Is picking a car really this difficult!!!!!
Discussion
I have 6 months to choose a new (or almost new!) car. It must be fairly small (hatchback to small saloon) size and have 4/5-doors for daily usability. It will be replacing my faithful but now tiring 2005 Astra for every purpose and is likely to be mine and the o/h's only steed! I'm intending on keeping for the long term, so residual value isn't as much a concern.
However, having pottered around in my slow Astra Diesel, following the sale of my new Porsche Cayman R last year, the stipulation I have is that the replacement car is pretty fast, unleaded and economical when needed, so that puts my focus in the realms of new generation turbo cars that have the balance just right. I also like the top of the range from whatever model.
I've considered the M135i and with the deal I was offered (18% off new) was very tempted, but I simply cannot get over the look of it at the front (sorry). Maybe if the facelift to match the 2 series arrives soon, I will consider again. I've also looked at the Mk7 Golf GTi, but I'm hugely disappointed by the power output and won't be able to chip it because I'd want a very long warranty on it. The new Golf R just looks boring to me, but absolutely love the mk6 Golf R but they are becoming increasingly difficult to find and are holding a questionably strong second hand value (might change if current R owners are chopping in for the new R). Not keen on the Astra and don't like the Focus. Would ideally like the build quality only the Germans provide, but I don't particular like Audi's for some reason and if I selected a model from the S or RS range, I'd be constantly worried about it being nicked, as they seem to be the Eastern European car to order at the moment!
I would say, if the Merc A45 AMG was cheaper (say £30k to max £35k) I'd be tempted. Having 4wd would be ideal for an all round car, because I'm not wishing to wrestle with a rwd M3 as I've done in the past, but 4wd is available on so few cars at the moment, making that an 'would like' rather than 'a must'!
Keen to see if BMW release a 4 door 2 series as Audi have done with the A3; which might then in turn lead to a M2 saloon, but again, same issue of rwd!
Surely it can't be this hard....
However, having pottered around in my slow Astra Diesel, following the sale of my new Porsche Cayman R last year, the stipulation I have is that the replacement car is pretty fast, unleaded and economical when needed, so that puts my focus in the realms of new generation turbo cars that have the balance just right. I also like the top of the range from whatever model.
I've considered the M135i and with the deal I was offered (18% off new) was very tempted, but I simply cannot get over the look of it at the front (sorry). Maybe if the facelift to match the 2 series arrives soon, I will consider again. I've also looked at the Mk7 Golf GTi, but I'm hugely disappointed by the power output and won't be able to chip it because I'd want a very long warranty on it. The new Golf R just looks boring to me, but absolutely love the mk6 Golf R but they are becoming increasingly difficult to find and are holding a questionably strong second hand value (might change if current R owners are chopping in for the new R). Not keen on the Astra and don't like the Focus. Would ideally like the build quality only the Germans provide, but I don't particular like Audi's for some reason and if I selected a model from the S or RS range, I'd be constantly worried about it being nicked, as they seem to be the Eastern European car to order at the moment!
I would say, if the Merc A45 AMG was cheaper (say £30k to max £35k) I'd be tempted. Having 4wd would be ideal for an all round car, because I'm not wishing to wrestle with a rwd M3 as I've done in the past, but 4wd is available on so few cars at the moment, making that an 'would like' rather than 'a must'!
Keen to see if BMW release a 4 door 2 series as Audi have done with the A3; which might then in turn lead to a M2 saloon, but again, same issue of rwd!
Surely it can't be this hard....
I feel for you.
There is so much "choice" out there but little of it seems worth the money. Picking a toy/fun car is easy.
Trying to talk yourself in to spending money on an all-rounder is hellishly difficult because the more cars become everything you could want, you find that none of them are what you want.
There is so much "choice" out there but little of it seems worth the money. Picking a toy/fun car is easy.
Trying to talk yourself in to spending money on an all-rounder is hellishly difficult because the more cars become everything you could want, you find that none of them are what you want.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2013...
Downside - interior isn't overly great...
Or a slightly more rapid version.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2013...
Downside - interior isn't overly great...
