Depressed by used car options

[Al U]

aeropilot said:

As much as I hate diesels, I agree with you. For what your doing though journey wise, my money would be going on something with a lot of comfort and a big diesel, and where bigger miles on it when you come to sell aren't going to be such an issue, so I'd be looking at something 'prestige' and maybe with already some miles on the clock...and what it looks like is a pointless criteria really.....you're buying a mile munching, daily, not a supercar!
A6/A8, 530d, Jag XFd, Merc E-Class.....?

I'd be tempted by something like this, toys, lots of comfort, decent mileage on a run....

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/v...

I agree with everything you have said, but I just can't bring myself to seriously consider something so bland looking. Again things like the Phaeton and Octavia VRS are cars that I like and can see the appeal but just don't fancy one myself.

[Al U]

FredClogs said:

Fussy b'stad...

Polestar tuned Volvo C30?

http://www4.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

The new V40 with a D5 or T5 engine will amuse as well and they're essentially a coupe really even though they have 5 doors...

There's also various MINI body styles with the Copper S diesel engine or JCW setup that you could enjoy...

Not the first time I have been told I am fussy

If I wanted the 2.5T petrol engine in the volvo I would just get it in a more practical package, like a focus ST!

The Mini would be a good shout were it not for the fact that the other car in my household is a petrol Cooper S! One is bad enough I couldn't have another.

[Al U]

aeropilot said:

You currently own a Focus FFS........so I would have said, you're more than comfortable with 'bland' ....?

Yeah but I didn't pay for £15k for the privilege with the Focus did I?

[Al U]

stephen300o said:

Out of all the used cars for sale. None you feel like buying?...
Hmm, just sounds you are bored of cars. Happens.

I think you could be right.

[Al U]

300bhp/ton said:

Al U said:

aeropilot said:

You currently own a Focus FFS........so I would have said, you're more than comfortable with 'bland' ....?

Yeah but I didn't pay for £15k for the privilege with the Focus did I?

Then don't spend £15k this time either. Seriously there must be hundreds of suitable cars you can afford.

Just because something is affordable, doesn't necessarily mean it appeals.

[Al U]

Jazzer77 said:

Mazda 6 Derv Sport Auto.
175ps so a little down on power.
Nicely within budget, current shape and sensible spec.



Or put your funds in premium bonds until Mondeo Vignale's fall to £15k.

Mazda is of no interest whatsoever.

I walk past several Vignale's everyday and they look very nice, but I don't want another Ford just because I have one now.

[Al U]

I think the discussion can stop now, I feel like I'm entering that territory of being that guy that starts a whatcar thread and has an excuse to dismiss everything that is suggested and just annoys the contributors.

This thread has confirmed what I thought at the start and what some people have picked up on. There isn't anything on the used market up to £15k that will do a better enough job than the focus I already have for me to actually want it. Thanks very much for all your suggestions!

[Al U]

FredClogs said:

Let's face it, you're just not into cars...

No I'm not into cars at all, I just work on the design of them for a living

[Al U]

PorkRind said:

Sell the house, move closer to work. Buy funnerer car. :/

Not an option unfortunately, "work" is in constantly changing location.

[Al U]

Gochaz said:

What about a CLK? I think they still look good.

http://www4.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

They are pretty sweet to be fair! You can get them for a fair amount cheaper than the one you posted as well with higher mileage. As much as I prefer the newer C-class coupe, these are cheaper enough and nice looking enough to be worth considering. Thanks a lot for posting this, definitely thinking about these now in more detail. The thing with these is even though they look dated next to the newer model, they have a classic kind of charm to them. I think so anyway.

[Al U]

boyse7en said:

Stylistic or engineering side?

Design engineering but closely involved with styling on some work.

[Al U]

Ali_T said:

ITP said:

One final option.

How about a Lexus IS300h. Not a coupe but that was a 'prefer' only. Ticks all the other boxes and can be had for 15k now. For your commute it sounds ideal to me. Also not a diesel and not front wheel drive!

