Help!! A45, CLA45, GLA45, C63, M2/3/4, RS3, I8???
Discussion
Hi everyone,
I’ve decided to switch from my company vehicle to a car allowance to allow me to get something I really want to drive. My company car costs me quite a bit in tax and it makes sense to have the company contribute instead of me paying out as much. Even if I break even.
I’d be really grateful for everyone’s opinion on both the A/CLA/GLA/shooting break 45 AMG and some other car choices. If you’ve had any of the cars or had a similar quandary.
I think… with a &15k dep I think I can stretch to max £40k on pcp given the mileage, but this price bracket opens up so many options.
There are a few variables which makes this decision quite difficult.
- I am a car person and I want something that will put a smile on my face. Ideally sub 5 sec 0-62, nice sounding car etc. So Not interested in full electric.
- I often do 350-400 miles per week. My hearts saying don’t be sensible and just enjoy it. But my heads saying go for something fun but something a little more sensible in terms of mpg. Hence the A45. I know it’s no diesel, but I should get 35mpg on a motorway run.
- I want something no older than 2017 and under 35-40k miles on the clock.
I’d be grateful for any feedback in the following;
Out of the A/CLA/GLA/shooting break 45 AMG (this would be pre latest model). Which car do you think appears the most grown up! Sounds silly, but I’m 40 years old and I have an executive type job where I need to make the right impression when arriving at different offices. Although to me the A45 with aero looks fantastic, I’m worried it’s a bit too ‘boy racer’. I hope that doesn’t offend anyone!
I’m leaning more towards the 45 above purely down to the slightly lower running costs and the high spec that sort of budget would get. But these other cars are also on my shortlist:
AMG45 variants - non S variant.
C63 AMG or C63s if budget permits- 4l twin turbo (not 6.2) however the mpg in this scares the life out of me! But that v8 noise!!
BMW M3/M4 comp. again mpg is a worry but you can get lower mileage and good spec at £40k and it’s a proper drivers car!
BMW M2 / M2 comp if in budget. Same as M3 in terms of running costs I believe. But I saw one yesterday and I was so impressed by its stance and presence. It looks an absolute brute.
RS3 - obviously not latest spec. Again love the 5 pot noise.
I8 - didn’t even consider this until yesterday when I noticed some could be had just over my budget. But offering a half decent mpg. I know the 130mpg is never happening. But I’m confident 40-50 mpg would be possible on a motorway run.
Sorry for the long post everyone, but I’ve been stuck in a boring diesel now for many years and I really want to make the right choice!
Any input would be really appreciated!
I’ve decided to switch from my company vehicle to a car allowance to allow me to get something I really want to drive. My company car costs me quite a bit in tax and it makes sense to have the company contribute instead of me paying out as much. Even if I break even.
I’d be really grateful for everyone’s opinion on both the A/CLA/GLA/shooting break 45 AMG and some other car choices. If you’ve had any of the cars or had a similar quandary.
I think… with a &15k dep I think I can stretch to max £40k on pcp given the mileage, but this price bracket opens up so many options.
There are a few variables which makes this decision quite difficult.
- I am a car person and I want something that will put a smile on my face. Ideally sub 5 sec 0-62, nice sounding car etc. So Not interested in full electric.
- I often do 350-400 miles per week. My hearts saying don’t be sensible and just enjoy it. But my heads saying go for something fun but something a little more sensible in terms of mpg. Hence the A45. I know it’s no diesel, but I should get 35mpg on a motorway run.
- I want something no older than 2017 and under 35-40k miles on the clock.
I’d be grateful for any feedback in the following;
Out of the A/CLA/GLA/shooting break 45 AMG (this would be pre latest model). Which car do you think appears the most grown up! Sounds silly, but I’m 40 years old and I have an executive type job where I need to make the right impression when arriving at different offices. Although to me the A45 with aero looks fantastic, I’m worried it’s a bit too ‘boy racer’. I hope that doesn’t offend anyone!
