New Company Car....choice ??

New Company Car....choice ??

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Discussion

dram

Original Poster:

210 posts

244 months

Thursday 16th September 2004
quotequote all
Guys
Hiya..
I am usually in the TVR classic forum , being a fairly new owner of a 1977 3000M V6 however I need some advice and persuasion...
Choosing a new company car and narrowed the choice to :-
Alfa 156 sportswagon
BMW 318 tourer
Saab 9-5 estate
Merc C class estate
I am not bothered whether its petrol/diesel and also not bothered about tax as I choose a car to enjoy the driving experience .
On looks the Alfa has it ..no contest , but have been told the ride can be 'harsh' compared to the others .
Also a couple of teenagers in the rear to consider .
Heard reliability issues also ??
Has it got the 'presence' for the company car park compared to the others above ? ( I know its vain.....!)
Advice warmly welcomed..
Slainte
Brian..

dram

Original Poster:

210 posts

244 months

Thursday 16th September 2004
quotequote all
Rick / Pete..
The sportswagon version is only for the use of my small dog at home ( terrier ) so I've no need for 'big capacity', although I think the look of the sportswagon is as good as the saloon..
The gaffer went from a 156 2.0L to a BMW 320D SE and he regrets it badly... I had plenty of runs in the Alfa when he had it and enjoyed the driving experience .
Being the owner of an old TVR having any minor niggles would not upset me at all.
Been reading about the new diesel 2.4 with 175 BHP ...that is VERY intresting .
Basically the Alfa is the only one that excites me in terms of looks and potential performance .
Away to arrange for brochures and the test drive at the weekend . Will let you know how I got on..



dram

Original Poster:

210 posts

244 months

Monday 20th September 2004
quotequote all
Alfa Mad said:
Its now Monday, so where is your 156?


Oh I wish.....
The local Alfa garage in Inverness is closed on Sundays....!!!!!
Should get the brochures in the post today/tomorrow to have a drool over .
Next Friday afternoon is test drive day ....and this time I'll go thru to Aberdeen.

dram

Original Poster:

210 posts

244 months

Friday 1st October 2004
quotequote all
Seriously considering a 2.4JTD sportswagon for the next company car .( top choice....at the moment !)
Before test driving cars , I make the practice of obtaining the brochures so at least I have some knowledge of the car I'm driving.
Over 2 weeks ago I requested brochures via the alfa romeo official web site and still waiting !!!!!
Other brochures for other makes ( 4 of ) all arrived within 48 hours , with 2 friendly follow up calls as well.
Is this typical service from this make as I have picked up vibes from this forum and speaking to alfa owners that customer service from main the Company and franchised dealers is pathetic...?
Living in a fairly remote part of the country , being on call for my employment , and being a high miler I need reliability .....