Sorry, yet another 'what should we buy' thread (but it's why we are all here, is it not? to pick on others choices :-p)
OK, Going to start looking at replacements for the Mazda now hopefully giving us time to choose the right car at leisure rather than a rush job if the worst was to happen. No man math involved this time. We have the money and 'want' to change ;)
Current car set up.
53 plate Peugeot 406 2.0 HDI. 127,000 miles. & the '97 323f with 117,000 miles.
After deciding to keep the Mazda last year, the 406 has been used a lot by SWM for work and by me when SWM isn't driving it, clocking up around 22k a year. The Mazda covering around 8k a year. With a newer replacement, I envisage this 30k a year as more 50/50 split.
We now have a (near enough) £10,000 saving pot for our car fund (with a further£300/month going in). But this is to cover everything car related (MOT/Tax/Insurance/Repair/Replacement) other than Fuel.
I am thinking of spending £7-8k on a replacement for the Mazda leaving a healthy fund for running costs and eventual replacement for the Peugeot (I'm hoping for another couple of year's trouble free with the Pug). I'm thinking when the time comes for replacement of the Pug, it will be an older petrol Japanese car again (something like Zero's Lancer appeals, but who knows, 2 years is a long time) and the newer car reverting to a higher annual mileage, so probably diesel wanted and looking at 6-7 years minimum ownership.
A reasonable basis to start from or would any of you be doing it different given the above parameters?
The Suspects.
Only had a quick look so far for cars around £8k. Comments, additions, deletions appreciated: -
Toyota Auris 1.4 D-4D. 2009 model with 40k miles. PROS- I like Toyota Motor Company :-). CONS ?
Mazda 3. 2009 2.0D with around 40k or what looks like a face lifted model 2009 1.6D with 60k. PROS - styling (SWM, not me). CONS?
Focus - looks like I could get a 2010 model 1.6tdci (zetec or style). PROS - lots of choice.
Seat Leon 1.9 TDi - 2010 model 40k (this was £7.3k) PROS - loved the engine in the Golf we had
Hyundai I30 - 1.6 crdi. 2010 model with 60k around £7000 or 2011 model with 30k for £8500. PROS - slightly newer car with warranty. CONS - parts costs further down the line?
Ceed - 1.6 crdi 2010 model around 25k. Pros/cons as per Hyundai
Megane - Previously excluded on the grounds I had a 2001 model, but looks like I bought one from the wrong year going by other recent threads? a low mileage 2010 1.5 dci can be had.
Maybe an oddball, but did notice a 1.33 VVT-i Auris while looking. MPG/tax situation looked good, but thinking it may be under-powered?
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