New car, but what? first world problem!
Discussion
We currently have a 2016 c200 Mercedes-AMGline premium plus on lease, its a really nice car and was sensible money. Not really fun as such but nice to use.
Looking at new leases the cost seems to have gone up and anything half fun/decent is more money.
I think i have decided to buy something this time, the difficult thing is i dont really use the car, my wife uses it for daughter stuff and the station (about 8 miles away).
However i wouldn't mind something half fun to use when i do use it, i have a tuscan but dont get the time to really use it and in all honesty its f
king brutal and unforgiving which wears thin on the roads round here which i have driven for 20 years. Very hard to not drive sideways from every junction which is like a drug habit 
but not very sensible. I may well sell it next year.
It needs to be a family car so needs 4 doors. budget of maybe 25k. less is better, maybe id stretch more, not sure yet. Ideally running costs wouldn't be horrendous, she would moan about poor mpg and it would be hard to stomach too much because i dont really use it.
I cant seem to find anything like below brand new on a lease which isn't 500+ per month. any ideas? 10k pa and 3yr ideal.
Heres what i like.
b8.5 audi s4. bit dated inside and seem quite strong money for what is now a few years old.
audi s6. definite possibility, but again bit dated inside. seem fairly rare, not that many about.
audi s7. like hens teeth, a few available but either high milers or too new and expensive.
bmw 335d (not sure on variant, 2015 ish year) i just cant get my head around diesel and fun? however they do seem to be rapid and i like the look of them with all the m bits.
f80 m5. Love it but surely a waste of money if i rarely use it, running costs going to be fairly high?
porsche panemera. only diesel and some v8 in budget without mega miles. again running costs?
im thinking either an s6 or 335d at the minute or an s7 if one came up.
Any suggestions.
Looking at new leases the cost seems to have gone up and anything half fun/decent is more money.
I think i have decided to buy something this time, the difficult thing is i dont really use the car, my wife uses it for daughter stuff and the station (about 8 miles away).
However i wouldn't mind something half fun to use when i do use it, i have a tuscan but dont get the time to really use it and in all honesty its f
king brutal and unforgiving which wears thin on the roads round here which i have driven for 20 years. Very hard to not drive sideways from every junction which is like a drug habit but not very sensible. I may well sell it next year.It needs to be a family car so needs 4 doors. budget of maybe 25k. less is better, maybe id stretch more, not sure yet. Ideally running costs wouldn't be horrendous, she would moan about poor mpg and it would be hard to stomach too much because i dont really use it.
I cant seem to find anything like below brand new on a lease which isn't 500+ per month. any ideas? 10k pa and 3yr ideal.
Heres what i like.
b8.5 audi s4. bit dated inside and seem quite strong money for what is now a few years old.
audi s6. definite possibility, but again bit dated inside. seem fairly rare, not that many about.
audi s7. like hens teeth, a few available but either high milers or too new and expensive.
bmw 335d (not sure on variant, 2015 ish year) i just cant get my head around diesel and fun? however they do seem to be rapid and i like the look of them with all the m bits.
f80 m5. Love it but surely a waste of money if i rarely use it, running costs going to be fairly high?
porsche panemera. only diesel and some v8 in budget without mega miles. again running costs?
im thinking either an s6 or 335d at the minute or an s7 if one came up.
Any suggestions.
You really need the post-LCI 335d, I find the standard suspension is OK, but roads are OK around here. Saying this, I would prefer 18” to the 19” wheels I have, and may change in due course. Here is a pistonheads thread from a while ago. I have had mine for nearly two years, it will be a keeper. If anything it is TOO competent and effortless to drive. If you want competency, yes, if you want more involvement, maybe you need to look elsewhere.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
My 330d was good fun, the 6 pot actually sounds ok with a subtle roar but it was the transmission which I think allowed its acceleration to be relentless well into triple digits as it kept the engine in maximum torque and power bands. Toss Xdrive into the mix, which is actually a very good system, and it's near impossible to crash. You also get launch control. Then stick it in eco mode, sit at 60mph and enjoy over 50mpg.
The 335d will be even more fun as I found it more responsive and has that extra shove. If diesel bothers you what about the 340i? There's a parent I see on the school run who has a 540i and it sounds lovely.
Main downside is the lack of interior space considering the dimensions of the car and the 2.5 days it took BMW to change the oil sump gasket! I can't help but wonder if these extended oil changes could have something to do with reliability.
The 335d will be even more fun as I found it more responsive and has that extra shove. If diesel bothers you what about the 340i? There's a parent I see on the school run who has a 540i and it sounds lovely.
Main downside is the lack of interior space considering the dimensions of the car and the 2.5 days it took BMW to change the oil sump gasket! I can't help but wonder if these extended oil changes could have something to do with reliability.
335d x drive will blow you away if you’re used to a C200.
My neighbor had a 2013 320i and replaced it with a 2017 X3 20d, 320i is probably quicker on paper and she reckons the X3 is so much faster and a lot more powerful.
Imagine moving from a 190 bhp C200 to a 313 bhp 335d x drive.
I think you should try the BMW, could get a year old one at your budget, maybe less than a year old one with a service pack and 2 years warranty.
I extended the warranty on my 430d for 300 quid. You’ll have no worries for the next 3 years. Unless you went for an S7 or Panamera, both out of warranty with high miles!
My neighbor had a 2013 320i and replaced it with a 2017 X3 20d, 320i is probably quicker on paper and she reckons the X3 is so much faster and a lot more powerful.
Imagine moving from a 190 bhp C200 to a 313 bhp 335d x drive.
I think you should try the BMW, could get a year old one at your budget, maybe less than a year old one with a service pack and 2 years warranty.
I extended the warranty on my 430d for 300 quid. You’ll have no worries for the next 3 years. Unless you went for an S7 or Panamera, both out of warranty with high miles!
The 335d is certainly appealing, great economy, i can't imagine servicing etc being ridiculous either. I have read that with a remap they are as quick or quicker than an m3. M3 is very very appealing but i just dont think i can spend that money only to use it once a week or so.
Ill be ok with the power, ive got a tuscan which is the thick end of 380bhp and about 1100kgs, in a straight line from a rolling start it will hold a 997 turbo! it is frankly terrifying to drive, its great on smooth roads but our b roads with bumps everywhere certainly keeps you on your toes, especially when it hits a bump and spins the wheels while doing 3 figures its easy to drive sensibly but it isn't easy to drive it sensibly
Ive got to say that's what's appealing with the 335d, straight line power for the odd squirt with 50mpg, some comfort and sensible running costs. not sure on depreciation but buying for maybe 22k, owning for maybe 3 years, i cant see it being worth less than 10k which would be significantly cheaper than a lease (albeit a brand new one).
Ill be ok with the power, ive got a tuscan which is the thick end of 380bhp and about 1100kgs, in a straight line from a rolling start it will hold a 997 turbo! it is frankly terrifying to drive, its great on smooth roads but our b roads with bumps everywhere certainly keeps you on your toes, especially when it hits a bump and spins the wheels while doing 3 figures
its easy to drive sensibly but it isn't easy to drive it sensibly Ive got to say that's what's appealing with the 335d, straight line power for the odd squirt with 50mpg, some comfort and sensible running costs. not sure on depreciation but buying for maybe 22k, owning for maybe 3 years, i cant see it being worth less than 10k which would be significantly cheaper than a lease (albeit a brand new one).
If it helps mine (330d) was £39k new in 2015, at the end of the 3 year lease it had about 36k miles on it and they wanted about £17k from me to buy. I suspect the depreciation will be heavy by the end of the third year due to the warranty expiring but will slow down after this?
An extended warranty could be a good call.
An extended warranty could be a good call.
I picked up a 440i GC for under the figures you're looking at (per month).
Ok, it's PCP and not a lease, so there was a decent deposit involved, but the deals on them are still fairly competitive :
https://www.sytner.co.uk/bmw/new-offers/4-series/4...
I'm pretty sure it's 0% on the 4 series at the moment, plus there's usually more discount to be had.
Ok, it's PCP and not a lease, so there was a decent deposit involved, but the deals on them are still fairly competitive :
https://www.sytner.co.uk/bmw/new-offers/4-series/4...
I'm pretty sure it's 0% on the 4 series at the moment, plus there's usually more discount to be had.
Here's the thing if your wife is doing 8 mile commutes then I'd say an AMG/M/RS/F are good options because they'll depreciate slower than the cooking versions more so one that's doing as few miles as yours will be doing then that'll make yours a more desirable car to buy.
Now if you want something interesting with sensible running cost I say look no further than the Lexus IS-F, they hold there money very well & are a very good option.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
A good & interesting leftfield alternative to the S6 is one of these, it'll also have the best running costs & dynamically will be on a par with the S6.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
They come loaded with kit the fit & finish is as good as anything out there, with nearly 100bhp less it won't be as fast as an S6 but it won't exactly be slow with 0-60mph in the 5's.
Also the new shape V6 S XF is a good option if you can find one:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Or the smaller XE S:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
The Maserati Quattroporte is a car I would recommend but the running costs aren't the cheapest, if you do go for make sure it's a 4.7:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
The XFR can be bought for very sensible money with low miles:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
More obvious options:
CLS63 AMG
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Rather than a C63 I'd go for the E & in last of the line N/A form you'll have yourself a sweet car:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Audi S8 faster than the S7 & a rarer sight too:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Stretch the budget a bit & the V8 Panameras are within reach:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Sensible miles S7:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
M5
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Now if you want something interesting with sensible running cost I say look no further than the Lexus IS-F, they hold there money very well & are a very good option.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
A good & interesting leftfield alternative to the S6 is one of these, it'll also have the best running costs & dynamically will be on a par with the S6.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
They come loaded with kit the fit & finish is as good as anything out there, with nearly 100bhp less it won't be as fast as an S6 but it won't exactly be slow with 0-60mph in the 5's.
Also the new shape V6 S XF is a good option if you can find one:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Or the smaller XE S:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
The Maserati Quattroporte is a car I would recommend but the running costs aren't the cheapest, if you do go for make sure it's a 4.7:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
The XFR can be bought for very sensible money with low miles:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
More obvious options:
CLS63 AMG
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Rather than a C63 I'd go for the E & in last of the line N/A form you'll have yourself a sweet car:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Audi S8 faster than the S7 & a rarer sight too:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Stretch the budget a bit & the V8 Panameras are within reach:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Sensible miles S7:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
M5
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Thanks zx10.
Apart from the jags and infiniti i have looked at all on the list several times, would love an s8 but is that going to throw big bills same as cls63 and panemera, infact it was reading about the porsche where everyone seemed to say a warranty was essential on them, same as m5.
Start having to spend 1300 or so a year on warranty, insurance, fuel, servicing which has to be main dealer, tyres......it starts being an expensive thing to only enjoy very occasionally.
Initially i was going spend a bit more and go for a last shape e63 but the reality of not using it much, the mrs complaining about mpg, and then me tearing the hell out of the rear tyres every time i do use it did put me off.
Had a bit more of a look at 340i last night, watched some videos, they sound quite nice, seem to go well and shouldn't cost the earth so they are a possibility. A couple for around 22k would be good as well.
Apart from the jags and infiniti i have looked at all on the list several times, would love an s8 but is that going to throw big bills same as cls63 and panemera, infact it was reading about the porsche where everyone seemed to say a warranty was essential on them, same as m5.
Start having to spend 1300 or so a year on warranty, insurance, fuel, servicing which has to be main dealer, tyres......it starts being an expensive thing to only enjoy very occasionally.
Initially i was going spend a bit more and go for a last shape e63 but the reality of not using it much, the mrs complaining about mpg, and then me tearing the hell out of the rear tyres every time i do use it did put me off.
Had a bit more of a look at 340i last night, watched some videos, they sound quite nice, seem to go well and shouldn't cost the earth so they are a possibility. A couple for around 22k would be good as well.
In that case definitely take a look at the V6 XF & XE S I listed as they're very much drivers cars, the Infiniti isn't as good as the aforementioned but it's still a decent steer (plus it'll have a nice side effect of getting to use your TVR more) one thing you need to understand is that these cars will have no where near the driver appeal or enjoyment of your TVR.
What they will be are good cars that can be hustled down a road at a fair lick, I will say that the 340i will need the performance pack as it means you get to release the exhaust note:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
I actually prefer the XE S as a drive the Infotainment in the 340i is better, the Q50 has them both licked on fit & finish the V6 is a peach & the running costs will be cheaper than both as will the purchase price but they are a hard car to find.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
I've sourced two Q50h's in the last month & as a drive they're surprisingly good, the hybrid isn't as seamless as a Lexus system but it does get a move on:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Your wife will probably like this best out of the cars above (the last two I sourced were for significant others who preferred the Q50 to the three listed above) I'd say check them out you may be surprised.
There is another option which is the Alfa Giulia 280 Veloce:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
What they will be are good cars that can be hustled down a road at a fair lick, I will say that the 340i will need the performance pack as it means you get to release the exhaust note:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
I actually prefer the XE S as a drive the Infotainment in the 340i is better, the Q50 has them both licked on fit & finish the V6 is a peach & the running costs will be cheaper than both as will the purchase price but they are a hard car to find.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
I've sourced two Q50h's in the last month & as a drive they're surprisingly good, the hybrid isn't as seamless as a Lexus system but it does get a move on:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Your wife will probably like this best out of the cars above (the last two I sourced were for significant others who preferred the Q50 to the three listed above) I'd say check them out you may be surprised.
There is another option which is the Alfa Giulia 280 Veloce:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Those 340i were the ones i was looking at as it happens, the lower mileage one looks great but the higher miler looks to be specced better. Do they both have the mppk kit? a remap and exhaust would really be perfect. Maybe by the time im ready (current lease goes back april i would look to buy in jan or feb) id be able to pick up a bargain considering the new model (i think) will be released then.
And that alfa........initially i looked at replacing the current lease with a new lease veloce but all i see are too much money for a lease now for me, i love the look and the reviews are very promising. That one has surely lost some money! Maybe a used one will be back on the list. My mrs doesnt really like them but i think she just doesnt 'get' alfas
She wants some massive 4x4 type thing yes some of them are very nice, luxury etc i just dont really want one, because i dont use the tvr anymore and drive a tipper van every day i would like something which is nice to drive and can be taken down a b road or blasted down slip roads iykwim.
And that alfa........initially i looked at replacing the current lease with a new lease veloce but all i see are too much money for a lease now for me, i love the look and the reviews are very promising. That one has surely lost some money! Maybe a used one will be back on the list. My mrs doesnt really like them but i think she just doesnt 'get' alfas
She wants some massive 4x4 type thing
yes some of them are very nice, luxury etc i just dont really want one, because i dont use the tvr anymore and drive a tipper van every day i would like something which is nice to drive and can be taken down a b road or blasted down slip roads iykwim.SRT Grand Cherokee that will keep the OH happy & you'd definitely have fun on the slip roads less so down a B road but you can still have fun, just in a different kind of way.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
The Alfa is a fantastic car to drive - owned one earlier this year.
Unfortunately the ownership experience left a bad taste as dealer network are unable to support the cars - they're hindered by an archaic and completely incompetent parent company.
Also the infotainment is also a bit rubbish and sluggish (if that matters to you) with the nav being a particular lowpoint. All the other controls and interior quality etc were absolutely spot on.
I also struggled to get above 28mpg on average over a tank whereas I consistently get above 30 in the 440 during the same commute / driving style. It is very thirsty for a 2.0T.
As an all round ownership experience and daily drive the BMW wins, but to drive the Alfa beats it hands down every time.
Unfortunately the ownership experience left a bad taste as dealer network are unable to support the cars - they're hindered by an archaic and completely incompetent parent company.
Also the infotainment is also a bit rubbish and sluggish (if that matters to you) with the nav being a particular lowpoint. All the other controls and interior quality etc were absolutely spot on.
I also struggled to get above 28mpg on average over a tank whereas I consistently get above 30 in the 440 during the same commute / driving style. It is very thirsty for a 2.0T.
As an all round ownership experience and daily drive the BMW wins, but to drive the Alfa beats it hands down every time.
ZX10R NIN said:
SRT Grand Cherokee that will keep the OH happy & you'd definitely have fun on the slip roads less so down a B road but you can still have fun, just in a different kind of way.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
I almost went for one of these myself but I worried about lack of support for JEEP in the UK and also those who would know how to work on them? Although I do see more and more of them on the roads these days. I also got feedback from quite a few having to wait months for [expensive] parts to arrive from America, although I don't know how it could take so long considering I can get Honda parts from Japan in five days. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
I do love that SRT though!
OP, why go for the 335d when you only do limited mileage?
Yes its good on fuel but you've also suggested the S4/S6 which are terrible on fuel :-)
IMO go for the 340i.
I'm sure it will do 30+ mpg.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Yes its good on fuel but you've also suggested the S4/S6 which are terrible on fuel :-)
IMO go for the 340i.
I'm sure it will do 30+ mpg.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
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