25k fun & practical
Discussion
Hi All,
I have a well trodden dilemma that I am trying to work through. I need a car to carry the family of 5 on holidays etc but for the 200 odd days a year they are not with me I want it to be an event to drive. I have been fortunate enough to sell my T5 transporter recently for a ludicrous amount more than I paid so the 25k all I have to put in to this car.
Now I would really like to get in to a 2013/14 E63 estate but this would be a short term solution to scratch the AMG itch and would probably look at something a bit more sensible in 12 months or so time. The issue I have with this is I would be buying at the lower end of the market with relatively high miles 80k + where there is the potential for some hefty bills and I worry I would struggle to move on in a year or so without taking a 5k hit. Insurance and tax are also very expensive.
The 540i xdrive is currently out of reach at the moment which would be the ideal so the 2 cars I am looking at currently are the Skoda Superb 280 Sport Line and the Jaguar XF v6 supercharged.
Superb would probably be 2018 and Jag 2016 so a reasonable age to be looking. I presume post remap the Skoda would be quicker in every real world situation but it is a little dull both to look at and be in. The Jag is better in the emotional sense good size engine, RWD etc but it is probably a worse car in almost every measurable way.
I also appreciate the irony worrying about the costs an E63 could throw me while making a Jaguar seem a sensible option.
Any thoughts on the Superb or the XF, not the most obvious of competitors but for the money they seem to cover most bases.
Cheers.
I have a well trodden dilemma that I am trying to work through. I need a car to carry the family of 5 on holidays etc but for the 200 odd days a year they are not with me I want it to be an event to drive. I have been fortunate enough to sell my T5 transporter recently for a ludicrous amount more than I paid so the 25k all I have to put in to this car.
Now I would really like to get in to a 2013/14 E63 estate but this would be a short term solution to scratch the AMG itch and would probably look at something a bit more sensible in 12 months or so time. The issue I have with this is I would be buying at the lower end of the market with relatively high miles 80k + where there is the potential for some hefty bills and I worry I would struggle to move on in a year or so without taking a 5k hit. Insurance and tax are also very expensive.
The 540i xdrive is currently out of reach at the moment which would be the ideal so the 2 cars I am looking at currently are the Skoda Superb 280 Sport Line and the Jaguar XF v6 supercharged.
Superb would probably be 2018 and Jag 2016 so a reasonable age to be looking. I presume post remap the Skoda would be quicker in every real world situation but it is a little dull both to look at and be in. The Jag is better in the emotional sense good size engine, RWD etc but it is probably a worse car in almost every measurable way.
I also appreciate the irony worrying about the costs an E63 could throw me while making a Jaguar seem a sensible option.
Any thoughts on the Superb or the XF, not the most obvious of competitors but for the money they seem to cover most bases.
Cheers.
I had a 2016 Superb 280 L&K for 2 years. Fast, reasonably comfy, plenty of kit. The ultimate "white goods bland-mobile".
Nothing bad about it (until the turbo went at 28k miles and 4 years old), but it was just a way of getting from A to B. Totally uninspiring to look at and be in - until you booted it.
Nothing bad about it (until the turbo went at 28k miles and 4 years old), but it was just a way of getting from A to B. Totally uninspiring to look at and be in - until you booted it.
Both cars that I've been seriously considering myself as a fan of the left field. One thing i would say about the xf is they seem to have been effected more than most in the current used car inflation. Back in February you could get good spec cars for sub 20k and im now seeing the equivalent creep up to 30k. I suspect it's because new examples have a longer lead time than most.
They are also a car thats very spec sensitive, whereas the superb will come fully loaded as standard.
I currently have an XFR and for your 25k you could get a late, low mileage example. Mine has been reliable and servicing is very reasonable. Mpg less so, but i get 25mpg on a run. Worth considering to scratch the v8 itch and could live with the old school infotainment.
Others i'm considering are the kia stinger and an alfa giulia veloce. If you you can manage the smaller size of a giulia they are a fantastic steer.
They are also a car thats very spec sensitive, whereas the superb will come fully loaded as standard.
I currently have an XFR and for your 25k you could get a late, low mileage example. Mine has been reliable and servicing is very reasonable. Mpg less so, but i get 25mpg on a run. Worth considering to scratch the v8 itch and could live with the old school infotainment.
Others i'm considering are the kia stinger and an alfa giulia veloce. If you you can manage the smaller size of a giulia they are a fantastic steer.
