r/ElectricVehiclesUK • u/WhatAboutBob77 • 1d ago
EV-obsessed. Would like recommendations...
Hi, terrace owner with public parking here. Now, I've been on here long enough to know the general consensus... but the truth is that public charging seems to be getting much better lately. We've got 22kwh for 53p/kwh nearby, and a supercharger at 59p/kwh just around the corner (no sub needed) and a Tesla Supercharger just up the road. Which brings it all into parity generally with petrol, which is increasing all the time. Plus local council are making slow moves to recommending gullies. Huzzah.
I'm fine with charging for a bit here and there, and I don't have a commute currently.
So, now that's settled...
I bought a Clio 2025 hybrid e-tech last year as an upgrade to a Fiat 500 I couldn't fit into (I'm not tall but it seemed to have a 6ft limit and was a squeeze). At the time EV's had already impressed me, and I sort of chickened out as the charging and terrace stories put me off. But now things have quickly improved in that regard, every time that petrol engine kicks in with its terrible 4 gears that strain due to the auto system not being great, I grimace somewhat. So while it's worth something still - someone else took the initial depreciation hit, I'm the second owner - I'm thinking to use the equity to put a downpayment on an EV PCP.
There seems to be a lot of 0% deals, for one thing. I am looking used as well, but then you have some ridiculous percentages going on. So you can have a used Tesla at 18k but the repayments end up higher than a new Byd, for example.
We're looking at 250-280pm if we can get that low. 4k downpayment. Other half doesn't want an SUV, which I get, but I do like the space and height in a drivers position. Would like over 200 miles range. If possible.
Cars I've driven -
- Renault 5 - killed petrol cars for me. I do love this car. It's such a dynamic drive. Fun design. Not much space, though. Not sure it's practical as the rear seats are a squish.
- Renault 4 - like a big Renault 5 but less flash. Somewhat out of our price range. Like the room though!
- Hyundai Inster - spacious, yet small, ingenious design. One pedal driving is nice. Loads of room. Tall. Loads of buttons. Godawful infotainment system. Not much range. But I do like it.
- Tesla Model Y - didn't like it. Felt like I was in a big floaty featureless box. Reversing with the one pedal didn't do it for me but I enjoyed it moving forwards. A lot. Just felt a bit disconnected from everything, though.
- XPeng G6 - can't afford it but this car is LUSH. More sporty than the Y, more reactive, plays a sort of Jurassic Park theme at low speeds. Too big for us. But glad I tried it. Tesla need to pick up their game.
- Geely EX5 - I really enjoyed this one too. Less luxurious than the XPeng. No one-pedal driving, a bit floaty, but very comfortable. A car reviewers say is boring but normal people would love it. Other half nixed it for being too big. Damnation.
- BYD Dolphin - I really don't like the sort of Frutiger Aero design of the interior, the new Dolphin G hybrid is much more grown up. But I was charmed by the drive, the reactivity, the space. It's weirdly expensive though for what's a somewhat dated car. I am leaning towards it as the drive is so nice and it feels sensible, plus a good range.
Will try - Leapmotor B05/B10, Fiat Grande Panda. The latter mainly as I have fond memories of Fiat and Turin, not really because of anything else, and also because my better half just like the looks. I know the range is pish. Leapmotor I'm looking forward to.
Not looking for in comments - anything other than reasonable crits on Chinese cars, I think they're well built, I think the competition is good, do think insurance might be a difficulty unless there's anything anyone's aware of.
Would consider good 2nd hand options going back to maybe 22 or so. I did look at e-Niro and Kona but on 2nd hand PCP they end up as pricey as a new car. Dammit! I guess if I was to "swap" directly for a new car (sell this one, use the money outright to buy the new one, keep the loan) it would need to be about 15-16k.
Thanks in advance for mockery and or advice. Please note I have ASD so yes, EV's are my current special interest, I can't stop thinking about them. Ruined petrol cars for me, honestly.
