Hi
I need some advice on what car (probably second hand) to buy. My priorities are:
MOST IMPORTANT:
1. Low *overall* cost motoring
2. QUIET & comfortable with good ride on motorways (long journeys & making phone calls from car)
3. Good-ish acceleration (for safe overtaking). (0-60 in c.8 or 9 secs max)
DESIRABLE:
4. Ideally need a hatchback (for transporting larger items)
5. Good cornering (saves fuel & also more fun!).
6. Cruise control (useful for long journeys)
7. Easy to park
WHAT DOES NOT MATTER:
- I do not care about make of car/image.
- I do not care what the car looks like.
BACKGROUND CONSTRAINTS:
- I am open to leasing, purchasing new or buying second hand.
- I have about GBP 10,000+ to throw at the problem.
- I do about 20,000 miles per year.
- I am in my early 50s.
- I have 3 years no claims bonus.
MY INITIAL THOUGHTS:
I have been advised to buy an old second hand Honda Accord, c. 1996 which apparently "never break down".
AVERAGE HISTORY COSTS:
I have just run the numbers for over the last 4 years, which are:
Depreciation: GBP 1,400 per year
Deisel: GBP 1,800 per year
Repairs/parts: GPP 2,100 per year
Current car: Golf TDI 1.9 (150 BHP I think).
Mileage: 16,000 miles per year (about to be 20,000)
DISCUSSION:
To me the huge surprise is just how small a proportion of overall costs is fuel - even now it's only about 33% !
- Any advice?
John
John Smith
I need some advice on what car (probably second hand) to buy. My priorities are:
MOST IMPORTANT:
1. Low *overall* cost motoring
2. QUIET & comfortable with good ride on motorways (long journeys & making phone calls from car)
3. Good-ish acceleration (for safe overtaking). (0-60 in c.8 or 9 secs max)
DESIRABLE:
4. Ideally need a hatchback (for transporting larger items)
5. Good cornering (saves fuel & also more fun!).
6. Cruise control (useful for long journeys)
7. Easy to park
WHAT DOES NOT MATTER:
- I do not care about make of car/image.
- I do not care what the car looks like.
BACKGROUND CONSTRAINTS:
- I am open to leasing, purchasing new or buying second hand.
- I have about GBP 10,000+ to throw at the problem.
- I do about 20,000 miles per year.
- I am in my early 50s.
- I have 3 years no claims bonus.
MY INITIAL THOUGHTS:
I have been advised to buy an old second hand Honda Accord, c. 1996 which apparently "never break down".
AVERAGE HISTORY COSTS:
I have just run the numbers for over the last 4 years, which are:
Depreciation: GBP 1,400 per year
Deisel: GBP 1,800 per year
Repairs/parts: GPP 2,100 per year
Current car: Golf TDI 1.9 (150 BHP I think).
Mileage: 16,000 miles per year (about to be 20,000)
DISCUSSION:
To me the huge surprise is just how small a proportion of overall costs is fuel - even now it's only about 33% !
- Any advice?
John
John Smith