Modest Saloon

[ChrisH72]

Ah right.

If performance isn't a priority then how about something like this?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2023022847...

I've always thought they look good. Benefits would be newness, reliability, low running costs. Downside is that obviously it'll feel quite slow compared to the turbo alternatives.

Maybe a Lexus.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2023020840...

Although they seem quite rare in budget.

This could be a bit too sensible but looks good value with reasonable performance. Should be cheap insurance surely.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2023022445...

Otherwise if you want something more exciting I'd probably stick with the Giulia 200 idea.

[ChrisH72]

Opening up to larger hatches might provide more options too. In your position I'd probably be looking at this.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2023031051...

Insurance is group 28e which is lower than a 2.0 Jag XE. I'm not aware that the Octavia is a target for theft and whilst not particularly interesting they appear to be very good.

[ZX10R NIN]

Other alternatives are the 508 GT 225:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304296...

2.5 Mazda GT: Sport Nav+:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303315...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304056...

2.0T Q50 Sport:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304246...

Q60:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303295...

[Donkey44]

ChrisH72 said:

Opening up to larger hatches might provide more options too. In your position I'd probably be looking at this.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2023031051...

Insurance is group 28e which is lower than a 2.0 Jag XE. I'm not aware that the Octavia is a target for theft and whilst not particularly interesting they appear to be very good.

I see what you're saying, and let's be fair, the Octavia VRS is a class leader. Refined, well packaged, holds its money, a perfectly sensible vehicle: In sum, it's mid range maturity and competence both on paper and in the metal.

But look at it.

Then look at the Alfa.

Which we know is flawed. It's less practical (it is smaller inside with a poor boot- in comparison). It will probably break more often. Parts will be a challenge from time to time, as may be electrical gremlins etc. Depreciation is an unknown (I am personally surprised they're still as strong as they are, irrespective of the wider market's sine wave in the past few years).

But look at it.

Then look at the Octavia.

One makes you smile.

The other is a Skoda.


I may even have to look at an Infiniti, someone like ZX10 who sources cars and raves about them must do for a reason. If they don't look too Nissan parts bin inside, they are not going to make me look back in a car park and smile, but they can be had for less cash than many things, and it would at least satisfy my apparent 'something slightly different' urge.

[wilbo83]

Donkey44 said:

I see what you're saying, and let's be fair, the Octavia VRS is a class leader. Refined, well packaged, holds its money, a perfectly sensible vehicle: In sum, it's mid range maturity and competence both on paper and in the metal.

But look at it.

Then look at the Alfa.

Which we know is flawed. It's less practical (it is smaller inside with a poor boot- in comparison). It will probably break more often. Parts will be a challenge from time to time, as may be electrical gremlins etc. Depreciation is an unknown (I am personally surprised they're still as strong as they are, irrespective of the wider market's sine wave in the past few years).

But look at it.

Then look at the Octavia.

One makes you smile.

The other is a Skoda.


I may even have to look at an Infiniti, someone like ZX10 who sources cars and raves about them must do for a reason. If they don't look too Nissan parts bin inside, they are not going to make me look back in a car park and smile, but they can be had for less cash than many things, and it would at least satisfy my apparent 'something slightly different' urge.

Think you have summarised Alfa Romeo ownership well there. I've owned a 159 before and am currently considering a Giulietta (and will probably have a Giulia further down the line). There are definitely better alternatives to all and the Alfa's have annoying quirks (character) but they always make you look back at them and smile!

[ZX10R NIN]

They're hard to find but the 2.0T Insignia in Elite/SRI Nav awd 260 spec is a car to keep an eye out for but they normally sell pretty quickly when they come on the market.

The reason I like the Infiniti's is because they offer great value with Lexus levels of build quality (& in some cases Mercedes drivetrains) as well as being a decent steer.

The Mondeo is a better package than the Octavia VRS especially if you can get a Vignale:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303185...

ST Line X:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302104...

[Snow and Rocks]

Not sure of what you're currently getting for your money (and on too slow an internet connection to check) but a Lexus GS of some variety is surely worth a look with that brief?

GS250 gives reasonable performance and a tuneful V6 along with tolerable economy.

Hybrids both offer decent economy, GS300h isn't fast but is actually fine if it suits your driving style. GS450h is properly quick.

Running costs and reliability for all will be significantly better than anything German. 10 year/100k warranty renews every time you service it and can be extended further at reasonable cost.