LM95 said:
Hi All,
I have a well trodden dilemma that I am trying to work through. I need a car to carry the family of 5 on holidays etc but for the 200 odd days a year they are not with me I want it to be an event to drive. I have been fortunate enough to sell my T5 transporter recently for a ludicrous amount more than I paid so the 25k all I have to put in to this car.
Now I would really like to get in to a 2013/14 E63 estate but this would be a short term solution to scratch the AMG itch and would probably look at something a bit more sensible in 12 months or so time. The issue I have with this is I would be buying at the lower end of the market with relatively high miles 80k + where there is the potential for some hefty bills and I worry I would struggle to move on in a year or so without taking a 5k hit. Insurance and tax are also very expensive.
The 540i xdrive is currently out of reach at the moment which would be the ideal so the 2 cars I am looking at currently are the Skoda Superb 280 Sport Line and the Jaguar XF v6 supercharged.
Superb would probably be 2018 and Jag 2016 so a reasonable age to be looking. I presume post remap the Skoda would be quicker in every real world situation but it is a little dull both to look at and be in. The Jag is better in the emotional sense good size engine, RWD etc but it is probably a worse car in almost every measurable way.
I also appreciate the irony worrying about the costs an E63 could throw me while making a Jaguar seem a sensible option.
Any thoughts on the Superb or the XF, not the most obvious of competitors but for the money they seem to cover most bases.
Cheers.
Even with a remap the XF will be quicker everywhere the instant torque & better throttle response making the XF the pick:I have a well trodden dilemma that I am trying to work through. I need a car to carry the family of 5 on holidays etc but for the 200 odd days a year they are not with me I want it to be an event to drive. I have been fortunate enough to sell my T5 transporter recently for a ludicrous amount more than I paid so the 25k all I have to put in to this car.
Now I would really like to get in to a 2013/14 E63 estate but this would be a short term solution to scratch the AMG itch and would probably look at something a bit more sensible in 12 months or so time. The issue I have with this is I would be buying at the lower end of the market with relatively high miles 80k + where there is the potential for some hefty bills and I worry I would struggle to move on in a year or so without taking a 5k hit. Insurance and tax are also very expensive.
The 540i xdrive is currently out of reach at the moment which would be the ideal so the 2 cars I am looking at currently are the Skoda Superb 280 Sport Line and the Jaguar XF v6 supercharged.
Superb would probably be 2018 and Jag 2016 so a reasonable age to be looking. I presume post remap the Skoda would be quicker in every real world situation but it is a little dull both to look at and be in. The Jag is better in the emotional sense good size engine, RWD etc but it is probably a worse car in almost every measurable way.
I also appreciate the irony worrying about the costs an E63 could throw me while making a Jaguar seem a sensible option.
Any thoughts on the Superb or the XF, not the most obvious of competitors but for the money they seem to cover most bases.
Cheers.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110078...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109237...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110258...
CLS 400
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110148...
Edited by ZX10R NIN on Wednesday 27th October 21:08
clockworks said:
I had a 2016 Superb 280 L&K for 2 years. Fast, reasonably comfy, plenty of kit. The ultimate "white goods bland-mobile".
Nothing bad about it (until the turbo went at 28k miles and 4 years old), but it was just a way of getting from A to B. Totally uninspiring to look at and be in - until you booted it.
Thanks for the response, yeah it does seem like a choice made with the head. The engine is well proven but the package itself is as you say uninspiring. Nothing bad about it (until the turbo went at 28k miles and 4 years old), but it was just a way of getting from A to B. Totally uninspiring to look at and be in - until you booted it.
FamousPheasant said:
Both cars that I've been seriously considering myself as a fan of the left field. One thing i would say about the xf is they seem to have been effected more than most in the current used car inflation. Back in February you could get good spec cars for sub 20k and im now seeing the equivalent creep up to 30k. I suspect it's because new examples have a longer lead time than most.
They are also a car thats very spec sensitive, whereas the superb will come fully loaded as standard.
I currently have an XFR and for your 25k you could get a late, low mileage example. Mine has been reliable and servicing is very reasonable. Mpg less so, but i get 25mpg on a run. Worth considering to scratch the v8 itch and could live with the old school infotainment.
Others i'm considering are the kia stinger and an alfa giulia veloce. If you you can manage the smaller size of a giulia they are a fantastic steer.
