New “car” thread - Phase 1

[Rich B]

Yes, I've officially become old as the prices of things don't make any sense any more.

If you're paying the price of a brand new range rover (taking your 100k example) for a VW van with some extras, I think you need some counseling.

Its like all modern cars - the cheapest ford, the Puma (which is basically a tall fiesta) starts at £23k!

And is buying an expensive but very slow depreciating van any sillier than paying £30k more for a slower depreciating 911, than a Cayman with 90% of the same parts and the same performance?

[ZedLeg]

It’s horses for courses. If I wanted something comfy with room for a pallet in the back, I’d rather have a van than a pick up and a range rover wouldn’t even be on the list.

[GG.]

Yes but that van wouldn't cost 100k with seats in the back.

If you were buying a 100k van you wouldn't be putting pallets in the back.

There's no reasonable justification for spending 100k on a VW van with a largely plastic interior and an awning on the side.

Everyone can of course make themselves happy in any way they please but logic often doesn't come into it.

[ZedLeg]

You wouldn’t do those things, others might.

It’s not your money they’re spending so who cares?

[Mito Man]

VW have that corner of the market all to themselves though. There's no real alternative to a California so they can charge what they like. Nobody wants a Ford Transit Custom Nugget. Yes, they actually called it a Custom Nugget. Refers to van once the wet belt has said adios.

[GG.]

You wouldn’t do those things, others might.

It’s not your money they’re spending so who cares?

Obviously they do as otherwise VW wouldn't sell them!

They've probably got the banner "Jede Minute wird ein Narr geboren" over the arch where they roll out of the factory in Hanover.

[ZedLeg]

For a bunch of capitalists you all seem to be surprised by capitalism working as expected

[GG.]

To be honest after chasing the sunlit uplands of the EV new world, it looks like VW will need all the help they can get.

[Rich B]

You wouldn’t do those things, others might.

It’s not your money they’re spending so who cares?

Obviously they do as otherwise VW wouldn't sell them!

They've probably got the banner "Jede Minute wird ein Narr geboren" over the arch where they roll out of the factory in Hanover.

Again, it’s the same at Porsche. the 911 makes c.45% margin whereas the Boxster more like 15%. They share most of the same parts and cost no more to build, but they have got themselves to a unique position where they can charge massively more for the 911 because people will pay it. Supply and demand.

[GG.]

I get your point re the more expensive model having the bigger margins but I think that's probably a case of the Boxster / Cayman representing very good value for money.

The £40k starting price of a VW kombi van must have perhaps a decent profit margin in it given how cheaply the interiors of a basic van are. By the time you're getting to a 100k van with options you must be 100% profit margin or more. I'd be interested to see if there are any rough figures on it.

I expect only ultra prestige marques like Lambo or Ferrari get near those margins. You're being fleeced there too... but you do end up owning a Ferrari / Lamborghini.

[Rich B]

i doubt they’ll be sharing that info!

That’s always been the case in cars though - it doesn’t really cost an extra £2k to go from a 17 inch standard alloy to a 19 inch optional extra.

[ZedLeg]

Worth bearing in mind that a lot of the first time buyers for high end vans put them through their business/as part of a fleet.

[GG.]

Bit like the £30k paint on that Maserati Harry tested though - at a certain point they're just taking the piss and it becomes a serious amount of money in the context of the base vehicle.

[GG.]

Worth bearing in mind that a lot of the first time buyers for high end vans put them through their business/as part of a fleet.

Tax dodge - Labour should look into that!

[ZedLeg]

But you can get a pallet in the back, definitely a commercial vehicle

[Mito Man]

Posh vans may hold onto values even better now and get even more kitted out following the double cab pick up tax changes?

[IanF]

Seen a couple of burnt orange Ford Raptors recently.. one was pulling out of Swinley Forest with two bikes attached to the back on top of the cover and a towbar triple bike holder full of bikes. Looked quite cool and obviously being used properly. Obviously not as secure as having your bike in the vehicle though!

Does Mercedes still make the Marco Polo?

[Rich B]

Our current bike hauling method is my brothers pick up - it works well for up to 4 people/bikes, but there’s obvious disadvantages.



It is brilliant for a quick spin with a couple of us though - loading up is as simple as lifting your bike on the back.

[JonMad]

Next door neighbours, now in their 80s, have a California. '12 plate. Roof raises up, awning on the side, bikes go on the back. They've had it since new, and it replaced an earlier (prev gen?) VW camper. They've done a load of one month long trips to France or Spain in it over the years. I think it's still worth about 60% of what they paid for it new.

[ZedLeg]

I like the idea of campers but I don’t really fit in them. Sleeping bag in the back of a van for me