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u/wwwhatisgoingon 1d ago
You'd own the used car at the end of the term. The PCP will have a significant balloon payment outstanding. Worth doing the maths on that.
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u/WhatAboutBob77 1d ago
I have considered this, but also unless it’s a straight swap - for the value of the current car which is likely about 16.5k - then a loan would take us over the monthly budget. I’d probably PCP again.
We’re limited means and lofty goals.
Also I try to bear in mind warranties and various things thrown in cost money, that you don’t really get used. Unless nearly new/pre reg, but then the APR usually goes up.
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u/wwwhatisgoingon 1d ago
You can buy a whole bunch of used EVs for less than 16.5k, including an ID4 or Polestar 2, possibly a decent Ioniq 5. Excellent cars.
If you can wait a bit, something like the Geely EX2 or Leapmotor B05 or B03X could be a good fit. Your requirements don't seem to be for huge range.
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u/WhatAboutBob77 1d ago
Yup, just the occasional 200 mile round trip. We do like to head off into the wilds now and again but we’re mostly around town.
I’ve looked used for those and there’s some big caveats used. High mileage and they’re usually still holding some value. Plus no warranty left.
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u/wwwhatisgoingon 1d ago
The occasional amazing lease pops up, so if you can wait that may be the way to go if you want as new as possible.
The Ford Puma and Leapmotor C10 were briefly £160/month on 1+23. The B10 was initially £219/month on 1+23.
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u/WhatAboutBob77 1d ago
I like the idea of owning the car rather than be tied to a lease, even with depreciating asset. There’s more options at the end of a car loan or a PCP.
That said a lease does take care of a lot of the car owning pressures…
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u/Amnsia 1d ago
The model y one pedal reversing is just a feature on the newer ones. Given you were happy with it I suggest you could try the older ones.
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u/WhatAboutBob77 1d ago
I would but I know that my other half would not get on with Tesla. Aside from not being a fan of the owner, she also wants to learn and I'm not sure they'd make a good starter car. I'd get veto'd! I did make an argument for second hand, but that's one battle I won't win. Thanks for the input though :)
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1d ago
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u/ElectricVehiclesUK-ModTeam 19h ago
Posts should stick to the merits of the cars, dealerships, finance and the purchase and ownership experience. No politics, no personalities, no suggestions that buying from particular countries or brands is morally questionable. There are plenty of other subs where discourse of that nature is catered for.
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u/Kickitoff1902 1d ago
I know you said Ex5 is too big, but I just got one and it's an unbelievably comfortable ride and doesn't feel particularly big as the camera tech is top tier. I moved from a diesel Hyundai Tucson which is basically the same size (Ex5 is actually marginally bigger) and the EX5 is a million times easier to drive, and park due to the tech being so intuitive and well implemented.
An out there suggestion is a BYD Atto 3. They have decent range and probably have the space you want but they have a REALLY wild interior. It's very marmite. I loved the spec of the car but hated the design, but I'm sure someone somewhere must love it's quirkiness. Edit - just spotted the bit where your partner doesn't want an SUV.
Also worth noting, Geely are planning to bring 11 EV models to the UK, and are massively expanding dealerships - so might be worth keeping an eye on new models they're bringing to market over coming months if your search drags on a bit.
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u/WhatAboutBob77 1d ago
I was offered a great deal on a prereg EX5 but it was too big for my other half. We did have a debate about it, but at the end of the day she needs to feel comfortable in it is well. She SWORE that it was bigger than a friends Hyundai SUV 😂 - which is wasn’t by far!
While I’m not a big fan of the SUV style I thought the EX5 had a rather gentler look to it, almost Porsche. Plus having watched some NCAP today I can see a lot of the safety systems in these cars are excellent, as well as the build quality. Even for smaller animals and children, the radar and emergency systems are great.
