sorry me again - still looking for car advice

[danlightbulb]

Hi all,

I still can't decide on what to go for. Those who remember my previous threads know I've been round the houses a bit.

I currently have a 2003 Ford Mondeo TDCi hatchback. I want something with some power (200bhp or thereabouts) that will still be practical for family duties, and it must get high 20's / low 30's MPG on combined cycle.

I drove a £2200 2001 E39 530i sport (saloon) a few weeks back and really loved the car, but the saloon boot, whilst large, would just be too impractical as I have kids and bikes to transport. Easy answer - a 530i sport touring! Problem - very hard to find. Closest on AT is a 525i sport. I don't want the SE as it doesn't look as nice as the sport spec. There is one on PH for sale for £3600 which seems high. I'd like more than one to choose from to ensure getting good value. A couple of poor condition ones on ebay.

Ive looked also at the ST220 estate. Fast yes, good space yes, but its more expensive than the E39 5 series (circa 5 to 6k for a good one albeit in a newer reg) and at the end of the day its still a mondeo which I have now. The Mondeo is supposed to be a large car right? I don't feel that my car is particularly large really? Is it just because I've owned it for 9 years and am used to it?

Looked at Volvo V70 and to be honest they look like a hearse. V50 looks nicer IMO, but reviews say its small? 5 cyl T5 turbo engine gets good power though and reasonable MPG.

Saab 9-5 estate. Fast yes, good space yes, look ok, but they are 4 cyl turbos. I really wanted a six, for that extra refinement, not a small block thrasher.

Audi's are out - the ones that are out there in my price range seem overpriced and way underspecced compared to mondeo's or BMWs.

This is so hard, and I think the problem is just not enough choice as highlighted in the limited brands/models that actually look any good.

[danlightbulb]

MikeTFSI said:

Have you considered a mk4 Mondeo with the 2.5T 5 cylinder Volvo engine? My brother in law had one for a while, cracking value motor as no one wants big petrol 'non premium' brands. I think he paid under £3k for a 2008 ex police vehicle.

I get the desire for a big engine, but I would really consider going 4 cylinder turbo, much more options open up especially around the 200bhp mark. Most are refined enough, they don't sound that special though.

Ive been focused on the older cars with the sixes really, and I already have a Mondeo. To be fair the Mondeo has been a great car all round, and maybe I should consider one again. It just wouldn't be that special, more like just another run of the mill car.

jontbone said:

What's your budget? Maximum Mileage/age? Sounds like it needs to be practical, petrol and ideally a six. The Skoda Superb was available with a petrol six, or how about a Passat 2.8 4motion estate?

Previously I was planning on having a loan to finance it. I decided that was a bad idea, so now I'm saving for it. A budget of 3k would be what I was looking at originally, but as I'm now saving for it, I could save for a few months more for 4k or a few months more for 5k. Practical yes - 200bhp is what I'd like having owned a slow diesel for the last 9 years. Only because I want something nice. A six just has that special feeling doesn't it over a standard 4 cyl. I'm not overly keen on the older Volkswagens, Skodas or Mercs really. BMW's just look the business, and the fast Fords have a bit more something about them than other marques.

Willy Nilly said:

200hp needs about 40 litres an hour. You probably going to have to mince around with a Mondeo sized, 200hp car to get anything starting with a 3 on you mpg readout, which defeats the object of having a more powerful car.

Sorry I'm not quite following you here. Are you saying that having 200bhp and an mpg in the low 30's are not compatible goals? Or are you saying it can be done if I sacrifice the premium element (eg the Mondeo)? Isn't the Mondeo a big car in itself, as I'm struggling to find one with more practical space than it really.

[danlightbulb]

Ah I see. I understand that I'll get low mpg if I'm flooring it everywhere. I won't drive like that though normally. I'll drive very sedately normally. I want to own a nice powerful motor but I don't intend to floor it everywhere like an 18 year old in a renault 5 gt turbo.

My 30mpg requirement is for normal sedate driving.

confused_buyer said:

OP, you have a small budget and it seems particular requirements. Dismissing cars just on the looks or minor spec differences (e.g. SE v Sport) is ridiculous and a fine way to buy a pup. Those choices are the luxury of the new car buyer. Buy on condition, history, mileage and how it drives.

On that basis I'd keep my Mondeo. It passed its last MOT needing a £40 repair. I do want to change my car for something better, but if I can't get what I want I may as well not bother. I don't want to change my car for the sake of changing my car. I want to change my car so I have something that I'll enjoy owning, and that there is power there when I want it. A car that I'll be motivated to go out and clean. A car that I can be motivated to pop the bonnet and do a bit of cleaning and tidying up. Like I did when I was 20.

