Been Out Test Driving

[RandomlySet]

Spent the morning driving a couple of cars.

First of all, the idea was to drive the following:
Ibiza FR 1.4TSi
Leon 1.2 TSi
Vitara
DS3
Some form of a Kia (cee'd/pro cee'd/ pro cee'd GT)

First of all I popped to Seat, they didn't have an Ibiza in with the engine I wanted, but did have a Leon (which they told me yesterday when I rang). I much prefer the interior of the Leon over the Ibiza, and the Leon does drive rather well. The should be getting an Ibiza in this week which I will go and take a drive. The only downside to the current Ibiza is the centre console (this is where I prefer the Leon). A new , facelift, Ibiza is due out in September, but they (Autoworld) do not yet have any spec/price info.

Anyway, onto the drive. I must say, the 1.2 TSi engine does have some go in it, and can really pull the Leon around. It also felt very nice, and light to drive. The 6 speed box (manual) was also nice. I was doing around 75 in 6th, put my foot down, and it quickly got up to 90 - in 6th!

We then went to look at a Vitara (SWMBO suggested it). The only engine they do is a sluggish 1.6 120bhp Petrol (I don't want a DERV). For a large car, I didn't feel comfortable, my head was an inch from the roof and the engine was sluggish. 70-80 took forever. Oh, and it was only 5 speed, so it sounded like you was having to thrash it to get it going around 70mph in 5th.

Afterwards, we popped in to Citroen, nd looked at the DS3. The deal they offered us was very good, at around £150 pcm on PCP. Their deal is the cheapest, has most miles (6,000 rather than 5,000) and is for 3 years (Seat was 40-48 months). The engine we went out in was th enew 1.2 Turbos, we drove the 110bhp. Apparently the deal we was offered was for the 82bhp, which they didn't have available, and said would be near impossible to get one in for a test drive! (yet they expect me to sign for one). The interior is MUCH nicer than the Ibiza, and it did have some punch in the engine (thanks to the Turbo), but again, just 5speed.

We didn't get time to go to Kia, so may try them next week.

So, at the moment, I am indecisive if to go with a Leon/Ibiza (when I get to drive the Ibiza) or have a DS3. I need to decided if I'd rather have the extra power you get from the Leon/Ibiza, or the stylish looks of the DS3.

Doing around 5,100 miles a year, and the main use is a 3.6 mile drive to work, it probably makes sense to just have the DS3 - forget the power, and have the looks. But then part of me thinks I'll probably regret it, and go for more power, and have a more basic interior (Ibiza).....




Also, seeing as this is an Owners Club, what are people's general thoughts on the 1.2 82bhp engine? Any pros/cons? Anything I should be aware of?

[Superfly Guy]

I test drove a C4 Cactus today, it was the 1.6 diesel manual 5 speed. I was surprised at how nimble the car felt, the weight saving over its competitors (supposedly around 200KG) is noticeable in how solid it feel when thrown around the corners. It was also very comfy although the 1.2Turbo is the engine we will go for.

On a side note, the salesman wanted me to to sell my DS3, even more so when i fired it up and he heard the low rumble of the Milltech.

[lfcrule1972]

Please dont sell the DS3 for the Cactus SfG

[Superfly Guy]

Please dont sell the DS3 for the Cactus SfG

I'm not selling my car, its an additional car

[lfcrule1972]

Good man !!

I'm a bit worried, never liked the Cactus but the all black one (with red pack) actually looks ok - am I getting old ?

[Superfly Guy]

Good man !!

I'm a bit worried, never liked the Cactus but the all black one (with red pack) actually looks ok - am I getting old ?

I don't think its an old mans car to be honest, certainly not in the black with the 17" black wheels.

[lfcrule1972]

I'd agree with the all black one for sure, the only other ones I've seen on the road have been way too colourful for my liking....

Have you placed your order yet ?

[Superfly Guy]

I'd agree with the all black one for sure, the only other ones I've seen on the road have been way too colourful for my liking....

Have you placed your order yet ?

No, I'm just looking at what discounts are going round before I go back in.

[Bigfeet]

If you are doing 5100 miles per year you need to put the PCP at at least 8000 to give you a proper buffer.

[Cookies]

Before signing up to a higher mileage deal, compare the costs of (for example) an 8000 miles p/a deal, against those of a 5000 mile deal where you pay any excess mileage charge.

Cooks

[Bigfeet]

Before signing up to a higher mileage deal, compare the costs of (for example) an 8000 miles p/a deal, against those of a 5000 mile deal where you pay any excess mileage charge.

Cooks

And what about the GFV? By signing for a deal with lesser mileage then you do you are kind of shooting yourself in the foot.

[Cookies]

And what about the GFV? By signing for a deal with lesser mileage then you do you are kind of shooting yourself in the foot.

Not really, that's taken into account in the excess mileage charge.

By the same token, there is absolutely no point paying up front for miles that you don't use.

[THP]

But you don't pay for the miles. The mileage is just used to calculate the GFV. If you put a higher estimated mileage, you'll pay more monthly but have a lower final payment. If you don't end up doing that mileage then you'll actually have a car that's worth more at the end.

[Bigfeet]

But you don't pay for the miles. The mileage is just used to calculate the GFV. If you put a higher estimated mileage, you'll pay more monthly but have a lower final payment. If you don't end up doing that mileage then you'll actually have a car that's worth more at the end.

Bingo.