Another stinking what car.

[themanwithnoname]

Evening all,

This buying a car thing used to be easy... look at 0-60 time, power figures and top speed, not give one iota of a flying fk to fuel consumption, and is it a laugh to drive...

Now, power, acceleration and being a nice steer are still there but consumption and comfort matters...

Today, I have ruled out a BMW 3 Series, E92 320d M Sport, as the ride was a bit too hard and too much engine noise in the cabin (God, I feel old), I didn't like the seats on the SE - the bases were too short.

I liked an Audi A4 and seriously considered dropping some money on a VW stinking Passat diesel... I need professional help.


Please, for the love of all that is holy and not a bland dullmobile, recommend me some wheels that will see 40ish mpg, sees 60 in 7.5 seconds or less, is relatively refined, and is nice to put round a corner, all for under £15k my only other thing is cruise control, its a pretty much must have.

I have a drive in an E60 530d tomorrow, I hope it doesn't disappoint as badly as the 3, as I really like it. I've also considered a Chrysler 300c CRD, for the look of the thing, but get the feeling I am a fool for it.

Thanks,

TMWNN

[DLovett]

Sounds like you need some Mercedes E320 CDI.

[macp]

Just my opinion 530d should just about meet your requirements but imo leave the chrysler well alone.

[macp]

DLovett said:

Sounds like you need some Mercedes E320 CDI.

Also a good shout had one for a week on hire and it was a lovely steer.Seemed much more nimble than a car that size should be.I would seriously consider one over the 5er

Edited by macp on Saturday 18th February 19:11

[mike9009]

Sounds like from your current selection that you are after a saloon car. But you have not actually specified, so given your criteria, I give you this.....

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3645606.htm

[FloppyRaccoon]

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3612882.htm

Maybe not that exact one, but you can get them for £15k, and something I'd be seriously considering.

The 300C is not a bad car, nice Mercedes engine and loads of space. Worth looking at for sure.

[themanwithnoname]

How are the E-Class when the going gets twisty? I do like the idea of something that can pick up its skirt and have some fun, but do >20kpa and am a bit fragile in the spine department, so I guess I am looking for compliance with good body control... I like my cars like I like my women it appears..

[macp]

FloppyRaccoon said:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3612882.htm

Maybe not that exact one, but you can get them for £15k, and something I'd be seriously considering.

The 300C is not a bad car, nice Mercedes engine and loads of space. Worth looking at for sure.

Oh man

[lestershaw]

Skoda Octavian Vrs estate, a fantastic car,

[macp]

themanwithnoname said:

How are the E-Class when the going gets twisty? I do like the idea of something that can pick up its skirt and have some fun, but do >20kpa and am a bit fragile in the spine department, so I guess I am looking for compliance with good body control... I like my cars like I like my women it appears..

I had the avantgarde which I think is the sporty one and it had a lovely ride but I thought it felt and composed in the corners although didnt push uber hard.

[themanwithnoname]

FloppyRaccoon said:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3612882.htm

Maybe not that exact one, but you can get them for £15k, and something I'd be seriously considering.

The 300C is not a bad car, nice Mercedes engine and loads of space. Worth looking at for sure.

Funnily enough, I saw one of those earlier in not quite BRG, the wife rolled her eyes and said 'remember the last jag you had?' followed by 'but you do have access to a garage now' so that's in the running!

As for the 300c - I love the exterior looks, the mechanicals seem to not be made of cheese, but the interior is my sticking point - they are a very grey place to sit... I've only seen them with grey, off grey or grey interiors.. did they not do a nice black interior?

[FloppyRaccoon]

themanwithnoname said:

FloppyRaccoon said:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3612882.htm

Maybe not that exact one, but you can get them for £15k, and something I'd be seriously considering.

The 300C is not a bad car, nice Mercedes engine and loads of space. Worth looking at for sure.

Funnily enough, I saw one of those earlier in not quite BRG, the wife rolled her eyes and said 'remember the last jag you had?' followed by 'but you do have access to a garage now' so that's in the running!

As for the 300c - I love the exterior looks, the mechanicals seem to not be made of cheese, but the interior is my sticking point - they are a very grey place to sit... I've only seen them with grey, off grey or grey interiors.. did they not do a nice black interior?

I know what you mean about the grey leather, not that nice, but they do do black - http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3500633.htm

[themanwithnoname]

FloppyRaccoon said:

I know what you mean about the grey leather, not that nice, but they do do black - http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3500633.htm

now that I like...

regarding body style, not too worried, but no two seaters (though I would of course, love to do 500 mile days in an MX5) or 4x4/soft roaders... other than that, we're fair game. Preference for larger cars though.

[macp]

You know you want it

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3551841.htm

[themanwithnoname]

macp said:

You know you want it

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3551841.htm

That is pretty tasty, not quite sure of its 'Q' credentials, but certainly seems to tick a few boxes.

[Otispunkmeyer]

The 300c is an absolute barn door. Don't think you'll see much beyond mid 30's with that car and that engine. Does look good though.

[themanwithnoname]

Otispunkmeyer said:

The 300c is an absolute barn door. Don't think you'll see much beyond mid 30's with that car and that engine. Does look good though.

Yeah, 35ish is the claimed combined but I could live with it so long as it does that with 4 bodies in the boot...

[themanwithnoname]

Hmm, XF and Alpina D3 - now, I know the D3 will suffer the same as the 320d but any thoughts?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2008-08-Jaguar-XF-2-7TD-...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Alpina-D3-/260946824...

[macp]

themanwithnoname said:

Hmm, XF and Alpina D3 - now, I know the D3 will suffer the same as the 320d but any thoughts?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2008-08-Jaguar-XF-2-7TD-...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Alpina-D3-/260946824...

Oh man the jag wins it everytime its a beautiful masterpiece of engineering & class.

A good thread started here on the XF which may or may not put you off

http://www.pistonheads.com/xforums/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Edited by macp on Saturday 18th February 20:50

[AlexKing]

You want a Jag.

Any of the ones suggested here are a much better idea than the run-of-the-mill Beemers and Mercs, and won't disappoint inside like a Chrysler.