2 down to 1 - 30k all rounder.
Discussion
Morning all,
Time for another boring what car thread! So, currently drive a 2015 S212 E250 AMG premium blah blah blah estate, along with a 450hp 1997 impreza type r as a weekend/fun car. Circumstances have changed, I don't need a leviathan of an estate any more, just something that will happily fit a couple of shotguns and associated shooting gear when needed, even if it means putting a rear seat down to fit.
The merc admittedly does a fab job, is well put together, comfy, smooth, just really bloody boring. The impreza is an uncomfy missile, which although great to drive, isn't great to drive back and forth on an 80 mile round trip to work. Thus, I'd like to get an all rounder. Something that's fun to drive when needed, but reasonably comfortable when dragging to work at 5am.
Budget is around 30k, the money from selling the impreza needs to go somewhere else, so I'd be looking at part exing the merc and financing the rest. I've never really had to deal with financing a car, so any input in regards to whether a bank loan is better or other options would be great.
So, 30k, ideally auto but would accept a good manual, 15k to 20k travelled a year, mix of motorway/dual carriageway and fast B roads. Not hugely fussed on mpg, obviously something horrific is a no go, but open to suggestions for the right car. Ideally nothing hideously unreliable with parts that you need a lottery win to afford.
Big ask I know! Cheers in advance.
Time for another boring what car thread! So, currently drive a 2015 S212 E250 AMG premium blah blah blah estate, along with a 450hp 1997 impreza type r as a weekend/fun car. Circumstances have changed, I don't need a leviathan of an estate any more, just something that will happily fit a couple of shotguns and associated shooting gear when needed, even if it means putting a rear seat down to fit.
The merc admittedly does a fab job, is well put together, comfy, smooth, just really bloody boring. The impreza is an uncomfy missile, which although great to drive, isn't great to drive back and forth on an 80 mile round trip to work. Thus, I'd like to get an all rounder. Something that's fun to drive when needed, but reasonably comfortable when dragging to work at 5am.
Budget is around 30k, the money from selling the impreza needs to go somewhere else, so I'd be looking at part exing the merc and financing the rest. I've never really had to deal with financing a car, so any input in regards to whether a bank loan is better or other options would be great.
So, 30k, ideally auto but would accept a good manual, 15k to 20k travelled a year, mix of motorway/dual carriageway and fast B roads. Not hugely fussed on mpg, obviously something horrific is a no go, but open to suggestions for the right car. Ideally nothing hideously unreliable with parts that you need a lottery win to afford.
Big ask I know! Cheers in advance.
BMW M140i for me. Quick, comfortable, well-equipped, handles nicely, practical hatchback that's small and nimble enough, but doesn't feel cramped and is solid and well put together and obtainable well within budget. A mate of mine is selling one, 17-Plate in a nice blue (not sure if it's Estoril Blue, but if not it's similar to that). 2 Sets of wheels, one lightweight set on the car and standards with winter tyres, running around 450bhp with removable tuning box, £3k worth of exhaust with sports cat so all legal etc, every option on the car and he keeps his cars mint, I know he's put a Gtechniq Ceramic coating on it etc. He was after £26k as it stood with all of the extras or would come to a deal with them removed, but he'd rather sell as is.
Anyway, not my car and there are plenty about below your budget either way, but if I wanted something not too big, but is quick, well-equipped, comfortable, well-made and handled well as a nice all-rounder in that budget, it's where my money would go! If I was a "one car" kind of guy it would be in my garage already!
Anyway, not my car and there are plenty about below your budget either way, but if I wanted something not too big, but is quick, well-equipped, comfortable, well-made and handled well as a nice all-rounder in that budget, it's where my money would go! If I was a "one car" kind of guy it would be in my garage already!
PDpreza91 said:
just something that will happily fit a couple of shotguns and associated shooting gear when needed
Surely it has to be a gentleman's car then 
and if Land Rover is out due to size then I'm thinking 2016 XF 3.0 petrol supercharged? 375bhp, refinement and decent enough economy as well (34mpg+). Great handling cars with 50:50 weight distribution. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
andrewparker said:
Keep the practicality of the Merc and get a Golf R estate.
that would be a good shout, likewise its slightly cheaper cousin - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
A big fast estate would tick most of your boxes i think in terms of practicality, space, comfort and what you intend to use the vehicle for. If any of the shooting you do involves any element of offroad then i would also tend to veer towards 4x4 estates - however that wholly depends on your practical experience.
At 30K you would also be in the territory of a number of Mercedes estates that are uber quick, however, cars of such ilk aren't cheap to repair when they go wrong.
Mercedes wise i'd be looking at something like the CLA
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Not as much as a brute as its bigger brothers granted and on a par performance wise to the Golf R and the Seat Leon 300. However, you already have a mercedes and as such would be an element of home away from home. And personally i think they look stunning in comparison to the aforementioned "hot hatch" estates.
If you were willing to go a bit older and more raucous then you'd be looking at a c63 estate -
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Though i would tend to think the CLA is just the better looking car.
Leftfield choice would be a Volvo for me.
The V60 in polestar guise is a real wolf in sheeps clothing. Performance on a par with all of the above. Swedish reliability is generally very good and whilst parts can be expensive, i'd wager no more so than any other premium brand and that includes VAG.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
If as per your post suggests you'll be doing a fair bit of motorway work, then can i suggest a diesel. The BMW 335d.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Xdrive and a thumping twin turbo diesel engine gives every little bit of performance as the others i've mentioned but whole heap more in terms of mpg which may help add pennies back in the bank for any such issues that might arise. Though they are still reliable and with a very good dealer network.
A little over your budget and moving slightly away from estates can i suggest some Italian flair - the Alfa Romeo Stelvio -
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Slightly slower and perhaps towards the rear of the pack would be the SKODA Superb. Certainly wouldn't be put off by the fact this was a tad slower than the others. Its a fantastic car and well worth a look and with your budget its essentially a new car with only delivery miles -
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Massive, comfortable, reliable, great to drive. They are certainly worth a shout over the more shouty "hot" estates.
Just a few ideas to mull over.
Sorry all, a late "thanks" is in order. Really appreciate all of your replies. I'm going to try and look at as many options as possible, some very good low mileage high spec m140i at dealers near me for astounding prices so that's looking like a strong option.
On the finance side of things a personal loan is looking like the better option (mainly due to the APR) for the remaining money after part ex as I'd be looking to keep the car, and don't fancy a huge balloon payment or being tied up mileage wise.
Many thanks for all your replies, any further suggestions please do feel free to throw them in!
On the finance side of things a personal loan is looking like the better option (mainly due to the APR) for the remaining money after part ex as I'd be looking to keep the car, and don't fancy a huge balloon payment or being tied up mileage wise.
Many thanks for all your replies, any further suggestions please do feel free to throw them in!
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