I’m leaning more towards the 45 above purely down to the slightly lower running costs and the high spec that sort of budget would get. But these other cars are also on my shortlist:
AMG45 variants - non S variant.
C63 AMG or C63s if budget permits- 4l twin turbo (not 6.2) however the mpg in this scares the life out of me! But that v8 noise!!
BMW M3/M4 comp. again mpg is a worry but you can get lower mileage and good spec at £40k and it’s a proper drivers car!
BMW M2 / M2 comp if in budget. Same as M3 in terms of running costs I believe. But I saw one yesterday and I was so impressed by its stance and presence. It looks an absolute brute.
RS3 - obviously not latest spec. Again love the 5 pot noise.
I8 - didn’t even consider this until yesterday when I noticed some could be had just over my budget. But offering a half decent mpg. I know the 130mpg is never happening. But I’m confident 40-50 mpg would be possible on a motorway run.
Sorry for the long post everyone, but I’ve been stuck in a boring diesel now for many years and I really want to make the right choice!
Any input would be really appreciated!
What sort of driving do you usually do and on what roads?
If you’re mostly motorway schlepping then the best handling and best sounding car in the world will be completely wasted on it. Is a two car garage an option? Something comfortable and dull for the long drives and something fun for the weekend?
If you’re mostly motorway schlepping then the best handling and best sounding car in the world will be completely wasted on it. Is a two car garage an option? Something comfortable and dull for the long drives and something fun for the weekend?
If the most you do is 400 miles a week then just get what you fancy. Just make sure your company has no rules about the car you are allowed to use.
Just to add the 3.0 turbo engine in an S4/5 can do 40mpg on a run, best I got was 43, and it’s a nice compromise between a ‘normal’ company car and something a bit quick.
Just to add the 3.0 turbo engine in an S4/5 can do 40mpg on a run, best I got was 43, and it’s a nice compromise between a ‘normal’ company car and something a bit quick.
I think the worry about MPG and the cars you're looking at don't mix with 300/400 miles per week.
How long to you plan to keep the car?
Are any of the options that comfortable for long driving periods?
The last thing you want to do is sign a 3/4 year deal for a car and it not being right.
The other factor for all the cars you are looking at will be serving and runnings costs. Most could easily reward you with a £2k service cost with new brakes etc.
Bearing in mind you could be putting 80,000 miles on the car
How about an A35 AMG/ Golf GTi/ BMW 118Ti ?
How long to you plan to keep the car?
Are any of the options that comfortable for long driving periods?
The last thing you want to do is sign a 3/4 year deal for a car and it not being right.
The other factor for all the cars you are looking at will be serving and runnings costs. Most could easily reward you with a £2k service cost with new brakes etc.
Bearing in mind you could be putting 80,000 miles on the car
How about an A35 AMG/ Golf GTi/ BMW 118Ti ?
NickMiller82 said:
Hi everyone,
I’ve decided to switch from my company vehicle to a car allowance to allow me to get something I really want to drive. My company car costs me quite a bit in tax and it makes sense to have the company contribute instead of me paying out as much. Even if I break even.
I’d be really grateful for everyone’s opinion on both the A/CLA/GLA/shooting break 45 AMG and some other car choices. If you’ve had any of the cars or had a similar quandary.
I think… with a &15k dep I think I can stretch to max £40k on pcp given the mileage, but this price bracket opens up so many options.
There are a few variables which makes this decision quite difficult.
- I am a car person and I want something that will put a smile on my face. Ideally sub 5 sec 0-62, nice sounding car etc. So Not interested in full electric.
- I often do 350-400 miles per week. My hearts saying don’t be sensible and just enjoy it. But my heads saying go for something fun but something a little more sensible in terms of mpg. Hence the A45. I know it’s no diesel, but I should get 35mpg on a motorway run.
- I want something no older than 2017 and under 35-40k miles on the clock.
