Audi A7, Mercedes C43 or Mercedes C63?
Discussion
I really need some help with decision making and some views from you very knowledgable folks 
My car history is very varied, having had a Mk3 MR2, 3.0si Z4, Honda Accord (stop-gap) and currently an F30 320d. I do really like the 320d - it looks okay, good spec, has been reliable so far (touch wood), even though I have had extended warranty throughout ownership, and is very frugal no matter how hard it is driven. The only issues with it are the seats are uncomfortable and are giving me back pain after long drives and it is a manual - I want an auto now.
Pre Covid I did around 15k+ miles a year with some work mileage in there too. Now, I probably do less than 10k miles with the majority of them being long distance either visiting friends and family around the country or going on breaks with the Mrs etc.
I am really torn about what to get next. I originally wanted a W204 C63 as it has been a bit of a dream car for me and probably the last chance to own that insane V8 before EV's become the norm. However running costs and potential borkage put me off it. The C43 catches my eye as it looks good, sounds good, has similar performance to the C63 and the extended warranty is less than £1k a year. Finally, I have recently started looking at circa 2017 A7's with the 3.0 TDI (270bhp). I really really like the look of these - moreso than the Mercs and diesel would be ideal for my journey types, however I fear I may regret not getting an AMG!
It's worth noting that I did test drive a 440i last year and wasnt too impressed by it, just seemed like any other BMW inside, even though performance is good.
Extended warranty is a bit of a must. I am fairly comfortable financially but would rather have peace of mind knowing that if anything did go bang, it'd be covered rather than having to shell out £££'s myself. The C43 and A7 both have extended warranties of less than £1k which is appealing. I think the C63 would be a fair bit more.
Any thoughts or opinions are welcome from anyone who has owned or driven any of the above. As much as I'd love the V8/V6 in the Merc, I am just conscious of fuel economy when a lot of my trips are longer distance motorway. Plus the A7 looks like a very comfortable place to be with a good road presence.
Thanks for any advice.
My car history is very varied, having had a Mk3 MR2, 3.0si Z4, Honda Accord (stop-gap) and currently an F30 320d. I do really like the 320d - it looks okay, good spec, has been reliable so far (touch wood), even though I have had extended warranty throughout ownership, and is very frugal no matter how hard it is driven. The only issues with it are the seats are uncomfortable and are giving me back pain after long drives and it is a manual - I want an auto now.
Pre Covid I did around 15k+ miles a year with some work mileage in there too. Now, I probably do less than 10k miles with the majority of them being long distance either visiting friends and family around the country or going on breaks with the Mrs etc.
I am really torn about what to get next. I originally wanted a W204 C63 as it has been a bit of a dream car for me and probably the last chance to own that insane V8 before EV's become the norm. However running costs and potential borkage put me off it. The C43 catches my eye as it looks good, sounds good, has similar performance to the C63 and the extended warranty is less than £1k a year. Finally, I have recently started looking at circa 2017 A7's with the 3.0 TDI (270bhp). I really really like the look of these - moreso than the Mercs and diesel would be ideal for my journey types, however I fear I may regret not getting an AMG!
It's worth noting that I did test drive a 440i last year and wasnt too impressed by it, just seemed like any other BMW inside, even though performance is good.
Extended warranty is a bit of a must. I am fairly comfortable financially but would rather have peace of mind knowing that if anything did go bang, it'd be covered rather than having to shell out £££'s myself. The C43 and A7 both have extended warranties of less than £1k which is appealing. I think the C63 would be a fair bit more.
Any thoughts or opinions are welcome from anyone who has owned or driven any of the above. As much as I'd love the V8/V6 in the Merc, I am just conscious of fuel economy when a lot of my trips are longer distance motorway. Plus the A7 looks like a very comfortable place to be with a good road presence.
Thanks for any advice.
Really useful feedback, thanks.
Phil Dicky - you are probably right there, I am undecided on what I want. A part of me wants to get an absolute animal whilst the opportunity is still there, the other wants a quick but very comfortable cruiser such as the A7.
Thanks for the suggestions ZX. I forgot to mention that my budget is around £20k-£25k. I am happy to stretch to £30k if insurance/warranty etc isn't too crazy.
I think the fuel economy is going to be a consideration too. Living in Manchester, there aren't that many twisty roads to enjoy the C43 and a comfortable cruiser makes more sense, however on them odd occasions...
Decisions!
Phil Dicky - you are probably right there, I am undecided on what I want. A part of me wants to get an absolute animal whilst the opportunity is still there, the other wants a quick but very comfortable cruiser such as the A7.
Thanks for the suggestions ZX. I forgot to mention that my budget is around £20k-£25k. I am happy to stretch to £30k if insurance/warranty etc isn't too crazy.
I think the fuel economy is going to be a consideration too. Living in Manchester, there aren't that many twisty roads to enjoy the C43 and a comfortable cruiser makes more sense, however on them odd occasions...
Decisions!
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