I have a feeling again that it might be a good time to have a new car, I've been out this week to check on some of the latest models. My Colt 3dr is now almost 3 years old and performed well, I've had a couple of minor issues with regards to rattles and Mitsubishi customer service but nothing that would prevent me from buying the same model/brand again, especially as the number one factor space is well taken care of.
The Honda garage had a few new Jazz models around all of different specs. I had a sit in the 1.2 S version, very well put together and fantastic quality of materials, it all had a nice feel. The space is a slight improvement on the old model, however the seat is to high at the lowest position, the angle of the seat isn't great and it doesn't go back as far as I require. Indeed when I attempted to press the clutch down moving my foot from the rest a sharp pain was delivered up my shin. It'll be great for a lot of people but I do think for quite a few the seats lowest setting is to high.
Passing the Hyundai sales room today they had a new i20 outside (didn't expect to see one yet). They look rather plain from the outside, especially the one I viewed in black, it is without any doubt a VX Corsa copy. Internally it was well put together, nice seat fabric, controls and dash, although the gear stick seemed to positioned in an unnatural location. The plastic was solid and sturdy, reminded me of the plastic VW used to use in the 80s Polo and Golf. An improvement on the Getz and It'll sell well but its not far me, the seat just doesn't go back very far.
Last stop was the Mitsubishi dealer and the face lift Colt, there are only minor changes from the older version. The dash has changed a little, new stereo, trip computer moved from a centre display to a tiny little one next to the speedo. They are using the same moldings with a slightly different pattern for the soft touch part of the dash but the doors remain the same with a slightly harder rubber covering. The space for the boot/backseat can't be changed any longer (rather disappointing). Its no improvement on the older model.
All this leaves me rather disappointed, I could buy a new colt (pre-facelift) but I was after something new and fresh. It seems there isn't anything on the market at present that is small(ish), high with a good amount of room to spend my dosh on, any suggestions?
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What about the Fiat Panda?
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Carl
See my other thread on the Yaris. Just been and drove a Subaru Justy and was v. impressed - but probably not as good quality of materials as the Jazz. Guess it's been around for a couple of years as well.
SWMBO has decreed that we are going to delay until March. I was thinking that would be sensible on the assumption that prices would weaken, but I have a sneaking feeling that now might be a better time to buy. New car prices just have to go up because of the exchange rates and this will probably drag up nearly new prices as well.
I was looking at a 9 month old Justy with 7k miles on, up for £8k. Without any effort on my part, that was dropped to £7k, which I might well have accepted there and then if we wanted to buy now. Can't help thinking the deals might not be so good by March, but the car's for SWMBO, and it's up to her when we do the deal!
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Carl
Interesting what you say about the Colt. We did go and look at one and were impressed by the car, plus dealer only about 1 mile away, so v. convenient. But I just took an instant dislike to the salesman. Very pushy and hard to escape, plus spent ages trying to persuade us to have the Superguard (or similar) treatment applied. I always hate it when they try and push this. If they think it's so necessary, then they should be applying it to the cars anyway. Just got into an argument with the salesman over that and put me off completely.
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>>small(ish), high with a good amount of room <<
Sirion :-)
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Stu
Don't wish to hijack the thread, but you have a Sirion, don't you? Just been driving a Subaru Justy which I understand is exactly the same car and was v. impressed. Why did you pick the Sirion over the Justy?
Only downsides were a noisy engine and a vague gearbox. Have you found that as well, or was it just the car I drove?
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Tried the Sirion/Justy/Myvi 3 years ago before I bought the Colt, it was my second fav car at the time but just wasn't as comfortable.
I've always liked the Panda but I struggle with a the peddle location on a lot of European cars. The original punto that I learnt in was just about ok but had little room for the clutch. I'll give it a go though (and see the 500 at the same time).
Thanks
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Carl, they have changed the seats in the latest models, was one of the updates at beginning of 2008 when they revised it. Worth another look.
brg190 pete - We didnt get the Justy because we needed an auto and the Justy only comes with the 1.0 manual whereas the Sirion can have the 1.3 with autobox.
Have you read the owners reviews on Parkers website? It was these that convinced me it was the best car. Ive read that the gearbox on the manual can be a bit obstructive when new but with some miles it loosens up. I would suggest finding a used one and have a drive of that, see if its any better.
The 1.3 engine in our Sirion isnt noisey, its not silent but is quiet enough.
We have done 1100 miles now in 4 weeks and adore the car, it is everything we wanted in a small car and has that 'made in japan' feel to the way everything works so precisely.
Its worth noting that the new Charade is set to be launched in the spring.
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I have a feeling again that it might be a good time to have a new car I've been out this week to check on some of the latest models. My Colt 3dr is now almost 3 years old and performed well
From what you say, it seems that you have a car you like which is serving you well and should give you many more years of good service. You've already taken the big hit on depreciation, so why change it unless something else offers you a lot more?
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"got into an argument with the salesman over that and put me off completely."
Same when we bought our Colt 3 or 4 years ago but not "completely". Our saleman even insisted on playing the Superguard video after we refused the service (while we ignored it). You are never likely to have to deal with him after the purchase so don't let him cloud your judgment.
Edited by Pugugly on 02/01/2009 at 19:40
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Bintang
True, but if I can't stand the salesman, why would I think the after-sales service would be any better? And why should I help someone earn commission when I took a dislike to their sales technique? Plenty of other cars out there!
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SWMBO has just ordered a new Mazda 2 and at dealers I took an instant liking to salesman and he was only in his early 20's - he asked what we wanted - we told him and which extras to fit - he said OK is there anything else? - No - Car ordered - very nice and civilised.
I never thought I would say that about "any" car salesman going by our past experiences.
