Lease vs PCP vs HP for next car?

[tellmewhenthespaceshiplandscoz]

Morning folks

unfoese circumstances mean we will need to sell or part ex our car and get a new one. Until now we have always paid outright for a 3/4 year old second hand but last few have turned out to be absolute money pits. Not helped by fact each time we haven’t been in a situation where we can spend long thinking what car we want (think insurance right off, that kind of thing).

So this time we are considering going “new” new on some form or finance option. I know that as it’s new we won’t need to worry about MOT for a least a year, we will have a warranty and in some cases can add on a maintenance package? All of these are extremely attractive in the sense it’s all sorted out £ wise up front, we know what cost will be and can budget and not worry about nasty surprises as we are having to do yet again with our current 10 year old car.

Can anyone offer their experience and advise on how each option has worked for them? Alternatively any words of warning or pitfalls to look out for? Also, sounds thick but will they all now be EV or hybrid? As that’s a whole new difference for us!

No idea yet what vehicle but I do like the look of Skodas and every one I know who drives one is quite evangelical about them 😄

Thanks!

So last two were Quashqai and Focus. Oddly we’d had a focus prior which was amazing.

But would like something similar in size to a Quashqai.

going to talk budget at weekend 😳

Thank you!

And definitely interested in Skodas

I have a little Skoda Citigo and it’s brilliant. Coming up to age 7 and all its cost is the annual service charge! Other car is a Toyota SUV which we bought new 5 years ago. Second Toyota (it’s a self charging hybrid which means you don’t plug it in, you fill it up with Petrol, but due to the way it works it generates power so you don’t use the fuel all the time) for us and very happy with it. We get 58-60 mpg and use it mainly for holidays as it has a great boot space and is comfortable for long journeys.

I have a VW T-Roc and it’s lovely, would definitely look at VW’s
Mines a 22 plate that I purchased last year so was 3 years old

We bought a second hand car from Kia directly with v low mileage - they have a 7 year warranty so we still had about 6.5 years left when we bought it, and getting second hand offset some of the depreciation issues.

Agree with this. Choose one with the longest warranty and the least features.

All the gadgets are things that can go wrong. If your heating and radio etc are only accessible from the touch screen, find out how much it costs to replace.

Check and double check service history, does it match with the MOT history, or ring the garage that serviced it and check it is correct.

Check cambelt interval times, check if it is a wet belt (not only Ford)

Beware of mileage that is too low.

Google the brand, the model for known issues.

Remember you have a six month warranty when buying from a dealer - know your rights.

@tellmewhenthespaceshiplandscoz Here's some thoughts for you on models to take a look at as part of shortlisting.

From Skoda the Karoq is their mid size SUV with petrol/hybrid engines. If you considered a full EV the Elroq would come into play. If you liked the Focus you may want to try the Octavia in hatchbacks or estate form for comparison. Avoid the DSG auto gearbox paired with the smaller petrol engines as they have gremlins.

From Honda you want to look at the HRV and the CRV models which are both SUV's. Bombproof reliability and longevity.

From Toyota i think the CHR might be on the small side for you, so would suggest the Rav4 for petrol/hybrid. If open to EV take a look at the new Urban Cruiser and the BZ4X.

If your budget is generous take a trip to Lexus and look at the UX and NX models.

If your budget is lower a Suzuki a cross, s cross or vitara are worth a look. Lots of parts shared with Toyota but expect a less plush interior less fancy tech.

Left field options to consider are a Cupra Formentor or Terramar. Cupra is part of VAG motor group (volkswagen, Audi, skoda, seat/cupra) and the engines and gearboxes are same as Skoda. You get good bang for buck, versus VW and Audi, and stylish tech/interiors and that have a bit of personality in comparison to skoda.

If reliability over a 10 to 15 year window of ownership is your priority go Japanese. If you want a blend of reasonable reliability, good driver experience and practicality/tech/interior feel over a 7 to 10 year ownership window go down the Skoda/Cupra route.