Family of 4, confusing market.

john_doe.

Have driven a Mazda 3 diesel 1.5 for last few years. Lovely car and very fuel efficient.

With a 2nd child on way it prob going be bit small for carting two small children around .

Now when I look at option I struggle.
Wife won't drive estate so looking at something like SUV or Skoda Superb.

The Superb seems offer serious space.
The complication though is if buying now , if buying diesel a bad move.

Can see the push to electric happening however when I go for drive everything passing by are diesel suvs.

Therefore for a family car I was wondering how to proceed - if buying diesel or even petrol next year , will it depreciate rapidly following that.

Electric is all well and good but only see limited options for family cara like enyaq , id4 etc and the price of electric is really a turn off. Hybrids like the Skoda Superb hybrid I'm unsure of - will they just be blown away n future when more electric cars are out.

Budget is around 30-40k , and drive mostly 70km Monday - Friday on dual carriageway.

Considered maybe PCP is option to reduce risk.
Really I don't want to spend 30-40k on something next year that is worthless in 3-4 years.

Welcome any thoughts.

MarkN

john_doe. wrote: »

Have driven a Mazda 3 diesel 1.5 for last few years. Lovely car and very fuel efficient.

With a 2nd child on way it prob going be bit small for carting two small children around .

Now when I look at option I struggle.
Wife won't drive estate so looking at something like SUV or Skoda Superb.

The Superb seems offer serious space.
The complication though is if buying now , if buying diesel a bad move.

Can see the push to electric happening however when I go for drive everything passing by are diesel suvs.

Therefore for a family car I was wondering how to proceed - if buying diesel or even petrol next year , will it depreciate rapidly following that.

Electric is all well and good but only see limited options for family cara like enyaq , id4 etc and the price of electric is really a turn off. Hybrids like the Skoda Superb hybrid I'm unsure of - will they just be blown away n future when more electric cars are out.

Budget is around 30-40k , and drive mostly 70km Monday - Friday on dual carriageway.

Considered maybe PCP is option to reduce risk.
Really I don't want to spend 30-40k on something next year that is worthless in 3-4 years.

Welcome any thoughts.

PHEV Superb is over 50k so I’d rule that out as of now. The UK seem to be cutting ICE engine sales from 2030. PHEV a little later. That was on the table here and then it became vague a few months ago. The 1.5 petrol that VAG do is very efficient. The new Octavia while isn’t as premium as the Superb has decent rear legroom and a massive boot. I’ve two kids and a dog and I’ve been driving one for nearly a month now and the boot hasn’t let me down once.

If on a 3 year PCP cycle, I wouldn’t worry too much about what the future holds, of course there will be depreciation but just because your car isn’t an EV in 3 years doesn’t mean it will be worth nothing. EV market in Ireland is still relatively tiny.

SEAT Leon could be another option as the rear legroom is generous although the boot may not be up to it.

Heres Johnny

Pity she won't drive an estate as its exactly the car you need. I wouldn't worry about fuel and resale, cars are practically worth zero in 10 years anyway, regardless of fuel. At best you'll get 10% retained value in 10 years.
You have the budget for a nice estate, and some are really nice, I'd try talk her around

bazz26

40k will get you a fairly new Toyota Camry hybrid too, not sure how frugal any of these hybrids are with mostly motorway driving though.

Personally I'd just buy what you like or need rather than trying to second guess what the market dictates in a few years time as it's all over the place and new cars are only getting more expensive every year no matter what propels them.

