Punchy estate needed (2 kids & a new dog inbound) - Page 1 - Car Buying

bagsofsmoke

Original Poster

20 posts

93 months

[report]

[news]

Tuesday 19th January 2021

Hi all,

Excuse the essay. I'm looking to replace our ageing Audi A4 Avant 3.0l TDI (as it's about to get insanely expensive to drive it around London).

I had my heart set on an Alfa Giulia Quadrifoglio, and had even managed to convince the wife - the argument went something like, "The kids are at the age (9 and 7) where they don't have much clobber (like pushchairs) and don't need much legroom, so we can get away with a saloon. The charging infrastructure is still crap which rules out an EV for a few years yet, and I'd like something I can occasionally take to a track to indulge my inner hooligan."

Having tried but failed to buy one just before the latest lockdown (Alfa stopped taking deliveries and I couldn't find one second hand near enough to the spec I wanted), I've now been totally scuppered by our family's decision to get a dog (arriving in about 2 months - a Vizsla, so medium-sized). So that rules out the Giulia.

I'm now looking at the following:

Mercedes AMG E53
Audi S6
Volvo V90 (the hybrid one with 340bhp, or the mild hybrid with 300bhp)
Alfa Stelvio QV

The Joker in the pack is a Jaguar I-Pace or possibly the forthcoming Porsche Taycan Turismo version - my employer has rolled out a salary sacrifice scheme for EVs which makes an EV very good value, maybe even enough to justify the monster hassle on longer trips. I test drove the Taycan and loved it, but it has bugger all storage space. Hopefully the Turismo might fix that, but big enough for a dog?

The E53 looks like good value, with a huge boot, great engine etc. Interior is a bit bling for my taste (can you turn those honking LED strips off?) but I'm sure I'd get over it. A lot of people seem to complain about the ride quality on British roads though.

Audi S6 - I've loved our A4 which has been a great family car, and I love the styling of the S6, plus the interior's great, but it would be another diesel, and then there's the synthetic sound and fake exhausts... Bleurgh. RS4 is an option (I've test driven one and it was decent - but synthetic noise again, and the handling was a bit underwhelming, albeit the AWD makes it quite usable in crap weather). Possibly too small though if we're now factoring in a dog which will take up half the boot?

Volvo is a bit of a wildcard and I'm not a huge fan of the interior styling (exterior is ace tho), plus the infotainment doesn't look that great. And it's a lot less powerful than the rest.

Stelvio - I normally HATE SUVs - too big, heavy, cumbersome, impractical around London, and sporty ones just seem like trying to polish a turd - but as a way of having 50% of my Giulia QV cake and eating it, it's an option. I've test driven Giulia QVs but not a Stelvio. They look a bit podgy to me (whereas the Giulia looks amazing, imho), but that powertrain is amazing and they get great reviews.

In terms of how I'd use it, it would be for the odd long trip to visit my Dad in Suffolk, or to drive to Army training areas around the country. Plus camping or walking trips in Wales, Lakes etc, maybe even a foray down to the Alps for some climbing or skiing. Basically infrequent long drives, and then more regular trips into the Kent and Surrey countryside with the family plus the usual short runs to the shops or whatever. I love driving and want something with a bit of punch, that's fun to fling around a bit if it's just me, but is still practical enough to stick a dog in the boot and two kids in the back. And that won't break the bank - I can't justify the £100k+ for an RS6, much as I'd love one - I just don't think the step up in price for that or the e63 is justified, especially for performance that isn't usable in this country.

As for the track day itch, the wife suggested getting a 2nd hand Exige or something in a few years once I've saved up - it was her idea, so on that basis...!

I haven't test driven any of them and obviously will have to wait until lockdown is lifted before I can, but in the meantime, any advice or personal experience of any of the above would be really appreciated, cheers.

stevekoz

577 posts

190 months

[report]

[news]

Tuesday 19th January 2021

I have seen the new 340i touring xdrive yesterday in black on black and that was a lovely thing. It looked really really nice.

It would cover the additional space requirement going forwards.

Granted its not quite as fast as the others you've listed but i think in real world terms it would be a lot more useable power.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008142...

dmsims

7,439 posts

295 months

[report]

[news]

Tuesday 19th January 2021

C43 Estate

bagsofsmoke

Original Poster

20 posts

93 months

[report]

[news]

Tuesday 19th January 2021

Thanks guys. Both look great cars - my only concern was that 3 series / C-series respectively might be a bit small if I'm taking the whole family (plus dog) away - i.e. if you take up half the boot with the dog, that doesn't leave much room for luggage (we do normally pack pretty light, but still...). Given they're broadly the same size as our current Audi A4, I think it's worth stepping up a bit size-wise.

stevekoz

577 posts

190 months

[report]

[news]

Tuesday 19th January 2021

bagsofsmoke said:

Thanks guys. Both look great cars - my only concern was that 3 series / C-series respectively might be a bit small if I'm taking the whole family (plus dog) away - i.e. if you take up half the boot with the dog, that doesn't leave much room for luggage (we do normally pack pretty light, but still...). Given they're broadly the same size as our current Audi A4, I think it's worth stepping up a bit size-wise.

Yeah, you are right. Once you've added the dog it takes up a fair bit of the space.

There is the really very good Skoda Superb -

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202003108...

Similar performance to the BMW but an increase in size. Again, real world performance is very useable compared to the monster uber wagons like the rs6 etc.

But, if you were to go a bit older for a similar price range give or take £5k and a keen set of negotiating skills you could get yourself the RS6 for close to £35k

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011075...

Which, despite my general distaste of Audi's is very much the daddy of the faster uber wagon sphere. Only really the E-Class that comes close but in terms of looks, feel, status, the rs6 is the one to have, at least for me.

In terms of the SUV side of things.

I would go a bit outside the box and get myself this --

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010205...

Just for the rarity of the thing if for nothing else. But space wise, this has the the rs6 beat.

CSLchappie

442 posts

232 months

[report]

[news]

Tuesday 19th January 2021

For the implied budget/needs I’d suggest that a nearly new M340i Touring is probably the best objective one car solution, if money was no objective I’d spec a B3 touring up to the eyeballs. I had the previous generation 340i touring and used a Travall boot divider to create two compartments in the rear for my dogs, mainly because the older bossy b

h is always telling the younger one off. Their range covers most modern estates / SUVs so you could consider doing the same, divide the rear into two, one side for the dog, the other for luggage, and it that’s not enough space invest in a roof box.

A comparable RS4 is likely to be a fair bit more money (if buying like for like with age & mileage) C43 is nice, but there aren’t many around in estate form, especially if you want the facelift version. Also a new shape C class is incoming whereas the current shape 3 series and A4 shape have a few good years left.

RS6, you could pick up a low miles run out performance model with all the toys for £55-60k, it will be more to run that any of the above and will be a scrote magnet depending on which part of the country you live in. I wouldn’t be keen to track one either, the novelty factor will soon wear off to be replaced with a niggling worry about how well your tyres and brake are holding up (ie will they be road legal for the trip home!)

That said I love mine and can see myself moving into the C8 model in a year or two’s time. For my wants and circumstances its just about the perfect one car solution.

richatnort

3,198 posts

159 months

[report]

[news]

Tuesday 19th January 2021

I've got a V90 & it's big but it's slow & boring. Also the infotainment system is a bit meh i paid £300 (Well actually £150 dealer went half) for apple car play & don't use anything else now. The quality is superb leather everywhere, nice comfy seats. The engine & gearbox are one of the biggest downsides for me, its soooo slow to kick down or change and the engine does not provide good MPG in my opinion (d4 & i'm getting mid - high 30's).

I had the previous 340i but bigger family with prams and car seats meant i needed more space & i never got to drive it how I wanted to due to kids being in the car or finding the time.

So if you want punchy stay away from Volvo.

Walter Sobchak

5,739 posts

252 months

[report]

[news]

Tuesday 19th January 2021

If you’re considering an EV wouldn’t the Tesla Model X be worth a thought?, I know they’re more SUV like than estate but they are really great cars.

ZX10R NIN

30,480 posts

153 months

[report]

[news]

Tuesday 19th January 2021

bagsofsmoke

Original Poster

20 posts

93 months

[report]

[news]

Tuesday 19th January 2021

Walter Sobchak said:

If you’re considering an EV wouldn’t the Tesla Model X be worth a thought?, I know they’re more SUV like than estate but they are really great cars.

Back when I was dead set on a Giulia QV I test drove a Model S Performance, just for comparison. It was very impressive - particularly the acceleration - but it left me really cold. It felt like driving an iPad. The acceleration is more of a gimmick and when it's decoupled from the sensations you normally expect from a car like the exhaust note etc., it felt a bit hollow. I drove a Taycan more recently (just before the latest lockdown) and while that's also bloody quick, it at least felt more engaging to drive - I turned the synthetic TIE Fighter engine noise on though.

I haven't set foot in an Model X though and a Tesla would certainly get around the problem of the woeful charging network!

bagsofsmoke

Original Poster

20 posts

93 months

[report]

[news]

Tuesday 19th January 2021

ZX10R NIN said:

Good list!!

What's the E53's ride like on crappy British roads? I am definitely veering towards that option (I'm just not a fan of SUVs). A second hand Panamera is very tempting, but is the boot big enough do you think for a dog and family clobber? BMW 540i definitely an option too - not sure why I hadn't included that earlier. Probably still reeling from the recent design decisions BMW have made with the M3/M4 and those grilles - good to see the 5 Series hasn't been smacked with the ugly stick yet.

