Just taken the plunge and I already need more advice!

Everest said:

Mathematically, it's still just a £300 bet on whether your car gets written off and, if it does, you get a nice lump sum. The insurers will have priced the GAP insurance premium according to their risk of a write-off, whilst still earning themselves a healthy profit. It's just gambling with a veneer.

If your friend didn't have GAP insurance, his insurance would pay market value (e.g. £25K) and then he buys another similar vehicle for £25K. No loss, no gain. If he feels that £25K is undervalued he can negotiate with the insurer to get a 'fair' price.

If his complaint is that his nice new car lost £25K in 24 months, then that's a different issue and his expected loss from buying a new 5 series for £45K in the first place.

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1. Back to Invoice: Pays the difference between what your car insurer will pay out and the original amount you paid for the car or the amount you owe to a car finance company.
2. Back to Value: Similar to Back to Invoice, but based on the car's value rather than the purchase price.
3. Vehicle Replacement: Covers the cost of replacing your car with a new one.
4. Contract Hire: For leased vehicles, covers the difference between the insurer's payout and the outstanding lease payments.

Everest said:

Mathematically, it's still just a £300 bet on whether your car gets written off and, if it does, you get a nice lump sum. The insurers will have priced the GAP insurance premium according to their risk of a write-off, whilst still earning themselves a healthy profit. It's just gambling with a veneer.

If your friend didn't have GAP insurance, his insurance would pay market value (e.g. £25K) and then he buys another similar vehicle for £25K. No loss, no gain. If he feels that £25K is undervalued he can negotiate with the insurer to get a 'fair' price.

If his complaint is that his nice new car lost £25K in 24 months, then that's a different issue and his expected loss from buying a new 5 series for £45K in the first place.

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321hibye said:

it appears that i am looking at similar deal at 18.5 k se nav standard range as quoted
my local dealership will not match 18 k and those dealerships are 200 miles away
any tips to avoid pitfalls whilst buying would be appreciated
still debating to lease a trophy for three years cost 10600 or so
or buy at this discounted price

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GJMG4 North said:

View attachment 35309


Jump on a train, that's got to be better than spending another £500+ locally.
If you prefer something with a little more range, a pre-reg might be the way to go.
View attachment 35310

A lease deal may make sense if you plan on switching again within 3/4 years as depreciation might exceed the lease cost, but at these prices it's unlikely that these would lose more than £6-7k within that timescale, based on current examples of 2-3 year old cars on Autotrader, and even the best lease deal is going to be more than that.

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321hibye said:

thats very helpful, i have enquired thru poole dealership, pre reg the issue facing us was lack of rear camera as it appears thats only a recent addition on se

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GJMG4 North said:

This is the first time I've had a rear camera and to be honest I find it more of a distraction than anything. Parking sensors & mirrors provide more than enough information.

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GJMG4 North said:

I've ordered textile floor mats from a Yorkshire based business called Carsio through Ebay. They were very reasonably priced and, whilst not the greatest quality, they are suitable for their purpose. The fact they are UK manufactured drew my attention, I was expecting these to be sourced from China (Aliexpress), paid £13.50 for the full set (front & rear) which were delivered within the week. I'm tempted to order a set of rubber mats from them as they were only £5 more. We already had a generic boot liner from the last car which I plan to cut down to size to fit the MG.

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Slipstream said:

You should get a granny charger with the car it'll come in useful if you haven't got a home charger yet. Also ask them to throw in a typt2 cable with the deal(worth a try) I got both and mats when I bought mine but no discounts on cars then.