Interesting to know, I have only really started looking as I was not planning on selling the transporter. The XFR does appeal but I like the anonymity of the XF s / superb. The boot on the Kia is pretty small but is cracking value for the GTS. I would have the Alfa in a heartbeat but it’s more XE size unfortunately and I my kids would not thank me for it! They are also a car thats very spec sensitive, whereas the superb will come fully loaded as standard.
I currently have an XFR and for your 25k you could get a late, low mileage example. Mine has been reliable and servicing is very reasonable. Mpg less so, but i get 25mpg on a run. Worth considering to scratch the v8 itch and could live with the old school infotainment.
Others i'm considering are the kia stinger and an alfa giulia veloce. If you you can manage the smaller size of a giulia they are a fantastic steer.
LM95 said:
clockworks said:
I had a 2016 Superb 280 L&K for 2 years. Fast, reasonably comfy, plenty of kit. The ultimate "white goods bland-mobile".
Nothing bad about it (until the turbo went at 28k miles and 4 years old), but it was just a way of getting from A to B. Totally uninspiring to look at and be in - until you booted it.
Thanks for the response, yeah it does seem like a choice made with the head. The engine is well proven but the package itself is as you say uninspiring. Nothing bad about it (until the turbo went at 28k miles and 4 years old), but it was just a way of getting from A to B. Totally uninspiring to look at and be in - until you booted it.
ZX10R NIN said:
Even with a remap the XF will be quicker everywhere the instant torque & better throttle response making the XF the pick:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110078...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109237...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110258...
CLS 400
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110148...
Thanks for that, yeah it does seem the nicer package and even at 25k it seems a lot of car for the money and there is a good few around at the moment. Good to see you would also support the jag. Cheers. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110078...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109237...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110258...
CLS 400
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110148...
Edited by ZX10R NIN on Wednesday 27th October 21:08
CountVacillate said:
How about an older Audi RS4 estate? The high revving V8 model
I have considered them but the rs4 is a bit small really. The s6 would do the job nicely with the v8 TFSI but I would be buying right at the bottom of the market which is not great. Once you get in to M5, Rs4/6, E63 territory the overall running costs start to get considerably higher and getting in to an almost 10 year old one at the lower end of the market at £25k does not seem a great idea for the “main” family car. I have always lusted after those halo cars from BMW / Audi & Merc but could not afford them, unfortunately I think the same is still probably true now if I am to stick with my budget. CountVacillate said:
How about an older Audi RS4 estate? The high revving V8 model
...or an S6 if space is an issue...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2021091172...
...back to the XF...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2021102789...
flying-banana said:
...or an S6 if space is an issue...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2021091172...
...back to the XF...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2021102789...
The XF seems to be a front runner now, never thought I would be saying that to be honest!
LM95 said:
Hi All,
I have a well trodden dilemma that I am trying to work through. I need a car to carry the family of 5 on holidays etc but for the 200 odd days a year they are not with me I want it to be an event to drive.
Similar situation here, my last car was the 3.0d XF Sportbrake (x250) and it's a nice car to drive. Rear legroom isn't great for the size of car though, pretty similar to the A4 actually, but the boot is deceptively large. The Sportbrake has self levelling rear air suspension, which is remarkably good when fully loaded. You can't get the 3.0 s/c in Sportbrake guise though, only the limited run V8 XFR-S (expensive) or a 4 pot x260 Sportbrake. I have a well trodden dilemma that I am trying to work through. I need a car to carry the family of 5 on holidays etc but for the 200 odd days a year they are not with me I want it to be an event to drive.
If you don't need an estate then the x260 XF 3.0 s/c as linked would be high on my list as well. Eventually I decided that I'm the one who is in the car most of the time and I'm the one who will care how it performs etc. All the family need is a car which will take them (and luggage) to the destination - they have no interest in how it performs so I figured why worry and I'm glad I didn't! lol Ended up getting an S4 Avant B8.5 and it pretty much does everything (petrol, performance, decent exhaust note, AWD grip, estate so decent boot, good sound system etc).
LM95 said:
Interesting to know, I have only really started looking as I was not planning on selling the transporter. The XFR does appeal but I like the anonymity of the XF s / superb. The boot on the Kia is pretty small but is cracking value for the GTS. I would have the Alfa in a heartbeat but it’s more XE size unfortunately and I my kids would not thank me for it!
