If you were changing your "2nd" car now what would you buy?

[carmanmemoranda]

Some interesting views on here. Still undecided on what approach to take ….

And the poll results so far seem to be split between petrol and EV - with little interest in hybrids

The 1 interesting view I see.

The option of diesel. Unless you are doing high mileage travel diesel is the wrong choice full stop. Modern diesels are not right for low mileage town/city use. Too much to clog up and cost money to sort.

I think EV iz as much a mental choice to consider as well as practical choice

 

[Brigadier]

Mine is a bit less, not much in it.


Mine doesn't seem to mind, even sitting while I'm away on holiday.

Speaking as I find, our drivers complain about 350 mile range (when they used to get 500+), and dead cars when they return from holidays.

 

[JohnD]

The hybrids we have, they have to be recovered and recharged, if anyone leaves them undriven for a fortnight.

The hybrid ones I know about, the big traction battery does not go flat. But the little 12v battery, that controls central locking, and switch on procedure, can. You can turn on the car with a small 12v supply, and the big battery will then start the engine and charge the little battery. There is no starter motor so you don't need much 12v power.

 

[Brigadier]

The hybrid ones I know about, the big traction battery does not go flat. But the little 12v battery, that controls central locking, and switch on procedure, can. You can turn on the car with a small 12v supply, and the big battery will then start the engine and charge the little battery. There is no starter motor so you don't need much 12v power.

Our lot just phone in - "car won't start!" - and Fleet tut, then call the recovery people.....

 

[JohnD]

Our lot just phone in - "car won't start!" - and Fleet tut, then call the recovery people.....

Perhaps I'm cleverer than them.

 

[Mottie]

 

[IT Minion]

Plugin Hybrids are very different to standard hybrids which are very different to mild hybrids.

In fleet use PHEVs disappoint massively, they get used like normal hybrids and because they're heavier work out slightly worse than normal hybrids. Some home users love them though.

 

[IT Minion]

I currently have a van for work but that is being sold as I’m retiring so I need a run around - as for mileage ? Good question maybe about 5 k per year

So fuel costs are more or less irrelevant. ECs can save loads of money if you can charge at home and do enough miles, but 5k of Petrol would only be around £750 (big margin of error). Cutting it to £250 (pulled out of thin air) would be nice, but £500 a year isn't earth shattering.

Right now you can get some very nice Kia Niros secondhand, or a Nissan leaf with a 40/60kWh battery.

New you could get a Dacia Spring, which is perfect for a 'nip into town' second car, but I prefer secondhand for the better value.

 

[securespark]

Quite how the manufacturers claim 300mpg is beyond me, and utterly unachievable in real life : in the same way that, sure, I could be married to Sandra Bullock........

No you can't. Because I am....