355/348 Daily Use?

[lafcadio]

Is it totally ridiculous to think of using a 355 or 348 every day in London? I know a Vantage / Porsche is by far the more 'sensible' choice but I thought that if was to find those prepared to stick out against 'sensible' it might be here! I've driven 328s and 348s and find them surprisingly forgiving, though I've never got inside a 355. I'd be using it for the drive to work, high days and holidays too of course. I realise the 360 would probably be a better choice, and it is within budget, but it will be parked on the road and I somehow think the 'older' more classic cars will get less unwelcome attention from pond life than a 360. Any views anyone?

[Angelis]

As long as you don't get stuck in big traffic jams, I don't see why not. The more you drive them the less problems you'll have, especially with electrics.

Personally, I find driving the 348 very easy in central london and preefr taking it there than my jag.

[Murph7355]

All doable.

Expect costs ~1.40GBP+ per mile (all in) though. And City driving is not the best for any car, let alone one designed for doing very different duties.

[Jonty355]

Ive used the 355 in Leeds a couple of times and its been fine. Been stuck intraffic for ages and the temperature stayed where it should be. The 355 also has PAS, so its a lot easier to manouvre than the 348. I'd say the 355 is the best bet, but then I just would wouldn't I?

[tony h]

fwiw, i think using the car like this would remove the sense of occasion ....plus the interior build quality of 355-dont know about 348- is not that good and would soon show signs of wear and tear. stop start traffic's not an issue in a manual car but i wouldnt park on street .

[Murph7355]

tony h said:

fwiw, i think using the car like this would remove the sense of occasion ....plus the interior build quality of 355-dont know about 348- is not that good and would soon show signs of wear and tear....

Depends on your state of mind on the former.

On the latter, it depends how much money you have and are prepared to lavish on the car

[lafcadio]

Thanks all. The issue of street parking is ok where i live in London - there is a 348 round the corner in fact - though as I say, it gets ignored because of its 'classic' look rather than say, a 360, which appears newer and thus might be more prone to attract the unwelcome attention of the gumbies with panel envy.

[Jonty355]

lafcadio said:

Thanks all. The issue of street parking is ok where i live in London - there is a 348 round the corner in fact - though as I say, it gets ignored because of its 'classic' look rather than say, a 360, which appears newer and thus might be more prone to attract the unwelcome attention of the gumbies with panel envy.

Or maybe they're just do gooders, try to make the 360 look as pretty as a 348 or 355!!!

Edited by Jonty355 on Tuesday 15th April 13:23

[burriana]

Don't EVER use that word in reference to a 348!

[Jonty355]

What? Pretty?