Fast, Sensible, Muscular - Around £25k
Discussion
I find myself in the position to enjoy something a little bit more interesting for a couple of years before life gets in the way.
I'm a big fan of fast muscular saloons. No requirements for 5 seats or 4 doors I just like them. A bit of load space is handy for hobbies but not essential.
My current steer is a Saab 9-3 2.8 V6 with some light fettling and I really love it. It manages to look fairly sensible, respectable, and be comfortable enough while giving me a nice grin when I do floor it. I'm also a big fan of having some solid mid-range grunt, and being able to make progress without revving it out or going WOT - maybe something about NOT using the power I have?
I'm not a "driver" so things like a balanced chassis and finesse are lost on me. I'll occasionally attack a twisty A road but really I want something that takes the formula I have now and knocks it up a few levels (comfortable and nice to sit in, respectable enough to an outsider, big grin when required, lots of speed in a straight line). My driving is a mix of shortish town journeys or longer motorway stints. I doubt I'd see 6000 miles a year so don't envisage getting bored by whacks of acceleration or exhaust notes. Something that flatters me as a driver and doesn't try to kill me would get big plus points as would "positive drama" (noise and acceleration).
I'd prefer it wasn't too old, as for the money I'm spending I'd like to feel good inside. Aware that an 8-10 year old car would definitely feel old to many though.
I've got 3 cars in the running currently, and am aware they are different segments:
F10 M5
This is the front runner. I can get a LCI model for this budget and there doesn't seem to be too many options to need to worry about either. I love it because it's sensible, fairly comfortable, nice to sit in, yet absolutely bonkers. I think just owning an M5 would make me very happy. It looks like a warranty is £1300 a year which seems fine to stop worrying about things breaking.
I'm aware that there is a lot of talk of these not being usable in the UK, you just can't get the power down at legal speeds etc. The biggest concern here is the noise / drama element. I've only got youtube as a research tool and on that these seem pretty nice on the outside, the exhaust makes a good noise. Inside is a bit quieter (although if you're getting the power down, surely the pace alone would consume all attention?).
Imagine I could skip the comp pack as I wouldn't benefit from it anyway.
W204 C63
Noise. Need I say more? It's to die for. I absolutely love the look it of it in boring Mercedes silver too. Looks like plenty of options are available for my price and the noise really is to die for. Concerns are that it doesn't have an "off" switch at all - even at 6am on a tired commute it's still a full on exhaust. Similarly, with the N/A engine - it needs some work, and might feel a bit tiring after a turbo-charged lump. Can't figure out the warranty situation on these but must be more simple. I guess the interior is less nice than the other two but a big step up from where I am now.
I don't think I'd need the PPP or LSD (although nice) given the fact I'm not pushing it in that way.
X150 XKR
Autotrader says I might get one around 2011/2012 with decent miles. It looks a step up from the other two - something really special, and I don't explicitly need back seats so that isn't a worry. The noise is glorious and the thump of supercharger would help with what I like about not having to gun it. Again I know nothing about warranty but the recent thread on these suggested they were fairly reliable. Have heard they have a bit of tendency to try and kill people though?
I know questions will be asked like - considered a CL or an E63 but none of the other contenders really appeal to me. Couldn't tell you why, they just don't.
So really after any thoughts or input in to the matter - anything I might have overlooked. I've been toying with the idea for months so wanted some steer before putting up a specific thread on the final choice.
I'm a big fan of fast muscular saloons. No requirements for 5 seats or 4 doors I just like them. A bit of load space is handy for hobbies but not essential.
My current steer is a Saab 9-3 2.8 V6 with some light fettling and I really love it. It manages to look fairly sensible, respectable, and be comfortable enough while giving me a nice grin when I do floor it. I'm also a big fan of having some solid mid-range grunt, and being able to make progress without revving it out or going WOT - maybe something about NOT using the power I have?
