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I'm looking to replace my trusty Volvo XC70 2005 for something a little more economical. I have the following requirements:
1) Economical
2) Cheap tax
3) Low loading height for my old dog. Capable of carrying 2 dogs
4) Capable of carrying 2 MTBs internally
Every time I look around I keep coming back to the Citroen Nemo Multispace. The plan was to remove the rear seats and use the "car" as a two seater van. Plenty of space for the dogs, cheap as chips to buy and run, and hopefully the bikes will go in the enlarged boots with the wheels off.
I can afford to have a car with more Kudos but what's the point? The wife has an new model X5 3.0D, so long trips are covered. This car is for around town / dogs and bike trips to trail centres. I would rather spend my money on bikes then cars / fuel / road tax and deprecation ...............
Any feedback from current Nemo uses? Anyone want to own up to owning one?
Wouldn't it be cheaper in the long run to just keep the XC70?
It'll still be worth a grand or so with 200K on the clock and smelling of old dog 🙂
If you decide to change I might be interested in your XC70 - drop me a mail if you do decide to switch? 🙂
Rough calculation / saving on 10,000 miles a year is around the £1285 mark p.a.
£235 for road tax
£700 on fuel
£200 on insurance.
£150 on servicing (12k / 12months vs 20k / 24months)
Minus what though for the steeper depreciation curve of the newer car you acquire?
I bet of the 'saving' of 1285 you loose over a grand of it in the first year. If its a new or 1/2yr old car you'd instantly wipe out that saving in the first year. That and more. Whereas your car would be plateau'ing out interms of depreciation (slower down at least).
Other option is to sell it and go down the bangernomics route, cheap disposable estate or small compact van. Two seats, dogs happy, bikes happy...
If it breaks change it.
Nemo is ok. I din't think it was as well put together as our old shape Berlingo (53 plate), so didn't buy one. I think the fiat Qubo might be slightly more economical with the 1.3 diesel, but not a lot in it.
I've been very happy with our Berlingo, but they're a bit older and it might be hard to find a neet one.
NO offence to Berlingo owners but coming from a XC70 to a tiny/nasty-plastic thing...
Have a look on the Parkers website, they have a great life-cost calculator that lets you compare 3 cars taking into account fuel, tax, servicing, depreciation, etc. I went from intending to buy a diesel volvo to now owning a petrol subaru!
Other option is to sell it and go down the bangernomics route, cheap disposable estate or small compact van. Two seats, dogs happy, bikes happy...If it breaks change it.
Toyota Corolla Verso - all the seats pull out, VVTi ones are pretty cheap as everyone insists on diesel - but for your purpose it might work out cheaper overall.
Hora covered what I was thinking re: depreciation, but maybe you are thinking of buying used where it won't be so apparent.
Test drive a Nemo, we had one as a hire car in Spain, found it awful to drive and horrible place to be in. Very small too, so it was a squeeze for the five of us. UK ones are supposed to be better specced, but there must be better deals around on Berlingos.
In your place though, I'd keep the Volvo until you it needs something expensive, then ebay it with an honest description. We keep our old Honda Stream as a second car the same way, when something big goes, we'll get rid.
I do need to drive one.
I generally don't keep cars more then 4 years so a 2005 Volvo is the exception. (Swapped a BMW 1 series for the Volvo two years ago).
I can buy one for 8.5k - 9k pre-registered. So around 3k to change. Stick it on a card type transaction. Berlingo will be 10k to 12k. Again pre-registered
Only two of us and two dogs so the car is a run around. Wife's X5 will be the car for mile munching. Hmmmm BMW comfort seats nice......
Maybe the fact I'm asking and looking means I don't really want to part with my Volvo....... 😕
Drive one and tell the salesman to shut the **** up. They are ok but try it on the motorway first before deciding.