash to spare then I'm not going to preach about what you should spend it on. But if you're looking at getting a loan, then £22k is an awful lot of money for a car. You could get a very good used car, with warranty from a "respectable" dealer, for a third of that amount. Even a third of that amount is more than I've personally ever spent on a car. Like I say, it's your choice, but it does seem to be a lot to be aiming for.
Currently Peugeot 107. The seats are not great, especially for longer drives (even 40 minutes), and the ride leaves a lot to be desired. You can feel every bump.
We are considering something like a slightly old (2018) Kia Sportage, or Hyundai Tucson. That would give room for a family and many comforts that will keep her mobile. For example, for her motorway drive they both have cruise control. They both are automatic, so she does not have to worry about using her left foot at all (yes, easy for us - but over time it will exacerbate her issues)... the lumbar support and seats also feel very comfortable compared to the Peugeot.
Its not like we are looking at Volvo XC60's or anything. The Kia and Hyundai are mid level SUVs with many comforts that would help her. Older models do not have the same kit list, and seem a little pointless to move to...
In April we bought a 2018 Hyundai I30, its a great car very comfy with a Sat Nav and all that jazz
We pay £200 a month 0% finance
Honestly you really don't need to spend 22 grand to get a nice car
And all this after buying a house in a location which doubled her commute.
My suggestion would be to buy some cushions and/or have a break on the commute. However, I think you've already made your mind up haven't you.
If it's a large comfortable car you are after, then I would recommend a Lexus RX450h. A 2011 model with moderate mileage will set you back about £15k.
My dad has had one for nearly 6yrs and it's never had an issue and is one of the most comfortable cars I've been in.
This week I found a pretty good condition 100,000 mile Mercedes, about ten years old, for just under £2,000. That’s a car that will waft, rather than crash or bang, and it probably has another 100,000 miles in it.
£22,000 gets you a good Audi RS6, or a Phaeton, Range Rover, leggy Bentley or any number of very special bits of cherished material.
If you do spend this much, please don’t buy a diesel Golf or a Fiat 500L.
Edit: particularly given that she doesn't earn that much
I'm sure the Kia is nice but 22k on a Kia isn't something i'd do. My E60 M5 was only 18k for comparison which was over 80 new, so your best off buying something over 5 years old so you don't take the depreciation hit.