I’d be grateful for any feedback in the following;
Out of the A/CLA/GLA/shooting break 45 AMG (this would be pre latest model). Which car do you think appears the most grown up! Sounds silly, but I’m 40 years old and I have an executive type job where I need to make the right impression when arriving at different offices. Although to me the A45 with aero looks fantastic, I’m worried it’s a bit too ‘boy racer’. I hope that doesn’t offend anyone!
I’m leaning more towards the 45 above purely down to the slightly lower running costs and the high spec that sort of budget would get. But these other cars are also on my shortlist:
AMG45 variants - non S variant.
C63 AMG or C63s if budget permits- 4l twin turbo (not 6.2) however the mpg in this scares the life out of me! But that v8 noise!!
BMW M3/M4 comp. again mpg is a worry but you can get lower mileage and good spec at £40k and it’s a proper drivers car!
BMW M2 / M2 comp if in budget. Same as M3 in terms of running costs I believe. But I saw one yesterday and I was so impressed by its stance and presence. It looks an absolute brute.
RS3 - obviously not latest spec. Again love the 5 pot noise.
I8 - didn’t even consider this until yesterday when I noticed some could be had just over my budget. But offering a half decent mpg. I know the 130mpg is never happening. But I’m confident 40-50 mpg would be possible on a motorway run.
Sorry for the long post everyone, but I’ve been stuck in a boring diesel now for many years and I really want to make the right choice!
Any input would be really appreciated!
From what you're describing I'd say a Lotus Evora is a great fit, they soak up long journeys with ease, you'll see a real world 33-35 on longer runs & you have something that's an absolute ball to drive.I’ve decided to switch from my company vehicle to a car allowance to allow me to get something I really want to drive. My company car costs me quite a bit in tax and it makes sense to have the company contribute instead of me paying out as much. Even if I break even.
I’d be really grateful for everyone’s opinion on both the A/CLA/GLA/shooting break 45 AMG and some other car choices. If you’ve had any of the cars or had a similar quandary.
I think… with a &15k dep I think I can stretch to max £40k on pcp given the mileage, but this price bracket opens up so many options.
There are a few variables which makes this decision quite difficult.
- I am a car person and I want something that will put a smile on my face. Ideally sub 5 sec 0-62, nice sounding car etc. So Not interested in full electric.
- I often do 350-400 miles per week. My hearts saying don’t be sensible and just enjoy it. But my heads saying go for something fun but something a little more sensible in terms of mpg. Hence the A45. I know it’s no diesel, but I should get 35mpg on a motorway run.
- I want something no older than 2017 and under 35-40k miles on the clock.
I’d be grateful for any feedback in the following;
Out of the A/CLA/GLA/shooting break 45 AMG (this would be pre latest model). Which car do you think appears the most grown up! Sounds silly, but I’m 40 years old and I have an executive type job where I need to make the right impression when arriving at different offices. Although to me the A45 with aero looks fantastic, I’m worried it’s a bit too ‘boy racer’. I hope that doesn’t offend anyone!
I’m leaning more towards the 45 above purely down to the slightly lower running costs and the high spec that sort of budget would get. But these other cars are also on my shortlist:
AMG45 variants - non S variant.
C63 AMG or C63s if budget permits- 4l twin turbo (not 6.2) however the mpg in this scares the life out of me! But that v8 noise!!
BMW M3/M4 comp. again mpg is a worry but you can get lower mileage and good spec at £40k and it’s a proper drivers car!
BMW M2 / M2 comp if in budget. Same as M3 in terms of running costs I believe. But I saw one yesterday and I was so impressed by its stance and presence. It looks an absolute brute.
RS3 - obviously not latest spec. Again love the 5 pot noise.
I8 - didn’t even consider this until yesterday when I noticed some could be had just over my budget. But offering a half decent mpg. I know the 130mpg is never happening. But I’m confident 40-50 mpg would be possible on a motorway run.
