What new car from 2014 would you choose as your DD?
Discussion
We had a series of these threads a month or so ago and people got a bit bored so I thought I would wait. It doesn't have to be something you can afford right now but to maintain some realism, it should meet your practical day-to-day requirements and you should be able to hope to afford to run it. Personally, I think it's trickier than picking something from yesteryear. I have two young kids, so ideally it would have four seats (and four doors), 300bhp+ and be RWD or AWD. I initially thought from the point of view of being easy to live with something from one of the "big three" (Audi/BMW/Mercedes), so something like:
C63/E63/CLS 63 AMG
6-Series/M6 Gran Coupe
S5 Sportback/S7/A7 Bi-turbo diesel possibly
or a Jaguar F-Type coupe possibly (although that fails on the 4 seats requirement).
The problem with all of the above for me is that they are all automatic and I do like a manual. If you had asked me this question only a few years ago, the answer would have been easy:
or
The only cars that I can think of that fulfil all my criteria + manual are a new M3/M4 or a VXR8. Thing is though, neither really appeal. The M3/M4 do the numbers but the reviews I have read seem a bit lukewarm and (although I'm probably wrong), it comes across as a hotted up 335i. For me, an M car is all about having a really special bespoke, no compromise engine under the bonnet like the V8 in the previous M3 and the V10 in the E60 M5. M cars should be all about the driving experience and not having to compromise on emissions and fuel economy. Is the new M3/M4 really worth 20k more than a 335i or double the price of this:
which could well be a good option but it is ugly and not very practical as a family hatch, which brings me to this:
which is FWD, lacks power relatively and seems a bit too sensible.
It's going to have to be two manual R8s for me then, a black V8 Coupe for me:
and a red V10 Spyder for my wife (there's my 4 seats, 4 doors right there)!
Back in the real world though, a black GT86 would probably suffice!
That would be my choice for the UK but fortunately,I live in Canada, so my choice is rather easier, although I will require a car for winter/snow and one for summer
Winter/snow
Jeep Grand Cherokee (the V6 petrol would do just fine)
Summer
Not sure if it's out yet but it should be by next summer. I'll have mine in black with dark red leather please!
2015 Ford Mustang GT Convertible
or a black Fiesta ST (yes it is a 5 door) as my all-season compromise.
What new car would you choose as your DD from 2014?
C63/E63/CLS 63 AMG
6-Series/M6 Gran Coupe
S5 Sportback/S7/A7 Bi-turbo diesel possibly
or a Jaguar F-Type coupe possibly (although that fails on the 4 seats requirement).
The problem with all of the above for me is that they are all automatic and I do like a manual. If you had asked me this question only a few years ago, the answer would have been easy:
or
The only cars that I can think of that fulfil all my criteria + manual are a new M3/M4 or a VXR8. Thing is though, neither really appeal. The M3/M4 do the numbers but the reviews I have read seem a bit lukewarm and (although I'm probably wrong), it comes across as a hotted up 335i. For me, an M car is all about having a really special bespoke, no compromise engine under the bonnet like the V8 in the previous M3 and the V10 in the E60 M5. M cars should be all about the driving experience and not having to compromise on emissions and fuel economy. Is the new M3/M4 really worth 20k more than a 335i or double the price of this:
which could well be a good option but it is ugly and not very practical as a family hatch, which brings me to this:
which is FWD, lacks power relatively and seems a bit too sensible.
It's going to have to be two manual R8s for me then, a black V8 Coupe for me:
and a red V10 Spyder for my wife (there's my 4 seats, 4 doors right there)!
Back in the real world though, a black GT86 would probably suffice!
That would be my choice for the UK but fortunately,I live in Canada, so my choice is rather easier, although I will require a car for winter/snow and one for summer
Winter/snow
Jeep Grand Cherokee (the V6 petrol would do just fine)
Summer
Not sure if it's out yet but it should be by next summer. I'll have mine in black with dark red leather please!
2015 Ford Mustang GT Convertible
or a black Fiesta ST (yes it is a 5 door) as my all-season compromise.
What new car would you choose as your DD from 2014?
kapiteinlangzaam said:
white_goodman said:
Yup.My criteria:
I went back and forwards on what I wanted for some time. It had to be a BMW, but my buying sequence went like this (I had Tiguan as my last company car which I inherited from another colleague. Not my first choice, but quite liked the higher driving feel). X3, 330d, 430d, 125d, M135i, 435i, and then finally went with a M235i.
The hardest thing for me was to try and decide between petrol and diesel, and size of the car. The 4 series was nice, but didn't need the space; although I am now thinking I might go for a 6 series next strangely. I do 20k+ miles, so fuel is a consideration, but when I first drove the M135i, it just sounded better and put a smile on my face. In fuel, it will probably cost twice as much than one of the 30d enginges, but at this point of time in my life, I don't mind spending that as not a lot of commitments.
When I park at the office car park and see all the 430d's though, I do still somewhat think i should have gone with that. However, when you get a sunny day and take the 2er for a drive, then I remember why I picked it.
I haven't yet got a bigger speed itch to go for a full M car; but in time I'm sure it will come.
- Needs to fun to drive
- Needs to be pretty quick
- Needs to be comfortable for a a few trips down to the South of France a year
- Needs to be able to fit roof racks to house a couple of Kayak's
- Needs a boot to fit a bag full of footballs and some kit, and some a Golf bag.
I went back and forwards on what I wanted for some time. It had to be a BMW, but my buying sequence went like this (I had Tiguan as my last company car which I inherited from another colleague. Not my first choice, but quite liked the higher driving feel). X3, 330d, 430d, 125d, M135i, 435i, and then finally went with a M235i.
The hardest thing for me was to try and decide between petrol and diesel, and size of the car. The 4 series was nice, but didn't need the space; although I am now thinking I might go for a 6 series next strangely. I do 20k+ miles, so fuel is a consideration, but when I first drove the M135i, it just sounded better and put a smile on my face. In fuel, it will probably cost twice as much than one of the 30d enginges, but at this point of time in my life, I don't mind spending that as not a lot of commitments.
When I park at the office car park and see all the 430d's though, I do still somewhat think i should have gone with that. However, when you get a sunny day and take the 2er for a drive, then I remember why I picked it.
I haven't yet got a bigger speed itch to go for a full M car; but in time I'm sure it will come.
Edited by Snollygoster on Wednesday 1st October 19:58
crostonian said:
Have just taken delivery. Criteria were 45mpg plus, mid size saloon, CO2 less than 120, Nav and Leather and less than £250 per month on Business Contract Hire for 2 years and 15k miles per year. The result a totally boring but perfect for my needs BMW 520d SE Auto
And there in a nutshell is why our motorways are so boring these days.Enlivened somewhat by my Recession White Punto occasionally.
Snollygoster said:
I haven't yet got a bigger speed itch to go for a full M car; but in time I'm sure it will come.
When it does go for the M2 in the future, the M4 is a great car no doubt but like the M3 Coupe before it they are both more GT cars in feel with their weight and size and comfort is top priority but for me the hot 2 series is the pick of the whole BMW range for fun. Edited by Snollygoster on Wednesday 1st October 19:58
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