What Car? £25k - Interesting but not-driving God-y

[Andehh]

I am currently in the market for a new car. For the last few years I have been saving up for a 2 year old F10 BMW 530D M sport. Before I do go and put this money down I want to make sure I have at least considered all my other options.

The car needs to be:
Interesting & upsetting to the inlaws, so no Monderos, Hondas or French
20k a year affordable, service, fuel, running etc for 5 years Including trips to the Alps
Couple of years old
Comfy & isolated for cross country cruising, between very stressful meetings/tiring daughter drop offs & pick ups.
Family friendly, this car will see me into +2 more kids.
Performance, pure 0-60 in 5-7 seconds. Handling etc is of no concern for me. I am not a driving God, just a childish one who loves the feeling of acceleration.
Damn good looking & something I can really take pride in.
Price to include Xenon lights (all my driving during the winter is in the dark & mainly country roads), built in Satnav/bluetooth phone/leather/general cool & gimmicky toys

I cant afford the new Octavia vRS with the options I want, nor the new 330D. I don't like the styling of the last few generations of BMW, only the latest 5 & 3 series.

I also refuse to use this money on something sensible. My entire life is a compromise trying to fit everyone else into fewer & fewer available hours. I will not invest, save, donate or use this money wisely - I have been doing that for years to get to this point. I have the cash and what's left over will be spent on furniture & new bathrooms.

Can anyone suggest alternative cars to the 530D?

[willmagrath]

Why not buy a slightly older car?? Could get more your money??

[lewisf182]

A5 3.0tdi sporback?

[philmots]

535d.

Same but with more go.. Why compromise on the 530d?

[okie592]

I wouldn't call a 5 series a intresting car

[jamieduff1981]

5 series
E-Class
A5/6/7
XF
Lexus thing I can't remember

[shibby!]

R34 Gtr

not a couple of years old, but they are mostly imports so should be low mileage and generally quite fresh if you buy correctly.

[ORD]

Ignore this thread.

The OP is a time-waster: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[Andehh]

ORD said:

Ignore this thread.

The OP is a time-waster: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Don't be a prat. Nothing time wasting about it. I have had the BMW in mind but having never sat in one, or driven it, I want to make sure I have considered alternative vehicles that other people recommend. That thread was asking for opinions on the car & the dealer network, this is one is asking if anyone can suggest alternative cars.

Many thanks for the comments so far guys, will look into each of them this evening!

[jamieduff1981]

Having read the other thread, it seems you don't like Merc and Audi which is fair enough.

I'd have a look at the XF. You get a lot for your money and although it is nicely balanced and good to drive for a car that size, it ticks all your other boxes too about long distance comfort etc etc.

This 275PS 3.0 S will crack 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds and they have one of the best ride qualities in class.

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

If you're of the 1970s mindset that Jags are for old people, then just buy a BMW because you won't like Lexus either and with Audi and Mercedes out, you've got nothing left.