Reading through page after page of content in this forum, I feel that my requirements from a car are somewhat different and rather simplistic than most people's.
Mine will be a company car, replacing my current Audi A4 Diesel. I am a massive petrolhead and love everything with an engine ... cars, motorbikes, planes, F1, etc. But I also love innovation and follow Tesla's story since their start. I didn't think I would choose an electric car yet as my next vehicle because I was worried about range since I use it daily, and my daily journeys pre- and post Covid can be as high as 200m.
But then I arranged a test drive, mainly out of interest. In all honesty, this is what convinced me. I went for the LR which should be able to do my daily journey on one charge even in Winter. Now for my requirements:
I will get the M3 in Mid March. If it isn't a total wreck, I am happy. I am certainly looking forward to it. For me, the benefits of low tax, power and sound (music, internally) outweigh everything else.
Mine will be a company car, replacing my current Audi A4 Diesel. I am a massive petrolhead and love everything with an engine ... cars, motorbikes, planes, F1, etc. But I also love innovation and follow Tesla's story since their start. I didn't think I would choose an electric car yet as my next vehicle because I was worried about range since I use it daily, and my daily journeys pre- and post Covid can be as high as 200m.
But then I arranged a test drive, mainly out of interest. In all honesty, this is what convinced me. I went for the LR which should be able to do my daily journey on one charge even in Winter. Now for my requirements:
- Company Car Tax ... Audi was a few hundred quid per month, M3 will barely be anything.
- Power from an EV
- Sound system
- Fuel cost (for the company). Massively reduced. Also my own as I pay for private mileage, can charge with wallbox at 5p.
- Modern feel, screen, minimalistic.
- External noise and stink (lack of) ... I love engines but only when they are properly set up. I hate cars that just have a loud squeel as an engine sound, driven by idiots, stinking like a coal factory. Can't wait for them all to disappear.
- Looks ... I like the M3 but I am also not too fussed as long as it isn't ugly.
- Autopilot ... self driving is a good idea but I don't need it until EVERY car has it. Until then I am happy with standard cruise control and distance radar. I don't need lane keeping, steering isn't a problem but letting the car slow down when I fail to spot danger is good (also, comfort in just following someong through roadworks etc). I had a Skoda once that did exactly that, keep the speed and keet the distance, I do the rest.
- Panel gaps, paint, etc ... not too fussed. As long as it is reasonably good and can be fixed later, I'm fine with this. A car is a commodity after all, a workhorse. It will be driven every day and will show some signs of use.
- Excessive washing ... I will look after my car and clean it too as I like the look of a clean car. But it will be a normal "snow foam, rinse off, quick 2-bucket wash, rinse, dry with leafblower" process ... done, it'll rain after a few hours anyway. And if I can't be bothered it will stay dirty for a bit longer.
- Dealer experience ... a big deal for me. I had cars from most of the German manufacturers. Every time I had to go for a service, repair, etc I felt looked down upon. Just because my car is an A4 and not an A8? Just because I haven't already bought 7 BMWs from that one salesperson? I also considered the GLC and went to the dealership to discuss, wasn't even greated with a "hello", just "have you got an appointment?". In my opinion they are all snobby, I don't need that. If I can have a remote fix, or a drop off / pick up situation ... let's have it.
I will get the M3 in Mid March. If it isn't a total wreck, I am happy. I am certainly looking forward to it. For me, the benefits of low tax, power and sound (music, internally) outweigh everything else.