New car purchase advice - Page 1 - Car Buying

Surreygearhead

Original Poster

7 posts

83 months

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Monday 18th February 2019

Good evening guys and girls, first time post but very long time lurker. I’m looking to pick your intelligent minds and pull from your experiences. A little background, my nan passed away over Xmas and left me a little money, bless her. Out of this I have set aside £5k for a car upgrade, I currently drive a VW Golf 2002 1.8 turbo GTI 150bhp. This is a fantastic car and has done me proud over the last 5 years although the miles are starting to rack up. I have replaced and repaired all the usual issues and I’m sure it will go on for many more miles but I’m turning 40 this year and think it’s time I grow up a little and get something a bit more practical. I currently live in the lovely Surrey countryside but will be moving to Croydon soon, temporally.

My current commute is a 60 mile round trip but that will change to a 30 mile round trip. Add to that I drive to wales a every few months to collect my boy (we share the travel) plus the usual weekend to and fro-ing. I probably do 20k miles a year top end.

I’m looking at getting an Audi A4 or A6 estate (avant), post 2006. Ideally with as many bells and whistles as I can for what little cash I can spend. Preferably under 100k miles. My two stipulations are black leather interior and at least as pokie as my golf, I’m still a driver at heart and want the car to shift when I need it to. Do I go for petrol or desiel? Auto or manual? Is 100k miles too high on these? I read about timing chain issues on pre 2006 models, is that correct?

If it was your money, where would you put it?

Thank you for your input

ZX10R NIN

29,873 posts

146 months

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Monday 18th February 2019

Surreygearhead

Original Poster

7 posts

83 months

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Tuesday 19th February 2019

Thank you ZX10R NIN, what a fabulous reply. I wasn't expecting that.

I'll be completely honest, when I first saw Ford I thought 'God no, not fix or repair daily!' but actually that is a good car you suggested. My only concern is, have ford improved their reliability? I can't really be bothered with having to keep fixing things anymore. I'm not shy of getting my hands dirty, case and point I am currently selling my 1979 camper that I restored myself. I just can't be that bothered anymore. haha. In the past I have found that after a few years fords start to get a bit loose and sloppy unless you keep on top of things and keep the running gear all new. Is this still the case?

I would love a merc, but on a budget of £5500 isn't it a bit risky?

I've always been on the fence with BMW, I know mechanically they are great cars but always found the interiors a bit cheap and lack lustre and that is where you spend your time. I could be persuaded though.

No to the lexus, maybe i am a bit of a badge snob?

No to the Alfa’s and Mazda. They may be good cars but it’s just a no from me.

Historically I’ve never put down more than £1500 on a car and usually is because I need something quick. So for me £5k is a fair bit of cash, this provides me with more wiggle room but also more options which I don’t usually have.

Edited by Surreygearhead on Tuesday 19th February 20:03

ZX10R NIN

29,873 posts

146 months

[report]

[news]

Tuesday 19th February 2019

Surreygearhead said:

Thank you ZX10R NIN, what a fabulous reply. I wasn't expecting that.

I'll be completely honest, when I first saw Ford I thought 'God no, not fix or repair daily!' but actually that is a good car you suggested. My only concern is, have ford improved their reliability? I can't really be bothered with having to keep fixing things anymore. I'm not shy of getting my hands dirty, case and point I am currently selling my 1979 camper that I restored myself. I just can't be that bothered anymore. haha. In the past I have found that after a few years fords start to get a bit loose and sloppy unless you keep on top of things and keep the running gear all new. Is this still the case?

I would love a merc, but on a budget of £5500 isn't it a bit risky?

I've always been on the fence with BMW, I know mechanically they are great cars but always found the interiors a bit cheap and lack lustre and that is where you spend your time. I could be persuaded though.

No to the lexus, maybe i am a bit of a badge snob?

The Mondeo will be as reliable as anything else listed above the 2.5T is the more characterful engine, the 2.0T is a good option but the 2.5T is just that bit better.

That old saying is exactly that an old saying.

Also being a badge snob is fine but you do miss out on some good cars, the Lexus is actually no worse a steer than anything else listed. When it comes to reliability & kit they're right up there so I'd say test drive one before dismissing them, the Mercedes is a good reliable option at this price point.

anonymous-user

75 months

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Tuesday 19th February 2019

If you're moving to Croydon temporarily, I'd wait until you leave before you get a nice car.

jjr1

3,032 posts

281 months

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Tuesday 19th February 2019

keirik said:

If you're moving to Croydon temporarily, I'd wait until you leave before you get a nice car.

You do know that there are houses in Croydon that go for over a million? Bell end

Surreygearhead

Original Poster

7 posts

83 months

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Wednesday 20th February 2019

I think he was suggesting that a nice car would get wrecked. It seems people just don’t care around Croydon. Unfortunately I’ll be there for three years and I don’t think my golf will last that long

ZX10R NIN

29,873 posts

146 months

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Wednesday 20th February 2019

Rubbish there are some very nice cars around Croydon my mates RS5 has never been touched & he lives in the centre of Croydon.