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  • #269841
    Glos Guy
    Participant

    As mentioned on the lease extensions thread, our new car order window opens in 4 weeks time. We currently have a 2021 BMW X1 2.0i petrol auto 4WD X-Line, which has been the best car that we’ve had on Motability (after a succession of VW Tiguans). Other than the lack of AutoHold and slightly excessive road noise on coarse surfaces, it’s been nigh on perfect. I’m not a huge fan of lease extensions (but will consider some extension in this case) and I’m open to leaving the scheme and buying privately if we can’t find anything suitable. We would ideally like another petrol car, second choice would be a PHEV and last choice would be an EV. We don’t want a diesel.

    Today, after a nice lunch in Cheltenham, we spent some time at the massive 2 storey Cotswold BMW dealership that only opened a couple of years ago. My first choice manufacturer would be BMW (having had loads of different cars and driven hundreds of others they are my preferred make by some margin) and we went with the intention of looking at 6 different cars. Sadly, we had to rule out 5 of them.

    1) BMW 225e Grand Tourer M-Sport PHEV (currently on Motability). I’m afraid that we discounted this on looks alone. MPVs just don’t do it for us. My late Dad had an MPV and as Jeremy Clarkson says, MPVs are for old people who’ve given up on liking cars (which, in fairness, was my Dad! Neither of us liked the look of it and I know I’d regret getting one. The boot may also be a bit too small for the wheelchair, but we didn’t get that far.

    2) BMW X2. Not yet on Motability, but I reckon that the iX2 is very likely to join the scheme fairly soon. We ruled this out as the rear passenger compartment is far too difficult to get in and out of due to the sloped roof. I’m 6ft 2 and in all honesty it was a real challenge getting in and out. I had to bend my head right down on to my chest to get in and out and it was uncomfortable doing so. I would concur with the reviews I have read on the X2 that, other than looks, it is compromised against the better packaged X1 / iX1.

    3) BMW i4 (on Motability). They had a green Sport e35 which we thought looked lovely (the green looked fabulous under the showroom lights). The boot was big enough for the wheelchair, but as the rear of the car is sloped there wasn’t much space left. Getting in and out of the back seats was also a bit of a challenge due to the sloped roofline, but less difficult than the X2. We ended up dismissing it for 2 reasons. First and foremost, with the lower seating position my wife really struggled getting out of it, as she had to pull herself up more than she does from an SUV, and this was a major problem for her. The other reason was that we felt that the car seemed claustrophobic inside. Forward and rear visibility through the comparatively shallow windscreen and rear window felt very restricted compared to what we are used to. The windscreen almost felt as though the sun blinds were down (they weren’t). Shame as we both really liked the look of it, but it’s just not practical for either of us.

    4) BMW 3 Series Touring. When the 330e M-Sport Touring came on to Motability a few months ago, it was the first addition to excite me in several years. I had already established the biggest negative with this car, when I’d worked out the cost of all the options that I’d want to add (which makes it ludicrously expensive for a lease car, especially when added to the £12,000 sacrificed benefits). Whilst it wasn’t as claustrophobic as the i4, my wife really struggled getting out of it so, whilst we liked it, we had to eliminate it.

    5) BMW X5. This would obviously be a private purchase, probably a 3 year old one as I just can’t bring myself to part with £70k for a car. Much as I’d love one, and as a car it left all the others in the shade, it was impractical for two reasons. Whereas the i4 and 3 Series were too low for my wife to get out of, the X5 was too high for her to get in to. Also, the side sills on M-Sport models protrude and were problematic for my wife as they make it a bigger gap to reach the seat and also result in soiling your legs from road dirt. Finally, the daft split tailgate would be a nightmare getting the wheelchair in and out of the boot, involving too much of a stretch (not good for my back). Alas, I don’t think I’ll ever get my X5 ?