Or a slightly more rapid version.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2013...
My Volvo V40 is a great car and looks good in R-Design trim (IMO) and they still put the 5 cylinder T5 engine in it, it's automatic only but will pull like a train, something different to consider perhaps?
They do a T4 too, sub 8 seconds to 60mph but I doubt that's gonna be pokey enough for you.
They do a T4 too, sub 8 seconds to 60mph but I doubt that's gonna be pokey enough for you.
Thanks for the efforts guys, but the majority of those are either too big, or I just don't like the look of them. I should have warned that I'm one for speed and design, rather than handling, hence 4wd would be nice to have.
Also ideally want manual, but so many cars I've seen (such as the 335i M Sport - possibly too big) all have automatic boxes now...a sign of the future sadly!
Also ideally want manual, but so many cars I've seen (such as the 335i M Sport - possibly too big) all have automatic boxes now...a sign of the future sadly!
Agreed, the Audi S range is the obvious choice and like the look (so far) of the new S3 Saloon, but may be too much of a gamble around here, as S3's are constantly targeted. I don't want to live in fear of owning a nice car again, I had that with the M3 and to an extent with the Porsche and I actually live in a respectable area with gated community, but seemingly that is the kind of area they target!
I've not given £40k much thought for a A45 AMG, seems a bit steep for a car to be used for EVERYTHING. If it was brand new for £35k, I'd consider it.
I've not given £40k much thought for a A45 AMG, seems a bit steep for a car to be used for EVERYTHING. If it was brand new for £35k, I'd consider it.
kinghottinger said:
If you're not seeing much you like in Germany, why not try elsewhere?
Pro c'eed, a DS5 or DS4, Guilietta, Evoque?
Hadn't considered the Pro c'eed but it is a nice looking car, but ideally wanted German build quality if it is to last me a fair few years as my everything car. Had considered an Evoque but don't offer the pace I'd like and seriously running out of options hahaPro c'eed, a DS5 or DS4, Guilietta, Evoque?
chrisispringles said:
How about the Scirocco R then. A prettier face than the Golf and can be had for ~£25k
I'd take the mk6 Golf R over the Scirocco tbh...if I could find a suitable one. Also, the Scirocco is a 3 door, I need a 4/5 door. If I was looking at 3 doors, my options would be vastly improved MDian said:
ideally wanted German build quality if it is to last me a fair few years as my everything car.
This is the root of your issue, not the lack of options. Non-German cars don't fall apart after 5 years. Are you sure it is the perception of build quality that is driving your teutonic preference? Kia has a 7 year warranty for example.
MDian said:
kinghottinger said:
If you're not seeing much you like in Germany, why not try elsewhere?
Pro c'eed, a DS5 or DS4, Guilietta, Evoque?
Hadn't considered the Pro c'eed but it is a nice looking car, but ideally wanted German build quality if it is to last me a fair few years as my everything car. Had considered an Evoque but don't offer the pace I'd like and seriously running out of options hahaPro c'eed, a DS5 or DS4, Guilietta, Evoque?
kinghottinger said:
This is the root of your issue, not the lack of options. Non-German cars don't fall apart after 5 years. Are you sure it is the perception of build quality that is driving your teutonic preference?
Kia has a 7 year warranty for example.
Do Kia also make a rival to the M135i?Kia has a 7 year warranty for example.
OP: You can still get the 335i in manual. You could possibly get a new one with no options for 35k but I'm sure there's plenty of barely-used ones with plenty of money off.
kinghottinger said:
In terms of build quality? Yes.
The build quality on a 116i is the same as an M135i. The appeal of the M135i is that it's an everyday car with a bit of poke.The OP is after something fun. The closes alternative from Kia would be the Proceed GT. Which is a lukewarm 200hp.
kinghottinger said:
In terms of build quality? Yes.
Pro Cee'd GT is a bit more like a slow Focus RS. I don't think it will be quick enough for OP.It's not a bad first attempt at a hot hatch but it's no match for the established manufacturers.... except for the price of course, and the warranty, and the standard equipment.... so it's not that bad really, except it's not very quick
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