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• Do your research and find out what to check before putting any serious money down. I put down £250 deposit as someone at another branch was ‘suddenly’ interested in the car I had chosen. May have been genuine or a just line. If you put down a deposit make it as small as possible and don't commit any more until you have seen the car, driven it, and checked it over thoroughly. Check these forums and YouTube on what to look for. Once you have checked the condition, make sure it gets tucked away and not left in the showroom to get mauled about and damaged by other prospective buyers. Check the wobble at 70MPH and the undertray for distortion.
• Make sure the dealer knows you will walk, with or without your deposit back if there are any questions about not sorting issues prior to collection. Don’t be an arse though. Be understanding and polite, things might take a bit longer but better to get the issues sorted while they technically still own the car. Don't agree to get things sorted after you have the car. The chances of these happening are slim and once you've parted with your money, they dwindle quickly from being a high priority.
• Don’t bother with paint protection from the dealer. I always fall for this and did big style this time. Do it yourself or get a proper detailer to do it. Can work out cheaper and is usually better handled by people that do this professionally. Again do your research. If I knew then, what I know now about Guard X, I would have never have entertained it as an option. This is from my experiences and independent reviews online.
• I would strongly recommend if you are going to finance the car, go for a loan to fully buy the car. The X years deal to ‘borrow’ the car is exactly that. You get a cheap deal for 3-4 years but when you go to hand the car back as a part ex, the depreciation will likely mean that you don’t have much to put towards a new car. I got a ‘cracking’ deal for about £135 a month but the balloon payment is pretty much the same as the current outstanding, meaning after 48 months I will still owe the same as I do now. I was blinded by how cheap the deal was and didn’t do my research properly until it was too late. Yes the monthly’s probably double and you may need to add another year to the term to take the sting out of it but it will be yours from the get go.

• I did get floor mats in the end but the driver one wasn't secured and I didn't notice until it nearly caused an ‘issue’. Quite easily fixed but worrying if the dealer can't work a floor mat
• Was told the car was supplied with a type 2 cable but not a granny charger. I persuaded them to throw one in, albeit a used one. Ended up giving back as it seemed very basic and a spark friend of mine advised that they can cause issues if they are running full pelt on wiring not up to the job. Ended up getting a configurable one from 'A' well known online shopping site. £130 but I can't fault it. Have since had him test the wiring and fit a Hypervolt charger.
• Paid for Guard X to be applied. Disastrous job done. Car had a scratch on the rear driver side and swirls all over the car (most obvious on the bonnet). All under the GuardX. Fortunately/Unfortunately, Guard X appears to be absolute !% and is gone after 2-3 washes so I can get the scratch and swirls sorted. I can vouch for this being pretty much the case on my car already. The detailers left parts of the car with the protective stickers still attached and just applied the Guard X over them. The Dealer has offered to sort this for free and re-apply the Guard X but I think I will decline. I have purchased an alternative, going for Gtechniq Crystal Serum Light for the paintwork and G5 for the plastics and perspex. This is something that you can apply yourself and supposedly lasts for up to 5 years. My last car had LifeShine and over 12 years later, still looked amazing. This is apparently better. Long story short, I would avoid Guard X like the plague. If you do go for this, take a spray bottle of water with you and spray the car to see how the water behaves. If it doesn't bead and run off, it's not a good sign. This is not full proof as a decent polish should do the same but is a simple test. I have also heard from a couple of detailers that a UV light works with some of the coatings and also running you finger over the paintwork and then licking it. If it tastes bitter, it’s been done. Not sure I like the idea of the later though.
• 50 shades of black... No, not a sequel to the book. So far I have counted at least 5 different variations of black on the car. Long story short. Get these protected ASAP as the longer you leave it, the more likely they are to age and discolour and the differences in materials will become more and more apparent.

• They got rid of the silly cargo net on the front of the centre console. I have to say I am devastated by this.
• There is a small, tiny dent in one of the doors. Blinded by all the other issues so didn't see this until after I'd picked it up.
• There is an annoying rattle every now and again. Sounds like a seat belt buckle clinking on something but I have already ruled this out. Doesn't happen all the time but infuriating when it does.
• Indicators are rubbish at cancelling.
• Had one sudden 'almost' stop coming off a small roundabout. Nothing in front of me so, confused by that.

• The interior lighting seems to have been 'upgraded' to LED bulbs. Very bright in the front, still abysmal in the back but I don't sit in the back so not fussed.
• The dreaded LKA hasn't really caused any issues. Seems to work one minute and not the next. All the other annoying nonsense has kept a low profile so far.
• Really, really cheap and annoying relay noise when using the indicators. Fortunately found the option to turn this right down.

• Bonnet struts - No idea why, not much to see under the bonnet but I am looking a potentially getting a frunk at some point.
• Black badged the bonnet - Can't stand chrome so I have covered this up with a plastic cover. May change this to plastidip at some point.
• Added the fangs to the front intakes.
• Mudflaps - Bought painted ones from China and the paint job was terrible. resprayed them myself. Not the best job but they look ok if you shut your eyes.
• Android Auto/Apple Car Play wireless upgrade. About £30 online. Very basic, no frills. works perfectly though. Had an issue with the manual missing and when I got a copy emailed to me, it was useless. Not sure if I am allowed to name drop here but in case you get one of these things and can't find the Wi-Fi password, try '88888888'. Worked for me and no issues after this.

• Powered tailgate – Bought the kit but planning how to fit.
• Dashcams – Taken the ones out of my car and have been making ready to fit, probably next weekend, although I appear to have bricked it doing a firmware update whilst typing this.
• Audio upgrade – Will wait a while for this but I will eventually replace the door speakers, add at least one amp and a couple of Subs.
• Need to do my research on these as I will not cut the OEM wiring. Having worked in the industry, I know this is a massive no no. The car wiring looms are usually the most costly part of a car to replace, usually in high thousands minimum. Need these to be non-destructive and fully reversable.

• I would like to improve the handling but will wait to see what the future holds on this.

Nemtex said:

A quick update on my car and findings. Apologies, some of this content should probably be split up and put elsewhere.

Summary. Save you having to read my waffle.

Overall, I am really... annoyed by the issues I've had and the debacle I had getting the front and rear trim panels painted to match the sides. I actually hoped this would be factory parts not a 3rd party paint job but hey ho.

Would I recommend getting one based on the above, Sadly... YES, in a heartbeat. It is so much fun to drive. Already a performance bargain at list price but with 10k off, it’s a no brainer.

Whilst I haven't had the greatest experience, I would still recommend my dealer as the staff I have dealt with have tried to be as helpful as they can.


Advice

Take of this what you will. This is my personal findings, opinions and suggestions based on my experiences.

• Do your research and find out what to check before putting any serious money down. I put down £250 deposit as someone at another branch was ‘suddenly’ interested in the car I had chosen. May have been genuine or a just line. If you put down a deposit make it as small as possible and don't commit any more until you have seen the car, driven it, and checked it over thoroughly. Check these forums and YouTube on what to look for. Once you have checked the condition, make sure it gets tucked away and not left in the showroom to get mauled about and damaged by other prospective buyers. Check the wobble at 70MPH and the undertray for distortion.
• Make sure the dealer knows you will walk, with or without your deposit back if there are any questions about not sorting issues prior to collection. Don’t be an arse though. Be understanding and polite, things might take a bit longer but better to get the issues sorted while they technically still own the car. Don't agree to get things sorted after you have the car. The chances of these happening are slim and once you've parted with your money, they dwindle quickly from being a high priority.
• Don’t bother with paint protection from the dealer. I always fall for this and did big style this time. Do it yourself or get a proper detailer to do it. Can work out cheaper and is usually better handled by people that do this professionally. Again do your research. If I knew then, what I know now about Guard X, I would have never have entertained it as an option. This is from my experiences and independent reviews online.
• I would strongly recommend if you are going to finance the car, go for a loan to fully buy the car. The X years deal to ‘borrow’ the car is exactly that. You get a cheap deal for 3-4 years but when you go to hand the car back as a part ex, the depreciation will likely mean that you don’t have much to put towards a new car. I got a ‘cracking’ deal for about £135 a month but the balloon payment is pretty much the same as the current outstanding, meaning after 48 months I will still owe the same as I do now. I was blinded by how cheap the deal was and didn’t do my research properly until it was too late. Yes the monthly’s probably double and you may need to add another year to the term to take the sting out of it but it will be yours from the get go.

Issues

• I did get floor mats in the end but the driver one wasn't secured and I didn't notice until it nearly caused an ‘issue’. Quite easily fixed but worrying if the dealer can't work a floor mat
• Was told the car was supplied with a type 2 cable but not a granny charger. I persuaded them to throw one in, albeit a used one. Ended up giving back as it seemed very basic and a spark friend of mine advised that they can cause issues if they are running full pelt on wiring not up to the job. Ended up getting a configurable one from 'A' well known online shopping site. £130 but I can't fault it. Have since had him test the wiring and fit a Hypervolt charger.
• Paid for Guard X to be applied. Disastrous job done. Car had a scratch on the rear driver side and swirls all over the car (most obvious on the bonnet). All under the GuardX. Fortunately/Unfortunately, Guard X appears to be absolute !% and is gone after 2-3 washes so I can get the scratch and swirls sorted. I can vouch for this being pretty much the case on my car already. The detailers left parts of the car with the protective stickers still attached and just applied the Guard X over them. The Dealer has offered to sort this for free and re-apply the Guard X but I think I will decline. I have purchased an alternative, going for Gtechniq Crystal Serum Light for the paintwork and G5 for the plastics and perspex. This is something that you can apply yourself and supposedly lasts for up to 5 years. My last car had LifeShine and over 12 years later, still looked amazing. This is apparently better. Long story short, I would avoid Guard X like the plague. If you do go for this, take a spray bottle of water with you and spray the car to see how the water behaves. If it doesn't bead and run off, it's not a good sign. This is not full proof as a decent polish should do the same but is a simple test. I have also heard from a couple of detailers that a UV light works with some of the coatings and also running you finger over the paintwork and then licking it. If it tastes bitter, it’s been done. Not sure I like the idea of the later though.
• 50 shades of black... No, not a sequel to the book. So far I have counted at least 5 different variations of black on the car. Long story short. Get these protected ASAP as the longer you leave it, the more likely they are to age and discolour and the differences in materials will become more and more apparent.

1. From what I can tell the roof and the sides skirts are both painted the same black.
2. The eyebrows on the front are black plastic and I believe the inserts are too, although these may be painted.
3. The rear quarter panels are plastic and are actually very dark brown.
4. The door pillars look like they are vinyl wrapped.
5. The mirrors are black and on first inspection I thought they were the same as the roof, but noooo. If you at them closely, well mine at least, they actually have a very subtle metallic blue fleck in the paint.
6. The surrounds around the windows and mirror areas are, I think polished black plastic.

• They got rid of the silly cargo net on the front of the centre console. I have to say I am devastated by this.
• There is a small, tiny dent in one of the doors. Blinded by all the other issues so didn't see this until after I'd picked it up.
• There is an annoying rattle every now and again. Sounds like a seat belt buckle clinking on something but I have already ruled this out. Doesn't happen all the time but infuriating when it does.
• Indicators are rubbish at cancelling.
• Had one sudden 'almost' stop coming off a small roundabout. Nothing in front of me so, confused by that.

On the plus side

• The interior lighting seems to have been 'upgraded' to LED bulbs. Very bright in the front, still abysmal in the back but I don't sit in the back so not fussed.
• The dreaded LKA hasn't really caused any issues. Seems to work one minute and not the next. All the other annoying nonsense has kept a low profile so far.
• Really, really cheap and annoying relay noise when using the indicators. Fortunately found the option to turn this right down.

Overall, I am really... annoyed by the above issues and the debacle I had getting the front and rear painted to match the sides. I actually hoped this would be factory parts not a paint job but hey ho.

Would I recommend getting one based on the above, Sadly... YES, in a heartbeat. It is so much fun to drive. Already a performance bargain at list price but with 10k off, it’s a no brainer.

Probably handles about the same as my old 62 plate Octavia vRS, so could be better but I have managed to get over 260 miles estimated range by using the ECO mode for the majority of the time and small amount of ‘educating’ thrown in for good measure.


Upgrades I am planning to do / done already.

Done

• Bonnet struts - No idea why, not much to see under the bonnet but I am looking a potentially getting a frunk at some point.
• Black badged the bonnet - Can't stand chrome so I have covered this up with a plastic cover. May change this to plastidip at some point.
• Added the fangs to the front intakes.
• Mudflaps - Bought painted ones from China and the paint job was terrible. resprayed them myself. Not the best job but they look ok if you shut your eyes.
• Android Auto/Apple Car Play wireless upgrade. About £30 online. Very basic, no frills. works perfectly though. Had an issue with the manual missing and when I got a copy emailed to me, it was useless. Not sure if I am allowed to name drop here but in case you get one of these things and can't find the Wi-Fi password, try '88888888'. Worked for me and no issues after this.

To Do/Fit

• Powered tailgate – Bought the kit but planning how to fit.
• Dashcams – Taken the ones out of my car and have been making ready to fit, probably next weekend, although I appear to have bricked it doing a firmware update whilst typing this.
• Audio upgrade – Will wait a while for this but I will eventually replace the door speakers, add at least one amp and a couple of Subs.
• Need to do my research on these as I will not cut the OEM wiring. Having worked in the industry, I know this is a massive no no. The car wiring looms are usually the most costly part of a car to replace, usually in high thousands minimum. Need these to be non-destructive and fully reversable.

The Future

• I would like to improve the handling but will wait to see what the future holds on this.

Sorry for the length of this but I hope at least some of this is useful and maybe a little entertaining.

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