I'm not a "driver" so things like a balanced chassis and finesse are lost on me. I'll occasionally attack a twisty A road but really I want something that takes the formula I have now and knocks it up a few levels (comfortable and nice to sit in, respectable enough to an outsider, big grin when required, lots of speed in a straight line). My driving is a mix of shortish town journeys or longer motorway stints. I doubt I'd see 6000 miles a year so don't envisage getting bored by whacks of acceleration or exhaust notes. Something that flatters me as a driver and doesn't try to kill me would get big plus points as would "positive drama" (noise and acceleration).
I'd prefer it wasn't too old, as for the money I'm spending I'd like to feel good inside. Aware that an 8-10 year old car would definitely feel old to many though.
I've got 3 cars in the running currently, and am aware they are different segments:
F10 M5
This is the front runner. I can get a LCI model for this budget and there doesn't seem to be too many options to need to worry about either. I love it because it's sensible, fairly comfortable, nice to sit in, yet absolutely bonkers. I think just owning an M5 would make me very happy. It looks like a warranty is £1300 a year which seems fine to stop worrying about things breaking.
I'm aware that there is a lot of talk of these not being usable in the UK, you just can't get the power down at legal speeds etc. The biggest concern here is the noise / drama element. I've only got youtube as a research tool and on that these seem pretty nice on the outside, the exhaust makes a good noise. Inside is a bit quieter (although if you're getting the power down, surely the pace alone would consume all attention?).
Imagine I could skip the comp pack as I wouldn't benefit from it anyway.
W204 C63
Noise. Need I say more? It's to die for. I absolutely love the look it of it in boring Mercedes silver too. Looks like plenty of options are available for my price and the noise really is to die for. Concerns are that it doesn't have an "off" switch at all - even at 6am on a tired commute it's still a full on exhaust. Similarly, with the N/A engine - it needs some work, and might feel a bit tiring after a turbo-charged lump. Can't figure out the warranty situation on these but must be more simple. I guess the interior is less nice than the other two but a big step up from where I am now.
I don't think I'd need the PPP or LSD (although nice) given the fact I'm not pushing it in that way.
X150 XKR
Autotrader says I might get one around 2011/2012 with decent miles. It looks a step up from the other two - something really special, and I don't explicitly need back seats so that isn't a worry. The noise is glorious and the thump of supercharger would help with what I like about not having to gun it. Again I know nothing about warranty but the recent thread on these suggested they were fairly reliable. Have heard they have a bit of tendency to try and kill people though?
I know questions will be asked like - considered a CL or an E63 but none of the other contenders really appeal to me. Couldn't tell you why, they just don't.
So really after any thoughts or input in to the matter - anything I might have overlooked. I've been toying with the idea for months so wanted some steer before putting up a specific thread on the final choice.
Edited by Calza on Tuesday 5th October 13:20
All three you suggested are decent options. If it were me, I'd probably go for the Jag as it's the least chavvy, the Mercedes being the worst.
Here are some other options
Jaguar XFR
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107145...
Lexus IS-F
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109237...
Audi S6
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109207...
Here are some other options
Jaguar XFR
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107145...
Lexus IS-F
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109237...
Audi S6
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109207...
I don't know, but is the inside of the Merc worse than the M5 like you suggest? I'd be surprised, most Merc interiors seem far nicer than equivalent beamers, I maybe prejudiced from a bad previous BMW experience.
I'm also not totally convinced that you will find the Jaguar screams craftmanship either.
I'm also not totally convinced that you will find the Jaguar screams craftmanship either.
georgeyboy12345 said:
All three you suggested are decent options. If it were me, I'd probably go for the Jag as it's the least chavvy, the Mercedes being the worst.
Here are some other options
Jaguar XFR
Lexus IS-F
Audi S6
You're right, the Mercedes reputation could be a bit much. In your alternatives the XFR just doesn't seem to tickle me (couldn't say why), The IS-F feels a bit down on power compared to the rest and the S6 would honestly annoy me that it wasn't an RS6.Here are some other options
Jaguar XFR
Lexus IS-F
Audi S6
Largechris said:
I don't know, but is the inside of the Merc worse than the M5 like you suggest? I'd be surprised, most Merc interiors seem far nicer than equivalent beamers, I maybe prejudiced from a bad previous BMW experience.
I'm also not totally convinced that you will find the Jaguar screams craftmanship either.
I have no idea either. I just assumed that a bit newer and larger segment would mean a bit more "premium".I'm also not totally convinced that you will find the Jaguar screams craftmanship either.
DrEMa said:
Vauxhall VXR8, Jaguar XE s (the V6 with blower) or Audi S4? You might just find a Kia Stinger in budget too
Used to love the idea of a VXR8 but it just doesn't seem special enough compared to some of the others - plus from what I understand their power delivery can be a bit boring as standard?Edited by DrEMa on Tuesday 5th October 16:27
SWoll said:
CLS63.
Better interior, ride and sound than the M5 and you have the option of a shooting brake for added practicality should you want it.
That's a good shout. Can't stand the saloon but the shooting brake is gorgeous. Weirdly the advert you posted is coming up at £28.4k for me. I think these might just be a little out of my realistic budget sadly?Better interior, ride and sound than the M5 and you have the option of a shooting brake for added practicality should you want it.
Calza said:
I find myself in the position to enjoy something a little bit more interesting for a couple of years before life gets in the way.
I'm a big fan of fast muscular saloons. No requirements for 5 seats or 4 doors I just like them. A bit of load space is handy for hobbies but not essential.
My current steer is a Saab 9-3 2.8 V6 with some light fettling and I really love it. It manages to look fairly sensible, respectable, and be comfortable enough while giving me a nice grin when I do floor it. I'm also a big fan of having some solid mid-range grunt, and being able to make progress without revving it out or going WOT - maybe something about NOT using the power I have?
I'm not a "driver" so things like a balanced chassis and finesse are lost on me. I'll occasionally attack a twisty A road but really I want something that takes the formula I have now and knocks it up a few levels (comfortable and nice to sit in, respectable enough to an outsider, big grin when required, lots of speed in a straight line). My driving is a mix of shortish town journeys or longer motorway stints. I doubt I'd see 6000 miles a year so don't envisage getting bored by whacks of acceleration or exhaust notes. Something that flatters me as a driver and doesn't try to kill me would get big plus points as would "positive drama" (noise and acceleration).
I'd prefer it wasn't too old, as for the money I'm spending I'd like to feel good inside. Aware that an 8-10 year old car would definitely feel old to many though.
I've got 3 cars in the running currently, and am aware they are different segments:
F10 M5
This is the front runner. I can get a LCI model for this budget and there doesn't seem to be too many options to need to worry about either. I love it because it's sensible, fairly comfortable, nice to sit in, yet absolutely bonkers. I think just owning an M5 would make me very happy. It looks like a warranty is £1300 a year which seems fine to stop worrying about things breaking.
I'm aware that there is a lot of talk of these not being usable in the UK, you just can't get the power down at legal speeds etc. The biggest concern here is the noise / drama element. I've only got youtube as a research tool and on that these seem pretty nice on the outside, the exhaust makes a good noise. Inside is a bit quieter (although if you're getting the power down, surely the pace alone would consume all attention?).
Imagine I could skip the comp pack as I wouldn't benefit from it anyway.
W204 C63
Noise. Need I say more? It's to die for. I absolutely love the look it of it in boring Mercedes silver too. Looks like plenty of options are available for my price and the noise really is to die for. Concerns are that it doesn't have an "off" switch at all - even at 6am on a tired commute it's still a full on exhaust. Similarly, with the N/A engine - it needs some work, and might feel a bit tiring after a turbo-charged lump. Can't figure out the warranty situation on these but must be more simple. I guess the interior is less nice than the other two but a big step up from where I am now.
I don't think I'd need the PPP or LSD (although nice) given the fact I'm not pushing it in that way.
X150 XKR
Autotrader says I might get one around 2011/2012 with decent miles. It looks a step up from the other two - something really special, and I don't explicitly need back seats so that isn't a worry. The noise is glorious and the thump of supercharger would help with what I like about not having to gun it. Again I know nothing about warranty but the recent thread on these suggested they were fairly reliable. Have heard they have a bit of tendency to try and kill people though?
I know questions will be asked like - considered a CL or an E63 but none of the other contenders really appeal to me. Couldn't tell you why, they just don't.
So really after any thoughts or input in to the matter - anything I might have overlooked. I've been toying with the idea for months so wanted some steer before putting up a specific thread on the final choice.
The C63 isn't super loud even at 6am you won't be upsetting those around you, they're imo a more special car than the F10 M5:I'm a big fan of fast muscular saloons. No requirements for 5 seats or 4 doors I just like them. A bit of load space is handy for hobbies but not essential.
My current steer is a Saab 9-3 2.8 V6 with some light fettling and I really love it. It manages to look fairly sensible, respectable, and be comfortable enough while giving me a nice grin when I do floor it. I'm also a big fan of having some solid mid-range grunt, and being able to make progress without revving it out or going WOT - maybe something about NOT using the power I have?
I'm not a "driver" so things like a balanced chassis and finesse are lost on me. I'll occasionally attack a twisty A road but really I want something that takes the formula I have now and knocks it up a few levels (comfortable and nice to sit in, respectable enough to an outsider, big grin when required, lots of speed in a straight line). My driving is a mix of shortish town journeys or longer motorway stints. I doubt I'd see 6000 miles a year so don't envisage getting bored by whacks of acceleration or exhaust notes. Something that flatters me as a driver and doesn't try to kill me would get big plus points as would "positive drama" (noise and acceleration).
I'd prefer it wasn't too old, as for the money I'm spending I'd like to feel good inside. Aware that an 8-10 year old car would definitely feel old to many though.
I've got 3 cars in the running currently, and am aware they are different segments:
F10 M5
This is the front runner. I can get a LCI model for this budget and there doesn't seem to be too many options to need to worry about either. I love it because it's sensible, fairly comfortable, nice to sit in, yet absolutely bonkers. I think just owning an M5 would make me very happy. It looks like a warranty is £1300 a year which seems fine to stop worrying about things breaking.
I'm aware that there is a lot of talk of these not being usable in the UK, you just can't get the power down at legal speeds etc. The biggest concern here is the noise / drama element. I've only got youtube as a research tool and on that these seem pretty nice on the outside, the exhaust makes a good noise. Inside is a bit quieter (although if you're getting the power down, surely the pace alone would consume all attention?).
Imagine I could skip the comp pack as I wouldn't benefit from it anyway.
W204 C63
Noise. Need I say more? It's to die for. I absolutely love the look it of it in boring Mercedes silver too. Looks like plenty of options are available for my price and the noise really is to die for. Concerns are that it doesn't have an "off" switch at all - even at 6am on a tired commute it's still a full on exhaust. Similarly, with the N/A engine - it needs some work, and might feel a bit tiring after a turbo-charged lump. Can't figure out the warranty situation on these but must be more simple. I guess the interior is less nice than the other two but a big step up from where I am now.
I don't think I'd need the PPP or LSD (although nice) given the fact I'm not pushing it in that way.
X150 XKR
Autotrader says I might get one around 2011/2012 with decent miles. It looks a step up from the other two - something really special, and I don't explicitly need back seats so that isn't a worry. The noise is glorious and the thump of supercharger would help with what I like about not having to gun it. Again I know nothing about warranty but the recent thread on these suggested they were fairly reliable. Have heard they have a bit of tendency to try and kill people though?
I know questions will be asked like - considered a CL or an E63 but none of the other contenders really appeal to me. Couldn't tell you why, they just don't.
So really after any thoughts or input in to the matter - anything I might have overlooked. I've been toying with the idea for months so wanted some steer before putting up a specific thread on the final choice.
Edited by Calza on Tuesday 5th October 13:20
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109197...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109077...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107235...
The C63 has plenty of torque (not F10 levels but you won['t feel short changed) & a searing top end my OH still misses hers.
The F10 is a very good car & you'll have no problem putting the power down unless you have a truly heavy foot.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107305...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108196...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109147...
I'd suggest taking a good look at the XFR they're a very good option:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107165...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108266...
I've been looking forward to your reply - since I've been coming on here you've been replying to threads like this with links to cars!
How capable is the c63 of being sedate/comfortable when not pressing? I've got no experience but always got the impression it was fairly loud regardless of throttle usage.
I think I'd want the M5 below 60,000 miles so I had a reasonable chance at getting a warranty on it. This looked interesting: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109157... as does this: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106244...
I'll have another think about the XFR - I admit there is something a bit special about them in black https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108276...
To be honest part of me is struggling to see past the M5 because of its sheer power - as I write that I realise how daft it is given the cars we're looking at are all more than fast enough for the roads, but I guess having never owned a proper fast car - it's hard to see past. I really do take the note about the C63 being more special though.
How capable is the c63 of being sedate/comfortable when not pressing? I've got no experience but always got the impression it was fairly loud regardless of throttle usage.
I think I'd want the M5 below 60,000 miles so I had a reasonable chance at getting a warranty on it. This looked interesting: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109157... as does this: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106244...
I'll have another think about the XFR - I admit there is something a bit special about them in black https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108276...
To be honest part of me is struggling to see past the M5 because of its sheer power - as I write that I realise how daft it is given the cars we're looking at are all more than fast enough for the roads, but I guess having never owned a proper fast car - it's hard to see past. I really do take the note about the C63 being more special though.
Edited by Calza on Tuesday 5th October 19:59
Calza said:
I've been looking forward to your reply - since I've been coming on here you've been replying to threads like this with links to cars!
How capable is the c63 of being sedate/comfortable when not pressing? I've got no experience but always got the impression it was fairly loud regardless of throttle usage.
I think I'd want the M5 below 60,000 miles so I had a reasonable chance at getting a warranty on it. This looked interesting: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109157... as does this: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106244...
I'll have another think about the XFR - I admit there is something a bit special about them in black https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108276...
To be honest part of me is struggling to see past the M5 because of its sheer power - as I write that I realise how daft it is given the cars we're looking at are all more than fast enough for the roads, but I guess having never owned a proper fast car - it's hard to see past. I really do take the note about the C63 being more special though.
You can just roll around in the C63 just fine the ride isn't overly stiff they're also pretty quiet with the standard exhaust, driving normally know one will know you're in a 63 from the exhaust note.How capable is the c63 of being sedate/comfortable when not pressing? I've got no experience but always got the impression it was fairly loud regardless of throttle usage.
I think I'd want the M5 below 60,000 miles so I had a reasonable chance at getting a warranty on it. This looked interesting: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109157... as does this: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106244...
I'll have another think about the XFR - I admit there is something a bit special about them in black https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108276...
To be honest part of me is struggling to see past the M5 because of its sheer power - as I write that I realise how daft it is given the cars we're looking at are all more than fast enough for the roads, but I guess having never owned a proper fast car - it's hard to see past. I really do take the note about the C63 being more special though.
Edited by Calza on Tuesday 5th October 19:59
Test drive both before buying either one, you're spending a lot of money you should at least checkout your alternatives before buying.
I just found my dream car... Search for yours https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108146...
Left field choice...
Left field choice...
As an alternative to a XFR what about a XJ SS? Always liked the look of them, a nicer interior than a XFR IMO.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2021090168...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2021090168...
Calza said:
Dealers would seem a better approach assuming they're happy to test drive.
If a dealer isn't happy with you test driving or tries any funny business, like running a credit check or getting you to agree to using their finance before the test drive, just tell them no thanks and walk away. Call ahead and let them know you'll be coming to have a look at it. Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff