New car wanted (but needed!?)
Discussion
Hello chaps (and chapesses)
Long time watcher, first time poster!
Not sure I’m in the right section but here goes...
A bit about me, 45 years young and a massive car lover.
I think it began with my Uncle, who used to turn up in the most awesome motors!
My Dad wasn’t into cars (strictly for getting from A to B dontcha know) but my Uncle was certainly not.
Capris, Cosworths, he was a true lad and it kind of stuck with me.
Fast forward to my first car and I still think back on it being pretty cool- a J reg Mini Cooper!
British racing green, white roof with white bonnet stripes and tons of chrome and spot lights. Felt quite the boy I can tell you.
Other cars of note were a 206 GTi, Audi A3 1.8T, BMW Z4 2.5, and BMW X5 3.0 petrol (god that was a thirsty beast)
The last 15 years has seen me through a long period of self employment in the building trade, so it’s been a slew of vans, and latterly trucks (Mitsubishi Warrior) as I tried to get my driving fix in something nearly as practical as a van (that’s my excuse anyway!)
This last year I started a sales job and one of the first things I did was trade in the truck.
A 2015 BMW 325d. It’s seemed perfect- 218 BHP, averaging 53 mpg. My commute is a 25 mile each way, on mainly fast B roads with a short spell onto faster A road.
I don’t get held up in traffic much, if at all.
All was great, until some massive knobhead wrote it off. (Luckily it was parked up and nobody was in it/hurt)
I got a week in a hire car, in which time I was expected to replace with an alternative.
My pay out was more or less exactly what I spent on the beemer but I just could not find the same mileage or spec locally (Covid certainly put paid to being able to shop around properly unfortunately)
So I’ve ended up with an Audi A3 2.0 diesel S Line, I think 150 BHP.
It’s certainly a lovely looking car, especially with S Line trim and it’s doing the job on the commute when not stuck on furlough...
However it’s nearly 70 BHP down on the BMW and I can’t seem to “settle”
Realistically the 3 series was a saloon and not practical enough, so here goes with my list of possible replacements- thanks for bearing with so far, I’m almost there!
Mercedes AMG A35 or older model A45.
Audi S3.
Golf R.
BMW 435d or 440i Gran Coupe so I get the hatch.
I’m very undecided, so was hoping ideally to hear from current owners of any, or people that may have owned more than one of them.
AWD appeals to me as I have to admit I like driving fast but am not the best in rear wheel drives (I had a rally day in an escort rs2000 rear wheel drive car I think, and can still remember the instructors comment of “more spins than a merry go round” )
Head is saying 435d
Heart is saying A45 AMG
Thing putting me off the 435d is the future of diesel as a fuel
Thing putting me off the AMG is possible horrifying fuel economy! It’s not a deal breaker, so don’t shout me down for mentioning it but it’s a valid point as I expect running costs to be pretty high with most of the cars in the list.
Phew.
Thanks for staying till the end- great site, hope to get some feedback soon!
Long time watcher, first time poster!
Not sure I’m in the right section but here goes...
A bit about me, 45 years young and a massive car lover.
I think it began with my Uncle, who used to turn up in the most awesome motors!
My Dad wasn’t into cars (strictly for getting from A to B dontcha know) but my Uncle was certainly not.
Capris, Cosworths, he was a true lad and it kind of stuck with me.
Fast forward to my first car and I still think back on it being pretty cool- a J reg Mini Cooper!
British racing green, white roof with white bonnet stripes and tons of chrome and spot lights. Felt quite the boy I can tell you.
Other cars of note were a 206 GTi, Audi A3 1.8T, BMW Z4 2.5, and BMW X5 3.0 petrol (god that was a thirsty beast)
The last 15 years has seen me through a long period of self employment in the building trade, so it’s been a slew of vans, and latterly trucks (Mitsubishi Warrior) as I tried to get my driving fix in something nearly as practical as a van (that’s my excuse anyway!)
This last year I started a sales job and one of the first things I did was trade in the truck.
A 2015 BMW 325d. It’s seemed perfect- 218 BHP, averaging 53 mpg. My commute is a 25 mile each way, on mainly fast B roads with a short spell onto faster A road.
I don’t get held up in traffic much, if at all.
All was great, until some massive knobhead wrote it off. (Luckily it was parked up and nobody was in it/hurt)
I got a week in a hire car, in which time I was expected to replace with an alternative.
