daily car choice...

[Loz8]

Basically, motorway driving for when I cant take the 430 (the office, clients, weather etc - got stuck in the snow last week!) narrowed it down to the following around 25k-30k mark
Audi A8 3.0
Merc S320
BMW 730d
or maybe a Maserati Quattroporte on say a 55plate?...
Obviously its a bit of a heart/head choice as ever but given current situ its time to be fairly sensible - Can I live with the running costs of the mas, or is it going to be like running two ferraris? Anyone any experience?
Cheers

[Adam T]

You can certainly pick up a great deal on all 3!! personally S320 CDI for 'Bahn storming, well, M1 storming.

[Jules360]

Nice big 4x4, comfortable and can handle any conditions the 430 can't.

[V8 BYE]

Jules360 said:

Nice big 4x4, comfortable and can handle any conditions the 430 can't.

I agree, I have a 360 spider and just bought a 54 plate Techart Porsche Cayenne S for 20K. Right result, and best of both worlds.

[JCB123]

S-class? no thanks...have CLS's fallen to these prices yet...? I love 'em!

[wazza]

You can buy an Audi A8 4.2 TDi for that money!

[Loz8]

CLS's have fallen too, im just not a big fan of the shape.
A8 is winning at the moment....was thinking the 3.0 tho

[martin thomas]

Range rover supercharger!! No contest. over 70k new and a 2 year old can easily be had for your budget.

Martin

[456mgt]

You mention snow in your post, so do you want another prestige car with similar capabilities to the 430, or something with a broader repertoire? Faced with a similar choice, I went with an Audi Allroad. With the icy weather we've been having recently, 4WD is a real boon. Same when roads are flooded or you have to park on grass verges etc. I leave it at home whenever I can though!

[evil_dr_fish]

IMHO - Unless you're one of the lucky / hardworking guys here for whom money is absolutely NO issue whatsoever (more power to you - need a son in law?! )... I say s0d it - Buy a Mondeo and keep all your money for your toys that really matter!

It will be just as comfortable, reliable and fuel-economical (ok admittedly there is zero cache ...but EVERY motorway mile munching rep drives a deutschewagen - so it actually says more about individuality then anything red, gold und black!) but it will cost less to buy, maintain and insure so you can spend your hard earned on your REAL car!

How much fun / joy are you realistically going to get from your day car - would an Audi REALLY be more 'fun' than an Mondeo? Enough to justify the £k's extra?

How many track days or european, petrolhead nirvana type runs (or or or) in your 430 could you pay for with what you save?



Just my 2p HTH!

[evil_dr_fish]

Ok...

I've just had one last mad idea out of left-field...

Monaro!

(what about a 300c Hemi - look like a drive by pimp! LOL)

[Loz8]

Its a good point, and I have considered a mondeo and a citroen and actually maybe an A class merc...money is very much an object unfortunately and i'm as aware as anyone especially with my own business and a 430 in the garage! I drive about 70m a day often in gridlock so just want some comfort to make calls etc as in the winter the drive is always worse. I have been commuting in the 430 when circumstances allow which isn't too often at the mo and a 130k mile 993 which hasn't let me down in 10 years but just isnt right for the driving i'm doing

The audi allroad isn't a bad shout actually...

Edited by Loz8 on Thursday 11th December 20:24

[graeme36s]

Ford F150 Lightning Pick Up Truck. 380bhp, 450ft lb of torque, not much good in the snow as rwd only unless you stick winter tyres on it. But best all round vehicle I have ever owned that never goes wrong. 18mpg average. 60 in low 5's and 150 flat out.

[andrew.]

evil_dr_fish said:

I say s0d it - Buy a Mondeo and keep all your money for your toys that really matter!

i couldn't agree more
by day, i'm a fiesta driver...

[Tycoon]

Range Rover's are pretty much the ultimate method of daily transport in my opinion, so comfy, safe and will tackle all terrains. With prices so low, it'd be rude not to...

[jimmyb]

Why not an old 7 series? Classy to look at should be limo quiet and silky smooth to drive and well under budget.

Option 1:
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/744624.htm

Or option 2:

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/813110.htm

Half the budget the other half can go on fuel bills unless you go one better and lpg it but may not be worth it with low ish mileage.

Edited by jimmyb on Thursday 11th December 23:03

[BlueMR2]

'04 5L V10 TDI £18,950 from a VW approved dealer apparently
http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/VOLK...

'07 07 3L TDI £18,990 JCT600 Hull
http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/VOLK...

'06 56 4.2 V8 Petrol £19,999 one owner apparently only 980 miles
http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/VOLK...

03 3.2 V6 petrol £6,999 currently cheapest on auto trader
http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/VOLK...

04 3.2 V6 £7995 but no mileage listed so possibly very high
http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/VOLK...

All but the first mention 4motion as well.

[funwithrevs]

I used to think a Mondeo would be a good enough daily drive 'til I actually tried driving one for a week. I don't mind lack of power or prestige, but I like to actually get around corners. Maybe a Focus would be better, they seem to get better comments on handling. OTOH, if you want 4WD...

2007 Alfa 159 3.2l V6 with Q4 4WD system?

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/798302.htm

[wazza]

Loz8 said:

CLS's have fallen too, im just not a big fan of the shape.
A8 is winning at the moment....was thinking the 3.0 tho

I have an A8 4.0 TDi. After you test drive the V8 Diesel, you won't want the 3.0 The 4.2 TDi is seriously fast and 35+ MPG too!

[Adam T]

The audi allroad isn't a bad shout actually...

Edited by Loz8 on Thursday 11th December 20:24

[/quote]

If you would have said.... ace car. really really good.