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I already have the best car I the world (Octavia estate, obviously) but next year I think I am going to be doing stupid mileage and rather fancy something a bit more powerful and more comfortable for really long journeys.
I'm looking for inspiration really, something low mileage 2nd hand probably. Would prefer something quite good on mpg of course, but you can't have it all. Can't face another BMW, never really fancied a Merc, maybe a Lexus... c'mon someone, inspire and motivate me to splash some cash!
I'm looking for inspiration really, something low mileage 2nd hand probably. Would prefer something quite good on mpg of course, but you can't have it all. Can't face another BMW, never really fancied a Merc, maybe a Lexus... c'mon someone, inspire and motivate me to splash some cash!
In reply to Rob Exile Ward:
Vauxhall Insignia VXR Sports Tourer? Supercharged V6, 321bhp, 4 wheel drive, 5.9sec 0-60mph. Exciting however it will be expensive to run...
Vauxhall Insignia VXR Sports Tourer? Supercharged V6, 321bhp, 4 wheel drive, 5.9sec 0-60mph. Exciting however it will be expensive to run...
In reply to Rob Exile Ward:
It's hard to better the Octavia but how about a Volvo V70, not quite the same mpg as the Octavia but the half dozen V70's I've had from hire companies this year have had the power and been really comfortable to drive, and i'm a big fan of the adaptive cruise control option.
It's hard to better the Octavia but how about a Volvo V70, not quite the same mpg as the Octavia but the half dozen V70's I've had from hire companies this year have had the power and been really comfortable to drive, and i'm a big fan of the adaptive cruise control option.
In reply to Rob Exile Ward:
If you're going to drive a lot of miles, a motorway muncher is the way to go. I drive C220 CDi AMG Sport Auto. 170BHP and 295 lb/ft torque. Unvelievably smooth and enough power to overtake pretty much anything it needs to. Plus with careful driving 57 mpg. Crap in the snow but i can't recommend it enough.
If you're going to drive a lot of miles, a motorway muncher is the way to go. I drive C220 CDi AMG Sport Auto. 170BHP and 295 lb/ft torque. Unvelievably smooth and enough power to overtake pretty much anything it needs to. Plus with careful driving 57 mpg. Crap in the snow but i can't recommend it enough.
In reply to Rob Exile Ward:
The Porsche Panamera Diesel is your only choice. Practical hatchback design delivers mile murdering intent. And I've found a black one for you on the approved locator for only £44,000. Mind you, there's a little white beauty still under £70,000 so you might as well go for the newer, white one and get as many wedding invites as you can muster
The Porsche Panamera Diesel is your only choice. Practical hatchback design delivers mile murdering intent. And I've found a black one for you on the approved locator for only £44,000. Mind you, there's a little white beauty still under £70,000 so you might as well go for the newer, white one and get as many wedding invites as you can muster
Post edited at 19:56
In reply to Rob Exile Ward:
Audi A7 Sportback (or really it's a 5dr hatchback styled to look like a grand coupe)
Looks great. Very, very comfortable in SE spec. Loads of kit.
Depending on your bias towards economy or performance the V6TDI is either 201, 245 or 313PS with a lovely S-Tronic autobox on the 245 and 313. The two more powerful options also offer 4WD drive as standard. Economy is between 35mpg and 60mpg.
Audi A7 Sportback (or really it's a 5dr hatchback styled to look like a grand coupe)
Looks great. Very, very comfortable in SE spec. Loads of kit.
Depending on your bias towards economy or performance the V6TDI is either 201, 245 or 313PS with a lovely S-Tronic autobox on the 245 and 313. The two more powerful options also offer 4WD drive as standard. Economy is between 35mpg and 60mpg.
In reply to Rob Exile Ward:
Jaguar xkr. Lovely.
Or more sensibly the 3 litre diesel version.
Oops, I mean the XF /r obviously.
Jaguar xkr. Lovely.
Or more sensibly the 3 litre diesel version.
Oops, I mean the XF /r obviously.
Post edited at 20:15
1
In reply to Rob Exile Ward:
Pervious model Audi A6 2.7 V6 Tdi quattro with tiptronic semi-auto gearbox.
Good compromise between power and economy. Driven sensibly on a Mway - 50+ mpg, fast backroads 35-45mpg. Understated, classic Audi design with superb build quality and much better built than an A4 (think smaller A8). Extremely comfortable over long distances with excellent seats. The arch-typical motorway mile-muncher and the permanent 4wd gives amazing levels of grip in both the wet and the dry.
Best car I've ever owned and I'd replace it with another in a heartbeat. If you don't need the space or versatility, then like-for-like a used saloon is much cheaper than an avant. Might be worth a look and a possible test drive at the very least.
Pervious model Audi A6 2.7 V6 Tdi quattro with tiptronic semi-auto gearbox.
Good compromise between power and economy. Driven sensibly on a Mway - 50+ mpg, fast backroads 35-45mpg. Understated, classic Audi design with superb build quality and much better built than an A4 (think smaller A8). Extremely comfortable over long distances with excellent seats. The arch-typical motorway mile-muncher and the permanent 4wd gives amazing levels of grip in both the wet and the dry.
Best car I've ever owned and I'd replace it with another in a heartbeat. If you don't need the space or versatility, then like-for-like a used saloon is much cheaper than an avant. Might be worth a look and a possible test drive at the very least.
In reply to Dave Williams:
The OP asked for inspiration not an appliance. And that goes for any other Audis too.
Jag was a good call. Only car I've ever kept for more than 5 years.
The OP asked for inspiration not an appliance. And that goes for any other Audis too.
Jag was a good call. Only car I've ever kept for more than 5 years.
1
In reply to BnB:
So why is a 'Jag' less of an 'appliance' than an Audi.
Do you think that JLR's Indian owners add something that the VAG group don't?
Jaguar has a wonderful heritage but I would prefer to pay for tangible engireering and design rather than misty eyed sentiment.
Still, takes all sorts.
So why is a 'Jag' less of an 'appliance' than an Audi.
Do you think that JLR's Indian owners add something that the VAG group don't?
Jaguar has a wonderful heritage but I would prefer to pay for tangible engireering and design rather than misty eyed sentiment.
Still, takes all sorts.
In reply to TMM:
I would guess you haven't driven an XKR then? I'm not a Jag fan generally, but I did have an XKR for a five year period up to about a decade ago and though it wasn't the best engineered car, it turned motorway driving into something an Audi could never hope to match, competent though they doubtless are. VAG make excellent vehicles but comfort is not their strongest suit.
I would guess you haven't driven an XKR then? I'm not a Jag fan generally, but I did have an XKR for a five year period up to about a decade ago and though it wasn't the best engineered car, it turned motorway driving into something an Audi could never hope to match, competent though they doubtless are. VAG make excellent vehicles but comfort is not their strongest suit.
In reply to Rob Exile Ward:
With it being only inspiration you're after ()
This is the comfiest car I've ever travelled in as a passenger, comfier than my Dad's current BMW estate, and than his Mercedes company car he had, and his old Audi too,
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C540474#
80 mph feels like it's about 45...
With it being only inspiration you're after ()
This is the comfiest car I've ever travelled in as a passenger, comfier than my Dad's current BMW estate, and than his Mercedes company car he had, and his old Audi too,
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C540474#
80 mph feels like it's about 45...
In reply to Rob Exile Ward:
Whatever car you buy, cloth is always comfier than leather, in how it doesn't get really hot in the sun's heat, and perhaps not as cold either.
Whatever car you buy, cloth is always comfier than leather, in how it doesn't get really hot in the sun's heat, and perhaps not as cold either.
Post edited at 23:35
In reply to Rob Exile Ward:
Here's an Honest John thread.
http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=72000
Somebody I know recently found that his cruise control allows him to drift off more readily than in the car he had before, without it. I wonder if it can be disengaged in some cars?
Here's an Honest John thread.
http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=72000
Somebody I know recently found that his cruise control allows him to drift off more readily than in the car he had before, without it. I wonder if it can be disengaged in some cars?
In reply to Rob Exile Ward:
You wouldn't think I was an eco-mentalist, how about a Phaeton? They're ment to be very plush and smooth.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/used-cars/volkswagen/phaeton
You wouldn't think I was an eco-mentalist, how about a Phaeton? They're ment to be very plush and smooth.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/used-cars/volkswagen/phaeton
> Somebody I know recently found that his cruise control allows him to drift off more readily than in the car he had before, without it. I wonder if it can be disengaged in some cars?
You wonder? You mean you think it's on all the time?
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In reply to Father Noel Furlong:
If you're going to get a Merc you might as well get an SL 63 AMG, to be honest.
> If you're going to drive a lot of miles, a motorway muncher is the way to go. I drive C220 CDi AMG Sport Auto. 170BHP and 295 lb/ft torque. Unvelievably smooth and enough power to overtake pretty much anything it needs to.
If you're going to get a Merc you might as well get an SL 63 AMG, to be honest.
In reply to BnB:
I think I can appreciate a beautiful looking car as well as most, so it puzzles me why so many pundits slate the Panamera for being ugly.
Chris Harris does a good You Tube review on why the Panamera Diesel is as fast a car as you'll ever need.
I think I can appreciate a beautiful looking car as well as most, so it puzzles me why so many pundits slate the Panamera for being ugly.
Chris Harris does a good You Tube review on why the Panamera Diesel is as fast a car as you'll ever need.
Post edited at 07:27
In reply to BnB:
Sadly I will have to refute you guess, I have actually driven an XKR in both coupe and convertible form.
No doubt that the power is fairly intoxicating but the car is rather redolent of old men, indeed the only XK owners I know are all over 70. Remarkable to create a car of such considerable external size and have so little space for the occupants and their luggage, perhaps that is what makes them inspirational?
You might have noticed in my first post that I suggested the A7 in SE spec which provides a much more compliant and cossetting ride, you should try it some time.
You've not actually said why a 'Jag' is not an 'appliance' but an Audi is?
Sadly I will have to refute you guess, I have actually driven an XKR in both coupe and convertible form.
No doubt that the power is fairly intoxicating but the car is rather redolent of old men, indeed the only XK owners I know are all over 70. Remarkable to create a car of such considerable external size and have so little space for the occupants and their luggage, perhaps that is what makes them inspirational?
You might have noticed in my first post that I suggested the A7 in SE spec which provides a much more compliant and cossetting ride, you should try it some time.
You've not actually said why a 'Jag' is not an 'appliance' but an Audi is?
In reply to Rob Exile Ward:
Come on Rob, we're all trying to help but you need to narrow down your search criteria so we fix this for you by Christmas.
How many people do you need to transport?
Luggage requirements (dogs, skis, pushchairs, 2 weeks of climbing kit for 4 people, etc...)?
Saloon, hatchback, coupe, convertible or estate?
Budget?
Come on Rob, we're all trying to help but you need to narrow down your search criteria so we fix this for you by Christmas.
How many people do you need to transport?
Luggage requirements (dogs, skis, pushchairs, 2 weeks of climbing kit for 4 people, etc...)?
Saloon, hatchback, coupe, convertible or estate?
Budget?
In reply to TMM:
That will presumably be the newer version rather than the original that came out in 1999. The inferior replacement abandoned some of its virtues in order to compete with the mighty 911 and, like so many cars before, was sent packing with its tail between its legs. The original was no larger in the interior, but offered a sensuous and sporty coupe shell that made it popular with younger car fans. Michael Owen (not that I value the company of footballers but he fits a certain youthful profile) was an early adopter, as was I at the age of 34. I usually keep my cars for a year or two. I kept that Jag for six.
Like you, I don't like the later version, nor much of Jag's modern output, especially the Dubai-aimed XF.
Audis are efficient and reliable and some of them are comfortable, if you can avoid anything claiming to be sporty or s-line. They have superb interiors and competent if rather dull exteriors (except for the hideous A5 and the stunning but disappointing to drive R8) but none of them are designed for pure driving pleasure. For starters, none are rear wheel drive. You clearly know a thing or two about cars so you'll understand why that is important, and therefore why my first (budget no limit, tongue in cheek) recommendation was the Porsche Panamera. I might have suggested an M5 Touring but the OP said no to BMW. And comfort seemed to be a priority.
I haven't tried an A7 and I'm sure it is comfortable and coasting. But it isn't inspirational as a choice. Autocar praises it as a "rapid, luxurious, hi-tech and stylish cruiser" but lambasts "its inert handling and desensitised steering", which kind of sums up what I'm trying to say. The Phaeton recommended elsewhere on this thread is more inspirational for the crazy ambition of the car, a mass volume shopping car manufacturer building a Rolls Royce. Bonkers and therefore wonderful, and probably very cheap second hand.
That will presumably be the newer version rather than the original that came out in 1999. The inferior replacement abandoned some of its virtues in order to compete with the mighty 911 and, like so many cars before, was sent packing with its tail between its legs. The original was no larger in the interior, but offered a sensuous and sporty coupe shell that made it popular with younger car fans. Michael Owen (not that I value the company of footballers but he fits a certain youthful profile) was an early adopter, as was I at the age of 34. I usually keep my cars for a year or two. I kept that Jag for six.