Very, very good shout. Used to get one as a courtesy car when my Evo X was breaking down again, which was often, and they are really great mile munchers.

As is the Achilles heel of most japanese cars, the interior just doesn't do it for me.

[Al U]

Spx said:

A real driver would get an wide range of cars under their belt. At the moment you`re a fiesta sorry focus driver. Get a grip and buy the first thing you see. YAWN!

Did you dribble when you typed that?

[Al U]

Glade said:

Don't dismiss a 3 series too easily.

I bought my 2008 3Ltr 325i E92 from BMW at 47k miles. I needed to get something quickly for circa 10k. I wanted something that was more interesting than a Golf or Audi A3 at the same price point. I wanted used approved... And the warranty paid for a new fuel pump(common issue) and new cat when it was needed no questions. The BMW service has been great.

I was a little worried that it would be dull, but 215bhp, straight six that makes a nice noise, RWD... I have grown to really like it. Comfortable, and though not fast quick enough. I like the handling much better than my Audi A4.

Might be worth trying one. Make sure it's a 6 cyl engine though as I think this is key.

How long ago was that? I do like the BMW's and for £12-£15k I'd be happy to get one I just worry about depreciation. An example is that one car that is up for £15k at the moment, I webuyanycar'd it and it came out at just over £10k. They are common cars as well and knowing the dealer has probably paid something close to that for it I just feel like I'd be lining their pockets.

[Al U]

FredClogs said:

Do you work for JLR? Did you work on the Freelander, would explain a lot ;-)

What would it explain?

[Al U]

ajh38 said:

I'd look at a 208 GTI Premium. You could have one with manufacturers warranty and all the toys. It would have half leather not full but that's a small sacrifice in my opinion.

I accept that it's a tad smaller than the other cars you've mentioned but worth a look.

I'd rather keep my focus to be honest. Having had a look they do seem good value on paper but I just don't see myself driving one.

Thank you for the suggestion though.

[Al U]

Roman said:

Nearly new Astra GTC Bi-Turbo

192bhp, leather, DAB etc. Many have Xenons, Nav & VXR upgrades too.

Several on Autotrader under budget under 1yr old with low miles like this one:
http://www.evanshalshaw.com/search/vehicledetails/...

But Vauxhall.

Seriously though, I think they look OK from the outside but I really don't like the interior of Vauxhalls and have read some bad things about the way Vauxhall treats it's customers with warranty failures.

[Al U]

Roman said:

Al U said:

Roman said:

Nearly new Astra GTC Bi-Turbo

192bhp, leather, DAB etc. Many have Xenons, Nav & VXR upgrades too.

Several on Autotrader under budget under 1yr old with low miles like this one:
http://www.evanshalshaw.com/search/vehicledetails/...

But Vauxhall.

Seriously though, I think they look OK from the outside but I really don't like the interior of Vauxhalls and have read some bad things about the way Vauxhall treats it's customers with warranty failures.

Fit a Opel badges or compensate with a posh man bag if badges are that important

Not a fan of anything else in their range to be fair.

Decent warranty, strong G40 gearbox and had no problems with mine.

That's the thing though, I remember a few threads about customers with Astra VXR's with manufacturer warranty that were getting turned away by Vauxhall essentially being told that their crunching and whining gearboxes "all do that sir".

[Al U]

Slow said:

What about just buy a older 5 series (e60) with highish miles and just run it into the ground? Will probably work out cheaper and you will have a nice enough car.

Edit: just had a look and you can get these for 15k

I just found my dream car... Search for yours via Auto Trader #DrivenByMe
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

Sorry for advert, copied from phone.

Edited by Slow on Thursday 5th May 11:49

If I ever get a BMW I'd want M Sport trim. Just prefer the look of them despite the firmer suspension.

E60 is not of interest.

[Al U]

Having had a longer looks at Jaguar XF's after seeing one in the car park this morning I think I'm starting to lean towards one. The interior looks like a nice place to sit and if I go for a pre-facelift V6 diesel it should have more than enough shove.