ZX10R NIN

30,480 posts

153 months

[report]

[news]

Wednesday 20th January 2021

bagsofsmoke said:

Good list!!

What's the E53's ride like on crappy British roads? I am definitely veering towards that option (I'm just not a fan of SUVs). A second hand Panamera is very tempting, but is the boot big enough do you think for a dog and family clobber? BMW 540i definitely an option too - not sure why I hadn't included that earlier. Probably still reeling from the recent design decisions BMW have made with the M3/M4 and those grilles - good to see the 5 Series hasn't been smacked with the ugly stick yet.

I think the ride is good if you could live with an RS4/6 C63 etc it'll feel soft in comparison.

It'll dpend on the size of your dog for the Panamera.

bagsofsmoke

Original Poster

20 posts

93 months

[report]

[news]

Wednesday 20th January 2021

ZX10R NIN said:

I think the ride is good if you could live with an RS4/6 C63 etc it'll feel soft in comparison.

It'll dpend on the size of your dog for the Panamera.

Good to know, thanks. It's a Hungarian Vizsla, so medium-sized. Might be a squeeze.

Our Audi had 20" wheels and pretty firm suspension so hopefully an E53 would be fine - looking forward to test driving one in due course.

Austin_Metro

1,475 posts

76 months

[report]

[news]

Wednesday 20th January 2021

bagsofsmoke said:

Good list!!

What's the E53's ride like on crappy British roads? I am definitely veering towards that option (I'm just not a fan of SUVs). A second hand Panamera is very tempting, but is the boot big enough do you think for a dog and family clobber? BMW 540i definitely an option too - not sure why I hadn't included that earlier. Probably still reeling from the recent design decisions BMW have made with the M3/M4 and those grilles - good to see the 5 Series hasn't been smacked with the ugly stick yet.

Just to second that ... I enjoy a zx10 list!

Op, I have similar reqs to you. I’m thinking 540i next time. It’s figures are pretty strong (it has enough poke) and I’ve really liked my e39 and f10 5 series. I know e class are excellent too and I looked at a petrol s4 avant but decided it was too small.

I know people will say roof box, and they are probably right logically, but to me it means wrong car!

ETA. 540 will leave more £££ for exige etc

Edited by Austin_Metro on Wednesday 20th January 09:36

omniflow

3,810 posts

179 months

[report]

[news]

Wednesday 20th January 2021

Why not go down the two car route?

Get something like a fully spec'd Mondeo Estate for £15K (2 litre petrol turbo) and then spend the rest on a fun car.

If you've got your kids and / or the dog in the car, then the Mondeo will be fast and agile enough for pretty much anyone. Are you really going to regret not having the power to make that A road overtake when you've got your whole family with you?

If you're doing a load lugging trip, then you don't need performance.

If you're out for a fun drive, take the fun car.

This is what I've done. The Mondeo is a constant and I really enjoy driving it. The fun car has changed a couple of times (4C Spider, Maserati GC), and I still love driving that.

Jasandjules

72,523 posts

257 months

[report]

[news]

Wednesday 20th January 2021

I would go with the E63 AMG.... You can switch the suspension to a softer mode and yes the interior lighting bling can be turned up or down and the colours can change too.......... Plenty of room in the back and enough poke I'd say to satisfy most people......

MarkGArgyle

553 posts

182 months

[report]

[news]

Wednesday 20th January 2021

I have a very similar dilemma except I just spent £7k on the fuel system replacement on my 2014 320d within the last year...long story and my fault!

Want an RS6 but cost of the 540i or S6 is much more appealing, especially to get something <3yrs old.

Keeping the 320d and buying a gransport or other 4 seat convertible is my daily struggle.... laugh

Right now car barely moves from the drive and that is another big consideration given I work from home, airport is Uber distance and Mrs G does a short school run.

Only thing that I question about the 5-er is that is it really that much different to the 3?

ETA also need a tow bar for the wobble box...

Lozw86

903 posts

160 months

[report]

[news]

Thursday 21st January 2021

I’d suggest a 540i over a 340i given your circumstances

joshcowin

7,580 posts

204 months

[report]

[news]

Friday 22nd January 2021

v60 polestar? 370bhp

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101047...

v90 T8 385bhp

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010014...

I love the v60 very under the radar!

richatnort

3,198 posts

159 months

[report]

[news]

Friday 22nd January 2021

joshcowin said:

v
v90 T8 385bhp

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010014...

I love the v60 very under the radar!

I would say myself the 20k depreciation that would take and just get a T5 tbh. I recently picked up a D4 with a better spec for 24k for the same age & less miles. that car has some distant to come down in depreciation IMO.