    6) BMW iX1. They didn’t have an iX1 in the showroom but they had an identical petrol X1. This was the easiest car for my wife to get in and out of (no doubt because it’s closest to our current car), but it was also the easiest for me. The boot is fine for the wheelchair and, other than the bigger X5, it was the best car for visibility. I don’t like the fact that the iDrive rotary dial has gone, but at least they have fitted AutoHold on the new model. Almost 3 years on, it’s the one thing on our current X1 that still irritates me (as it doesn’t have it). This ended up being the best car for both of us, but unfortunately only the iX1 EV is on Motability at present. I had an iX1 30e X-Line for a day last year and didn’t like it anywhere near as much as our petrol X1. Ideally I’d like to see the petrol X1 on the scheme, but with how Motabilty is going, I suspect that it won’t. However, there are now two X1 PHEV models so, with the more expensive 330e having joined the scheme, I am hoping that one of them might join next quarter. However, there’s no EV equivalent of the 3 Series Touring, whereas BMW will want to use Motability to get their EV numbers up so will want to shift the iX1 as a priority.

    So, as far as BMW goes, if we stay with Motability we will hope for the X1 PHEV and if that doesn’t happen, and we don’t find a better car from another manufacturer, we may end up having to go for an iX1 20e M-Sport, which you can get through Motability with the tech pack and M-Sport Pro packs included. I’d considered an X3 as a private purchase, but it’s no bigger inside than the new X1/iX1 so that doesn’t really make sense. So, in some respects, a frustrating day, but at least it’s helped narrow the BMW choice down to one car.

    Next steps are to look at the Hyundai Tucson Ultimate PHEV (not sure I want to spend that much for a Hyundai though) and the Mazda CX-60, although I’ll wait to see if that’s still on the list in Q2 before making a trip as there isn’t a Mazda dealer anywhere near us. My wife has a prejudice against all French cars (?) and isn’t at all keen on a Skoda, even though I think they make some excellent cars now. The new Kuga won’t be any good as the Vignale is discontinued and you can’t get leather trim on the ST-Line X (she needs leather or faux leather to slide around on the seat). The new VW Tiguan still doesn’t have leather unless you pay over £2k which is outrageous (no faux leather option).

Viewing 25 replies - 1 through 25 (of 150 total)
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  • #269843
    kezo
    Participant

    If your planning to look at the Tucson go and see the Kia Sportage GT Line S PHEV (£4,599). The interior “looks” more upmarket than the Tucson. Needless to say go in with an open mind but, don’t expect soft touch materials to be BMW qaulity.

    Looked at the Active Tourer a while back when it was under £5k if you remember and came to the same conclusion.

    The ix1 didn’t have the range needed and found the edrive 20 201bhp a bit flat and behind VW group since they upped the game to 286bhp. Might be worth looking at the Q4 Etron, even though its not true Audi qaulity but, has leather(ish) seats.

    Good luck 🙂

    • This reply was modified 1 year, 2 months ago by kezo.
    #269845
    Glos Guy
    Participant

    Thanks @kezo. A Kia appeals even less than a Hyundai in all honesty, but I know that the Sportage gets decent reviews (as does the Tucson to be fair). Good though these cars are, I’m struggling to get my head around paying the thick end of £20k (with sacrificed benefits) to have a car that I wouldn’t even look at if buying privately, as they just don’t appeal.

    Where Motability wins for me is when I find a car that I’d be happy to buy privately but can run cheaper through the scheme (as was the case with our current petrol X1). Even the best car (for us) that we found today, the iX1, doesn’t fulfill that criteria in all honesty, so I do need to keep an open mind to different options.

    Our choice is going to be very heavily restricted by my wife’s ever worsening mobility challenges. She really struggled today getting out of the i4 and 3 Series and couldn’t even get in the X5, so I think we are stuck with the small SUV category. At least Motability has some choice still in that segment, albeit quite restricted when you don’t really want an EV and you need leather or faux leather.

    Yes, the Q4 is still on the list (forgot to mention it), but again it’s an EV. If no decent petrol or PHEV SUVs are added in Q2 we shall definitely have a look at it. I’ve driven a few Audis over the years and didn’t rate them as much as the comparable BMWs, but interior quality is usually very good, so it’s a shame if the Q4 falls a bit short.

    #269846
    MB5
    Participant

    I can recommend the 4wd Tucson PHEV in ultimate trim. I have one. Very much an upgrade on past Hyundai models and excellent ICE system. I came from a Mercedes to that and whilst it doesn’t quite have the premium feel of Merc/BMW, it is certainly a very nice place to be.

    As Kezo says, also look at the Sportage – very similar car underneath and similar same user interface on the ICE, bar different fonts, as far as I can tell.

    I’m happy to answer any queries you have on the Tucson.

    #269848
    kezo
    Participant

    The CX60 is a cracking car with a quality interior akin to that of BMW in my oppinion. We found the seats didn’t have alot of height ajustment and felt low at full height and no built seat extenders, which caused a lack of thigh support for mrs kezo. The centre comsole is wide but, can’t see it being an issue. Certainlt one to at least go and look at!

    The best PHEV setup on the scheme, is the Toyota built Suzuki Across but I jnow your not overly keen on having a Suzuki.

    How about full Hybrid for a wider choice and have decent economy?

    I have extened my early termination timescale with Mb, to cover this upoming quarter. If nothing comes along I’ll be leaving the scheme and be making do with my private car untill I find something else to px it with.

     

    #269850
    Glos Guy
    Participant

    The CX60 is a cracking car with a quality interior akin to that of BMW in my oppinion. We found the seats didn’t have alot of height ajustment and felt low at full height and no built seat extenders, which caused a lack of thigh support for mrs kezo. The centre comsole is wide but, can’t see it being an issue. Certainlt one to at least go and look at! The best PHEV setup on the scheme, is the Toyota built Suzuki Across but I jnow your not overly keen on having a Suzuki. How about full Hybrid for a wider choice and have decent economy? I have extened my early termination timescale with Mb, to cover this upoming quarter. If nothing comes along I’ll be leaving the scheme and be making do with my private car untill I find something else to px it with.

    I don’t like the look of the CX-60 (or any of the Mazda SUVs for that matter) but the appeal of the CX-60 was that it’s X3 size. After today, that might be too high for my wife. I watched a review on it yesterday and they also said that the seats were poor. Next to no lateral support, resulting in moving around whilst cornering. That might be another issue for my wife as she can’t use her legs to steady herself. We looked at the CX-5 when we changed last time and thought that the interior quality was good.

    You’re right that I wouldn’t want a Suzuki but we did have a Toyota RAV4 years ago that we kept for 10 years it was so good. I don’t think that they are on the scheme any more, which is odd, although I know that their infotainment systems are woefully off the pace of other brands.

    #269883
    Glos Guy
    Participant

    @kezo Did you have any specific full hybrids in mind?

    Having narrowed my list of potential BMWs down to just one, I’m now starting on other manufacturers SUVs. There are a number of manufacturers that I’m just not interested in (I’m sure their cars are fine – there are hardly any ‘bad’ cars these days – but I just don’t have any desire for one at a £12k outlay plus AP – all personal choice of course).

    The cars that I’m going to do a desktop exercise on are below. Some of them will be quickly eliminated if the models available through Motability don’t have features that we want either as standard or available as options (as you will know, several manufacturers don’t allow options – you have to trade up to a higher grade which may not be on the scheme);

    Audi Q4 210kw 45 Sport (Leather) 82kWh S-Line £4,149 + Technology Pack £1,495 = Total £5,624

    Honda CR-V 2.0 ePHEV Advance Tech CVT £6,999

    Hyundai Tucson 1.6TGDi 4WD PHEV Ultimate £5,499

    Mazda CX-60 Takumi 2.5 PHEV 4WD (Convenience Pack) £7,995

    Mazda CX-5 2.0 E-Skyactiv G MHEV Exclusive-Line with Driver Assistance Pack – £3,999

    Nissan Qashqai 1.5 ePower Tekna Auto £3,199

    Nissan X-Trail 1.5 ePower 204 N-Connecta XTronic Auto £3,499

    Volvo XC40 2.0 B3P Plus Dark Auto £1,499

    Volvo XC40 175kW Recharge Core 69kWh Auto £2,799

     

    #269891
    kezo
    Participant

    I would have swopped my Hyundai Tucson for the Kia Sportage HEV or PHEV but run into some problems where Motability said they were happy for me to have one from the docks however Kia wouldn’t let me!

    The Tucson & Sportage are technically the same car with differnt coats. I’d prefer the twin screen layout in the Sportage and overhall think the the Kia’s interior “looks” more up market.

    The Nissan Qashqai was on my list @Mike700 is getting 50+mpg. Sadly the Tekna doesn’t get full leather(ish) seats (only the outers)  Like you I need a leather type seat so discounted it on this. The Tekna+ has full leather but not on the scheme.

    The Nissan X-Trail was one I wanted before the QQ but, for similar reasons the N Connecta doesn’t get leather seats and Ive waited since last February for Tekna to join, which get fake leather seats.

    The Mazda CX-60 I really liked but, wasn’t suitable as explained previous. Iwould have been happy with the Exclusive with comfort pack or the Homura which gains a nice Bose sound system. All 3 grades get leather seats and are pretty much base cars that you add packs. The Takumi adds cream leather over the others but is similar in base spec to the Homura. Something to bear in mind when looking.

    I’m not a huge fan of Volvo since having a C40 years ago. I also think the interiors look dated. The XC40 would be too small for us anyway and the B3P doesn’t get great mpg 38-42mpg.

    One that does interest me is the outgoing Skoda Kodiaq 2.0l but an average of 35mpg I’ll give it a miss unless the diesel joins to clear stock.

    The Kuga Vignalle PHEV, currently has from memory £1300 off the AP, see @BigDaves offer thread. Its the outgoing model, whether the offer will carry on next quarter I don’t know. Something for you to consider.

    What else is there! You have covered all those with an ICE/hybrid engine worth looking at and those on my list. Others include Vauxhall Grandland, New Peugeot 3008/E3008, Renault Austral etc.

    I’m still unsure on going full electric – the Q4 Etron would make the list, The i4 is nice but, too low and the BYD Seal should it join will be worth a look, though I expect it would be too low for us. Kia EV6 if the GT Line S joins will look at.

    If I went electric I would want AWD.

    #269894
    GaryV
    Participant

    I had the thing with french cars but now my wife has a c5 aircross privately and I have a c5x on motability and I’m converted

    #269917
    moggy
    Participant

    Why would you want AWD Kezo, I think a pair of Oars would be more useful with all this rain we’ve had.

    #269918
    kezo
    Participant

    Why would you want AWD Kezo, I think a pair of Oars would be more useful with all this rain we’ve had.

    Fed up of the rain mate however its not to bad today is it bar cloudy.

     

    #269920
    Glos Guy
    Participant

    Thanks @kezo that’s extremely helpful. I will delete the two Nissans from my list on the assumption that you can’t even add full leather or leatherette as an option then? Shame, as I like the look of them, the Qashqai in particular.

    I’m not too keen on the look of the Sportage but I don’t like the look of the Tucson either, yet I think it ticks every box spec wise, so I’ll take another look at the Kia. I certainly couldn’t live with the looks of the EV6, especially the back end which I think is hideous. Just my opinion of course!

    The Volvo XC40 came second when we were looking for our current car. It lost out against the X1 in the end as we both preferred the exterior and interior of the BMW and I didn’t like the touch screen only (and odd shape) infotainment system. I suspect that the Motability versions are poverty spec given the APs but I’ve not looked into them yet. I think that it might also be a bit too small, especially the boot.

    I suspect that the old Kuga Vignales will be gone by the time we can order. Again, we looked at the Kuga last time round and discounted it as the interior quality was woefully behind the BMW and the Volvo. Shame, as I like Fords.

    My wife (who, after all, is the benefit recipient so has to have a say ? ?) does not want a French car, full stop. Not a major issue for me as I don’t like the low steering wheel setup that Peugeot use and I can’t stand the look of Citroens.

    Personally I like the look of modern day Skodas, but my wife has the same mental block against them as she does French cars. We are old enough to remember the days when Skodas were about the worst cars on the road and the butt of many jokes, and my telling her that they are now amongst some of the best cars on the road falls on deaf ears ?.

    I’m not interested in a Vauxhall. I had a number of them back in the 80s and early 90s in the days when they were as good as any of the other mainstream brands on the roads at the time , but I think they have been left behind nowadays and the last one I drove (previous generation Mokka) was easily amongst the worst cars I have ever driven (and I’ve driven hundreds)!

    Once again, thanks for your help, which is much appreciated. I shall just look at them all on paper for now and then visit the dealerships next month when the Q2 list is out, as some may have dropped off the list by then and, fingers crossed, others may have come on.

    #269922
    Avatar photoWillis
    Participant

    This thread has been better than some of the reviews you can find on the professional car websites!

     

    Seriously, thanks all that contributed, I have learnt loads from this thread.

    #269923
    Markymate
    Participant

    @GlosGuy.  Definitely take a look and a test drive in the Sportage GT Line S, either the HEV or PHEV.  The things that are standard on this model is substantial.  Having test drove a few other medium SUV’s I extended as I was going to wait for the new Kodiaq to come on, but then went out in GT Line S HEV and was hooked.

    Good luck with your search.

    • This reply was modified 1 year, 2 months ago by Markymate.
    #269926
    kezo
    Participant

    Sadly you can’t add leather seats to the Nissans – e.g when you select to add full leather option, you are taken to the Tekna+ (QQ) or Tekna (XT)

    The thing with the likes of the Tucson (so want to spell this wrong!) or Sportage, is there is no need to add packs, as they have everything included like, ventillated seats and a rev counter that turns into a blindspot monitor.

    Given your renewal isn’t yet, I’d probably wait till next week before looking, so you have more of a clue what is actually on the scheme 🙂

    I’m praying something interesting joins next week and will wait now and see. My hopes are fading though and looking more likely I will leave the scheme.

    #269938
    MFillingham
    Participant

    Having had a look at the Volvos I’d give them a wide berth, the seats were much less than I expect from Volvo and were almost bench like in terms of levels of comfort.  It’s a car that should really be so much better than it really was.  I simply couldn’t see the attraction.  Also, seat height may be an issue, they weren’t very high but were higher than the majority of the list we’d tested.

     

    Hyundai seems to do really well and then consistently miss something really basic that just becomes annoying.  The Ioniq 5 has plastic beside the rear seats and that hard surface when met by the metal parts of the seat belt can drive a sane person to distraction.  I literally had to stop the car and get out and turn the belts around before having a meltdown with the constant metal/plastic rattle.  When everything else is put together decently, something so simple can really make you question their thought processes.

    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

    #269940
    Glos Guy
    Participant

    @Willis Thanks for the feedback. Yesterday was a real struggle for my wife getting in and out of several cars, so I’m happy to provide any info that helps others narrow their choices. The info that others are providing is proving extremely useful.


    @kezo
    Having everything as standard is very attractive, as long as the car is good. The Tucson gets great reviews but my mate has a Hyundai Santa Fe and I find the seats to be very uncomfortable and the thing is continually binging and bonging when he’s driving and that would drive me berserk. I’d have to check if those chimes can be turned off. If you have to turn them off every time that would become tiresome. Does anyone know if the Sportage has the same issue?

    I was all for leaving the scheme as well, but yesterday we had to rule out my first choice private car (BMW X5). My second choice was a BMW X3 but having watched some reviews it’s no bigger inside than the new generation X1, which we can get through Motability (albeit just the electric one at the moment that I don’t really want). In all honesty there’s nothing else that appeals, other than possibly a Porsche Macan, but that’s very expensive and it seems pointless buying a Porsche for the sort of usage we have now. The problem I will have staying on the scheme is the outlay (£12k plus AP plus options) if it’s a car that I can’t get excited about. My wife’s disability is reducing our options massively.


    @MFillingham
    Thanks for the heads up on the Volvo. Seat comfort (or lack of) was an issue that I recall cropped up on here a lot when the XC40 first came on the scheme some years ago. I find it odd that a manufacturer that used to be recognised as having some of the most comfortable seats on the market has got it so wrong. I had a Volvo 850 GLT 2.5 petrol some years ago as a stop gap car whilst waiting for a Ford Scorpio Cosworth company car and although it looked like a hearse I really enjoyed driving it!

    • This reply was modified 1 year, 2 months ago by Glos Guy.
    #269945
    indecisiveone
    Participant

    Glosguy – rear seats aside did you rate the bmw x2 ?

     

    I like the look of it and won’t be sat in rear nor will anybody tall

     

     

    #269963
    kezo
    Participant

    ?Luckily you can turn most bings & bongs down to a whisper, making them barely audible with the radio off.

    Auto hold is a bit weird as you have to activate every time you start the car in  the Tucson but, stays on in the Sportage.

    #270105
    Dogboss
    Participant

    @glos-guy

    Mazda XC60 six months in and nearly 3k milesto be honest we;re quite disappointed with Mazda’s so called flag ship as I see it brought out, unproven. Our’s has been in for 2 urgent DVLA recalls one of which took 3 hours with me in the showroom and after 2 and a half hours was offered a drink can’t compare that to BMW service department (previous car X1)

     

    The good, love the car especially the colour Soul Red Crystal and it;s a head turner I was sat in Tesco’s car park chap really gave it the once over and I was still sat in it quite odd,

    Entertainment is very good with wireless apple car play and Bose speakers.

    The headup display is better than my BMW was,it’s almost twice the size.

    Acceleration is rapid as you would expect with 323hp and AWD. Boot size is very good with 570 litres

     

    The bad: The 39 mile electric range is a joke I’ve only ever managed 2.3 miles kwh

    hopefully it will improve with the weather, fingers crossed.

     

    In EV mode, the car is a little slow to pull away, while you can hear too much noise from the electric motors, and every so often there’ll be a pronounced lurch or thump from the transmission. Mazda’s premium rivals are streets ahead in this respect.  .(taken from auto express) but very true, Seats we find ok if a little bit high getting in and out. The biggest problem though is the suspension I’d liken it to 1960s Land Rover leaf springs brilliant on smooth surface but not many left in this country!

    So to sum up if you’ve any loose dentures or fillings I‘d steer clear of the CX60

    If BMW X1 2.0 litre petrol comes back on I will return this and pay the £250 with pleasure

    #270109
    Glos Guy
    Participant

    @Dogboss Really useful and interesting feedback. Thank you. Like you, I will be moving from a 2.0i BMW X1 and my biggest concern is that I end up with something that is going to seem like a big step backwards. It sounds as though the height of the CX-60 might rule it out for my wife if it is noticeably higher than the X1

    Like many on here I like the concept of a PHEV, but I am mindful of the fact that they were primarily designed for the company car user in order to pay much lower ‘benefit in kind’ taxation (which doesn’t apply to us), and they should really be used with both the petrol and battery working together. Having read or watched countless reviews on them, the consensus seems to be that if the intention is to do most journeys in EV mode then you are much better off with a proper EV. Equally, the added weight of the battery can compromise handling compared to a pure ICE car. However, if we remain with Motability and aren’t keen on getting an EV then the only decent cars left seem to be PHEVs.