Sorry for the long post everyone, but I’ve been stuck in a boring diesel now for many years and I really want to make the right choice!
Any input would be really appreciated!
Evora S
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/12367719
N/A Evora
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109177...
The i8 is an interesting option but in reality you'll be closer to 45k to get one with sensible miles:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111290...
Here's my leftfield pick.
Alpina D3 BiTurbo it'll give you M3 levels of performance/handling & riding better than pretty (yes I'm a bit bias as the OH has one & it's brilliant) everything you listed whilst rolling on 21's all whilst giving great fuel economy.
The hard part is finding one:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111109...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/165209645860?hash=item2...
Thanks for the input everyone, some cracking ideas in there.
To add even further to the mix, today I’ve been thinking about a weekend car option instead. So keep the company car, save up a few more thousand and go for something like this.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109016...
I’m also hearing the older 63’s are also becoming quite a decent investment?
To add even further to the mix, today I’ve been thinking about a weekend car option instead. So keep the company car, save up a few more thousand and go for something like this.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109016...
I’m also hearing the older 63’s are also becoming quite a decent investment?
NickMiller82 said:
Thanks for the input everyone, some cracking ideas in there.
To add even further to the mix, today I’ve been thinking about a weekend car option instead. So keep the company car, save up a few more thousand and go for something like this.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109016...
I’m also hearing the older 63’s are also becoming quite a decent investment?
Go electric on the coompany car for the BIK, then Fuel this with the savings!To add even further to the mix, today I’ve been thinking about a weekend car option instead. So keep the company car, save up a few more thousand and go for something like this.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109016...
I’m also hearing the older 63’s are also becoming quite a decent investment?
talksthetorque said:
NickMiller82 said:
Thanks for the input everyone, some cracking ideas in there.
To add even further to the mix, today I’ve been thinking about a weekend car option instead. So keep the company car, save up a few more thousand and go for something like this.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109016...
I’m also hearing the older 63’s are also becoming quite a decent investment?
Go electric on the coompany car for the BIK, then Fuel this with the savings!To add even further to the mix, today I’ve been thinking about a weekend car option instead. So keep the company car, save up a few more thousand and go for something like this.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109016...
I’m also hearing the older 63’s are also becoming quite a decent investment?
you won't regret it.Hate to be that guy, but would it be an option to go zero deposit on a PCP on a decent, but not very interesting commuter and then spend the £15k you were willing to lose on a deposit on something like an E46 M3 for the weekend?
You can continue to be a yes man at work, then a hooligan at the weekend.
You can continue to be a yes man at work, then a hooligan at the weekend.
M.F.D said:
Hate to be that guy, but would it be an option to go zero deposit on a PCP on a decent, but not very interesting commuter and then spend the £15k you were willing to lose on a deposit on something like an E46 M3 for the weekend?
You can continue to be a yes man at work, then a hooligan at the weekend.
Reading between the lines I suspect the op wants a fairly new recognisable German car. Hence ignoring the Evora and Alpina suggestions. (I know Alpina are German, but your average Joe will just see it as a Barry'd up BMW). You can continue to be a yes man at work, then a hooligan at the weekend.
NickMiller82 said:
BMW M2 / M2 comp if in budget. Same as M3 in terms of running costs I believe. But I saw one yesterday and I was so impressed by its stance and presence. It looks an absolute brute.
An original M2 with the N55 engine is as cheap as a M135i to service, ie very cheap - £200/year average at a BMW dealer inc. MOT and brake fluid (I assume this is far lower than the A45 servicing cost). Pads are the same too but discs and tyres a little more, still sensible costs though. I achieve 37 mpg on long cross country runs at around 75mph on the motorway.This seems good value for a facelift car https://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/vehicle/202106244202257...
Just don't use PCP ; 2.8% personal loan instead.
Edited by nickfrog on Sunday 2nd January 01:24
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