Edited by danlightbulb on Sunday 11th October 20:13

[danlightbulb]

This is what I mean:




I want to own something I can be proud of! I can't do anything with that first engine. Its not good to look at. Its cramped. I won't care about it at all. The BMW 6 though! Wow its lovely. I'll clean it. I'll care about it.

Edited by danlightbulb on Sunday 11th October 20:31

[danlightbulb]

Willy Nilly said:

You haven't got enough money though, just keep the car you have and look after it. At your price point you are quite likely to get a nail that will need a load of money spending on it.

It's no big deal not being able to afford a particular car or type of car, it is a bit silly to buy something you can't really afford though. Besides, as you drive around very few people care about what you are driving.

How much do I need then? I'll keep saving if that's what it takes to get the type of car I want.

I don't care what other people think about the car I drive. I want a car that I'll be proud to own. Me. Not anyone else. Couldn't care less.

[danlightbulb]

CrgT16 said:

I wouldn't be put off for some comments. The price range you have is OK if you accept what you can get... Finding a very good example of say a 530 can be a bit difficult but I would keep looking, I. The meantime save your money until that car that you want, with the spec that you want becomes available... It will. Get the one you really want otherwise you always will regret it.. If you want a 530i M Sport... Wait until you find the one for you, better to search a bit longer (saving in the process) than rush in and buy the wrong one..

Thanks. Yes I'm definitely not rushing in to anything. Problem is that a car like the 530i, which I do really admire, well there is nothing similar in a newer car is there. If I had 10k I don't think I'd be able to get anything any nicer looking or better performing, would I? If I had a reason to save more I would, but putting 10k in AT I'm just not impressed with anything thats available.

danj3000 said:

OP, would an E46 Touring be a little small for your use compared to the E39? If you're handy with a spanner then that will certainly save a bit of money as invariably a few bits and pieces will need doing but the BMW's are nicely engineered so good to work on.

I can vouch for the M54 6 pot, very nice motor and certainly adds a little more interest compared to most other engines.

E46 could be an option, I haven't looked at one in the flesh yet. How does it compare in size to the Mondeo hatchback? I take it the Mondeo estate would be bigger (its bigger than most other cars anyway), but I don't necessarily need the biggest estate possible just to carry kids stuff, flatpack furniture and bikes.

The spannering is something I'm keen to do, within reason. I've done my own brake discs before now, and simple stuff like intakes, audio as well (subs and speakers replaced in my old Astra when I was 20 lol). I take one look in my Mondeo TDCi engine bay and I'm put off going anywhere near it. No experience getting underneath cars.

Edited by danlightbulb on Sunday 11th October 21:09

[danlightbulb]

^^ absolutely, I totally understand that.

But again, I'm struggling to see what better car I could get even if I had 10k to spend? Any car I buy could need repairs.

I'm sure I could replace a cooling system, as long as no special tools were needed and it all comes out easily. If I need ramps or special tools then I'd be put off.

[danlightbulb]

danj3000 said:

You'd certainly have a little more choice in your budget if you looked at E46's.

Or go all out and get an E39 540i Touring!

Not so sure tbh. I just looked on AT for an E46 tourer in 330i flavour, up to £5k, and there are 10. Most of them SE, 2 sports. All with higher mileage than the E39 i test drove.

[danlightbulb]

I do 12k normally. I've had a diesel for 9 years I don't really want another.

[danlightbulb]

Ghost91 said:

I'd almost be inclined to opt for bangernomics and enjoy each car till it dies. Probably cheaper than buying an old 5 series that wants all the suspension refreshed etc, and still get some fun and enjoyment out of it.

This would indeed be the cheapest option. Therefore given my Mondeo is still going, keeping that would be the cheapest option until it goes bang. But that doesn't get me a car I can enjoy owning.

Ghost91 said:

Why not keep your diesel for work and family duties and have a toy? If it breaks it can stay at home until you can be bothered or afford to fix it then!

Considered it, but two lots of insurance and tax makes it too expensive to do this. Plus I don't want to have a car I hardly drive. I want to drive and enjoy having a nice car.


Those saying the 530i would be too unreliable, I get it, but what else is there of the same quality? Even for 10k budget what else is there?

[danlightbulb]

what sort of car/age should i be looking at?

[danlightbulb]

The101 said:

If you like old mercs, the W124 era would suit you great as they did some lovely estates with nice engines, and are renowned for being some of the best built cars of all time. And old enough to insure on a classic policy for peanuts through footman james or the like.

They aren't to everyone's taste though I know.

That's E class right? I just looked on AT for E class estates, sorted by age and only one car older than 1999. A 1994 2.0litre.

