I bought a C4S new, thinking that the power would be enough and the handling would be the same.
I didn't feel confident enough at the time in my abilities and wanted to save some money. After 15 months I swapped to a turbo.
I just wanted more push in the back. NA cars are good but I personally like turbos, and I like the driving characteristics.
It was a waste of money for me to get the C4S first, I should just have gone straight for the turbo. It was the one I really wanted, but I tried to tell myself it didn't matter.
I would say that if you can, then you should.
Since you will be buying used, a big chunk of the depreciation is taken out for you. The turbo will have lost a bigger amount.
I would guess the C4S is going to head towards the 30's, the turbo is probably unlikely to dip out of the 40's.
How much you lose will depend on how much you pay for the new one, how long you keep it, how good a condition it is, and how much you drive it.
But don't buy something you are then worried about driving. It is a waste.
MPG on the C4S used to be around 25 for mixed driving, I get around 22 in the turbo. It drops into the teens when going mad, has been below 10 on a track and has reached 28 at a steady 70 on the motorway.
Insurance is higher on the turbo, probably by about 50%, but it depends on circumstances.
Servicing costs are not outrageous (OPC prices below).
C4S 12K miles = £322, TT=£342.
C4S 24K miles = £528, TT=£538.
Spark plugs are the main difference.
C4S every 48K miles = £269.
TT every 24K miles = £456.
Drivebelt every 48K miles on both, C4S=£17, TT=£61.
All other costs are the same (oil, fuel filter, brake fluid, etc.)
But the main advantage is that the engine and gearbox is stronger. I don't think they are going to break easily.
Of course if major items go wrong, it starts to get expensive. I believe a whole new engine on a C4S is about 8K, and about 18K on a turbo (but this is just an educated guess, I do not really know). I also think a new gearbox on a turbo is over 5K, and I think 1 turbo is over 1K.
It is very advisable to have the extended warranty. It can be extended up to 9 years and 120K miles and covers major items. After that, make sure you have some money set aside.
Suspension parts, brakes, most drive train parts, bodywork, electrics, etc. are the same, so costs will be the same.
Used, there was not much premium attached to the X50 cars, but this may be changing. You should try to get one if possible.
Tyre wear on the turbo is more, esp. for the rears, but it again depends on how you drive it.
What to look for? Nothing in particular, just get them properly inspected and make sure you have the warranty.
Migration info. Legacy thread was 118473
