Which EV would you get?

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Definitely getting EV curious.

How is the Renault 4 for getting a bike in the back? Big enough to take a decent sized bike with the seats down and front wheel off?

Had Seat Leons for the last few years so looking for something with vaguely similar dimensions.

Also, does anyone have any advice regarding the pros and cons of owning vs leasing EVs? I've always just bought a nearly new car outright but wonder if there's more of a case to lease an EV.

I’ve been looking at a lot of EVs recently. One thing I have noticed is, with some brands, the 8 year battery warranty only covers the original owner. One thing to if buying pre-owned.
 

figbat

Former slippery scientist
Worth knowing. Think if I went for an EV it would be a lease or buy new.

I had a similar dilemma about buying or lease. I currently have a MINI EV on PCP and part way through the contract it was clear that I was in negative equity. This didn’t bother me though because I knew that the contract guaranteed me a value of the car at the end.

Since getting the MINI though I have retired, placing me in a different financial situation. I now have large cash assets (redundancy payout and pension lump sum) but much reduced monthly income. I considered buying a new car outright but decided to go for another PCP but over 4 years rather than 3, and putting the maximum deposit into it, hence significantly reducing my monthly payments but giving me the security of a final value for the car. If the used price of the car is better than expected then I could use this equity in part-exchange if I wanted (something I have done on two previous PCPs).
 

geocycle

Legendary Member
Please do let us know how you get on once you've had a chance to try getting a bike in the back.

I had to transport the bike today in the R4 and I’m pleased to report it was a success. I put the seats down and pushed the front seat forward. My medium size Thorn raven tourer complete with panniers and mudguards fitted like a glove without the need to remove wheels or seat post. I put it in backwards and tilted the front wheel upwards. I’d not want to do it every day without a risk of scratching the car or bike but it worked much better than expected.
 

Animo

Senior Member
I had to transport the bike today in the R4 and I’m pleased to report it was a success. I put the seats down and pushed the front seat forward. My medium size Thorn raven tourer complete with panniers and mudguards fitted like a glove without the need to remove wheels or seat post. I put it in backwards and tilted the front wheel upwards. I’d not want to do it every day without a risk of scratching the car or bike but it worked much better than expected.

Cheers - pretty positive that it went in without either wheel removed.
 

Milzy

Guru
What would you chose between the Citron Aircross EV or the more expensive but similar Vauxhall frontera EV?
I think the French one is more comfortable and stylish. The Vauxhall is bigger & boxier with a tad more range.
 

Jameshow

Guru
What would you chose between the Citron Aircross EV or the more expensive but similar Vauxhall frontera EV?
I think the French one is more comfortable and stylish. The Vauxhall is bigger & boxier with a tad more range.

Aren't they the same car?
I think the vauxhall has a mover dash layout more masculine where as the citreon is more trendy feminine.
Frontera looks better too.
Esp with basic white wheels!
Top of my list in September...
 

dicko

Legendary Member
Location
Derbyshire
I have been considering a Dacia Spring and casually talking to Mrs about EVs. She chirps up ‘well you wouldn't want to get ian EV wet driving through puddles’. I don’t believe for one minute she has a point but does she?
P.s the little we do drive an EV would be an excellent investment also the longest journey to the in-laws is under 70 miles so yes a good investment.
 

Buck

Guru
Location
Yorkshire
I have been considering a Dacia Spring and casually talking to Mrs about EVs. She chirps up ‘well you wouldn't want to get ian EV wet driving through puddles’. I don’t believe for one minute she has a point but does she?
P.s the little we do drive an EV would be an excellent investment also the longest journey to the in-laws is under 70 miles so yes a good investment.

The batteries are sealed s are the connections. Apparently EVs are better at ’wading’ through flooded roads than ICE as they will not pull water into the engine causing the dreaded hydrolock and bent rods etc.

I recently drove my i4 (slowly) through a flooded section of road that was around 30-40cm after watching the car in front go through so I could gauge the depth ! No problems whatsoever so ever.
 

Buck

Guru
Location
Yorkshire
What would you chose between the Citron Aircross EV or the more expensive but similar Vauxhall frontera EV?
I think the French one is more comfortable and stylish. The Vauxhall is bigger & boxier with a tad more range.

Then it depends upon whats a priority for you? Looks, size, comfort, range and price (depending on how you wish to buy i.e. cash, HP, PCP, Lease each car may vary significantly depending upon dealer/manufacturer offers and incentives And predicted value retention.

I would also consider how you feel with your local dealers as they will be important should you need warranty and for the servicing.
 

geocycle

Legendary Member
I would also consider how you feel with your local dealers as they will be important should you need warranty and for the servicing.

This was an important factor for us in buying the Renault 4. Being our first EV and a steep learning curve from previous cars we limited our scope to the local dealerships. We ended up having several visits and test drives. Maybe next time we might be more confident. The son who eats and sleeps EVs as part of his work more or less bought his last two online.
 

SpokeyDokey

69, & my GP says I will officially be old at 70!
Moderator
I have been considering a Dacia Spring and casually talking to Mrs about EVs. She chirps up ‘well you wouldn't want to get ian EV wet driving through puddles’. I don’t believe for one minute she has a point but does she?
P.s the little we do drive an EV would be an excellent investment also the longest journey to the in-laws is under 70 miles so yes a good investment.

Very few cars, EV or otherwise, are investments.
 

fossyant

Ride It Like You Stole It!
Location
South Manchester
Very few cars, EV or otherwise, are investments.

Investments they are not.

I hope the dino juice van outlasts me now. 56 y/o and I expect over 15-20 years use out of the van I bought last year (the car I had before I'd had over 20 years). If/when MrsF's car stops working (which will be years yet), we will look at a small city EV.
 
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