What car: ca. £28k; 4 seats; 300+ HP

[bobsavage789]

Despite the ongoing Corona malaise, I’m determined to start August with a new (to me) car. I reckon I’ve a budget of around £28k.

Criteria (in no particular order) are:
1) 4 seats min., including space for baby seat in the back.
2) 300 or more horse power (“I wanna go fast!”)
3) Premium sound system ideally.
4) ‘67 plate or later
5) relatively cheap to run (fuel economy is less of an issue due to a short commute)
6) petrol
7) auto preferred

So far my shortlist comprises of:
Kia Stinger GTS
Mercedes C43
BMW 540i and 3/440i

Anything I’m missing? Does anyone have any feedback on any of the above options? I’m hoping to start test drives next week, so need to know what to look out for.

Thanks in advance, all.

[bobsavage789]

alfabeat said:

Here you go:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

Thanks for the suggestion: I have looked at these previously.


I love the exterior of these, but the interior/technology seems very ‘last generation’...

[bobsavage789]

JonChalk said:

Audi S5 Sportback.

Could go for the coupe, but access to the rear seats is going to be awkward.

I want to like these, as the styling inside and out is lovely.

I have 2 concerns with the S5 though:

1) from what I can gather, the steering is very ‘distant’: can you shed any light on this?
2) EVERYTHING is an option (even things that are standard on much cheaper cars), so it’s likely I’d end up with far less equipment than in anything else.

[bobsavage789]

Saleen836 said:

New Mustang?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

The idea of a V8 Mustang is very appealing, but I’m told the back seats are essentially just for show...

[bobsavage789]

ZX10R NIN said:

If you can live with two doors & can live with two doors then the RC-F is a good shout it'll be slower depreciation wise than the cooking models you mention & servicing costs are on par with what you've short listed:

RC-F

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

If it has to be 2017 then there's the Q60

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

The 3.3 Stinger is a very good pick for a family wagon:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

To get a good C43 AMG Line you'll want one with the Premium Plus spec to get all the things you require which puts you over 28k if it really has to be 2017+

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

I'd also look at the Audi S6 understated & very potent

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

640i GC M Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

650i GC MSport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

XF S

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

Polestar V60 now this maybe leftfield but it ticks a lot of boxes:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

Jaguar XE S

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

I was hoping you’d contribute: thanks for doing so.

Lots of interesting ideas on there (I love the idea of a 6 series GC, and the XE S is my ideal car; there just seem to be very few newer examples with the spec I want - I find the boggo interior a bit disappointing). I am keen to keep it ‘67 plate or newer, and under 30k miles, as I’ve been stung by sizeable borks (oo err) in the past, and think newer, less-used cars will help in that endeavour. Also, the older the car, the more likely something big/expensive will need replacing.

I’m keen to hear from people about what’s on my current shortlist: any experiences (good or bad!) to be shared would be most welcome!

[bobsavage789]

nordboy said:

I have a 540i msport xdrive touring. It really ticks all my boxes, comfortable, new cockpits are a huge improvement over older bm’s, mine isn’t particularly a great spec but it’s got everything i really need. Oh! And for a big car, really handles well and bloody shifts when you want it too !

Thanks, Nordboy: exactly the kind of feedback I’m after. One of my concerns was the road handling, so it’s good to hear you like its handling.

Did you consider anything else when you were looking? The current 5 series seems rather larger: do you have any issues with the size (as my wife tries to tell me: it’s not the size, it’s what you do with it)?

[bobsavage789]

ZX10R NIN said:

Depending on the Manufacturer you can have a Manufacturers warranty added to a 2016 car for some peace of mind.

Very good point: I’ll look into that, as it’d certainly open up my options.

[bobsavage789]

EvoSid said:

why no 4dr M3 or 2dr M4 as a candidate ?

I would love either of these, but am concerned about the potential quality of examples that come in budget and also running/servicing costs (M tax etc.).

If running an M2 is comparable to those on my shortlist, that would be great!

[bobsavage789]

Mammasaid said:

Baby = Safety = Volvo surely?

This'll do > https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

I think I’m a few years of being ground down by children away from a Volvo, despite the T6 engine. I’m unconvinced by the excitement that can be generated by a V90, I’m afraid; lovely, comfortable cars they may be.

[bobsavage789]

jimmydash said:

BMW 6 convertible. I’ve had 4, took them all to 96k, never missed a beat. Fast, comfortable, I use specialist servicing. My current one has loads of extras my favourite is the B&O sound system.

Interesting suggestion: what’s it like for practicality? Boot space and back seat space are important for me unfortunately...

[bobsavage789]

Wills2 said:

Merc E43 4matic? They are probably around the 30k mark.

Can’t see any in budget, unfortunately. Love the interiors on these; especially with the dual screen setup.

[bobsavage789]

dunc69 said:

Bob, I went through a similar list, ended up narrowing it down to 540i xDrive and Kia Stinger GTS.

Also seriously considered Superb 280 AWD and Golf R estate. Looked at Audi AS4 and VW Arteon 280 too.

Ended up with the Kia.

7 year warranty, every toy included, rarity factor (get asked about it a lot!), rear drive handling, easily enough power for me and the £145 tax (just sneaks under the luxury car tax band) were some of the important factors. Very happy with my choice.

If you can stretch to an updated ‘68 or ‘19 car, you will have a significantly improved exhaust note, upgraded infotainment screen, updated gearbox software (will remain in manual when selected in Sport mode), more info in the HUD and ambient lighting.

Good luck choosing, comparing and test driving. It’s a lot of fun! Happy to answer any questions.

Edited by dunc69 on Sunday 7th June 14:56

Thanks, Dunc.

Yes, I’ve followed your Stinger thread with great interest: the Stinger looks like a fabulous package. There’s only one facelift example under £30k within 100 miles on AT, so let’s hope there are some more on the market over the next few weeks.

[bobsavage789]

Downward said:

Brand new virtually Cupra lux.

300 miles 20 plate.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

Or the Estate version for a few hundred pound more with 300bhp and 4wd

Edited by Downward on Sunday 7th June 13:31

Excellent value for money, but my fear is the interior feels like too much of a step down from my current Golf GTI (the wife had a Leon not too long ago, and whilst functional, it felt like it was built to a budget).

[bobsavage789]

Dift said:

I'm in a similar position and have looked at a few options.

We are going for an 16/17 SQ5 plus, slightly aged interior infotainment but great sound system, 335bhp and 700+nm of torque.

Currently Audi are offering 2 year warranty on approved used which is a big factor in our decision

Is it a diesel? The only petrols I could find were over budget.

[bobsavage789]

Jag_NE said:

540i x drive has to be a superb all rounder.

Yep: sounds like a front runner currently.

[bobsavage789]

First (unaccompanied) test drive yesterday: a 540i.

Pros:
- very comfortable and roomy: a great car in which to cover long distances, I’d imagine.
- The exhaust/engine note, whilst nothing outrageous, is pleasingly purposeful.
- from behind the steering wheel, it doesn’t feel as large on roads as it seems on the inside; quite Tardis-like in that respect.
- plenty fast enough

Cons:
- despite the ‘Tardisness’, it still feels large going down country roads and through residential streets, although this would probably be something I’d get used to. It still limited my enjoyment of the country lanes I took it down l though.
- the most expensive on my shortlist to insure.


Next weekend I’m planning on trying out a 440i GC: I’ll report back then.

[bobsavage789]

Jonnychloe said:

Hi,

I am due to sell my 18 plate black M2 if you are interested, looking for £29k.

18 plate (lci model light update)
30k Miles
2 main dealer services
Black pack grilles
Paint GuardX
Harmon Karden etc.

Let me know if you would like to discuss more,

Regards

Jonny

Thanks, Jonny, but I think a combination of relatively expensive servicing and the reduced practicality would rule the M2 out.

I wish you every success in selling it though!

[bobsavage789]

So there seem to very few 440 GCs that meet my requirements (for some reason lots have been specced without M Sport Plus pack, and I really like the look of the M Sport wheels/blue callipers!). Others are too new for the MPPSK, which I’d want to add at a later date... Dang.

Luckily, I found a 2018 340 Touring which I’m hoping to test drive this weekend.

I’ll report back on whatever I end up driving on Saturday/Sunday!

[bobsavage789]

This is becoming rather tiresome: the 340 touring has now sold, so I tried to arrange to test drive a 440 coupé (even if it was just to check out the interior and the B58 engine in that guise) that has recently appeared on AT. I was told this had also been sold...

I’ve decided to abandon trying out a 3/440i and check out a Stinger this weekend. It’s a pre-facelift version unfortunately, but I’ll see if I could live with the shortcomings, as it’d be by far the cheapest to run...

Let’s hope this one doesn’t get sold tomorrow!

[bobsavage789]

I’ve just got back from test driving the Stinger, and here are my thoughts...

Pros:
- excellent value for money, despite some shortcomings (more on those in a bit).
- when I put my foot down, I found the exhaust note surprisingly loud (in a good way!) even in the pre-facelift version.
- it does have every option going, pretty much
- it felt very exciting to drive; very alert and ‘on its toes’
- the exterior looks even better in the flesh (especially in black!)

Cons:
- far smaller on the inside than the exterior size would suggest (rear leg/headroom and the boot); like a reverse Tardis
- I found the seats quite uncomfortable
- the interior, whilst very functional, just didn’t feel in any way ‘special’ to me
- even in sport+, the downshift after planting the throttle seemed sluggish

I really, really wanted to like it more than I did (it is excellent value for money, after all), but just didn’t, unfortunately...

Currently, the head says “Kia”; the heart says “5 series”.

Hoping to test a C43 saloon next week and then be able to make a decision. I’ll report back on that as well!