    If we stick with BMW then we now know that our only option is the iX1 or, if it appears, the X1. Like you, if a petrol X1 comes on to the scheme I won’t bother looking any further, as our current one has been so good. I can’t see that happening though. I think the best we can hope for is the X1 PHEV. If that comes on the scheme I hope that it will be possible to get the M-Sport bundled with both the M-Sport Pro and Technology Packs, as is the case with the iX1, as that’s a great deal. Roll on 1st April but, as always, I won’t be holding my breath.

    #270114
    Avatar photoDougieB
    Participant

    Have you considered the MG HS at all? I know it has a few foibles, but for the money (and I’ve had mine for 18 months now) it’s pretty much untouchable. Super comfortable, great to drive, loaded with pretty much everything you’d need and quite economical for a decent sized SUV.

    And no, I’ve not had a single problem with mine.

    Current car: MG HS Exclusive in nice shiny black. 🙂

    #270118
    Glos Guy
    Participant

    Have you considered the MG HS at all? I know it has a few foibles, but for the money (and I’ve had mine for 18 months now) it’s pretty much untouchable. Super comfortable, great to drive, loaded with pretty much everything you’d need and quite economical for a decent sized SUV. And no, I’ve not had a single problem with mine.

    Hi Dougie. Glad to hear that your car has worked out well for you. It wouldn’t be on my list though I’m afraid. I had the previous generation MG HS for a couple of days when our last car was in for repair, and I felt that it was the second worst car I’d driven in recent years after the Vauxhall Mokka! I’m sure that the latest generation model is heaps better, but I personally wouldn’t be prepared to spend £12k on an MG. For those who wouldn’t (or couldn’t) consider leaving the scheme and are attracted by a very low AP I appreciate that it’s a lot of car for the money though. As you say, it’s very well equipped and I think it’s a lot better looking than many of the new generation SUVs.

    #270119
    Avatar photoDougieB
    Participant

    Hi Dougie. Glad to hear that your car has worked out well for you. It wouldn’t be on my list though I’m afraid. I had the previous generation MG HS for a couple of days when our last car was in for repair, and I felt that it was the second worst car I’d driven in recent years after the Vauxhall Mokka! I’m sure that the latest generation model is heaps better, but I personally wouldn’t be prepared to spend £12k on an MG. For those who wouldn’t (or couldn’t) consider leaving the scheme and are attracted by a very low AP I appreciate that it’s a lot of car for the money though. As you say, it’s very well equipped and I think it’s a lot better looking than many of the new generation SUVs.

    Each to their own. I’m very happy with mine although to be honest, I don’t really subscribe to this 12K argument (and it’s actually more for me as I’m a veteran on WPA) as I tend to put more value on the peace of mind factor. Four punctures in 6 weeks, as experienced a couple of years ago, kind of focusses the mind on things like that!

    To be honest, the only car that would tempt me away from the scheme at the moment is the Porsche Macan and whilst it’s easily within reach budget wise, I’m not sure I can justify it given the appalling hammering I’m currently giving to my poor MG.

    Current car: MG HS Exclusive in nice shiny black. 🙂

    #270122
    Glos Guy
    Participant

    @DougieB My wife loves the Porsche Macan and when we test drove one some years back I have to admit it was a lovely drive and the seats were very comfortable. As she’s the benefit recipient it’s still on our list and, as a private purchase, it makes more sense than most cars as it holds its value so well. I suspect that my wife may struggle to get in and out of it now though. My other worry is that if I had a Porsche I think that the temptation to drive it a little more keenly than my wife would approve of would be too great ?

    #270123
    Avatar photoDougieB
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     My other worry is that if I had a Porsche I think that the temptation to drive it a little more keenly than my wife would approve of would be too great ?

    Well, there is that! 😉

    Current car: MG HS Exclusive in nice shiny black. 🙂

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