A bit of an update, just in case anyone is vaguely interested. There’s a few midsized SUVs that are on the scheme now that weren’t when this thread started namely the Jaecoo 5, JEEP Compass and the MGs5. There’s also the likely additions, the MGs6, EV4 and 5, rumours of the IM5&6 are still around.
The needs list is still pretty stable, we need a lot of boot space as when we go away now there’s Mrs F’s walker plus baggage and, potentially, a dog crate. Seats have to be comfortable as both adults have spine issues and that means that these are probably the only seats I have to be able to sit relatively still in for over an hour, something I can’t do even on the sofa. Electric tailgate is a must, there are times, especially after shopping, where reaching up to the boot door can be a painful experience, I really don’t want to be having to pull down the tailgate on a bad day, I can currently use the key fob if reaching up isn’t an option. heating and cooling seats are essential (heating essential, cooling nice), ideally I’d have separate heating for the seat backs over all the seat heating at once but I can deal with either really. Electric seats usually mean more comfortable and definitely easier to adjust. I’d want a 360 degree camera to safe all the twisting when reversing. I’d also prefer a heads up display, just because I’ve gotten used to it, but that’s not a deal breaker. I don’t think that’s too excessive a list, I’ve definitely seen bigger ones.
Pricing is an issue, with my order date being the wrong side of the VAT addition things are looking expensive. I can justify spending so much but there’s a point where the AP on a 3 year lease, followed by similar, leads to a question of getting a used car, around the same age as the Ioniq 5, which will last for a good 9 years more, that’s 3 APs to put into that car, although all the insurance and maintenance will make life a touch more complicated. So, I’d much prefer to stay with an affordable Scheme car and know that it’s all covered. However, I’m not convinced I’m going to be that lucky.
I’m getting ready next week for 2026 Q1, with and anticipated rush of new cars and potential for some nice price drops. The EV3, Jaecoo e5 and the electric JEEP are all candidates as the current APs are insane.
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Mark