The clock is ticking towards the end of my Clubsport’s warranty (December) and after the “bing bong” woes of earlier this year I’m nervous about owning it out of warranty.
To be fair it’s been fine over summer, not a bong for months and (touch wood) been generally trouble free over the 32(?) months I’ve had the car. Barely so much as a few tiny stonechips and a slight buckle in one of the aftermarket wheels owing to a huge pothole. The brand new originals can go back on come sale time.
It’s time to look at the options…
A Golf R? No point getting another Clubby and shelling out the thick end of £20k extra for the privilege. Not going to happen. Very reluctant to shell out £20k extra on an R despite having a loose order on one. I’d rather put that money into paying off a lump of mortgage because my 5 year deal ends in September/October. Max deposit and around £200 a month could see me in a PCP deal for the car ordered.
Pros: it’s a Golf, the rear diff, heated steering wheel
Cons: it’s a Golf, err… that’s about it. Oh, I’d need to service and MOT my Clubby before it’s built plus run it out of factory warranty which is dead money and risk.
An Audi S3 Black Edition. My lad has an S-Line and it’s a nice car so this is a big contender. Stupid high APR on PCP but £2.5k ‘contribution’. Similar list price to the R and also wouldn’t put my own savings into it. Better spent elsewhere.
Pros: no silver trim (just don’t like it on a performance car), available at short notice, it’s different yet familiar.
Cons:it’s a modern Audi, leather seats, no heated steering wheel (car kept outside and 5am cold start ups in winter)
MG4 Xpower. Why the hell not?! It’s different. Definitely wouldn’t want to sink too much cash into one but it’s mad fun.
Pros: FAST! A leap into the unknown. Can get one quick. Long warranty not that I’d keep it long. Can pre heat cabin to defrost in winter
Cons: where do I start? Expensive insurance, unknown parts supply if fixes are required, lowish rent interior, spongy seats.
A35 AMG.
Pros: good availability, low APR PCP, quite like the looks.
Cons: I’m not a middle class white female, probably loads of other things, I’ve not really thought it through.
M135i. Been there done that. Great car but… it’s just not drawing me in to consider another even though I’d not hesitate to recommend one as I can’t think of a bad thing about it.
Keep mine.
Current fave option. Would rather bin off mortgage debt than buy another car. Doubts remain whether getting a VW extended warranty would cover any bonging if they return when the weather cools again.
Pros: I own it, I really like it, it doesn’t cost £600 a year to tax
Cons: lack of faith in it remaining bong free
Opinions? Ridicule? Anything I’ve missed?
