Decisions decisions ( car conundrum thread)

[mobile chicane22]

So my 50th birthday is on its way and I deserve a special treat ( no not that get your minds out of the gutter).

I’m talking a new to me nice car.

For reference I currently have a 2021 VZ2 Cupra Formentor which is quick (sub 5 second 60) and fun to drive but lacks luxury refinement.

I have a £30-£40k budget and after several test drives have narrowed it down to a choice of two.

Either a BMW X3 M40i petrol from 2019 - 2021 or a Porsche Macan 3L V6 petrol 2017 -2019, I’m not interested in hybrids or diesels and I’m intending to source from main used approved dealers.

I’ve driven both and like both, the car will be used for occasional 9 mile each way commuting to work, road trips, weekend blasts and taking 2x e bikes for adventures.

The Mpg on both I’m fine with it’s more the ownership experience over 3 to 6 years.

I’ll be buying outright and have run a diesel Macan and a 2003 996 c4 previously so maintenance costs are known and within my continued budget, I know that anything 2021 will cost me about £400 a year more to tax until it goes past the 6 year point.

Insurance is the same on both, I do live very close to Northway Porsche who have always looked after me very well so that’s a mark in the Macan’s favour, I suspect the BMW would go to main dealer for service.

So I’m looking for advice and experience from those who have owned either the X3 M40i 2018 -2021 or the 2017 -2019 V6 petrol Macan. Due to my budget it’s likely that the BMW will have 25-40k miles and the Macan will be 10k higher up that range.

[dibblecorse]

What luxury bar the badge does the Macan have?

I personally prefer the Formentor...

That's not coming from anti Porsche stance as Ray at Northway looks after my car ...

Audi SQ3 would be preferred choice over the Macan too, but again, not to replace a Formentor.

Surely the next step up luxury wise is a Velar or similar ?

[Earthdweller]

I'm not sure a 2 tonne SUV is really a treat for weekend blasts and fun tbf

If you want the M40 engine buy a Z4 or supra

[mobile chicane22]

dibblecorse said:

What luxury bar the badge does the Macan have?

I personally prefer the Formentor...

That's not coming from anti Porsche stance as Ray at Northway looks after my car ...

Audi SQ3 would be preferred choice over the Macan too, but again, not to replace a Formentor.

Surely the next step up luxury wise is a Velar or similar ?

JLR product nope never again, sq3 interior is not right for me and its just to small. having owned a 2015 SD Macan prior to the formentor I'd say the macan was much nicer to be in.

[mobile chicane22]

Earthdweller said:

I'm not sure a 2 tonne SUV is really a treat for weekend blasts and fun tbf

If you want the M40 engine buy a Z4 or supra

Already scratched those itches with an S2000 then a 996C4, I need a multi use daily so mid size suv it is + I have motorbikes for proper speed (ing)

[ZX10R NIN]

The Porsche has the nicer interior but as an overall package the BMW edges it for me,neither is a bad choice but the M40i would get the nod.

[mobile chicane22]

ZX10R NIN said:

The Porsche has the nicer interior but as an overall package the BMW edges it for me,neither is a bad choice but the M40i would get the nod.

At the moment that's my option but finding a BMW with radar cruise but not a white interior (WHY DO PEOPLE SPEC A WHITE INTERIOR ARGGGGG) is proving dificult

[dannyt331]

Does it need to be an SUV?

I've recently bought a 2022 M440i Gran Coupe and it's a lovely thing. I had a previous shape 440i GC before and the M440i is a big step up.

There's enough room inside and the hatchback gives a good level of practicality. The bikes can go on the roof when needed.

[LayZ]

Neither of those seem exciting enough for the money to me. What about a Stelvio Quadrifoglio?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202504020...