Dad wants a new car - which is best? 3 series/C Class/A4/Jag

[Ari]

Ok so non petrolhead retired co director dad wants a new car, and as the family 'expert' I'm being drafted in to help. Current car is a Mercedes E320CDI that he's had 10 years, prior to that it was a string of 528i 5 Series, always bought brand new (as this will be).

He's not doing many miles these days, has no interest in 'handling dynamics', hates 'skinny tyres' as he calls them (low profile to you and I), likes a smooth ride and a quality car.

And it will be about getting the best car, not about the best deal (not that price isn't relevant, but he won't buy the second best choice just because it is a better deal).

So, downsizing a class so will probably be a C Class, A4, 3 Series or maybe the new Jag XE. And it will be petrol, probably 2.0 litre turbo, because he just isn't doing enough miles to warrant a diesel, and automatic. Needs to fit four adults comfortably (although will be rarely used as such).

I have absolutely no idea about any of these cars! Any words of wisdom to help me look like I know what I'm talking about?

Any other cars we ought to be looking at? (Even 'left of field stuff, I wondered about a 4 door Evoque?)

[thelawnet]

Sounds like he would be better with the size up TBH, all of these cars will lean towards 'handling' over other attributes.

At least get him some test drives.

[unpc]

XF on small wheels surely?

[moffat]

I agree with the above, XF sounds like the best choice or a 3 series

You've got a problem with your choices:

A4 - old model and due to be replaced, the 2.0T isn't a very efficient engine, but works well in the Golf GTI
C Class - no 2.0T engine yet
XE - not sure what petrol engines they do?

I think a 320i or 328i would be perfect in SE spec (both 2.0T's with different states of tune).

The 3 GT isn't the best to look at but does ride well apparently.

[otolith]

I have family who always had A8/XJ/LS and now seem to be buying Lexus RX in their retirement.

[anonymous-user]

Volvo V60 in non R-Sport spec might be what he's after maybe? I really feel for him because there isn't much in the market now that isn't pretending to be sporty at the sacrifice of all the things you actually need from such a car, despite having a diesel engine and weighing 1700KG. Even the XF doesn't really ride all that well.

New E-class must be due soon so there may be bargains to be had on the current model?

[red_slr]

I would stick with another E-class if its ride he wants.
Beemah is going to be like a sports car compared.
A4 is not really anything, its not sporty, its not comfy... its just meh.
Jag, will be worth 2p when he is done with it and cant say I rate JLR reliability (I am being polite).

Another option is a smaller SUV - perhaps a Macan on air suspension and smaller wheels. Only snag is 18 month waiting list.

[Krikkit]

XE is probably the most interesting choice, the XF is a bit long in the tooth now. The Merc is probably the best all-rounder, but has a few very marmite features (the dash for a start).

[unpc]

The Volvo is a good shout IMO. Probably nothing comfier. The Evoque mentioned is a good car but the ride's a bit jittery.

[cerb4.5lee]

I would have thought a brand new 528i SE would do him nicely, really comfy and should ride well enough in SE spec, I know the 4 pot turbo is the most rated engine in the world but it should offer reasonable performance/economy.

Plus they are rare and its still a nice petrol car.

[Ari]

I think he'd like a bit smaller car now, hence the idea of coming down a class.

Interestingly you can't get an Evoque with a petrol engine. At all!

Agree about the Audi, about to be replaced so probably not class leading.

Another interesting (and weird) fact is that you cannot get a C Class in SE spec with leather upholstery! Only fake leather, and then only in black! Given that he always errs toward full leather in a light colour such as beige, that's a bit crap. You can have leather with Sport or AMG spec levels only.

I sent him a link to the new Jaaag XE and he's just called me very excited about that! I think because it is a bit less aggressive looking (even the C Class SE has huge vent things in the front spoiler), a bit more refined, so he really likes the look of it. And they do proper leather in nice colours.

Beyond that, the 3 Series is probably in pole at the moment, but the Volvo is an interesting shout.

[jamieduff1981]

Too early to comment on the XE. Jaguar are talking all about the driving dynamics though so a) it'll be wasted on OP's dad and b) may not be optimised for ride comfort. It will have a 2.0 turbo petrol though.

XF is a class larger than the rest, but the smallest petrol is a 3.0 supercharged engine.

BMWs and Audis tend to ride worse than Jags. I totally reject any suggestion that the current range of Jags depreciate faster than the German equivalents. It simply isn't true.

Probably get the Mercedes C class. The interior is a bit naff and Merc saloons are never the most precise handling cars but they generally ride soft.

[Andy665]

From all accounts the XE looks like rear seat space will be marginal so that may be a mark against it

[Deerfoot]

Lexus IS would be my choice.

[Qussz]

420i, though the XE sounds interesting

[daemon]

unpc said:

XF on small wheels surely?

My boss has a XF 3.0i SE on what looks like 17s with (relatively speaking) gumball tyres and the ride is atrocious.

[anonymous-user]

Ari said:

Interestingly you can't get an Evoque with a petrol engine. At all!

You can, but only in 5 door Dynamic Lux spec. Engine is a 240hp 2.0L petrol but it costs £46k+.

[anonymous-user]

bmw 320i Luxury Gran Turismo, maybe the xdrive if 4wd appreciated by him

[Ari]

It's a good idea and we'll definitely look at it, but I suspect Dad's a bit too conservative for anything that isn't three boxes.

[Fox-]

Stay in the E Class segment for the best value. A 528i Luxury on the standard wheels sounds with Variable Damper Control sounds like a good solution, especially if he enjoyed his old 528i's as IMHO the current 5 is the closest to those cars.