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From what you say it seems that you have a car you like which is serving you well and should give you many more years of good service. You've already taken the big hit on depreciation so why change it unless something else offers you a lot more?
I've worked out the figures and there is virtually no difference over the next 3 years between keeping the old car an having a new one.
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Carl, That wouldn't be what James May calls "man maths" would it? :-)
Enjoy looking around and choosing.
JH
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"why would I think the after-sales service would be any better?"
There seems to be a great rift between the two functions in most dealerships. It depends on the dealership concerned but we are on our third Colt from the same dealer and the service has always been excellent. In any case, salesmen seem to be fly-by-nights and he probably won't be there long.
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Carl That wouldn't be what James May calls "man maths" would it? :-)
Yep it most certainly would be ;)
This is how I work it out, my car present value £3250
Costs over the next 50k miles will be 4 new tires, brake pads, 2 major services and 2 minor, RAC/AA etc and whatever needs replacing.
New/Pre reg Mitsubishi Colt exact replacement with 3 services, 3 years Recovery, 3 years warranty and years tax included. £2350 to change.
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There was someone on here a few months back with a 3 year old Focus which had done about 17,000 miles. He wanted to change it for.....another Focus. I said it there and I will say it again about the Colt and Carl_a "Don't".
It is simple.
We are in a recession. The Colt is a very reliable car and clearly meets you needs pretty well perfectly. Changing cars will simply cost you money unnecessarily. If I had £3,000 spare I would pay down debt (assuming you have a mortgage or other loans) and would resist temptation to 'pick up a bargain'.
Buy a replacement car if the current car is causing problems or has been stolen/written off/ become uneconomic to repair, but now is not the time to be buying new cars on a whim.
If you have £100,000 sitting in the bank and no loans to speak of, then do what you want, but whilst I can afford to change cars, and on average have done so every 18 months over the last 12 years, I have kept my last two for 23 months and 25 months (not out) and do not intend to change unless forced to do so.
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The advice above is sensible, the Colt is a lovely little car and if it gives good service why change, especially given the current climate. One guy I know said he felt his 53 plate Fabia VRS was starting to cause trouble as needed some suspension bushes so went out and spent£12K on a new car.
Edited by Webmaster on 04/01/2009 at 23:40
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I think its a bit out of order to question someone on their decision to buy based on their financial situation - surely one must give the OP credit for knowing what they can and cant afford? Its something of a worrying trend in the BR to talk anyone out of buying a new car based on their unknown financials.
I have a customer who buys a new Range Rover and Jaguar XKR every two years, doing few miles in the process. I never once question whether they can afford it and if they asked my opinion on different options, my first instinct wouldnt be to ask them if they can afford it. Its bordering on rude.
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No offence intended on my part but unless you are in the very fortunate situation that your client is in then it's a no brainer considering the depreciation, especially on something like a Rangey or XK. Anyone who knows me and my posts knows that I am not a socialist but the kind of money your client is losing in depreciation seems a bit immoral. However if you have the money and can afford it then good luck to you is what I say.
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Its a case of whether its anyones business on this forum to question people financial situation. I consider the BR much like a pub - you chat/discuss, but I wouldnt do financial checks before I offered opinions on car selection.
Unfortunatly, in this world, there are people who have much more than others, but it is no more my business how they spend their money than it is a family of 5 in a council house.
Im jelous certainly, but I dont get bitter about someoen else having more spending power than me, I just aspire to it.
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Actually I don't mind people bringing up the financial considerations, indeed for many its perhaps a rather good idea. I have no debts or job worries and a rather healthy liquid cash position.
I'm actually going off the idea of changing car right now simply because there really isn't anything out there that interests me, perhaps another 2,3 or 4 years technology will have moved on and I'll be making a step up rather than buying exactly what I have at present.
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And that is the point.
Even if you have the cash, why buy the same? - buy something better (not necessarily bigger), with the latest technology, improved safety and economy.
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Deleted at request of poster.
Rob, Moderator
Edited by rtj70 on 05/01/2009 at 11:28
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I was going for a case of extremes - if you have a council house, seems unlikely you can afford new Range Rover/XKR every couple of years?
Most of my dads family live in them and I can assure you they are far removed from such spending options. Also, what would a family want with an XKR? School run would be rather drawn out dont you think?
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dunno ive got a similar dillema in that its time to change cars but theres nothing available new that really takes my fancy
i currently have one of the last corollas with a full auto gearbox, will be 3 years old in a few months
i really dont want an MMT or CVT gearbox so that rules out most of the current similar size cars, auris included
dont care what the emissions are i want a proper auto! makers please note
i want a car pretty much the same size as current car is already maximum size that will fit some of the places i park it, so that rules out a bunch of cars which look like potential replacements until you check and they are too wide
so nothing really fits the bill
was tempted to have a laugh and get a panda 100 hp for the fun, but when common sense takes over i need an auto and more space
so dunno watch this space
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Deleted at request of poster.
Rob, Moderator
Edited by rtj70 on 05/01/2009 at 11:27
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Yes quite - my fiancees brother has 4 kids and lives in a council house, drives a bettered Galaxy yet seems to spend silly amounts of money on things like new TV's and by all accounts, has been bailed out by parents several times.
I still would consider it rude to either question him on whether he can afford something or what he might spend it on. His parents and wife are the only ones who really should pose those questions and as such, I cannot for the life of me wonder why anyone would seek to advise people over the net when they have simply asked about one model of car or another.
If my neighbour came across the street when we got the new car and asked me if I could really afford it, id tell them to mind their own business ( thats the polite version ). Since I know folk in the BR less well than a neighbour, it makes me cringe when that seems to be everyones focus.
If anything, we should all be concerned about Rattle's willingness to persue mechanical perfection with a rather past it Fiesta :-)
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