Idbatterim

I would keep the Mazda as long as you can, when you switch, ideally just switch to something with good range electric, virtually no servicing, dirt cheap fuel, way less to go wrong and good residuals... Push to diesel? what a cent or two on the litre of diesel at pumps every budget and no change to motor tax for all the low motor tax rates... because that is what happened this year. there wont be some about turn, to make up for the insane tax system they introduced or the fact diesel is taxed less, I believe they are closing the gap. You are worried about cost? Depreciation is the elephant in the room, that is the serious cost with most cars, the other stuff is pocket change!

that is assuming you could charge at home or work and there is or will be soon , a good electric for your needs... mg selling here again soon, 262km range, starting from 29k, 5 star safety rating...

https://www.breakingnews.ie/lifestyle/mg-returns-to-ireland-with-electric-crossover-1027237.html

https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/motors/how-far-can-electric-cars-go-on-one-charge-1.4162856

john_doe.

Idbatterim wrote: »

I would keep the Mazda as long as you can, when you switch, ideally just switch to something with good range electric, virtually no servicing, dirt cheap fuel, way less to go wrong and good residuals... Push to diesel? what a cent or two on the litre of diesel at pumps every budget and no change to motor tax for all the low motor tax rates... because that is what happened this year. there wont be some about turn, to make up for the insane tax system they introduced or the fact diesel is taxed less, I believe they are closing the gap. You are worried about cost? Depreciation is the elephant in the room, that is the serious cost with most cars, the other stuff is pocket change!

that is assuming you could charge at home or work and there is or will be soon , a good electric for your needs... mg selling here again soon, 262km range, starting from 29k, 5 star safety rating...

https://www.breakingnews.ie/lifestyle/mg-returns-to-ireland-with-electric-crossover-1027237.html

https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/motors/how-far-can-electric-cars-go-on-one-charge-1.4162856

Thanks ya , depreciation would be main concern.
But electric also are ridiculously expensive , it seems like there are many emerging but looks like 1-2 years to settle down for family cars. Enyaq and that MG, ID4 seem like exceptions.

Really don't know about hybrids , can seem them being a stop gap that just dissapear.

Have considered an octavia all rights , boot space is vast as well.

Majority of cars I see on road are diesel SUVs
If electric didn't exist and there wasnt this push away from diesel I'd get another diesel no question.

The Mazda 3 is €49 to fill and lasts more than 2 weeks easily.

PaulRyan97

PHEVs will be here to stay for a while, I wouldn't worry too much about 2030 at the moment.

The Superb or the Passat are pretty good but a tad expensive. If I were you I'd take a look at the upcoming Skoda Octavia iV. My guess is it should be around €36k.

https://www.carzone.ie/car-reviews/skoda-octavia-iv-2020/811

john_doe.

PaulRyan97 wrote: »

PHEVs will be here to stay for a while, I wouldn't worry too much about 2030 at the moment.

The Superb or the Passat are pretty good but a tad expensive. If I were you I'd take a look at the upcoming Skoda Octavia iV. My guess is it should be around €36k.

https://www.carzone.ie/car-reviews/skoda-octavia-iv-2020/811

Thanks, did notice that . Problem with some hybrids is they shrink the boot space

"The battery’s positioning does mean that the Skoda’s boot capacity is reduced by 150 litres. However, it still remains one of the most generous in the class at 450 litres "-

PaulRyan97

john_doe. wrote: »

Thanks, did notice that . Problem with some hybrids is they shrink the boot space

"The battery’s positioning does mean that the Skoda’s boot capacity is reduced by 150 litres. However, it still remains one of the most generous in the class at 450 litres "-

The boot's quite generous still but that's a fair enough complaint, especially if you're trying to fit a buggy in.

If you can't go estate (which is really what I would be looking at here) then you'll have to look at SUVs like a Ford Kuga or a RAV4. The new Tucson will also be available as a hybrid (non-plug in).

colm_mcm

Put the effort into getting baby stuff that will fit in the Mazda.

It’s only two kids.

john_doe.

PaulRyan97 wrote: »

The boot's quite generous still but that's a fair enough complaint, especially if you're trying to fit a buggy in.

If you can't go estate (which is really what I would be looking at here) then you'll have to look at SUVs like a Ford Kuga or a RAV4. The new Tucson will also be available as a hybrid (non-plug in).

