Far too much time on my hands today. Reading a review of the new Hyundai ix20 by chef James Martin who thinks it's a great little car. I can see that this will become a favored chariot of choice by the elderly, however from a purely financial point of view then surely they would all be better off (and would have much more fun in their retirement) if they drove Coupe's rather than a brand new Hyundai?

The figures for three years running costs and depreciation are listed below:

Hyundai (3 yr costs):

Purchase price circa £14,000

Insurance £800
Servicing £1,200
Tax £300
Fuel (10k/yr) £3,500
Depreciation £8,200

Total Hyundai cost over 3 years - £14,000

Fiat Coupe (3 yr costs based on my experience):

Purchase price circa £4,000

Insurance £1,500
Servicing £3,600
Tax £600
Fuel (10k/yr) £6,300
Depreciation £1,000

Total Fiat Coupe cost over 3 years - £13,000

Makes it a no brainer really for me, and just outlines how the hidden costs of new car ownership (i.e. depreciation) stack up. Like I said, far too much time on my hands today

Well, to be honest the way my 78 year old Grandad flies around in this old Ford Escort i wouldnt really want to see him come flying towards me trying to keep control when the turbo is at full boost!

Because they almost all own a honda Jazz.

Simply because they are too afraid to ask their wife's, just like my old man!

They keep their cars longer than 3 years. Depreciation will have stabilised, so running costs are all that matters.

Starting the 4th year, the Hyundai is cheaper. Also if they don't pay retail price they'll already be better off. If they pay a young secondhand one, they're far better off. And the car starts at 11.5k, not 14k - 13.5k is top-top-top-of-the-range and I don't guess they'll go for Bluetooth, electric rear windows, leather, panoramic sunroof,... but they might appreciate the parking sensors (or YOU might appreciate them...:) )

Apart from all that, the Hyundai ix20 just pushed the latest Opel (Vauxhall) Meriva off first spot in my 'favourite city cars', based on what you get for your money.

A while back I was talking to a 74 year old lady driving a 20vt. Come to think of it I've seen more than a hand full of advanced aged people driving 20vt around my neck of the woods.

Maybe its the truly wise ones know that driving a shopping cart of a car is not that fun and want some extra power as entering heaven on a hospital bed in a charming gown is lame compared to backwards
on fire in an Italian car with style

Maybe they are just smart????

Some of us have *got* old, driving coupes... young whippersnapper, where's me slippers, mutter mutter mumble...

Hmmm, funny thing is, I saw the title of this thread and thought you'd been the inspiration behind it......

<hides behind Mrs Stan, along with the rest of the villagers!>

Well I took my old man for a spin in mine once, booted it in first and his flat cap went flying off in the back, suppose old people may get tired of that happening..

Maybe because the numbers are skewed?

Hyundai I10 is £7890 OTR
my mother pays £180 per year insurance on her 207
£0 VED first year
57mpg @ £1.30 per litre = approx £1k for 10k of mileage
5 year warranty

I think you're looking at vehicle value of £3500 after 3 years so £4300 depreciation

So costs are more like £5k for three years in a brand new car under warranty, yes it's hard to believe people don't go for 15 year old fiats....

I know what you're saying though, FC is a LOT of bang for the buck these days

I hope to be running a Gallardo when I'm retired.......Will take me that long to save for one!