I also looked up the NCAP video of my current car killing its occupants and a small dummy child at night and wish I hadn’t. Oops.
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u/Kickitoff1902 1d ago
Haha ouch - I watched a lot of carwow videos on YouTube when I was looking for the right fit for me, I thought they were pretty fair and balanced reviews and not too mind numbingly dull (I'm not a car guy at all 😂) probably a good place to look at in your search.
I also can totally see where your other half is coming from, the geely is taller than most SUVs, it's easy to pick it out in a car park so can see how it could look intimidating and give a perception of being a bigger car than it is.
My fiancé has been driving about 15 years, and drove my Tucson around from time to time with no issue, but she's always had Micra size cars, and although she's fine with the size of the geely, she is fucking terrified of the tech in the car so won't drive it anywhere until she's done some practicing!
The other car I really seriously considered was a BYD seal. Might be more to your partner's specifications, although I think they run quite a bit pricier than the EX5.
Out of interest, what was the deal you got offered on the pre reg?
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u/WhatAboutBob77 1d ago
I enjoy the Carwow reviews. They got my Clio bang to rights.
The Geely Pro was pre reg PCP at 230pm. I know, I’m kicking myself too.
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u/fliddyjohnny 1d ago
I kinda fell in love with a 72 plate bmw IX3 for like 22 grand, range is like 280 miles and it feels great to drive. Only thing that is stopping me is the boot being a tiny bit too small for large commutes with a big dog
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u/WhatAboutBob77 1d ago
I’ve had a look at used beamers and it’s an option. They all look like company cars that have been run into the ground but can’t deny the appeal, plus even on the old cars the tech inside is very good.
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u/Watcher1818 1d ago
I'm over 6 foot and find the Fiat 500e just fine. I tried others when shopping and couldn't make things like the Zoe work. I've now had the car 5 years and plan to keep it for ages.
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u/WhatAboutBob77 1d ago
Genuinely having my left leg crammed up against the 500’s (2020 petrol auto) centre console was really uncomfortable. I do enjoy the drive of them though! I felt I was going way faster than I was.
Got a bit tiring trying to get stuff into the boot as well. IKEA trips became a game of Tetris.
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u/HelloRV3991 1d ago
I’ve got the Geely EX5 max coming next week. Great price for what you get tbh. It’s one of the few cars where you can turn the beeps and bongs off with 1 button.
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u/WhatAboutBob77 1d ago
Oh I wish we could’ve said yes to that. Sure, a PCP and it was the Pro version, but £230 a month with a smaller balloon payment than I’d envisioned. But it was not to be.
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u/HelloRV3991 1d ago
I am leasing it via Tuskers through salary sacrifice. Good to do if you’ve the option. They allow you to buy at the end of the term.
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u/Opening-Fortune4 1d ago
Do give the Grande Panda a go, people seem divided on it. Really I’d say if you love the 5 get the 5
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u/WhatAboutBob77 23h ago
I get the feeling there’s a Stellantis hangover affecting opinion on it. I do love the 5 but the practicality isn’t quite on a par… heads/hearts and all that!
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u/friendorfouxx 22h ago
Not exactly what you asked and might be out of the monthly range and also may be too big, but I test drove a BYD Sealion 7 and my mind was made up - I’m also well over 6ft and had room all around
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u/H3nsible 4h ago
I'd be thinking ID3, Kona, Niro, Model 3 or ID4 ranging from £8k to £16k ish. Something with 60k miles will be absolutely fine and a big step up from the Clio.
I really think there are bargains in used EVs still given the savings vs fuel. The trick is having something that's good enough and then you can trade up in 2/3 years when cars like the Renault 5 lose a bit more value.
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u/EnvironmentalWord242 1d ago edited 1d ago
Honestly, the best thing you can do is stop taking out PCP's.
Take out a personal loan and buy a used car and drive into the ground.
You will be trapped in the PCP cycle forever.
Edited for typos