I would probably use the value of your two cars as the budget rather than get finance. About 25% of that would get you something like a VW e-Up, or identical Seat Mii Electric. A Renault Zoe (check no battery lease) or Nissan Leaf may also work. If it's really just a local workhorse, there is a Renault Kangoo electric van available with a double cab. Range is awful, but won't matter.

For the longer journeys, maybe an MG5? However, I would suggest maybe looking at a PHEV, like a Skoda Superb or VW Passat GTE too. It would run on electric for all your local trips, but have the ability to cover longer distances easily when needed.

We are currently a 2 car family and want to change to EV plus need to replace one of the cars.

We would like to change to 2 EV,

I'm also confused, by the above two statements!.

Can you clarify exactly what you want?. Are you replacing one car or two?. If two, will they both be EV's?

Also, are you saying that your budget is the combined value of both current cars and no more? (If so, saying you had £21k to spend would be clearer)

do a fair bit of sport, bikes, beach trips, and so on

What about loading space?

Also, you have child at 16 and may want to eventually to drive the family car.

Also would you get two chargers? Does your village have the electric capability of the extra loading?

Edited by SLO76 on 25/08/2024 at 09:26

Hate to say it but you need to re-check your figures, I reckon the Disco is about £15k retail, so maybe £10k trade in - less if it's a 2.0 diesel and it hasn't had the timing chains done yet / the service history is patchy.. The Volvo you might get a grand for private sale with a year's ticket if it is OK body wise.

Very helpful information and thoughts.

Thank you everyone, to reply to the various questions.

Imagine, no need to deal with the JLR dealers and garages.

This is worth so so so much in the whole equation. Never, ever again.

Do you just fancy EV or there are benefits which you can only get through EVs?

Is short, yes. But, see below, the idea of EV and PHEV is a great one, and what we are probably after.

Indeed - IMHO they get a small, reasonably-priced second hand EV (don't buy new, given the horrendous depreciation at the moment, plus just buy a workhorse, nothing flashy or 'cool' that you're paying extra for the badge) for the local work, and a larger, modern, efficient petrol / petrol hybrid (doesn't have to be a plug-in variety either) for the longer trips.

I think this is what we will do. Except that we will probably get a nicer EV and delay the PHEV purchase until the Volvo causes some more problems.

I'd also make sure the petrol car has some modicum of 'rural' capability, i.e. is either a SUV / crossover and at least has all season tyres fitted that are of a sensible size combo for use down country lanes / in poor weather. 4WD could be an option, depending on local conditions, especially in winter / very poor weather.

We've had the Disco for 5-6 years and never really used the 4WD capability. I think winter tyres will be enough on the next car we get.

Would be interested to know what sort of repair bills that you have been experiencing with the V70?

There is always something. Current one is the motor on the passenger front window has gone. Had a £2-3k job every 2-3 years.

Are you sure your Land Rover is worth 20k?, wife’s uncle has a disco sport 2018 and has been offered 11k, mind you, that was px against another LR.

Offered a trade in value of £15k by Skoda.

Not sure what sort of mileage you are doing between these two cars but with our Nissan Leaf we’re saving around £200 a month on fuel so surely some of the savings can be added to the monthly budget?

Yes, good point.

I’m assuming you haven’t access to a workplace ev leasing scheme? This is usually great value as you find the car through your untaxed wage. We have an option to take a car through the NHS scheme next time and there are some excellent offers.

Yes, NHS too, but the finances don't work and cause problems with pension.

So, where have we got to:

The current thinking is that a 1-2 year old Enyaq will replace the Disco, the fuel savings will pay for the new finance monthly repayments and we have found one with a tow bar. That will reduce the monthly outgoings substantially.

We will keep the Volvo for a little bit and either get a cheap Polo or similar when it fails, for a year or so, or muddle through until we find the right deal on a PHEV. I currently really like the look of the new Passat. My favorrite car that we have ever had was a Passat Alltrack and it might be nice to go back. Although, I know it won't be 4WD.

The final thing I forgot to ask about is buying through a ltd company. I have a relatively small ltd company which could afford, say, £500/month on a car - are there any benefits from buying through a company and, if so, how does it work?

Thank you again for all of the useful thoughts.