First EV - best pound for pound option

Izy · 14-07-2025 05:36PM #1

Hi All, been following the EV forum for the last year or so gathering the users knowledge base.

I'm considering upgrading from my 2012 DS5H to an a full EV and I'm wondering is the M3H best pound for pound EV at the moment in its price range?

I've been looking the last month or so at the M3H and KIA EV6 (and missed out on a good deal on a GT line at 42.5k for a 241 reg) and watched all of YouTube on the 2 cars. Then the Polestar 2 popped up in the EV bargain thread so looked at that too. The Cupra Born seems to be making a lot of owners happy too with what seems some good discounts to have.

I'm nowhere near any Tesla locations to test drive one, do they ever do any pop up test drive locations? My only real concern is the seat height in the M3H. The Kia EV6 was very similar to my DS5H.

Ideally I'd spend no more than 45k on the car, but would finance some of it with a decent deal (0% with the Kia, 0.99% for the M3H, I see Cupra is now 3.9% and the Polestar was 7.9% so they aren't as appealing now)

As for my driving, currently only about 10-15k a year, can charge at home (just need to get a charger) and the only long trip would be 180km each way to the airport and back home.

I'm in no rush to get a car, would it make more sense to wait it out till the 261 reg?

Thanks,

Izy

drunkmonkey · 14-07-2025 05:54PM

M3H all the way, awd (as it’s getting extra features down the road) Grok unhinged on the way to it & Rave mode. Comical car and goes like the clappers.
They’ve different places around the county to test drive, should be able to book one on their website.

China have given the awd a speed boost and extra range so I’d be holding to see if they do something similar here, a sub 4 second 0-60 car at that price is a steal.

...Ghost... · 14-07-2025 07:38PM

At 45k, you could grab a Model Y Juniper which would be more SUV and similar to the EV6 ride height.

I'm a big fan of the M3 and it's fantastic value for money at the moment. I bought mine in 2022 when they were going for 55k with a colour change. At around 37k now, for what you get, it's unbeatable.

That said, I sold mine a month ago and picked up a new Model Y last week. The seat position is the big difference and it's so easy to get in and out of. It's also a really nice car..…I hate the look of the old Model Y. The extra space over the Model 3 is just great too. If you don't care about ride height and don't need the extra space, the M3H is where you should go.

At 1% finance, it makes a difference compared to other offerings out there. Oh, don't forget to use a referral code to get 1000 free supercharger kms. Use one from someone you know, go to the referrals thread and use one there. It will take you to the Tesla Ireland site.

Gumbo · 14-07-2025 07:43PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058419581/first-ev-best-pound-for-pound-option

Where are you based?

There’s demo cars for self drives at some of the super chargers.

Izy · 14-07-2025 07:45PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123635114#Comment_123635114

I watched your video and all the tips you gave, great info thanks. If I went for the 45k (top of budget) I’d probably get the long range M3… I’m aware of the referrals, will need to put a few names from here into a hat to see who’s to use ;-)

I’ve seen you had some of the S3XY gear too, is it worth it? Can there be 2 profiles set up with that too in case my OH wants to bring it for a spin?

Izy · 14-07-2025 07:49PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123635126#Comment_123635126

Back arse of Wexford, I think Nass is the closest location to me..

...Ghost... · 14-07-2025 07:52PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123635136#Comment_123635136

The S3XY stuff is absolutely worth it. Easy to install. The harder part was just working through the connection process and that didn't take long. The stalk just returns functionality that should already be there by default. The commander with the knob really enhances function in the car. I have 1 of the 3 main menus setup to open each passenger door, or turn off child lock for x seconds. Main one is for climate. Looks OEM too, which is a bonus.

fits · 14-07-2025 08:12PM

check out the ID.3 gtx as welll. You don’t do huge mileage so could also look at other smaller battery cars

Izy · 14-07-2025 08:35PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123635218#Comment_123635218

Not a fan of the WV electric cars to be honest. Same for the Ioniq 5.

User1998 · 14-07-2025 09:20PM

You could always save yourself €17k and buy a used Model 3 with warranty & LFP battery

893bet · 14-07-2025 10:20PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123635136#Comment_123635136

You don’t need the long range. No point based on your mileage.

AMKC · 14-07-2025 10:59PM

@OP Renault Scenic. Here you go,

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/renault-scenic-e-tech-e-tech-60kwh-170hp-techno-/39530522

Look at this classy car with its lounge seats. So comfy and so good. Uts nearer to you than Naas too. Way classier then a T as well. You want an upgrade from your DS this is what you need, want a downgrade you go for a T and I promise driving a T is no fun now after Nazi Musk. Expect lots of angry looks or no looks at all. I see it all the time.

As for the VW ID3 GTX I am no VW fan and even I think that is a great deal.

...Ghost... · 14-07-2025 11:46PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123635919#Comment_123635919

I can guarantee that driving a T is plenty of fun regardless of the politics some try to inject into everything related to the brand. Thanks to Musk, I saved a fortune off what I should have paid for my brand new Model Y last week. Long live his silly comments.

A Renault! Classy? Seriously.😂

The OP should try both for the laugh.

Gumbo · 14-07-2025 11:53PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123635919#Comment_123635919

How can you see it all the time when you have no car or no drivers licence, you legally cannot drive.

This post strikes me as a bitter personal issue as you seem to be besotted by Renault and talk down any post about Tesla, yet you cry in other posts about letting people live and buy what they want. Hypocrite much.

€39k for a Scenic is madness, €39k for that Renault is madness. Less power and less range than its rivals and you still need to deal with the stigma of the Renault brand.

Out of all the cars within the budget, the scenic wouldn’t even be considered.

OP, I’d be looking at Model 3 (€37,500), ID3 GTX PPP (€40,000’ish), Seal (€48,000), Cupra Tavascan, you mentioned you don’t like the Ioniq 5, I would have mentioned that here, BMW I4 (second hand), EV6 (GT Line if possible). There’s also the Polestar 2 which are going for 40k now, demo models.

Only you can decide which one you like, but fully recommend you go drive as many as you can because one might jump,out more than the other after seeing it in the flesh and driving it.

User1998 · 15-07-2025 06:51AM

Another terrible suggestion from Ms AMKC

Izy · 15-07-2025 07:15AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123635505#Comment_123635505

I don’t like the look of the old version of the M3

Izy · 15-07-2025 07:25AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123636034#Comment_123636034

Thanks Gumbo, very close to my shortlist alright.
I’d say the M3 and EV6 are my clear preferences, the M3 I can get new for 5k-10k less that I’d pay for a used EV6.

The Seal, while a great car, just doesn’t seem to do it for me. I’ll test drive the IDX3 and the Cupra, although quickly looking you’ll need to “spec” them to get to the M3 levels of tech.

Izy · 15-07-2025 07:29AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123635919#Comment_123635919

I looked at the 3008 and the Renault too, but only briefly. Just wasn’t appealing to me. I’d stay in the DS ( get a new DS4 or DS7) before going to either of those.

fits · 15-07-2025 07:30AM

I found wexford Volkswagen good to deal with when I enquired last year. Way better than other dealers. Might have just been the salesperson I was dealing with - actually knew her stuff about EVs.

Izy · 15-07-2025 07:37AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123636232#Comment_123636232

Was in there last year wanting to test drive the ID4, was asked to wait for their “EV specialist” but after standing around for 20 minutes and setting of the alarm in the ID7 in the showroom to try to draw some attention I just walked out. It was a Saturday morning, the salesperson who I was talking to initially was sound, not sure why did he want me to talk to their specialist but he was just busy. No one else from the other 4 staff members who were working was dealing with anyone…Never went back, but I wasn’t too serious about upgrading at the time

Buddy Bubs · 15-07-2025 07:48AM

You'd get an EV6 SEM run out model either brand new if any left or a 251 demo for your budget of 45k if you want to spend it all. Or a less than year old GT Line.

Sticking with kia the ev4 might be available in time for 261 and will start in the mid to high 30s. The ev6 has unbelievable fast charging, the best out there really, the ev4 won't be quite as fast as its 400v and not the 800v in the ev6. But it looks nice, scaled down EV6 really.

3500 off the Born at the moment which makes it good value too. You said you dont like VW group cars but I assume you know Cupra are VW?

You haven't mentioned any SUVs in your opening post so I'll assume you're not too interested in them but 45k opens up a lot of options there too.

Tesla growing on me slightly now the exterior design is a bit better and hard to argue they aren't good value.

Whichever way you go I'd suggest not blowing the budget on AWD and longest range cars, if you dont need it often a quick charge on a motorway isn't much hassle. You'll pass 2 Ionity on way to airport, Gorey and Finglas, you could use either of these.

The power output of standard EVs will be enough unless you really want a very powerful car. Big batteries and big motors cost big money for something that is just kept in reserve most of the time. Dual motors have lower range in general too.

Theres a 340bhp dual motor version of my 286bhp single motor car and I can't think of any situation the extra power would be worth the 15000 extra cost, although a lot of that is due to loss of grants.

If you're happy with 261 get out and see plenty of cars. You are already on the right track with the ev6 and m3 though you won't regret either.

Izy · 15-07-2025 08:05AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123636261#Comment_123636261

Thanks Buddy Bubs.

Yes, aware of the Cupra brand being WV, their booster made it attractive but then they counteracted that with increasing the finance rates…

What is an SEM model? And how does one find/get one of those? Never bought a car from a dealer, sorry if this is something obvious.

Not fused on an AWD and I turned down the GT version of the EV6 from Kia in Wexford ( after the GT line was sold the afternoon before I went in to have a chat about it ), just can’t see myself ever using 500 plus horse power motor in a car.

Gumbo · 15-07-2025 08:15AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123636277#Comment_123636277

The SEM model is basically the old model but they added some nice wheels, heated seats and the GT headlights to clear out the parts bin before the new shape came out.

It’s good value but I’d want to be getting one for very cheap now as you’ll know it’s the old model.

AMKC · 15-07-2025 08:22AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123636230#Comment_123636230

Thats good. Awe thats a pity. You will not get a better user interface anywhere than the Google system in the Renault and Renault also make it easy to turn of all the silly electronic aids too unlike some which you have to go deep into the touchscreen to do.

€39k for a Scenic is madness, €39k for that Renault is madness. Less power and less range than its rivals and you still need to deal with the stigma of the Renault brand.

Renault will still be around in 10 years Tesla will not be. Look how long it takes them to get a new model out. The 3 is ancient now and soldering on. Tesla remind me of Rover in 2005 promising loads but delivering nothing.

TThey Still have not released the truck that pick up thing has cost them a fortune and there is no new models in the pipeline only false promises.

Gumbo

How can you see it all the time when you have no car or no drivers licence, you legally cannot drive.

Actually I can and do legally drive. One does not need a car to drive. Oh and my tax is only €35 a year.

Buddy Bubs · 15-07-2025 08:29AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123636277#Comment_123636277

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/2025-kia-ev6-earth-84kwh-range-500-km/39904296

Thats one there. Has the GT Line wheels which I think look great. It is the old model from 2022 or whenever it came out but not that far behind the facelift and a good bit cheaper now.

It stands for special edition model. It's an earth model but very well specced.

The GT version of the EV6 is something different altogether from what I was talking about when I mentioned AWD, thats a full on performance car and very much niche. Wouldn't recommend!

Most AWD add a modest power increase.

Izy · 15-07-2025 08:34AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123636324#Comment_123636324

I was looking at that thinking that this might be 2 different cars in the add as the GT line has cooled seats too and the one in the add doesn’t have them. At least the one they had in Kia Wexford had them, as well as a sun roof.