Thanks, Skoda octavia is prob as someone said a good option, 600L boot space in petrol or diesel.

Lantus

Your at 20k a year which still good diesel territory. Phev is silly money and you will never get payback except for a few specific cases when you keep for the cars entire life at pan and drive like an eco warrior dawn till dusk.

I would see what could work with mazda 3 first and start saving.

Alternatively a new or nearly new octavia or superb is a cracking family car. They have really high retentions but I'd disregard depreciation anyway. What you need from any product is a good fit for you and value for money.

If I was buying another tomorrow I would get a diesel no problem. Its what's best for me today and for years to come.

You can get a 181 superb ambition diesel for 24ish and octavia even cheaper. My 171 octavia has had new front tyres and brake pads only in its almost 4 years of life so far. We will be keeping for a few more before trading in at least.

I love the new octavia and the 2017 model {no split headlamps please} but I will wait for the creases to get ironed out until I got the new one.

Minimal capital cost is the best way to save money. Not a little battery costing 6k or more in premium payments.

Edit: a tow bar is a good addition for a bike rack or trailer. We got the roof bars but the tow would be so much easier to use. The octavia and superb making camping a reality which is a great way to have fun as a family travelling Ireland.

Pkiernan

Buy a 2 year old Ford Smax or similar mpv.

Buying a new car and being concerned about depreciation doesn't really work!

john_doe.

Pkiernan wrote: »

Buy a 2 year old Ford Smax or similar mpv.

Buying a new car and being concerned about depreciation doesn't really work!

Thanks , but I think an Smax is little overkill for 2 kids.

Looking at octavia 20-2 at moment to purchase it next year.

Electric and PHEV have a way to go to get people to move to electric from what I see. Lot of cars coming , next 2 years looks like be more options.

kanuseeme

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009093512749?sort=price-asc&maximum-mileage=70000&include-delivery-option=on&model=2%20SERIES%20ACTIVE%20TOURER&fuel-type=Hybrid%20%E2%80%93%20Petrol%2FElectric%20Plug-in&radius=1500&make=BMW&postcode=ls298jn&year-from=2020&onesearchad=New&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=Used&advertising-location=at_cars&page=1

They are ridiculously priced here, 50 km on electric, small mpv, only 5 seats because of the battery, but a nice big boot.

Best of luck.

Lantus

john_doe. wrote: »

Thanks , but I think an Smax is little overkill for 2 kids.

Looking at octavia 20-2 at moment to purchase it next year.

Electric and PHEV have a way to go to get people to move to electric from what I see. Lot of cars coming , next 2 years looks like be more options.

Ambition is a good option with upgrade packages to enhance as most of the style stuff is just trims and tints.

Front sensors are good. Less than your excess to avoid a silly ding.

Bizzarley heated seats don't appear to be an ambition option!?! Check with dealer as these are just wonderful and provide instant heat before the diesel heats up. Even weirder the heated steering wheel is an option. Go figure.

Look at packages to get a ton of kit for a saving. You won't want or need it all but make sure it ticks enough boxes.

The limo version is sleek and the hatch boot makes it almost as big as the combi. Unless you have big dogs it won't be an issue. That said the rails on the combi are good as the skoda roof bars just cluck on and off. If you need them a lot...

beauf

john_doe. wrote: »

Thanks , but I think an Smax is little overkill for 2 kids.
Looking at octavia 20-2 at moment to purchase it next year.
...

I dunno a MPV give you lots of seating options with Grand Parents, friends, bicycles, buggies and Prams etc. If none of that is of interest then Octavia or similar would be great.

john_doe.

Lantus wrote: »

Ambition is a good option with upgrade packages to enhance as most of the style stuff is just trims and tints.

Front sensors are good. Less than your excess to avoid a silly ding.

Bizzarley heated seats don't appear to be an ambition option!?! Check with dealer as these are just wonderful and provide instant heat before the diesel heats up. Even weirder the heated steering wheel is an option. Go figure.

