To change or not to change

FlamingSox

I am in two minds whether to change our 08 Touran 1.4tsi (140bhp) Highline with 60k on clock for a new 1.6tdi bmt (105bhp) Comfortline.

Other half thinks it will be more economical to run and tax. Not in a position to opt for 140bhp version as it's 3k more. Dilemma is should we hang on to what we have for another year - will allow us to keep saving - or go for the more 'economical' but less powerful car? Any thoughts appreciated.

Wexfordian

FlamingSox wrote: »

I am in two minds whether to change our 08 Touran 1.4tsi (140bhp) Highline with 60k on clock for a new 1.6tdi bmt (105bhp) Comfortline.

Other half thinks it will be more economical to run and tax. Not in a position to opt for 140bhp version as it's 3k more. Dilemma is should we hang on to what we have for another year - will allow us to keep saving - or go for the more 'economical' but less powerful car? Any thoughts appreciated.

You've just done the majority of the depreciating though. You switch over you are going to start losing asset value hand over fist again.

FrontDoor

FlamingSox wrote: »

I am in two minds whether to change our 08 Touran 1.4tsi (140bhp) Highline with 60k on clock for a new 1.6tdi bmt (105bhp) Comfortline.

Other half thinks it will be more economical to run and tax. Not in a position to opt for 140bhp version as it's 3k more. Dilemma is should we hang on to what we have for another year - will allow us to keep saving - or go for the more 'economical' but less powerful car? Any thoughts appreciated.

How much are you looking at to change?

What sort of mpg are you getting now?

Doesn't seem like you are doing massive mileage so the sums mightn't add up.

Anan1

If economy is your main priority then you'd be mad to change - the savings in fuel and tax won't come anywhere close to making up the cost of changing.

Mr Benevolent

Here's the questions you need to ask yourself:

What's the cost to change cars? Is the cost to change less than the projected savings on fuel and tax? If the answer to the second question is yes, buy it. If no, don't.

Simple. I suspect you'll be spending pounds to save pennies though.

Nissan doctor

Work out the saving on tax and fuel and see how long you'd have to keep the new car before the savings would match the cost of changing.

Also, if you do alot of short trip/city driving and low yearly mileage the diesel won't suit you.

Padraig Mor

If you're "not in a position" to pay €3k more for the 140, you're not in a position to change at all IMHO. Stick with what you have, rather than splashing out a fortune on a lower spec car.

Head The Wall

Padraig Mor wrote: »

If you're "not in a position" to pay €3k more for the 140, you're not in a position to change at all IMHO. Stick with what you have, rather than splashing out a fortune on a lower spec car.

I'll second this, if you are paying this off on 5 year finance then keep paying it for the next two years and after that you will make a saving every month equal to the finance payments.

FlamingSox

Thanks to all for responding. Small loan on car has been paid off for the last year. Other half says it's much of a muchness ... we can hold off for another year or so & our car will be worth less but will have more saved. Either way, we'll still need a small car loan which we should be able to clear in 2 years.

I've finally come to terms with letting the 1.4tsi go. Thanks again.