I have a 2011 Renault Scenic 1.5 tdi with 87,000 miles on the clock. The cam belt is due and I've been warned it may well need the water pump doing at the same time, the garage estimate that it will be £750ish (inc servicing).
I now have to make a decision over whether to change it as I think the trade in value will only be about £3k.
I do 25-30K per year, live half way up a Pennine and so there are occasional challenging driving conditions, although I have winter tyres. The scenic has always rattled, squeaked, shuddered and has never been a smooth ride. But it seats 5 which I need, and I've got used to the cruise, speed limiter, bluetooth and other gizmos.
Budget to buy outright would be about £8k inc the Scenic. Preferred options - possibly a SUV (although not many will seat 5 in comfort), or an estate (Octavia/Volvo/Ford/Honda), which will be challenging on that budget. I also need something with good fuel economy because of the mileage I do and something that just feels solid and predictable in poor conditions.
I've not had a car loan/pcp for many years so don't know what current thoughts are about them and whether they would make the budget go further.
What are your thoughts - spend the £750 on the scenic and keep it another year until its got 115-120k on the clock, or change it?
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