Look at packages to get a ton of kit for a saving. You won't want or need it all but make sure it ticks enough boxes.

The limo version is sleek and the hatch boot makes it almost as big as the combi. Unless you have big dogs it won't be an issue. That said the rails on the combi are good as the skoda roof bars just cluck on and off. If you need them a lot...

Thanks ya I like look of Limo, have heated seats in mazda 3 now would miss them.

The octavia seems a good all round car.

Regarding deprecation is PCP a better option than outright buying a diesel these days incase the market does fall apart in couple of years ?

OfflerCrocGod

We had two kids in a Mazda 2 for years. Do you need two buggies?

Lantus

john_doe. wrote: »

Thanks ya I like look of Limo, have heated seats in mazda 3 now would miss them.

The octavia seems a good all round car.

Regarding deprecation is PCP a better option than outright buying a diesel these days incase the market does fall apart in couple of years ?

If the market falls apart (no reason as to why or how but that statement is doing the rounds) then buying a car over say 5 years or pcp over 6 won't make any difference. Buying it outright is a total waste as all your liquid cash is gone!!

In fact pcp provides some protection as you can just hand car back after 3 years and buy the same car for less in theory.

It would need an apocalyptic drop in prices to make it worthwhile.

I'd be happy to buy a diesel and manufacturers still offer loads for sale. They are the back bone of modern driving.

Pkiernan

beauf wrote: »

I dunno a MPV give you lots of seating options with Grand Parents, friends, bicycles, buggies and Prams etc. If none of that is of interest then Octavia or similar would be great.

The Smax we have is great for a family with 2 kids.
Buckets of room in 5 seater mode, 7 seats if u need it, easy to park and great on fuel.

john_doe.

Lantus wrote: »

If the market falls apart (no reason as to why or how but that statement is doing the rounds) then buying a car over say 5 years or pcp over 6 won't make any difference. Buying it outright is a total waste as all your liquid cash is gone!!

In fact pcp provides some protection as you can just hand car back after 3 years and buy the same car for less in theory.

It would need an apocalyptic drop in prices to make it worthwhile.

I'd be happy to buy a diesel and manufacturers still offer loads for sale. They are the back bone of modern driving.

A drop in process to make which worthwhile ?

Lantus

john_doe. wrote: »

A drop in process to make which worthwhile ?

If the gmfv is 15k and a few months before your 3 years are up the market literally disintegrates so your car is now worth 5k you could in theory hand your car back and buy same for a much cheaper price.

Like all good ideas (wishful thinking) ignores how dealers will resist such drops and the other external economic factors beyond car prices. After all, if car prices do collapse what 8happens to your job and home. Your worrying about the wrong thing....

nsnoefc1878

john_doe. wrote: »

Have driven a Mazda 3 diesel 1.5 for last few years. Lovely car and very fuel efficient.

With a 2nd child on way it prob going be bit small for carting two small children around .

Now when I look at option I struggle.
Wife won't drive estate so looking at something like SUV or Skoda Superb.

The Superb seems offer serious space.
The complication though is if buying now , if buying diesel a bad move.

Can see the push to electric happening however when I go for drive everything passing by are diesel suvs.

Therefore for a family car I was wondering how to proceed - if buying diesel or even petrol next year , will it depreciate rapidly following that.

Electric is all well and good but only see limited options for family cara like enyaq , id4 etc and the price of electric is really a turn off. Hybrids like the Skoda Superb hybrid I'm unsure of - will they just be blown away n future when more electric cars are out.

Budget is around 30-40k , and drive mostly 70km Monday - Friday on dual carriageway.

Considered maybe PCP is option to reduce risk.
Really I don't want to spend 30-40k on something next year that is worthless in 3-4 years.

Welcome any thoughts.

Even if it is worthless from a sale point of view, itll be a long time before its worthless to you, so long as its going ok.