Like you, I don't like the later version, nor much of Jag's modern output, especially the Dubai-aimed XF.
Audis are efficient and reliable and some of them are comfortable, if you can avoid anything claiming to be sporty or s-line. They have superb interiors and competent if rather dull exteriors (except for the hideous A5 and the stunning but disappointing to drive R8) but none of them are designed for pure driving pleasure. For starters, none are rear wheel drive. You clearly know a thing or two about cars so you'll understand why that is important, and therefore why my first (budget no limit, tongue in cheek) recommendation was the Porsche Panamera. I might have suggested an M5 Touring but the OP said no to BMW. And comfort seemed to be a priority.
I haven't tried an A7 and I'm sure it is comfortable and coasting. But it isn't inspirational as a choice. Autocar praises it as a "rapid, luxurious, hi-tech and stylish cruiser" but lambasts "its inert handling and desensitised steering", which kind of sums up what I'm trying to say. The Phaeton recommended elsewhere on this thread is more inspirational for the crazy ambition of the car, a mass volume shopping car manufacturer building a Rolls Royce. Bonkers and therefore wonderful, and probably very cheap second hand.
In reply to Tom Valentine:
Panamera fanciers have to keep a low profile in the face of much ill-aimed derision. Yet the car has more road presence than an articulated lorry. If Porsche brings out the rumoured estate version the proportions will be perfect and it'll suddenly be hailed as a triumph. The lack of a third rear seat is a handicap for families but the target ownership demographic already has a hideous Chelsea tractor for the school run. It's really a car for plutocrats to pretend they've put family first when choosing a sports coupe. I secretly love them but can't see what task they perform better than a real sports car or proper load carrier. As long as you can afford both
Panamera fanciers have to keep a low profile in the face of much ill-aimed derision. Yet the car has more road presence than an articulated lorry. If Porsche brings out the rumoured estate version the proportions will be perfect and it'll suddenly be hailed as a triumph. The lack of a third rear seat is a handicap for families but the target ownership demographic already has a hideous Chelsea tractor for the school run. It's really a car for plutocrats to pretend they've put family first when choosing a sports coupe. I secretly love them but can't see what task they perform better than a real sports car or proper load carrier. As long as you can afford both
In reply to BnB:
An interesting and considered reply. I was actually referring to the 1996 Mk1 XK actually. A friend had the XKR convertible after lusting after it for while and was left underwhelmed. I also recall Michael Owen and Alan Shearer being given cars by Jaguar to help drive publicity during the launch.
I've always had a soft spot for the XJ of this era fitted with AJ8 (with or without the supercharger). It is such a classic three box shape and totally anachronistic when compared with its contemporaries.
With regard to the Audis I take your point regarding rwd. Where I live the benefit of 4wd outweighs the rare opportunities for getting real driving pleasure. My regular driving is mainly small mud/flood choked lanes and the dual carriageway and motorway. I made decision that what I wanted was a car that gave me a cuddle and insulated me from the daily commute and entertained on long runs to the airport or across Europe. My preference would have been a Panamera (I actually like the styling in the right colour) but my budget is not that rich. The A7 does 90% of what a Panamera does, arguably looks better, offers more luggage space, uses the same (diesel) engine and costs considerably less.
I considered a Phaeton as left field choice but I need a hatchback for occasional dog transportation needs. No doubt it is a technical tour de force and it Bentley for Focus money. If only it didn't look like Skoda Superb mk 1 scaled 1.2 which itself looks like a Passat scaled 1.1.
If we were having this conversation a couple of years ago the obvious choice would have been a Thema 8.32!
An interesting and considered reply. I was actually referring to the 1996 Mk1 XK actually. A friend had the XKR convertible after lusting after it for while and was left underwhelmed. I also recall Michael Owen and Alan Shearer being given cars by Jaguar to help drive publicity during the launch.
I've always had a soft spot for the XJ of this era fitted with AJ8 (with or without the supercharger). It is such a classic three box shape and totally anachronistic when compared with its contemporaries.
With regard to the Audis I take your point regarding rwd. Where I live the benefit of 4wd outweighs the rare opportunities for getting real driving pleasure. My regular driving is mainly small mud/flood choked lanes and the dual carriageway and motorway. I made decision that what I wanted was a car that gave me a cuddle and insulated me from the daily commute and entertained on long runs to the airport or across Europe. My preference would have been a Panamera (I actually like the styling in the right colour) but my budget is not that rich. The A7 does 90% of what a Panamera does, arguably looks better, offers more luggage space, uses the same (diesel) engine and costs considerably less.
I considered a Phaeton as left field choice but I need a hatchback for occasional dog transportation needs. No doubt it is a technical tour de force and it Bentley for Focus money. If only it didn't look like Skoda Superb mk 1 scaled 1.2 which itself looks like a Passat scaled 1.1.
If we were having this conversation a couple of years ago the obvious choice would have been a Thema 8.32!
In reply to felt:
Aye....in my dreams.......
> If you're going to get a Merc you might as well get an SL 63 AMG, to be honest.
Aye....in my dreams.......
1
In reply to Rob Exile Ward:
If I was going to be doing loads of motorway mileage I would opt for a new Range Rover with the 4.4ltr diesel. I much prefer big luxury cars for long journeys.
If I was going to be doing loads of motorway mileage I would opt for a new Range Rover with the 4.4ltr diesel. I much prefer big luxury cars for long journeys.
In reply to BnB:
I think the Rapide S is a nicer looking car , no idea if its actually any better. One in my car park at work has two maxicosy seats in the back !
I think the Rapide S is a nicer looking car , no idea if its actually any better. One in my car park at work has two maxicosy seats in the back !
In reply to TMM:
Ah, the Thema. Now that would have been a good investment, although perhaps best left in the garage!
Isn't it annoying when matters of practicality and price interfere with emotional choices. But life is compromise. Our family car is a Subaru Legacy Estate Spec B, something of a grown up Impreza. It's an amazing load carrier with a legendary 4wd system (we live on the moors) and, being rally-bred, has fantastic handling. I'd recommend it to the OP as a complete practicality and performance bargain but it is neither particularly comfortable (away from the motorway) nor economical (anywhere).
After a long spell of sports car ownership I'm in a three box BMW (2 series) and I have to say it's a superb car for modern roads, immensely comfortable and very wieldy. Again, I'd recommend to the OP but BMWs are proscribed!
Ah, the Thema. Now that would have been a good investment, although perhaps best left in the garage!
Isn't it annoying when matters of practicality and price interfere with emotional choices. But life is compromise. Our family car is a Subaru Legacy Estate Spec B, something of a grown up Impreza. It's an amazing load carrier with a legendary 4wd system (we live on the moors) and, being rally-bred, has fantastic handling. I'd recommend it to the OP as a complete practicality and performance bargain but it is neither particularly comfortable (away from the motorway) nor economical (anywhere).
After a long spell of sports car ownership I'm in a three box BMW (2 series) and I have to say it's a superb car for modern roads, immensely comfortable and very wieldy. Again, I'd recommend to the OP but BMWs are proscribed!
In reply to Rob Exile Ward: Currently my Octavia vRS is in hospital and they still don't know what's wrong with it (keeps throwing itself into limp mode and they can't discover why - though I had to smile wryly to myself as it was still doing 85 in limp mode!) Skoda assist though have been brilliant initially they got me a Passat estate as a courtesy car and as time went on and my long booked trip to Germany approached they sourced me another vehicle with winter tyres fitted for the trip. This turned out out to be a Skoda Superb Elegance Estate; a bit less powerful and heavier than the vRS but not unreasonable at 170bhp - it managed a creditable 130 on the German autobahns and was very very comfortable for the 6 hours driving the other side of the tunnel. Probably not as much fun as my vRS (when working!) but definitely softer more comfortable suspension and seating... I will certainly consider one when I get a bit older
In reply to Rob Exile Ward: I'm an incredibly low-mileage driver these days (car is 18 months old and has less than 11k on it), but when I was doing quite a lot of up and down the A1 the best gizmo I'd ever had was adaptive cruise control on a Volvo I had - it's got as radar thingy in the front so you set the speed and the distance from the car in front so it maintains that distance, slowing down and speeding up with the traffic - brilliant on the A1 when you can go from cruising at 80mph to crawling behind a line of cars as a lorry overtakes another one at a relative speed of 1mph.
In reply to Roguevfr:
I was very tired yesterday, my brain was in my left big toe. ()
> You wonder? You mean you think it's on all the time?
I was very tired yesterday, my brain was in my left big toe. ()
In reply to Rob Exile Ward:
Keep it in the family - go for a Superb estate...
The 4wd version looks rather tempting...
Keep it in the family - go for a Superb estate...
The 4wd version looks rather tempting...
In reply to Rob Exile Ward: I've never gone for Mercs, but the CLS shooting brake looks fabulous, and with the 3l diesel, should be fast enough.
Andy F
Andy F
In reply to BnB:
Phaetons can be had for 5k and upwards, even a 4x4 model which surprised me. It almost reminds me of a modern day Vauxhall Senator. They were rated as being as nice as Mercedes and similar 'high brand' motorway cruisers by people like the Top Gear crew at the time. I've a soft spot for Senators as my Dad bought one very cheaply during a snowy February in around 94 when the car dealers were desperate to make a sale, and it was so nice he bought a second ex police one after the first was stolen. They were like floating along in a velvety cocoon. Phaetons are ment to have the same chassis as a model of Bentley. I think Rob should get a Phaeton...they're the Senator reincarnated. ()
> I haven't tried an A7 and I'm sure it is comfortable and coasting. But it isn't inspirational as a choice. Autocar praises it as a "rapid, luxurious, hi-tech and stylish cruiser" but lambasts "its inert handling and desensitised steering", which kind of sums up what I'm trying to say. The Phaeton recommended elsewhere on this thread is more inspirational for the crazy ambition of the car, a mass volume shopping car manufacturer building a Rolls Royce. Bonkers and therefore wonderful, and probably very cheap second hand.
Phaetons can be had for 5k and upwards, even a 4x4 model which surprised me. It almost reminds me of a modern day Vauxhall Senator. They were rated as being as nice as Mercedes and similar 'high brand' motorway cruisers by people like the Top Gear crew at the time. I've a soft spot for Senators as my Dad bought one very cheaply during a snowy February in around 94 when the car dealers were desperate to make a sale, and it was so nice he bought a second ex police one after the first was stolen. They were like floating along in a velvety cocoon. Phaetons are ment to have the same chassis as a model of Bentley. I think Rob should get a Phaeton...they're the Senator reincarnated. ()
Post edited at 11:39
In reply to andy farnell:
Mercs all drive like they are made of wood though. Everything seems to feel "disconnected" from the switchgear down to the accelerator pedal. Don't get me wrong (with the exception of the old 190 Cosworth) they are supreme motorway machines, just wooden feeling.
Mercs all drive like they are made of wood though. Everything seems to feel "disconnected" from the switchgear down to the accelerator pedal. Don't get me wrong (with the exception of the old 190 Cosworth) they are supreme motorway machines, just wooden feeling.
In reply to Rob Exile Ward:
Try and think about the 'greenness' of your prospective purchase, Rob, amongst the seductive pulls of luxury and performance.
Try and think about the 'greenness' of your prospective purchase, Rob, amongst the seductive pulls of luxury and performance.
Post edited at 12:10
In reply to butteredfrog:
Don't know what Merc you have been driving but my current ride of choice is a 2 year old C220 Estate AMG Sport. Note not a real AMG, just denotes body kit but at 170 bhp, in Auto it suits my 43 years old perfectly. Can get all the climbing kit I need in the boot, families mountain bikes on the roof and can hustle through the bends as good as most stuff I've had in the past. Cockpit is as connected to me and the road as good as the 3 series m sport I had before. Right now you could pick it up for about 17k with 25k miles on the clock, which would be a bargain, but I ain't selling.
Just to give myself some credence (or not, but was fun to do) I've owned and run the following over the years...
Original Mini.
Citroen AX GT
Renault Clio Williams
Subaru Impreza Turbo (1996 vintage)
Seat Leon Cupra Turbo
VW Golf GTi (Mark 6)
Audi TT 185 bhp
Audi TT 225 bhp
Land Rover Defender 300 tdi
Land Rover Defender TD5 110
Land Rover Defender XS 90
Land Rover Discovery 3 HSE
VW Passatt
BMW 320 M Sport
Mercedes 220 CDi AMG Sport Estate
....plus Honda CBR 600, Kawasaki ZX6R, etc but that's a different story.
Don't know what Merc you have been driving but my current ride of choice is a 2 year old C220 Estate AMG Sport. Note not a real AMG, just denotes body kit but at 170 bhp, in Auto it suits my 43 years old perfectly. Can get all the climbing kit I need in the boot, families mountain bikes on the roof and can hustle through the bends as good as most stuff I've had in the past. Cockpit is as connected to me and the road as good as the 3 series m sport I had before. Right now you could pick it up for about 17k with 25k miles on the clock, which would be a bargain, but I ain't selling.
Just to give myself some credence (or not, but was fun to do) I've owned and run the following over the years...
Original Mini.
Citroen AX GT
Renault Clio Williams
Subaru Impreza Turbo (1996 vintage)
Seat Leon Cupra Turbo
VW Golf GTi (Mark 6)
Audi TT 185 bhp
Audi TT 225 bhp
Land Rover Defender 300 tdi
Land Rover Defender TD5 110
Land Rover Defender XS 90
Land Rover Discovery 3 HSE
VW Passatt
BMW 320 M Sport
Mercedes 220 CDi AMG Sport Estate
....plus Honda CBR 600, Kawasaki ZX6R, etc but that's a different story.
In reply to andy farnell:
I agree the CLS Shooting Brake looks great. When it comes to parting with the A7 it might go on the list.
You have to be prepared to pay for style over substance as it much more expensive than the E Class estate which shares the same platform, engine, drivetrain etc..
I agree the CLS Shooting Brake looks great. When it comes to parting with the A7 it might go on the list.
You have to be prepared to pay for style over substance as it much more expensive than the E Class estate which shares the same platform, engine, drivetrain etc..
In reply to Fraser:
The Phaeton, A8, GT & Continental all share the same platform as well having some common engines and drivetrains.
> For some reason, I'd always thought the Phaeton was just a rebadged A8.
The Phaeton, A8, GT & Continental all share the same platform as well having some common engines and drivetrains.
In reply to Timmd:
I do try, I do try, but I'm likely to do about 30 - 40K next year so a) green goes out of the window somewhat and b) luxury cars really make a difference - it's like flying cattle class vs Business (though I've only done that a couple of times.)
I do try, I do try, but I'm likely to do about 30 - 40K next year so a) green goes out of the window somewhat and b) luxury cars really make a difference - it's like flying cattle class vs Business (though I've only done that a couple of times.)
In reply to DefenderKen:
Despite what I said earlier , your merc looks quite tempting, and an OK price too... you SURE you're not selling?
Despite what I said earlier , your merc looks quite tempting, and an OK price too... you SURE you're not selling?
In reply to rj_townsend:
I have one of these - in 170hp 4x4 guise and Elegance spec. Nicest car I've ever driven. As I've said to others, it's not that it's amazing in any category, but its good in *every* category. Driveability, comfort, economy, reliability, space, equipment, the list goes on. It's pretty faultless.
... however I did hear its getting replaced next year with a new model. Which probably means the current versions will get much cheaper.
> Keep it in the family - go for a Superb estate...
> The 4wd version looks rather tempting...
I have one of these - in 170hp 4x4 guise and Elegance spec. Nicest car I've ever driven. As I've said to others, it's not that it's amazing in any category, but its good in *every* category. Driveability, comfort, economy, reliability, space, equipment, the list goes on. It's pretty faultless.
... however I did hear its getting replaced next year with a new model. Which probably means the current versions will get much cheaper.
In reply to Rob Exile Ward:
Ha!
It's white, leather, heated front seats, privacy glass, factory navigation......but sorry, not until they bring the 4 wheel drive version out later next year
Ha!
It's white, leather, heated front seats, privacy glass, factory navigation......but sorry, not until they bring the 4 wheel drive version out later next year
Post edited at 13:04
In reply to marsbar:
I really like it, have the 5d version which adds flexibility - has not skipped a beat including driving to the alps and trips up to Scotland.
4 seater, but comfy for 4 adults, fromt very spacious, ok sized boot (2 day packs and a bit).
very low road tax, very easy in cities but happy sitting at 85ish on the motorway.
new model out just now so might be able to get some good deals?
I really like it, have the 5d version which adds flexibility - has not skipped a beat including driving to the alps and trips up to Scotland.
4 seater, but comfy for 4 adults, fromt very spacious, ok sized boot (2 day packs and a bit).
very low road tax, very easy in cities but happy sitting at 85ish on the motorway.
new model out just now so might be able to get some good deals?
In reply to DefenderKen:
I'm an ex merc mechanic, so have driven loads over the years, I just don't like them, but I am probably biased
I'm an ex merc mechanic, so have driven loads over the years, I just don't like them, but I am probably biased
In reply to Dr.S at work:
I spend most of my time in city traffic at the moment.
Much as I will miss my estate I don't really need it at the moment.
Might go for a test drive in the new year.
I spend most of my time in city traffic at the moment.
Much as I will miss my estate I don't really need it at the moment.
Might go for a test drive in the new year.
In reply to butteredfrog:
Ha, fair enough. I would never have considered a Mercedes until about 2 years ago. Maybe F1 is to blame and it's just PR, but I reckon they have massively improved as a brand as well as technically since the Noughties (are we saying that yet?) disasters.
Anyway, Eat enough steak and you will soon crave a burger. Don't tell my wife though
Ha, fair enough. I would never have considered a Mercedes until about 2 years ago. Maybe F1 is to blame and it's just PR, but I reckon they have massively improved as a brand as well as technically since the Noughties (are we saying that yet?) disasters.
Anyway, Eat enough steak and you will soon crave a burger. Don't tell my wife though
In reply to Rob Exile Ward:
My Dad used to have the same quandary when he had to drive and fly a lot of miles. Talking to an ex social worker a year or more ago, he decided that the important thing is people talking about stuff like this and trying to figure of what one can do as an individual (as well as collectively). Green-ish is probably good enough, more luxury & less petrol head.
> I do try, I do try, but I'm likely to do about 30 - 40K next year so a) green goes out of the window somewhat and b) luxury cars really make a difference - it's like flying cattle class vs Business (though I've only done that a couple of times.)
My Dad used to have the same quandary when he had to drive and fly a lot of miles. Talking to an ex social worker a year or more ago, he decided that the important thing is people talking about stuff like this and trying to figure of what one can do as an individual (as well as collectively). Green-ish is probably good enough, more luxury & less petrol head.
Post edited at 16:59
In reply to Fraser:
You could never get the V10 diesel in the A8 or it would have been a no brainer.
You could never get the V10 diesel in the A8 or it would have been a no brainer.
In reply to Rob Exile Ward:
it sounds boring - but you could do a lot worse than one of the fancy bollocks Mondeo's.
i tried one - a titanium X iirc - and it really was very impressive at high sppeed, very comfortable long drives. in end i went for a lower spec version - 2011 140 zetec - as i got a newer, lower mileage bang for my buck, but even that is a very significant improvement over my old 54 plate mondeo.
mine is licence-endangeringly quiet at 95, gives 48/49mpg at 80-odd, and is great fun to drive.
it sounds boring - but you could do a lot worse than one of the fancy bollocks Mondeo's.
i tried one - a titanium X iirc - and it really was very impressive at high sppeed, very comfortable long drives. in end i went for a lower spec version - 2011 140 zetec - as i got a newer, lower mileage bang for my buck, but even that is a very significant improvement over my old 54 plate mondeo.
mine is licence-endangeringly quiet at 95, gives 48/49mpg at 80-odd, and is great fun to drive.
In reply to Rob Exile Ward:
You can have my bmw 330i coupe auto 59 plate for under £10k. Quick, split rear seats make it surprisingly practical, eats motorway miles. In fact, it's done well over 100k of them. Ah, good mpg and low mileage you say...?
You can have my bmw 330i coupe auto 59 plate for under £10k. Quick, split rear seats make it surprisingly practical, eats motorway miles. In fact, it's done well over 100k of them. Ah, good mpg and low mileage you say...?
Post edited at 21:46
In reply to ballsac:
I know of an engineer who's done things in the car industry who said that Fords are ment to be good for 200.000 miles, that the engines and things are.
I know of an engineer who's done things in the car industry who said that Fords are ment to be good for 200.000 miles, that the engines and things are.
In reply to andy farnell:
It does actually look quite nice but the standard CLS should never have left the drawing board. And people say the Panamera is ugly.
It does actually look quite nice but the standard CLS should never have left the drawing board. And people say the Panamera is ugly.
In reply to Rob Exile Ward: Just had an idea of something more left field:
Citroën C6. Big, comfy, unusual, should be cheap second hand, reasonably good on the fuel in diesel, will eat up the miles and get people talking when you stop. Or break down...
Andy F
Citroën C6. Big, comfy, unusual, should be cheap second hand, reasonably good on the fuel in diesel, will eat up the miles and get people talking when you stop. Or break down...
Andy F
In reply to Timmd:
my last one did just short of that - first turbo, first clutch, first everything. i had it for 8 years and put 20k+ on it every year. couldn't recommend them highly enough - which is why i bought another one.
my last one did just short of that - first turbo, first clutch, first everything. i had it for 8 years and put 20k+ on it every year. couldn't recommend them highly enough - which is why i bought another one.
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