My pay out was more or less exactly what I spent on the beemer but I just could not find the same mileage or spec locally (Covid certainly put paid to being able to shop around properly unfortunately)
So I’ve ended up with an Audi A3 2.0 diesel S Line, I think 150 BHP.
It’s certainly a lovely looking car, especially with S Line trim and it’s doing the job on the commute when not stuck on furlough...
However it’s nearly 70 BHP down on the BMW and I can’t seem to “settle”
Realistically the 3 series was a saloon and not practical enough, so here goes with my list of possible replacements- thanks for bearing with so far, I’m almost there!
Mercedes AMG A35 or older model A45.
Audi S3.
Golf R.
BMW 435d or 440i Gran Coupe so I get the hatch.
I’m very undecided, so was hoping ideally to hear from current owners of any, or people that may have owned more than one of them.
AWD appeals to me as I have to admit I like driving fast but am not the best in rear wheel drives (I had a rally day in an escort rs2000 rear wheel drive car I think, and can still remember the instructors comment of “more spins than a merry go round” )
Head is saying 435d
Heart is saying A45 AMG
Thing putting me off the 435d is the future of diesel as a fuel
Thing putting me off the AMG is possible horrifying fuel economy! It’s not a deal breaker, so don’t shout me down for mentioning it but it’s a valid point as I expect running costs to be pretty high with most of the cars in the list.
Phew.
Thanks for staying till the end- great site, hope to get some feedback soon!
If it was me i'd buy the 440i Gran Coupe as I love the engine, I currently own a 240i and can't think of much i'd swap it for all things considered. I have been in a 435d GC and it is a lovely place to be but i'm not a fan of diesel's and my driving habits don't justify it anyway.
I think ultimately you need to consider how happy you are going to be with bigger fuel bills, the petrol cars you list will probably do realistically 30mpg at best, if you start booting it then more like 20mpg. If you are comfortable with that go for the AMG if that's what you have your heart set on, if that sounds bad then go for a diesel instead.
I think ultimately you need to consider how happy you are going to be with bigger fuel bills, the petrol cars you list will probably do realistically 30mpg at best, if you start booting it then more like 20mpg. If you are comfortable with that go for the AMG if that's what you have your heart set on, if that sounds bad then go for a diesel instead.
Thanks James.
That’s kind of what I’m thinking, I’m at the point in life where I want something special from this next car as I’m not entirely sure how long it will be till we are all banished to a driverless electric!
God that thought bothers me...
Any idea what sort of MPG the AMG would do real world anyone?
There is quite conflicting info
Some saying averages of 20, anything up to early 30’s.
As I said, I have a nice 50 miles a day commute on nice roads.
Seems a shame to just pootle along in something “A to B” but I wonder what the 435d would be like in terms of enjoyment compared to what I’ve had?
I totally get that if I was going to that from something like an AMG then it might not be too involving, but it might be way nicer that the 325d was and I did enjoy that car.
I don’t cane it on the commute, but it would be nice to have something capable of a proper blast now and again.
I appreciate a fast petrol car will never compete economy wise with a diesel but wondered how big a difference the AMG would be compared to a golf R or an S3.
In not in a huge rush to buy, budget will be around £25k
That’s kind of what I’m thinking, I’m at the point in life where I want something special from this next car as I’m not entirely sure how long it will be till we are all banished to a driverless electric!
God that thought bothers me...
Any idea what sort of MPG the AMG would do real world anyone?
There is quite conflicting info
Some saying averages of 20, anything up to early 30’s.
As I said, I have a nice 50 miles a day commute on nice roads.
Seems a shame to just pootle along in something “A to B” but I wonder what the 435d would be like in terms of enjoyment compared to what I’ve had?
I totally get that if I was going to that from something like an AMG then it might not be too involving, but it might be way nicer that the 325d was and I did enjoy that car.
I don’t cane it on the commute, but it would be nice to have something capable of a proper blast now and again.
I appreciate a fast petrol car will never compete economy wise with a diesel but wondered how big a difference the AMG would be compared to a golf R or an S3.
In not in a huge rush to buy, budget will be around £25k
I think 20's to low 30's is probably an accurate representation of the A45, I think if you thought along the lines of mid-high 20's as an average you would probably be in the ball park.
I think also the Golf R and Audi S3 will both produce similar figures in the real world, they are all fairly similar cars with 4 pot turbo engines producing similar power, I considered them all before buying my 240i but I wanted a move away from hatch backs after a string of them
I think also the Golf R and Audi S3 will both produce similar figures in the real world, they are all fairly similar cars with 4 pot turbo engines producing similar power, I considered them all before buying my 240i but I wanted a move away from hatch backs after a string of them
Codenamecueball- I did toy with the idea of M2 but we have dogs so I’m needing a hatchback really, but nice suggestion!
