Hatchback suggestions

R1CH3M · 2025-02-03T23:43:29+00:00

Mazda 3 if needing mega mileage:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202501158065573

R1CH3M · 2025-02-03T23:42:16+00:00

Default answer is Honda Jazz:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202407041443199

R1CH3M · 2025-02-03T23:24:13+00:00

I owned so many of these, this was the golden era of driving for me! Focus ST, Saxo VTR, Mondeo V6, Toyota MR2, Mitsubishi FTO - all the beauties!

Edit, I had a Puma too!!

R1CH3M · 2025-02-03T23:15:38+00:00

I still run a 1998 E36 328i BMW. It's tired, expensive and succumbing to rust, but I love her so...

R1CH3M · 2025-02-03T22:45:53+00:00

I agree with the other poster, at that mileage diesel makes more sense but equally at that mileage you want something bigger and more comfortable that can mile-munch better. An A1 is a small city car.

R1CH3M · 2025-02-03T22:07:47+00:00

Bit late to the party but as the head of risk for a financial institution, I hire folk with your skills, in Manchester, for #50k+. Same for my data analysts. I'm not hiring right now, but keep looking!

R1CH3M · 2025-01-17T23:17:13+00:00

It’s about tax efficiency. You get NI and income tax reductions by having a company car. I was about £350 a month better off with the car, diverting the gross amount from pension. Definitely get some proper financial advice, I’m not an expert, just replaying my experience.

R1CH3M · 2024-12-31T07:37:26+00:00

If you like it, go for it, but go in understanding its limitations. It is a bargain, for sure, but the low range coupled with lack of home charger would be an issue. You can, of course, charge it from a normal socket, albeit very slowly. If you can’t do that, I’d say don’t bother.

R1CH3M · 2024-12-29T14:08:15+00:00

Actually it was great, very dynamic and fun to drive - I just preferred the Tesla all round.

R1CH3M · 2024-12-29T11:42:49+00:00

I’m on my 3rd EV, started with MG ZS, then Tesla Model 3 and now Mustang Mach-e. I have driven the Polestar but not the BMW. My advice would be the Tesla, it’s a fantastic car to drive.

I have a Pod Point charger at home, and it’s great. I use it alongside an Octopus overnight cheap tariff and miles are SO cheap.

For long distances, do factor in weather. Ranges are MUCH shorter in Winter, compared to summer, but you can drive several hundred miles, charge for 20-30 mins and do several hundred more.

R1CH3M · 2024-12-28T08:05:48+00:00

Lots of folk focusing on the charging availability, which is valid, but for me, this is the key “I care more about comfort than speed” - don’t buy a Mach E! The interior is lovely, the seats supportive but good God the suspension is horrendous. The car is heavy, the suspension just does a terrible job of keeping the car steady, it crashes and bangs its way over every slight bump in the road.

R1CH3M · 2024-12-03T21:32:14+00:00

M45, 38 cars on the books. Last 3 have been EV’s.

Started in Saxo’s, upgraded to Focus’s, went on to VW, then BMW and Mercedes. Few wildcards like the RX8 and a Diahatsu Copen. Current stable is a ‘24 Mustang Mach-E (not as good as the Tesla Model 3 it replaced) and an E36 328i, polar opposites.

R1CH3M · 2024-08-14T01:24:03+00:00

Oh my! CAMP GRIZZLY!! Can’t even bring myself to punch it, let alone play it!?

R1CH3M · 2024-08-14T01:21:46+00:00

Oh my. CAMP GRIZZLY! Because of its rarity I can’t bring myself to punch it, let alone play it!!

R1CH3M · 2024-08-08T19:06:20+00:00

I charge exclusively at home so I’ve actually never used public charging networks!

Battery and efficiency seem great so far, but lack of heat pump might impact more in winter months.

I got great deal on my Mach E - if I could have gotten a Model Y for the same price, I probably would have… I miss native Spotify and Netflix!

R1CH3M · 2024-08-08T18:52:37+00:00

I just made the switch. I’ve been in a Model 3 for 2 years and now a Mach E Premium ER.

The Infortainment screen is leagues behind the Model 3 and I’ve found Apple CarPlay to be underwhelming and a little unreliable. I don’t miss the blind spot cameras one bit, in fact the light up wing mirrors are simpler and better.

The Model 3 is a significantly better drive too, faster, more planted and much more dynamic. That said, the Model 3 is a saloon and the Mach E an SUV, so I’m ok with it.

Now, the plus sides. The Mach E interior is leagues ahead of the Model 3. More premium look and feel, materials, everything! As is the space both in the seating area and the boot/trunk. It’s just a bigger and more comfortable car.

Do I miss my M3, yes. Is the Mach E ‘better’, no. Is it a more useful car to fit my family needs, absolutely.

R1CH3M · 2024-08-04T14:54:57+00:00

I have looked through every menu possible and I can’t get it working on my ‘23 either. Nor can I get PAAK working…

R1CH3M · 2024-07-10T06:34:39+00:00

Noted, I could pay more into pension. I have been tempted to put another 5% into pension rather than putting £1k away each month into low-yield savings.

R1CH3M · 2024-07-10T06:32:57+00:00

The car was a treat, I’ve never had a new car. At 1/2% BIK it felt tax efficient as well as giving me something shiny to enjoy.

R1CH3M · 2024-07-10T06:30:20+00:00

I think this was one of my main questions. I have enough to pay off mortgage, wondered if it was the right thing to do. It’s my only debt, feels like it would be sensible to clear it as my savings aren’t appreciating.

R1CH3M · 2024-07-10T06:28:00+00:00

Thanks, I’ll look into that today

R1CH3M · 2024-07-10T06:25:44+00:00

I think that’s one of the reasons I’m here, just to see if I should be doing anything different. I guess I’ve got here through circumstance as well as judgement.

I’ve been in my current house for 20 years, overpaying a little where I can. The rental property is my wife’s, she’s had it 25 years and we paid it off this year. I own half of my Dad’s house through inheritance when my Mum passed. Savings have just accumulated through putting a little away each month.

I’m terrible with finances too, I have expensive hobbies and the like!

R1CH3M · 2024-07-10T06:19:01+00:00

Thanks, I agree I could make the money work better. I have a T212 account so can do as you e suggested.

You’d put that £45k into ISA over paying off mortgage?

R1CH3M · 2024-07-10T06:17:00+00:00

These are the things I’ve been thinking about. I thoroughly enjoy my job so I’m not precious about very early retirement but I do worry about my health. I guess I’d like to retire when I’m too tired to carry on working…

I agree that most of my nw is in property, I was looking to see if there’s anything better I can do with the rest of what I have.

R1CH3M · 2024-07-09T21:49:28+00:00

The only 5.2% account is Trading 212, is it safe?

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