Running out of options....
Discussion
After the demise of the Citroen C6 in December, I picked up an Alfa 159 Sportwagon. Always been a fan of Alfa as much as I've been a fan of the more quirkier Citroens.
However, I'm just not getting on with the 159 from the point of view of comfort, I find the seats just aren't that comfortable for long trips (I do St Neots (cambs) to Tunbridge Wells every week, and visit family in Scotland or France) and the ride is unsurprisingly firmer than I'm used to in the C6.
I have been making the most of the larger boot tho, so it's not a complete waste of time, and the average MPG in the 40s is an improvement.
But.... I am at a loss of what else I could replace it with. As most of my driving is motorway, comfort is more important than handling, and although performance isn't a massive issue, it's nice to have enough pull to dispatch overtakes without having to apply in writing beforehand.
The obvious answer is to go back to another C6, better the devil you know and all that, but there are precious few around, and even fewer in the spec that I would ideally want.
The VW Phaeton is an option, and the 5.0 V10 diesel appeals despite the fuel economy, but I find the interior a bit naff and that's the bit I'd need to look at all day.
The Merc CLS is an attractive beast, but only 4 instead of 5 seats limits it's practicality (albeit only occasionally), and it doesn't have a ski hatch or folding rear seats on the earlier models (and yes I am a skier, and prefer a hatch or folding seats over a roof-rack). I've not yet driven one tho, so I am 'expecting' a comfortable, wafty ride but could be disappointed.
So what else could I consider? Keeping budget under 10k, there doesn't seem to be much which 'floats my boat', and a big floaty, wafty boat is pretty much what I'm looking for.
However, I'm just not getting on with the 159 from the point of view of comfort, I find the seats just aren't that comfortable for long trips (I do St Neots (cambs) to Tunbridge Wells every week, and visit family in Scotland or France) and the ride is unsurprisingly firmer than I'm used to in the C6.
I have been making the most of the larger boot tho, so it's not a complete waste of time, and the average MPG in the 40s is an improvement.
But.... I am at a loss of what else I could replace it with. As most of my driving is motorway, comfort is more important than handling, and although performance isn't a massive issue, it's nice to have enough pull to dispatch overtakes without having to apply in writing beforehand.
The obvious answer is to go back to another C6, better the devil you know and all that, but there are precious few around, and even fewer in the spec that I would ideally want.
The VW Phaeton is an option, and the 5.0 V10 diesel appeals despite the fuel economy, but I find the interior a bit naff and that's the bit I'd need to look at all day.
The Merc CLS is an attractive beast, but only 4 instead of 5 seats limits it's practicality (albeit only occasionally), and it doesn't have a ski hatch or folding rear seats on the earlier models (and yes I am a skier, and prefer a hatch or folding seats over a roof-rack). I've not yet driven one tho, so I am 'expecting' a comfortable, wafty ride but could be disappointed.
So what else could I consider? Keeping budget under 10k, there doesn't seem to be much which 'floats my boat', and a big floaty, wafty boat is pretty much what I'm looking for.
Edited by feef on Tuesday 17th July 09:42
Lexus GS300?
Fuel economy is mid to high 30s on motorway for me. Just did a round trip to the French Alps last week with three adult passengers and a fully loaded boot. Averaged 35mpg.
Car is bulletproof, has all the toys you need and a fair whack of power underfoot when you need it. And my god is it comfy!
It can be pricey to run, what with the high VED and poor mpg around town (low twenties), but what you spend in running costs you make up in never having it sat in a garage getting stuff repaired.
I've been thinking about getting rid of mine because in the nearish future I could do with an estate for the bigger boot, but I am loath to get rid of it, especially after the seamlessness of last week's road trip.
Fuel economy is mid to high 30s on motorway for me. Just did a round trip to the French Alps last week with three adult passengers and a fully loaded boot. Averaged 35mpg.
Car is bulletproof, has all the toys you need and a fair whack of power underfoot when you need it. And my god is it comfy!
It can be pricey to run, what with the high VED and poor mpg around town (low twenties), but what you spend in running costs you make up in never having it sat in a garage getting stuff repaired.
I've been thinking about getting rid of mine because in the nearish future I could do with an estate for the bigger boot, but I am loath to get rid of it, especially after the seamlessness of last week's road trip.
S100HP said:
A C5 exclusive tourer?
Almost as rare as the C6 
bennettse2025 said:
Lexus GS300?
Fuel economy is mid to high 30s on motorway for me. Just did a round trip to the French Alps last week with three adult passengers and a fully loaded boot. Averaged 35mpg.
Car is bulletproof, has all the toys you need and a fair whack of power underfoot when you need it. And my god is it comfy!
It can be pricey to run, what with the high VED and poor mpg around town (low twenties), but what you spend in running costs you make up in never having it sat in a garage getting stuff repaired.
I've been thinking about getting rid of mine because in the nearish future I could do with an estate for the bigger boot, but I am loath to get rid of it, especially after the seamlessness of last week's road trip.
Might be an option. Hadn't considered Lexus... I think I may have to shelve my innate desire for something quirky and interesting and just go with sensible Fuel economy is mid to high 30s on motorway for me. Just did a round trip to the French Alps last week with three adult passengers and a fully loaded boot. Averaged 35mpg.
Car is bulletproof, has all the toys you need and a fair whack of power underfoot when you need it. And my god is it comfy!
It can be pricey to run, what with the high VED and poor mpg around town (low twenties), but what you spend in running costs you make up in never having it sat in a garage getting stuff repaired.
I've been thinking about getting rid of mine because in the nearish future I could do with an estate for the bigger boot, but I am loath to get rid of it, especially after the seamlessness of last week's road trip.
nmd87 said:
How about a Peugeot 508 Estate or a Citroen DS5?
508 possibly.the DS5 (pre 2013) have a reputation for a harsh ride. They changed the shocks in later models and earlier ones can be upgraded, but it's a hassle I'd prefer to avoid.
feef said:
S100HP said:
A C5 exclusive tourer?
Almost as rare as the C6 https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
This one, or too much?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2010-60-CITROEN-C5-3-0H...
Similar issue maybe?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2009-59-CITROEN-C5-3-0H...
S100HP said:
feef said:
S100HP said:
A C5 exclusive tourer?
Almost as rare as the C6 https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
This one, or too much?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2010-60-CITROEN-C5-3-0H...
Similar issue maybe?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2009-59-CITROEN-C5-3-0H...
WolsleyHouse do almost exclusively C5 and C6 and while they have some nice stock, I feel they are a tad pricey. I suppose I could go take a look and see if I can bargain with them tho.
I keep coming back to a C6 Exclusive... if I could only find one of the incredibly rare 3.0 diesel Exclusives, or the Blanc-Noire editions, then I'd take it in a hearbeat.
feef said:
Might be an option. Hadn't considered Lexus... I think I may have to shelve my innate desire for something quirky and interesting and just go with sensible
I get that, but tbh I never see them on the road, which for me is an appeal. It's also fun watching the faces of 320d drivers as I effortlessly glide away from them at the lights or on the motorway 
DoubleD said:
Im guessing a mondeo is too mainstream for you.
How about a skoda superb
I was about to suggest the Superb, it certainly meets the big floaty barge criteria and you get a huge amount of car for the money. It can also be had with the 3.6l VR6, DSG and AWD for optimal bargyness (I've got one).How about a skoda superb
bennettse2025 said:
Lexus GS300?
Fuel economy is mid to high 30s on motorway for me. Just did a round trip to the French Alps last week with three adult passengers and a fully loaded boot. Averaged 35mpg.
Car is bulletproof, has all the toys you need and a fair whack of power underfoot when you need it. And my god is it comfy!
It can be pricey to run, what with the high VED and poor mpg around town (low twenties), but what you spend in running costs you make up in never having it sat in a garage getting stuff repaired.
I've been thinking about getting rid of mine because in the nearish future I could do with an estate for the bigger boot, but I am loath to get rid of it, especially after the seamlessness of last week's road trip.
I'm driving one of these at the moment and agree on the MPG but it's not got a great ride and the seats aren't brilliant either - overall a massive bargain if you aren't fussy about good suspension/seats but if you are, a bit of a let down in my opinion!Fuel economy is mid to high 30s on motorway for me. Just did a round trip to the French Alps last week with three adult passengers and a fully loaded boot. Averaged 35mpg.
Car is bulletproof, has all the toys you need and a fair whack of power underfoot when you need it. And my god is it comfy!
It can be pricey to run, what with the high VED and poor mpg around town (low twenties), but what you spend in running costs you make up in never having it sat in a garage getting stuff repaired.
I've been thinking about getting rid of mine because in the nearish future I could do with an estate for the bigger boot, but I am loath to get rid of it, especially after the seamlessness of last week's road trip.
markirl said:
bennettse2025 said:
Lexus GS300?
Fuel economy is mid to high 30s on motorway for me. Just did a round trip to the French Alps last week with three adult passengers and a fully loaded boot. Averaged 35mpg.
Car is bulletproof, has all the toys you need and a fair whack of power underfoot when you need it. And my god is it comfy!
It can be pricey to run, what with the high VED and poor mpg around town (low twenties), but what you spend in running costs you make up in never having it sat in a garage getting stuff repaired.
I've been thinking about getting rid of mine because in the nearish future I could do with an estate for the bigger boot, but I am loath to get rid of it, especially after the seamlessness of last week's road trip.
I'm driving one of these at the moment and agree on the MPG but it's not got a great ride and the seats aren't brilliant either - overall a massive bargain if you aren't fussy about good suspension/seats but if you are, a bit of a let down in my opinion!Fuel economy is mid to high 30s on motorway for me. Just did a round trip to the French Alps last week with three adult passengers and a fully loaded boot. Averaged 35mpg.
Car is bulletproof, has all the toys you need and a fair whack of power underfoot when you need it. And my god is it comfy!
It can be pricey to run, what with the high VED and poor mpg around town (low twenties), but what you spend in running costs you make up in never having it sat in a garage getting stuff repaired.
I've been thinking about getting rid of mine because in the nearish future I could do with an estate for the bigger boot, but I am loath to get rid of it, especially after the seamlessness of last week's road trip.
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