Long commute / family / bit of fun

[Richard-viz9g]

Hi all,

Currently trying to sell my X5. I'm running a 140mile round trip commute 3 times a week and as much as I love the car, Diesel cost is a killer (as are the tyre costs).

I'm struggling with what to get in its place. Budget is around 25k. Needs to work for the long commute (comfy so an auto / reasonable fuel economy) but then also as a big family car (my other car is a Countryman JCW). But also want it to be a bit of fun.... I'm sure you will all think I'm mad, but was looking at a Ghibli but fuel will be just as bad even with the less likeable diesel. Other thought was the less interesting A7...

Any ideas welcome!

[Martyn76]

3 or5 series? More economical but same engine (3.0D?) or the smaller 2.0D engine for more MPG

[SWoll]

640d Gran Coupe. Loads of space, big boot, better to drive then X5, nicer interior and cheaper to run.

[Richard-viz9g]

SWoll said:

640d Gran Coupe. Loads of space, big boot, better to drive then X5, nicer interior and cheaper to run.

Now that’s not a bad call... hadn’t considered one of those.

[philipbrown123]

Jag xf / xj

[Richard-viz9g]

philipbrown123 said:

Jag xf / xj

I'm still under 40 (just)...

[SWoll]

Richard-viz9g said:

SWoll said:

640d Gran Coupe. Loads of space, big boot, better to drive then X5, nicer interior and cheaper to run.

Now that’s not a bad call... hadn’t considered one of those.

In a very similar boat to you as my CC goes back end of March when I move to a new job and won't be taking another. Toying with the idea of leasing an M2/M4 with buying a 640D the "sensible" option at the minute. Prices look very good with 15 plates around £25k and 18 plates with minimal mileage £35k which is a massive drop from the £70k they were new so a lot of car for the cash IMHO.

Keep an eye out for the M plus package as adds 19" wheels, HK Audio, HUD and a few other bits.

[MrAverage]

Not too long ago someone was posting about 630d GT's.

£30k gets you a 67/18 plate m sport. Plenty of choice too.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

I think it looks pretty good, I'm imagine it handles alright too.

[SWoll]

MrAverage said:

Not too long ago someone was posting about 630d GT's.

£30k gets you a 67/18 plate m sport. Plenty of choice too.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

I think it looks pretty good, I'm imagine it handles alright too.

Looked at GT's but for me they are pig ugly in the flesh and a bit of a barge to drive in comparison to the GC. Bloody massive inside though, the rear leg room and boot space we're ridiculous.

[foiled]

Going through a similar decision....

BMW 340i
Kia Stinger GT
Arteon 280hp R-Line

[Paynewright]

Skoda Superb 280 Sportline.

[RSTurboPaul]

Do you have to just get one car to cover everything?

You could get something economical with a bit of speed for the commute, then a fertility bus or something like a LWB Audi S8 / Phaeton / LWB Jag for the family.

[Krikkit]

Leaf for the commute, something fun for the weekend, cheap family wagon?

[RSTurboPaul]

Krikkit said:

Leaf for the commute, something fun for the weekend, cheap family wagon?

Would a Leaf do 70 miles in the middle of winter?

Personally I'd only feel confident in an EV for my commute if it was a 'range extender' model - would a BMW i3 with extender be within budget/an option?

[Bumblebee7]

I'd say the BMW 640d as suggested would be perfect or a Merc CLS 350d

[chuenmanc]

RSTurboPaul said:

Would a Leaf do 70 miles in the middle of winter?

Leaf 30kWh: yes definitely. Leaf 24kWh: could probably manage it, but I won't want to do it regularly.

[dmsims]

Lexus GS450H

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd go down the two car route:

508 Allure for the commute:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Insignia Elite

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Astra Elite

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Ford Mondeo Titanium X

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Titanium

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Giulietta

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Now for the fun:

640i Gran Coupe

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

E63 AMG

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

XFR

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

CLS63 AMG

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

If you can live with something a bit smaller then there's the Lexus IS-F:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

M3

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

XE S

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[DoubleSix]

I just bought a 340i Touring for this exact multi-role purpose...

[DoubleD]

Any 1 car will always be a huge compromise. If you can, a 2 car garage will be way more fun.