I did previously look at having a 4x4 as a second car. It was a 1996 P reg Jeep Cherokee 4 litre. Too new for classic car policies (I tried several places).

Any other older cars I could consider? Its a good idea, and something Ive considered before, but I don't know what cars I can get. An E class is probably not the style of car I'd really be interested in though.

Edited by danlightbulb on Sunday 11th October 23:26

[danlightbulb]

ferrariF50lover said:

Why have we so many people on here just now asking for cars (any car, don't care what) with totally arbitrary horsepower figures?

200bhp in and of itself is meaningless. Stop focusing on pure horsepower numbers and start finding cars you like. Once you've found one you like, drive a couple and see which one has the combination of power and economy that you are looking for. You'll be much happier overall.

I wouldn't say my preferred choice is arbitrary. I like the BMW because it has premium feel, a nice traditional super saloon look about it with sharp but refined 90's styling (the best era for sharp cars imo), the smooth straight 6, RWD. All the right reasons. And I'm told the 3 litre 6 is the pick of the engines. It is an informed choice despite the to-ing and fro-ing. The MPG is a bit lower than I'd like yes, but there does not seem to be any equivalent car that will get into the 30's reliably.

It seems to be the only car (and yes I need to try the Saab), that fits my criteria. But I'm told I'm going to be spending lots on repairs and that is a risk. My criteria aren't going to change, and I won't be happy settling for something less, so I'd rather just stick with my current car in that case and forget the whole endeavour.

There just aren't many cars out there that are going to match a BMW for style and that feel. I can't afford newer mercs and the older ones arent styled as well as the older BMWs. Ford, Mazda, Hyundai, Kia, Volvo - all mid range cars with no special look or feel about them. Don't even mention french cars. Where is the choice? That's why I keep coming back to the same cars, to be put off again because of the reliability risk.

Edited by danlightbulb on Monday 12th October 00:39

[danlightbulb]

Thanks for the suggestions guys.

Out of those I'd say the Audi was my favourite, but I can't afford the S4 running costs. Common theme this lol - car cheap enough, running costs not. The A4 Avant 2.0 litre T S line is a good shout though.

Gonna have to go and see a 9-3 and a 3 series to see how big they are as I've previously been focussing on the 5 series or 9-5.

Thanks for the merc and Jag suggestions also, but I'm not keen on the styling of the 2000's era cars. The rounded, softer 'executive' styling isn't what I'm looking for. My favourite car in my 20's was this. I like the aggressive angular styling.

[danlightbulb]

If I didnt already have a Mondeo, I'm sure the ST220 would be top of the list. I know there will be a world of difference in handling and performance between the ST220 and my diesel zetec, but fundamentally the shape is the same and interior the same. Plus I think they look fairly small cars the Mondeo's. They don't have the aggressive 'presence' on the road compared to some other brands:

[danlightbulb]

I don't really want to get into modifying, just more cost, and it never looks as good as a standard car in a well specced trim level. I think the issue with the Mondeo is it has a small front end. Cars like the BMW and Audi have a large aggressive, flat fronted looking front end.

I like the Audi's actually. Going to have to save up for a bit longer though.

[danlightbulb]

Fair point yes. But it suits the car so much, unlike the Mondeo alloys (IMO).

Looks pretty good in standard S-line trim: This is currently on AT for £4k.

Edited by danlightbulb on Monday 12th October 23:30

[danlightbulb]

I didn't think audi's would be in budget until someone pointed it out recently. Got to save a bit more still, but certainly has the look that I'm looking for and the power to go with it. That one is a 2 litre TFSI quattro, and it does 31mpg average

Still a 10 year old car though. How are they for reliability and repair costs?

[danlightbulb]

Id prefer the quattro, but not essential. It should handle better though? Coils no issue would have a go myself at that. Think it was a manual but I'll avoid the DSG gearbox thanks.

[danlightbulb]

Truth is im torn and frustrated by it all. Lots of nice cars are affordable for the car but not affordable on running costs. That is really frustrating. I earn an ok wage but that doesnt mean i want to blow it all on VED and fuel. Newer cars, which i cant afford, get well into the 30s mpg.

Everything in the age range im looking at has some kind of repair risk with it. I dont expect to be having a premium car like BMW or audi in the garage every 5 minutes, so thats holding me back from pushing the button on something.

Maybe there is some badge snobbery coming in to it but BMWs and Audis do have that cutting edge design over most other brands. I always liked that sports saloon styling on cars. Yet practically i need a hatch or medium sized estate which ruins the look. BMWs and Audis tend to pull off the estate without it being too boxy.

Even if i had 20k in the bank i wouldnt want to spend that much on a car so im always going to be resigned to older models.