Buying my first car in my mid-30s, looking for advice on the options I've found
I've never bought a car, only ever used family members' ones, rented them, and most recently was given an old 2006 Golf to get around in which is now in the process of giving up the ghost.
I'm self-employed with a VAT-registered Ltd, so naturally I'm drawn to EVs due to their Corporation Tax benefits and low running costs. Mostly I'll be city driving with the occasional 40-50 mile round trip outside the city, and rare 200 mile round trips further afield.
I have on-street parking, and don't know yet if my council will allow me to run a charging cable. I have relatives quite nearby who would let me use their charger. Even so, a range of 300+ is preferred, 250+ minimum.
I'm looking at 0% APR PCP deals (seems these make more sense than used cars on high APR), and intend to keep the vehicle long-term. I'm basing my quotes on a 42-48 month term, 8000 miles a year and a £4000 deposit.
I think I've narrowed it down to these options, both at ~£38-39k OTR (after initial offers):
- Toyota CH-R+ Design - test drove it yesterday and it seemed good. I see it as the sensible option, with the 10 year warranty covering most things(?). Low monthly, bigger balloon.
- Ford Mustang Mach E - test driving on Friday. Bigger and more fun (probably), but only 3 years warranty (8 years on the battery). Higher monthly, smaller balloon.
Volvo EX30 and Hyundai Kona were also considered. Geely EX5 looks like a decent cheap alternative. Kias are nice but no 0% deals near me at the moment. Perhaps I need to also consider the Chinese brands like BYD, MG?
I normally prefer more compact cars, but we're planning for a kid so need a decent bit of boot and backseat space.
I want to get the best deal possible, so I wondered if I'm looking in the right wheelhouse, and if there's something else I should consider.
Also, what kind of deals/discounts/extras I should expect from the dealer so I'm not just paying sticker price? I tried to test the water at the test drive but the sales rep told me there's not much that can be done.
Posted Aug 12, 2026, 10:55 AM UTC