The pros and cons of Personal Contract Plans (PCPs)
Personal Contract Plans are not suited to everyone, so study what’s best for you, writes Geraldine Herbert An increasingly popular way to finance a new car is under a Personal Contract Plans (PCP). But what exactly is a PCP and who is it best suited to? Nearly all car manufacturers now offer PCPs. Under this type of scheme the repayment schedule is split into three very distinct parts. First, a deposit is paid – usually 10%...
Family cars from €50,000 plus
This is the very top end of the market and for that reason we have excluded the small family car from the range writes Geraldine Herbert Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon Despite being the car that defines the Mercedes brand and the best seller in their range, the E-Class has never been what you might consider exciting or entertaining to drive. All that changed with the launch of the new Model. Reassuringly the E Class does not look that...
Family cars from €40,000 – €50,000
With this type of a budget there is a huge amount of choice writes Geraldine Herbert With a budget this large it is unlikely anyone will opt for a small hatchback but for comparison purposes we have stayed with that format here too. Also with regard to finance it is fair to assume that most buyers would have a reasonably expensive car to use as a deposit so the amount put down is likely to be greater than 20% but again for comparison...
Family cars from €30,000 – €40,000
With many of the luxury manufacturers dipping into this market with lower priced models designed to attract younger buyers, the premium 30,000 – 40,000 category has become seriously competitive writes Geraldine Herbert Audi A3 The Audi A3 is one of the most classy hatchbacks around and exudes an air of quality but you will pay a premium for the badge and the A3 is more expensive than more mainstream competitors. Inside it has a...
Family cars from €20,000 – €30,000
For the vast majority of families this price bracket is the one they are shopping in and offers the best choice in the market writes Geraldine Herbert Volkswagen Golf The appeal of Volkswagen’s Golf has always been broad. Whether a small family or single driver the Golf offers everything most motorists will ever need and we have been happily buying them in droves since the mid seventies. The Mk7 Golf is a much sharper...
Family cars from €10,000 – €20,000
There is a lot of choice here given the size of the budget in this category and something to suit both small and large families writes Geraldine Herbert Ford Fiesta With smart styling and the option of five doors the Fiesta is a perennial favourite among small families. Fuel economy and CO2 emissions have been reduced thanks to the addition of some advanced engines and Fiesta buyers can now choose between a 1.0 and 1.25 litre...