Choosing between two very different cars

[duckers26]

Currently looking to change car and am down to two in the running, Golf GTi Performance DSG and a Merc CLS 450.

I live just inside the M25 and the majority of my driving is around town with perhaps 5% on a longer trip of around 60 miles. I really fancy the Merc for the engine and also like the looks but the Golf seems better suited to around town, going to supermarket and the hatchback more practical. Carrying more than two people is very rare, perhaps once a month.

The problem is the cars are so different it’s very difficult to decide. Given the driving I do which would you go for?

[Cambs_Stuart]

Both good cars.
I've got a passat with a 6 speed dsg gearbox and it's dreadful in traffic. It changes from first to second far too early and then nearly stalls. I'd much prefer a manual or the 5 speed box from my subaru legacy.

[Alex_225]

That is a tricky one as they are very different.

Personally I'd take the CLS (despite the questionable rear styling on the latest model) purely as a fast luxury barge appeals to me more now than a hot hatch. My other half drives a CLS350 as her daily car and doesn't find it too big for your average trip to the shops etc.

If you're doing longer drives, then the CLS also makes a lot of sense. Space and refinement would be better I would imagine. That's just me though.

[duckers26]

This is a tricky one, the Golf feels like the right tool for the job, driving is 95% urban, including into central London, and my partner has a seven mile commute down some country lanes. Very rare we drive more than 60 miles as we would normally go by train or get a cheap flight if going further.

But at the same the idea of the 387bhp six cylinder engine is appealing, having never had more than 4 cylinders, and the difference in cost to me is only £100 a month. Mileage is only about 6k per year so the CLS does feel a bit excessive!

[ninjag]

The interior alone would make me choose the Merc.

[culpz]

I'd say It's hard to look past the Golf. Seems perfect for what you want. All personal preference at the end of the day but I'd always go for something smaller, lighter and nimbler, unless you really need the space and practicality of a saloon/estate.

[Herbs]

Only live once .............. go with the heart

[duckers26]

Went for the Merc, obsidian black with beige leather. A waste for a low mileage I know but probably the only time I’ll drive a 450 model of anything!

[ZX10R NIN]

Glad you got sorted I'd have suggested an E450 Coupe.

[duckers26]

Yes I like them as well, my company had managed to get a really good deal on CLS so the price was comparable to the Golf! Changed colour choice to Hyacinth red with black leather in end.

[duckers26]

Sorry to bring up again but I ordered the standard car and the dealer seemed to think that not ordering sun protection glass and 20” was the worst thing ever (he phoned me with a concerned tone). Is this the case?

[popeyewhite]

Looks vs practicality IMO. And cost!

[Shiv_P]

20" wheels will worsen the ride. Probably look better but not essential. Sun protection glass is a personal thing might be worth having but all that pollution smog in London will protect you from the sun anyway

[duckers26]

popeyewhite said:

Looks vs practicality IMO. And cost!

Which would be less practical?

[duckers26]

Shiv_P said:

20" wheels will worsen the ride. Probably look better but not essential. Sun protection glass is a personal thing might be worth having but all that pollution smog in London will protect you from the sun anyway

ULEZ lol

[duckers26]

popeyewhite said:

Looks vs practicality IMO. And cost!

Which would be less practical?

[Andy665]

duckers26 said:

Sorry to bring up again but I ordered the standard car and the dealer seemed to think that not ordering sun protection glass and 20” was the worst thing ever (he phoned me with a concerned tone). Is this the case?

Sounds to me like the dealer has found a CLS in stock with 20" wheels and sun protection glass to me - order what YOU want / need and not what the dealer believes you should have

[popeyewhite]

duckers26 said:

popeyewhite said:

Looks vs practicality IMO. And cost!

Which would be less practical?

The blinged version, as you're well aware. I expect you to argue bigger wheels cost less and enhance the ride and dark glass is essential for anonymity and keeping the kids cool in the back. Even though the OP only rarely travels with anyone else.