2024-10-29 08:34:00
It’s in the nature of things and we are happy to provide you with advice. “I want to buy a new car, which one do you recommend?” is the most frequently asked question to the specialists of the Technology and Motors editorial team. What is particularly clear is how great the uncertainty is. Electric car in itself, yes, but now? Isn’t it too expensive? How will battery technology develop? Does it work as a first machine? The curiosity is at least as pronounced as the list of questions. Those thinking about the company car category will soon find plug-in hybrids, the tax advantages are attractive. This is countered by the high purchase price, we are already at leasing fees, the financial aspect quickly becomes a separate topic. Those who often travel long distances still have a weakness for diesel, even if the offer is dwindling. All-wheel drive, station wagon, SUV? My daughter is turning 18, my son will soon no longer be able to drive accompanied, advice is needed here too.
People are often amazed at how expensive cars have become. VW Polo, Golf, Opel Corsa from 25,000 to 35,000 euros, they take your breath away. A solid midrange from BMW or Mercedes-Benz for 80,000 euros, oh horror. The electric counterparts of mild hybrids powered by internal combustion engines each come with a hefty premium, and how much does a kWh of electricity actually cost? The idea of the change has already been abandoned.
We usually approach the question with one or two counter questions. Which brand do you like? What is the primary intended use? How big is the budget? Is design important? In the second derivative, perhaps: do you have the courage to approach emerging youngsters like Cupra or Polestar? Are you ready for a Chinese adventure with MG or BYD?
Attractive appearance is almost always important and most people already have a liking for one brand or another. Short money or young beginners almost inevitably lead to the used car market, but the tips remain fundamentally similar. Sit at the dealership, at a trade show or at the car rental shop, touch it, smell it, it’s worth it. So you usually already know quite well whether the driver and vehicle fit together well. Or browse the configurator, the specialized magazines and the FAZ every Tuesday.
Below we want to help you a little on the path to your dream car. Of course we know that you can get to Italy with a small car; our parents have already left for Lake Garda with a Fiat 500. But the fundamental question is: which is the right car for me and for my daily life? Our selection of types (people) and types (cars) is subjective. It highlights three proposals that are pars pro toto. Given the abundance of models, it couldn’t be otherwise. We met them wisely. And with heart.
Young beginners
No children. Low income. No private charging option. 10,000 km/year.
Appropriate:
Small cars, combustion engines
Models:
VW Polo, Kia Picanto, Opel Corsa
Urban single
No children. Average income. Optional private charging option. 8,000 km/year.
Appropriate:
Small cars, electric and combustion engines
Models:
BMW 1er, Fiat 500 E, Renault R5
Rural commuter
One child, two children. Average income. No private charging option. 12,000 km/year.
Appropriate:
Compact car, hybrid (plug-in).
Models:
Mercedes GLA, VW Golf, Toyota Corolla
Career oriented frequent driver
Two children. High income. Optional charging option. 30,000 km/year.
Appropriate:
Upper middle class, combustion engine (diesel)
Models:
Audi A6, Mercedes E-Class, BMW 5 Series
Successful entrepreneur
Requirements: Comfortable, luxurious, spacious, possibility of tax relief
Appropriate:
Luxury plug-in hybrid
Models:
BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid
Family with space needs
Two children, four-legged friends. Average income. No private charging option. 20,000 km/year.
Appropriate:
SUV or station wagon, combustion engine and mild hybrid
Models:
Skoda Superb Combi, VW Tiguan, Volvo XC 60
Price-conscious pensioner
Two grandchildren, four-legged friends. Average pension. No private charging option. 12,000 km/year.
Appropriate:
Compact class, combustion engine (petrol)
Models:
VW T-Roc, Citroën Berlingo, Dacia Duster
Pragmatic, often traveller
Three children. Animal or boat. Solid income. Optional private charging option. 25,000 km/year.
Appropriate:
Minibus, combustion engine (diesel)
Models:
VW T7, Mercedes-Benz V-Class, Ford Tourneo Custom
Connoisseur lover of fresh air
No babies or children who may suffer in emergency places. Medium-high income. 15,000 km/year.
Appropriate:
Sports cars, combustion engines (petrol)
Models:
Porsche 911 Cabriolet, Mazda MX-5, Mini Cooper Cabriolet
Big conscientious gain
Two children. Very high income. Private charging option. 15,000 km/year.
Appropriate:
SUV, electric
Models:
Tesla Y, Volvo EX 90, Porsche Macan E
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