Really one needs to test drive the cars, not just sit in them and see how they actually work for you and most importantly drive. Often though the model you want is not the one you test drive but gives you some idea. Every car I had on the scheme ticked all my boxes but was the best feeling and practical car on my shortlist. Seems like you got your shortlist together and for me the test drive would be the deciding factor. After all you then got to drive it for 3 years minimum and the more money in ap you spend, the more important it is imo to get the decision right, and not regret it. Fuuny thing also is that the dealers will get the same fee even if the cars more in ap so some might not be as welcoming as others and that’s another factor to consider, although that also doesn’t mean it translates to good aftercare and service. I personally wouldn’t get another car that didn’t have seperate heater controls or that virtually everything was controlled by the infotainment screen or voice as I don’t really want to talk to the car and if you have an accent would it understand you? By the time you done that all, one could of demisted the front windscreen already. No matter which car we’ve had that’s always been an issue and happens regularly.
I agree, obviously sitting in a car doesn’t tell you how it deals with bumps, for example. However, phase one was to take a long list and shrink it, some of which was simple online research, some was obvious from existing experience and some needed to actually see the inside to understand what I’m looking at/for.
My next stage will be a period of reflection. It’s a lot of money for something I’m going to need to renew in 3-5 years time (which, given I’ve never owned a car for longer than 3 years is going to mean I have to get this absolutely right). I need to reflect on just what my priorities should be, I know I can be a proper tech geek and rapidly progress nice to haves into must haves for no real reason. So I’ll take a while to ensure I’m not adding stuff I don’t need.
Then phase 3 starts, it means getting others to get in/out the car, just to be sure they can, and driving with my family in 2 or 3 cars only. This might include the Megane or something else that comes on scheme or it could just be the Ariya and one other. Then it’ll be a little forced reflection. This isn’t a commitment for a 12 month car, so I need to be sure it meets current and short term future needs, can I go any distance in it, can I get in/out easily, can I park it in a normal bay (the size of some of these cars is literally begging for the paintwork to be abused by others). Can I get into my drive, it’s a tricky turn potentially around a parked car into a tightish gateway. Is the charging port in the right place for reversing into the drive? If it’s not, can I get a charger better placed and how much will that cost?
Finally, I’ll have either all the answers or I’m back at square one but no longer looking at electric and feeling pretty grumpy about that.
I'm Autistic, if I say something you find offensive, please let me know, I can guarantee it was unintentional.
I'll try to give my honest opinion but am always open to learning.
Mark