ZX10R- I’m shying away from the 440i GC as they’re rear wheel drive only in the uk. I had not considered an S5 sport back so will have a look.
I do not like the look of most estates, except something like an RS6 which is but a dream!
Andrewcliffe- A good and frugal idea, but I’m not a fan of chipping/modding after a friend had a disastrously expensive remap done years ago. I’m sure they’re better than ever these days, but 300bhp as standard is about what I’m looking for.
Raspy- As it will be a used purchase, I’m not sure depreciation will count for much as it will have had its biggest loss from new.
I expect to be getting something around 3 or 4 years old?
Servicing will always be done at a 3rd party specialist, tyres premium but it’s more a question of the difference in insurance costs and fuelling that I’m interested in hearing about, hopefully from people reading this that own any of the vehicles I mentioned.
Sorry for the delayed reply, as a new member I’m limited to when I can post in case it’s spam!
ZX10R- I’m shying away from the 440i GC as they’re rear wheel drive only in the uk. I had not considered an S5 sport back so will have a look.
I do not like the look of most estates, except something like an RS6 which is but a dream!
Andrewcliffe- A good and frugal idea, but I’m not a fan of chipping/modding after a friend had a disastrously expensive remap done years ago. I’m sure they’re better than ever these days, but 300bhp as standard is about what I’m looking for.
Raspy- As it will be a used purchase, I’m not sure depreciation will count for much as it will have had its biggest loss from new.
I expect to be getting something around 3 or 4 years old?
Servicing will always be done at a 3rd party specialist, tyres premium but it’s more a question of the difference in insurance costs and fuelling that I’m interested in hearing about, hopefully from people reading this that own any of the vehicles I mentioned.
Sorry for the delayed reply, as a new member I’m limited to when I can post in case it’s spam!
On the S5 real world you'll see around 30mpg with mixed driving:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101127...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101127...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101127...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101127...
Particularly like the top one with the red seats- Lovely interiors that they are, they’re nearly all black compared with BMW who have a bit more variety?
Thanks for the recommendation- if I test drive the 4 series I’ll be trying one of these as well, but I suspect I might stay smaller hatchback in size...
Depends what the other half gets next (She’s wanting a Range Rover ffs!)
If she goes bigger on her next car I’ll stick to a pocket rocket.
I think I’ve discounted the Audi S3 now, and the golf interior looks awful so that too.
If I can get a deal on an A35 it could be just what I want, as the insurance on those is very decent (under £300)
Thing is... is it a proper AMG!?
Thanks for the recommendation- if I test drive the 4 series I’ll be trying one of these as well, but I suspect I might stay smaller hatchback in size...
Depends what the other half gets next (She’s wanting a Range Rover ffs!)
If she goes bigger on her next car I’ll stick to a pocket rocket.
I think I’ve discounted the Audi S3 now, and the golf interior looks awful so that too.
If I can get a deal on an A35 it could be just what I want, as the insurance on those is very decent (under £300)
Thing is... is it a proper AMG!?
Germanic said:
Particularly like the top one with the red seats- Lovely interiors that they are, they’re nearly all black compared with BMW who have a bit more variety?
Thanks for the recommendation- if I test drive the 4 series I’ll be trying one of these as well, but I suspect I might stay smaller hatchback in size...
Depends what the other half gets next (She’s wanting a Range Rover ffs!)
If she goes bigger on her next car I’ll stick to a pocket rocket.
I think I’ve discounted the Audi S3 now, and the golf interior looks awful so that too.
If I can get a deal on an A35 it could be just what I want, as the insurance on those is very decent (under £300)
Thing is... is it a proper AMG!?
It's AMG light drive a 45 first or even better at the same time to see if full fat is what you want.Thanks for the recommendation- if I test drive the 4 series I’ll be trying one of these as well, but I suspect I might stay smaller hatchback in size...
Depends what the other half gets next (She’s wanting a Range Rover ffs!)
If she goes bigger on her next car I’ll stick to a pocket rocket.
I think I’ve discounted the Audi S3 now, and the golf interior looks awful so that too.
If I can get a deal on an A35 it could be just what I want, as the insurance on those is very decent (under £300)
Thing is... is it a proper AMG!?
Germanic said:
I’m sure it will taste better, but cost more!
Nope I'm talking about a Gen1 A45:Premiumhttps://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012187...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011176...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101117...
Which will cost you less than an A35
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012036...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012026...
There are some lovely examples out there at the moment I must admit!
I was thinking A35 as the cabin is more modern, but...
Is it just me, buy I think I massively prefer the older A45 1st gen interior!?
I’m not a huge fan of digital dashboards and like old school dials.
I will have a good look at both.
Somebody else suggested an A250 as you can run on normal unleaded, get the new interior etc etc
I just know I’ll regret it if I go down that route
I was thinking A35 as the cabin is more modern, but...
Is it just me, buy I think I massively prefer the older A45 1st gen interior!?
I’m not a huge fan of digital dashboards and like old school dials.
I will have a good look at both.
Somebody else suggested an A250 as you can run on normal unleaded, get the new interior etc etc
I just know I’ll regret it if I go down that route
New neighbour has arrived home in a Golf R last week...
Everything about it up close looks better than an S3 in my opinion, even in 5 door.
It is now back on the agenda!
I think hand on heart diesel is off the menu, so it will be down to a DSG Golf R (something like 2018 plate) or an 1st gen A45.
Just seen some YouTube reviews on the newest Mk8 Golf R and I don’t massively like that- also saw the BMW M135i x drive and was left feeling slightly underwhelmed.
Getting picky in my old age!
Everything about it up close looks better than an S3 in my opinion, even in 5 door.
It is now back on the agenda!
I think hand on heart diesel is off the menu, so it will be down to a DSG Golf R (something like 2018 plate) or an 1st gen A45.
Just seen some YouTube reviews on the newest Mk8 Golf R and I don’t massively like that- also saw the BMW M135i x drive and was left feeling slightly underwhelmed.
Getting picky in my old age!
Germanic said:
New neighbour has arrived home in a Golf R last week...
Everything about it up close looks better than an S3 in my opinion, even in 5 door.
It is now back on the agenda!
I think hand on heart diesel is off the menu, so it will be down to a DSG Golf R (something like 2018 plate) or an 1st gen A45.
Just seen some YouTube reviews on the newest Mk8 Golf R and I don’t massively like that- also saw the BMW M135i x drive and was left feeling slightly underwhelmed.
Getting picky in my old age!
I would take a Gold R over an Audi S3 but I would also take the M135i/M140i over both of them due to the six cylinder engine but that's just me. The latest M135i is the 4 cylinder 2.0T B48 which is a great engine but something about the B58 3.0T does it for me.Everything about it up close looks better than an S3 in my opinion, even in 5 door.
It is now back on the agenda!
I think hand on heart diesel is off the menu, so it will be down to a DSG Golf R (something like 2018 plate) or an 1st gen A45.
Just seen some YouTube reviews on the newest Mk8 Golf R and I don’t massively like that- also saw the BMW M135i x drive and was left feeling slightly underwhelmed.
Getting picky in my old age!
Some diesels are great cars, especially the 330d/335d types but if you are not racking up the miles, you could well end up duffing the DPF and its not worth the risk.
Ideally you need to be test driving some but in the current climate that is difficult/impossible. Personally I couldn't buy a car without test driving it unless I have owned that car before and even then Im not sure.
Wagonwheel555 said:
I would take a Gold R over an Audi S3 but I would also take the M135i/M140i over both of them due to the six cylinder engine but that's just me. The latest M135i is the 4 cylinder 2.0T B48 which is a great engine but something about the B58 3.0T does it for me.
Some diesels are great cars, especially the 330d/335d types but if you are not racking up the miles, you could well end up duffing the DPF and its not worth the risk.
Ideally you need to be test driving some but in the current climate that is difficult/impossible. Personally I couldn't buy a car without test driving it unless I have owned that car before and even then Im not sure.
Thanks Wagonwheel- I’ll be test driving A45 and Golf RSome diesels are great cars, especially the 330d/335d types but if you are not racking up the miles, you could well end up duffing the DPF and its not worth the risk.
Ideally you need to be test driving some but in the current climate that is difficult/impossible. Personally I couldn't buy a car without test driving it unless I have owned that car before and even then Im not sure.
Think I’ve got it narrowed down to those 2 so I’ll be looking to see what deal are around.
Hoping for some good ones, the golf R Mk8 out so will be trying to find the 7.5 facelift version of the last, has to be 3 doors and DSG.
The A45 will be first gen, budget no more than 25k
Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff