Head v Heart (ok, Focus RS v Alpina D3)
Discussion
Right - I've narrowed my car choice down to the two named above. Bearing in mind I do 20-25k per annum, my head says Alpina D3, but my heart says Focus RS.
I'll be keeping whichever I choose for the next 4-5 years do depreciation is inevitable but acceptable over the term of ownership... and fuel costs don't worry me too much as I claim my mileage back (approx 14k of the 20-25k) from work.
Are there any owners (or not!) out there who'd care to comment?
My two previous motorway cars were a Subaru Impreza PPP and a JCW Mini Cooper S, so I'm not really a "barge" kind of person. Oh, and I don't have the room / time to be messing around with two cars...
Thanks
BF
I'll be keeping whichever I choose for the next 4-5 years do depreciation is inevitable but acceptable over the term of ownership... and fuel costs don't worry me too much as I claim my mileage back (approx 14k of the 20-25k) from work.
Are there any owners (or not!) out there who'd care to comment?
My two previous motorway cars were a Subaru Impreza PPP and a JCW Mini Cooper S, so I'm not really a "barge" kind of person. Oh, and I don't have the room / time to be messing around with two cars...
Thanks
BF
I'm trying to arrange drives in both this week, but I can't help but think the Alpina (nice as I'm sure it will be) will ultimately leave me wanting more when I take the B-road route home from work. However, is the Focus interior sufficiently different to lift it above the norm for long trips?
I also have access to a barge (the wife's) if need be, so can mix and match. She also told me she preferred the look of the Focus, result!
Does anyone know whether the RS only drinks Super? Ford quote all their figures based on 95-RON but my Subaru only liked 98+...
I also have access to a barge (the wife's) if need be, so can mix and match. She also told me she preferred the look of the Focus, result!
Does anyone know whether the RS only drinks Super? Ford quote all their figures based on 95-RON but my Subaru only liked 98+...
LHD said:
20-25k a year?
D3 Bi-turbo Switchtronic would be my choice
Say, something like this? D3 Bi-turbo Switchtronic would be my choice
http://www.sytner.co.uk/search/bmw-alpina-diesel-s...
I'd only want one with the Classic wheels... I wonder whether I could get the dealer to swap them?
I've never experienced a Focus RS, but I'd imagine 20-25k miles P.a would be tough going in one. Noise, harsh ride etc and I don't know if you'd get to experience its real strengths often enough to justify it.
The Alpina on the other hand would be a great cruiser, fun when you want it to be, civilised when you don't. I'd imagine too that the range on the D3 would be significantly longer, a worthwhile consideration if you regularly do long journeys.
If I was you, once I'd driven both I'd weigh up the pro's and con's of both, consider where you'll be driving, how often, how much you value comfort vs performance etc... and then go for whichever makes most sense. Listen to your heart too, but don't let it overule everything into a decision you will regret.
The Alpina on the other hand would be a great cruiser, fun when you want it to be, civilised when you don't. I'd imagine too that the range on the D3 would be significantly longer, a worthwhile consideration if you regularly do long journeys.
If I was you, once I'd driven both I'd weigh up the pro's and con's of both, consider where you'll be driving, how often, how much you value comfort vs performance etc... and then go for whichever makes most sense. Listen to your heart too, but don't let it overule everything into a decision you will regret.
Edited by patmahe on Tuesday 30th March 11:33
I have had an Alpina D3 since new, I do a Lot of Miles - I must have the highest mileage one in the country at 152,000 miles - with a number of long distance Jaunts to the South of France, Switzerland and Germany.
In all of that time (and it doesn't get driven Nun Like) it has averaged 39.2 mpg. On the motorway at 75 it is doing about 50mpg (I spend a lot of time in Lonodon that kills the MPG) For Comparison on the Autobahn at 150 it is doing 25mpg
It is astonishingly capable (and Fun) been hustled down a country lane - I would be surprised if an RS Focus was much quicker through the Twisty's
In my opinion it looks a more sophisticated car than the Focus RS (which is still a damn good car) it certainly turns a lot of heads - although I grant you an RS would sound much nicer driving past.
I think if I was 21 it would be the Focus, if I was 30 (and I am) it would be the D3.
In all of that time (and it doesn't get driven Nun Like) it has averaged 39.2 mpg. On the motorway at 75 it is doing about 50mpg (I spend a lot of time in Lonodon that kills the MPG) For Comparison on the Autobahn at 150 it is doing 25mpg
It is astonishingly capable (and Fun) been hustled down a country lane - I would be surprised if an RS Focus was much quicker through the Twisty's
In my opinion it looks a more sophisticated car than the Focus RS (which is still a damn good car) it certainly turns a lot of heads - although I grant you an RS would sound much nicer driving past.
I think if I was 21 it would be the Focus, if I was 30 (and I am) it would be the D3.
EVO magazine have been running a D3 since January 09, Buy the latest copy or look online maybe to read what they say about it as they are just about to get rid of it.
The last paragraph of the "end of term test" states "I already miss the D3, No other car has fulfilled the thrill of driving maxim to this extent while being quite so useably practical".
From reading evo every month etc i think the D3 looks stunning does amazing mpg apparantly is a bundle of fun to drive anywhere be it cruising or thrashing and is still practical.
In Evos year of ownership and 21,000 miles it had just one oil change and two rear tyres, nothing went wrong.
I love the thought of the RS, recognise its an amazing car and know people do use it as an everyday car but i just cant help but think that its more of a second car than your one and only. I belive the RS will depreciate more and will look worse than the d3 in five years time plus i already think it looks a bit plastic and chavy but thats personal opinion.
Im currently trying to buy my way out of diesel ownership but im on a tiny budget and for performance can only afford something that is petrol. The D3 however, i would definately have that as a daily.
The last paragraph of the "end of term test" states "I already miss the D3, No other car has fulfilled the thrill of driving maxim to this extent while being quite so useably practical".
From reading evo every month etc i think the D3 looks stunning does amazing mpg apparantly is a bundle of fun to drive anywhere be it cruising or thrashing and is still practical.
In Evos year of ownership and 21,000 miles it had just one oil change and two rear tyres, nothing went wrong.
I love the thought of the RS, recognise its an amazing car and know people do use it as an everyday car but i just cant help but think that its more of a second car than your one and only. I belive the RS will depreciate more and will look worse than the d3 in five years time plus i already think it looks a bit plastic and chavy but thats personal opinion.
Im currently trying to buy my way out of diesel ownership but im on a tiny budget and for performance can only afford something that is petrol. The D3 however, i would definately have that as a daily.
If fuel economy and RFL aren't an issue, then I'd take the RS every time.
Does your mileage rate differ for diesel and petrol cars though? If it doesn't, whilst your gross fuel bill is offset by your employers contributions, you will still be spending a lot more on fuel with the RS .... That money will be coming straight from your pocket at the end of the day.
24k miles, with a (current) fuel cost of 115p per litre (522p / gallon)
@ 25mpg average = 960 gallons = £5000
@ 45mpg average = 533 gallons = £2700
If your companys contribution per mile is a flat rate, the RS will be costing you £2300 more in fuel from YOUR pocket ..... Might as well round it to £200 a month from your take home salary. That is a lot of cash!
Does your mileage rate differ for diesel and petrol cars though? If it doesn't, whilst your gross fuel bill is offset by your employers contributions, you will still be spending a lot more on fuel with the RS .... That money will be coming straight from your pocket at the end of the day.
24k miles, with a (current) fuel cost of 115p per litre (522p / gallon)
@ 25mpg average = 960 gallons = £5000
@ 45mpg average = 533 gallons = £2700
If your companys contribution per mile is a flat rate, the RS will be costing you £2300 more in fuel from YOUR pocket ..... Might as well round it to £200 a month from your take home salary. That is a lot of cash!
Re the EVO comments, I was reading that very article this morning and was thinking that if they rate it so highly, then it can't be all that bad - I have a test drive lined up in one tomorrow (the Switchtronic I linked above) so will report back then.
Also, I have a job that requires me to spend a lot of time parking at customer sites... perhaps the RS is a bit too flash?
Oh no, I'm thinking practically! Help!
Also, I have a job that requires me to spend a lot of time parking at customer sites... perhaps the RS is a bit too flash?
Oh no, I'm thinking practically! Help!
mat205125 said:
Here comes a spanner!
Bit harsh... you don't even know me 
I've looked at them and they're just not "special" enough - I like to have a car that is slightly different from the norm (even if it's only me that knows!).
Hence the fact my MINI looked standard but had the JCW upgrade, and my Impreza looked like a standard WRX but had discreet PPP upgrades.
Bob Fossil said:
LHD said:
20-25k a year?
D3 Bi-turbo Switchtronic would be my choice
Say, something like this? D3 Bi-turbo Switchtronic would be my choice
http://www.sytner.co.uk/search/bmw-alpina-diesel-s...
I'd only want one with the Classic wheels... I wonder whether I could get the dealer to swap them?
. Unfortunately it's only for 2 years. 
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