I viewed a stinger and the boot is deceptive. They are only quoted as 400 liters but it's a very useable square space and, being a hatchback, more versatile that a traditional saloon. I wouldn't let the quoted value put you off. Rear space was also pretty good and even a little better than my XFR. I know what you mean about the giulia - I'm trying to convince myself that it would make for a practical car for a family of 4! It's certainly bigger than an XE in terms of boot and rear legroom and I can have a rear facing child seat behind me (6ft) - though I think I would need a roofbox for any longer trips.
The thing that struck me about the petrol XFS values is they did seem remarkably good value before the pandemic - at least compared to the German equivalents. Since the new model only comes with a 4 cylinder that should help prop up the prices, I would have thought. Late model 3.0D sportbrakes have gone even more mental for the same reason.
ninjag said:
Similar situation here, my last car was the 3.0d XF Sportbrake (x250) and it's a nice car to drive. Rear legroom isn't great for the size of car though, pretty similar to the A4 actually, but the boot is deceptively large. The Sportbrake has self levelling rear air suspension, which is remarkably good when fully loaded. You can't get the 3.0 s/c in Sportbrake guise though, only the limited run V8 XFR-S (expensive) or a 4 pot x260 Sportbrake.
If you don't need an estate then the x260 XF 3.0 s/c as linked would be high on my list as well. Eventually I decided that I'm the one who is in the car most of the time and I'm the one who will care how it performs etc. All the family need is a car which will take them (and luggage) to the destination - they have no interest in how it performs so I figured why worry and I'm glad I didn't! lol Ended up getting an S4 Avant B8.5 and it pretty much does everything (petrol, performance, decent exhaust note, AWD grip, estate so decent boot, good sound system etc).
I had discounted the s4 avant as I did not think it would be big enough, I do have 2 teenagers and a younger one so it will probably be a squeeze on long holiday journeys. It would be the perfect package really 95% of the time & Interesting that you say the rear room is not that much better in the XF. An SUV or similar is out of the question this time round so they will never be actually comfortable I suppose in a saloon or even estate for long journeys! If you don't need an estate then the x260 XF 3.0 s/c as linked would be high on my list as well. Eventually I decided that I'm the one who is in the car most of the time and I'm the one who will care how it performs etc. All the family need is a car which will take them (and luggage) to the destination - they have no interest in how it performs so I figured why worry and I'm glad I didn't! lol Ended up getting an S4 Avant B8.5 and it pretty much does everything (petrol, performance, decent exhaust note, AWD grip, estate so decent boot, good sound system etc).
FamousPheasant said:
I viewed a stinger and the boot is deceptive. They are only quoted as 400 liters but it's a very useable square space and, being a hatchback, more versatile that a traditional saloon. I wouldn't let the quoted value put you off. Rear space was also pretty good and even a little better than my XFR.
I know what you mean about the giulia - I'm trying to convince myself that it would make for a practical car for a family of 4! It's certainly bigger than an XE in terms of boot and rear legroom and I can have a rear facing child seat behind me (6ft) - though I think I would need a roofbox for any longer trips.
The thing that struck me about the petrol XFS values is they did seem remarkably good value before the pandemic - at least compared to the German equivalents. Since the new model only comes with a 4 cylinder that should help prop up the prices, I would have thought. Late model 3.0D sportbrakes have gone even more mental for the same reason.
I have had several Alfa’s including a couple of GTA’s in the last few years so I am always looking at them and the Guilia veloce looks like a good package and reasonable value. I will almost certainly have to get a roof box for the XF for European holidays so that does help with negating the absolute need for an estate. I don’t need to get anything immediately so I may give it a bit of time to see how often the stock seems to move on autotrader etc and see if they are actually moving for the listed prices. As I got such a good price for the Transporter I feel like even paying a couple of grand more than what they were previously I would still be doing well. I know what you mean about the giulia - I'm trying to convince myself that it would make for a practical car for a family of 4! It's certainly bigger than an XE in terms of boot and rear legroom and I can have a rear facing child seat behind me (6ft) - though I think I would need a roofbox for any longer trips.
The thing that struck me about the petrol XFS values is they did seem remarkably good value before the pandemic - at least compared to the German equivalents. Since the new model only comes with a 4 cylinder that should help prop up the prices, I would have thought. Late model 3.0D sportbrakes have gone even more mental for the same reason.
LM95 said:
georgeyboy12345 said:
The noise alone of the XF would swing it for me. Do it!
There is no debating which one will sound better, although for the few I have seen they are quite sedate sounding for the almost 400bhp they put out. Which, probably suits the character. Cheers . Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff