Is this a good deal?

[Adrian]

I took out the 307cc for a test drive yesterday; I was determined not to like it so that my choice of the RX-8 was easier. But the CC is a much better car than I was expecting, still not sure about the styling but driving it was actually quite good. It’s obviously not as nimble as the 206cc, although it’s fairly close even with a new 'tight' engine. I took it round some country lanes for a bit of fun and the car stuck to the road really well. The verdict of my 10 year old who has outgrown the back seat of the 206cc is that "it’s more comfy and there is a lot more room" (The RX-8 has even more room in the back, so far we have only sat in it - awaiting a test drive).

So to the deal offered (haven’t started haggling yet)

Trade in for my 206cc SE, Aug 01 (Y reg), black, black & red leather, 21K miles - £10,800 plus £812 discount on the 307CC.

So now the decision is much more difficult, to be honest I would be stretching my budget to much to get the RX-8, but would have conveniently ignored that had the 307CC been cr@p.

[teddy206 GTi]

Residuals??
Think the RX-8 might be a bit better.

Just looked at the Top Gear owner satisfaction survey and people hate 307's!! Would the CC be any better?

307cc looks good now but for how long will it be special? 206 CC's are everywhere now.
I'd do some calculations and see what each would cost long term as although you might have to stretch now, you might recoup it when selling if you get the Mazda! Look at MX-5's, they lose hardly any money. RX 8 might be the same.

[ewin7419]

Go for the 307, you'll only wish you had when next summer comes around
As to the deal, I'd say it was well worth looking in to. Get the auto lights, windscreen wipe and folding mirror option thrown in too if you can

[Derek]

i don't know about mazda residuals as new mx-5's can be discounted by up to £3000 around here - and that's the dealer price in the adverts - not with haggling.

i'm in the same boat as yourself adrian as i'm currently looking at the same 2 cars - other alternative is to keep the CC which would be sensible but i'm not too godd at being sensible

i'll decide more after the test drive on thursday.

[Adrian]

Of all the cars I’ve owned the CC is going to be the most difficult to let go. (Apart form my MG Midget, but I never let that go, it was my first car and after 26 years still the best – the ultimate sports car!)

As for residuals, that is what put me behind the wheel of a cc in the first place. At that time I wanted an Alfa 147 or MG ZR, the CC was in third place, (bit of an anti French thing). But once I drove the CC and considered the residuals there was only one choice and I haven’t regretted it for one moment. Had I bought the Alfa I would be two grand down now (compared with the cc) or three grand with the MG. Then it was easy Alfa and MG always depreciate quickly, but comparing future values of the 307CC with the RX-8 is more of a problem.

Their will probably be less RX-8s about and will be the next Audi TT (most trade ins are with TT’s) but the previous history of the rotary engine might put people off.
Peugeot have a more mainstream image and could be seen as solid and reliable. So I see it as pretty even. It all comes down to how the press project their views.

So the RX-8 it is then, but I cant really afford it. OK so Ill go for the 307cc, good choice. But I want an RX-8. Ah but you will regret it in the summer when you see a topless 307cc. But the RX-8 looks better and is faster and handles better and that wonderful noise it makes. But it’s a tin top. Ahhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!