I've booked my Sportline in for its third annual service and first MOT on 8 October. I've spent the last two and a half years wondering what I'd buy next. I lust after a Alfa Romeo Giulia or a Ford Mustang. I came very close to test driving a new Peugeot 508 First Edition, but he would only let me drive it around the block. Then, last week, we drove to Liverpool and north Wales on a week's holiday.

 

This is the best car I've ever owned. It's not the love of my life, but it really does do the job admirably. Nary a hiccup and 38.6 mpg from a petrol engine on this last trip. Comfortable, problem-free motoring. In three years, I've had the dealer fix two things: the cover of the subwoofer amp in the boot kept falling open, and the off-side rear door trim kept popping up. Both were fixed at the first service without a quibble. Nothing since. Not a squeak or rattle, everything works. I change the wiper blades every year. The tyres have another two years in them. I did feel the need to buy a PedalBox+, which corrected the throttle lag problem. Done.

 

I had questions about a couple things (fuse access, map updates) and the dealer was very helpful. I have had a very positive experience with Marshall Škoda, Croydon.

 

So, why change? Yes, the warranty will expire, but I only have 16K miles on it. Surely, it will go another three years without a major problem. By that time, Southwark Council may have put some charging points in my neighbourhood. Electric cars will have had more time to develop. Brexit might have been sorted. And I really don't want to worry about an untested particulate filter.

 

The purchase in January '17 was a pragmatic one (I mean, I saved £9K on a demonstator), so I suppose that's what I'm being now. As much as I'd like some bling, I think I'll spend the money I'll be saving on a nice meal and a bottle of red.

 

Cheers! And, commiserations to those of you who have had problems with your cars. Sometimes, you get lucky.

Edited 8 September, 20196 yr by freelunch
wrong word

I'd rather buy mine at three years than a 17k example.

 

Most of the time yours has done short trips meaning the engine and gearbox are never warm . . . . 

 

Mine has done 55k tp date and will be nearer 70k at three years old.  When started it rarely does less than 30 miles. 

 

However, apart from the first months of it's life when everyone who drove it beat the hell out of it (Demonstrator), you do know the car's history.   

8 hours ago, IJWS15 said:

However, apart from the first months of it's life when everyone who drove it beat the hell out of it (Demonstrator), you do know the car's history.   

 

Ha! I was one of those that thrashed mine before I bought it. 😁

I bought mine at the end of it's 2 year lease in March last year.  Couldn't find anything I else I wanted and couldn't justify the cost of changing it.  Haven't regretted it.

I bought mine brand new just two years back and only put 4900 miles on it. I will be keeping it a while and don't owe a bean on it (cash purchase). Like you Jerry when the leccy charging infrastructure improves and leccy car tech matures I might consider a change in a couple of years.

I do keep cars a while though.

 

I've just had my first service (variable) and there were zero issues with it. Not surprising considering the lack of usage 🤣

Edited 11 September, 20196 yr by TerryMcK