New Car for Dev

Dev,

Option (g)

If carbon dioxide emissions are as important to BP as they claim, you should make a statement by buying a Prius.

Joe

New car, new garden - where are your priorities man? Prius + 552.

That's not a Prius is it, PB!

quote:

Originally posted by Dev B:

The contenders:

a) A4 Avant Quattro 3.0TDi Auto

I like Audi's but I've been dissapointed with the build quality and the dealerships in the past. I have recently been trying to persuade SWMBO that an RS4 Avant would be the ideal family car though...

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b) BMW 330i/d Touring Auto (or maybe 325i)

Too small.

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c) BMW 525d Saloon

The last model 5 series is a nice enough car but the latest one is pretty nasty inside and out, even if it is nice to drive.

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d) Merc E270CDi Estate Sport

I like the E series estate but having driven the diesels I'd suggest that you'd be much better off with the bigger engine especially if going for an automatic. The estate doesn't hide it's bulk well when driving.

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e) Jaguar S Type 2.7D

No.

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f) BMW X3 3.0d Sport

Fuck no. Horrible in every conceivable way.

quote:

Originally posted by Dev B:
f) BMW X3 3.0d Sport

Dev, I thought you were a man of taste? The X3 looks terrible and is the most cynical BMW of the last umpteen years, and with the likes of the Z8 and the M3 CSL, that's saying something.

quote:

Originally posted by JonR:
That's not a Prius is it, PB!

To sexy for Dev

A4. Driven many but not owned one. Never driven a Quattro. Not quite sharp enough for fun yet not quite pliant enough for relaxed long distance work. Biggest downside that I can see to running an Audi is the snotty dealer network – I’ve never been in a good one. I guess if you’re going independent or DIY that’s not an issue.

Conversely, I’ve always had good relationships with Merc dealers but the standard of service seems to be going down, attention to detail missing and prices going up. My wife has an older 230TE which is a remarkably good car but best for cruising.

The S Type 2.7d is supposed to be one of the best sorted and VFM packages in the sector. Far better than the older models. Haven’t driven one but may well do when I’m looking for my next change (will probably get an estate though).

BMW E39 (old shape) 525d is much faster than you might think, what with all the hype surrounding the 530d and the new 535d. I don’t know how the new one stacks up but those I have driven (520, 525 and 530 all petrol) are sharper, feel quicker (6 speed auto as opposed to 5 on the old model) and refined – if a bit knobbly at times. The styling of the new one is a matter of taste. I can’t stand it, but the biggest let down is the interior. Solid and well built, but looks and feels cheap and nasty. It’s also an ergonomic mess which really needs addressing by BMW IMO. The old shape is still a brilliant place to sit in, with probably one of the best ride/handling compromises you’re likely to find – and getting better VFM by the month. The turbo is weak. Probably no more so than any other make, but failure is often a ‘when’, rather than an ‘if’, subject. Covered under warranty (of course) and also fully covered by the excellent used/extended warranty.

The 3.0d is a great lump for the 3. I’ve driven a 330d saloon and a 530d Touring. Can’t argue with the ability to cover ground fast but I don’t like the characteristics of the diesel engine. They need to be wound up if you want to pull off quickly, and if you’re off boost you’ll have to wait before you experience the (exceptional) in gear shove that they’re renowned for. I guess it’s a question of adopting a driving style to suit. Personally I’m addicted to the characteristics of the petrol straight 6, which can be as tame as you like, absolutely bloody bonkers when you need it, and with good economy in its respective class for a petrol – but obviously not in the same league as a diesel. I think the 2.5i goes very well with the 3 – it somehow just feels like the best combination.

I know someone with an X3, I think it’s a 2.0. The novelty wore off quickly and she’s now complaining about the pogo stick ride and the fact that when the newness wore off, it didn’t end up feeling particularly special. If I was in the market for a Tonka Toy I’d go for an X5 4.4 which is faster than the 3.0d with similar fuel consumption – unless you’re driving all day at a steady 50.

Having got a 5 Series (after three Threes), I quite honestly don’t want or need anything else. It’s still one of the best cars in the real world (for my needs) but next time could well be crunch time for me – such is my dislike for the new Five.

But it’s up to you. How do I know what you like? I’ll be interested to hear your thoughts if/when you do some test drives.

Cheers

Harry

At the risk of ridicule, have you looked at the Volvo V50? Cracking good car imho.

VW Tourag ?

Smart for 2

quote:

Originally posted by mtuttleb:
Smart for 2

From the Sniff Petrol website:

The star of the Smart stand at the Frnkafrtu Show was the striking Crosstown concept. This fascinating show car's name is derived from a game that was invented at Smart headquarters in which company employees would see how far they could drive across a town in it without everyone laughing at their stupid little Noddy car.

A6 Avant diesel quatro, 4 is nice, but 6 nicer, new 4 better handling than old, and 4 is also better for me in sport derivative, seats in particular are much comfier, and multi adjustable, new six is a bigger nicer 4 IMO, 6 avant qautro diesel (perhaps smg gearbox) will be my next onehopefully.

IMO all dealer networks for german prestige are up their own arse, you have to sometimes remind them, that you are the paying customer, but once thats sorted their fine

Dev,
Get a Porsche.
John

Dev
Get an M3
Mike

But Dev you have such a wonderful car to begin with. Why do you want to change it?

Make sure its properly set up and tunned and I am sure you will get more out of it.

Dev,
Get a Ka.
Jon

quote:

Originally posted by Polarbear:
But Dev you have such a wonderful car to begin with. Why do you want to change it?

Make sure its properly set up and tunned and I am sure you will get more out of it.

ever heard of polishing a turd!!

quote:

Originally posted by JonR:
Dev,
Get a Ka.
Jon

LOL

quote:

Originally posted by Markus Sauer:

quote:

Originally posted by Dev B:
f) BMW X3 3.0d Sport

Dev, I thought you were a man of taste? The X3 looks terrible and is the most cynical BMW of the last umpteen years, and with the likes of the Z8 and the M3 CSL, that's saying something.

So you don't like BMWs.

Actually I was not wholly enamoured with the X3's looks to start with but they have grown on me. However when I drove one I was stunned - it was so much better that I had expected from the press reports.

I will be buying an X3 but it will be the SE rather than the Sport - which I think is too firm for normal driving.

Dev

What did you think of the build quality of your Merc?

Excepting the SL and in some circumstances the SLK most of my friends that have switched from BMW to Mercedes have on balance been disappointed.

Regards
Chris

Having recently been obliged to watch Driving Safety videos from BP, I would go for the Prius. Va-va-voom is off the menu.

Good luck
David

quote:

Originally posted by Chris Dolan:

What did you think of the build quality of your Merc?

Excepting the SL and in some circumstances the SLK most of my friends that have switched from BMW to Mercedes have on balance been disappointed.

Regards
Chris

From what I've seen they appear to be on the up again. But much ground has been lost. Quality issues of the last few years have hurt them badly, as has an indifferent dealer network in the UK. There's a glut of 1-6 year old Mercs out there that shouldn't be touched with a ten foot pole. I'm told that the German built models are of a much higher quality. The same is certainly true of BMWs - it's like driving different cars.

Cheers

Greetings

Dev B...

I think you should buy something that is the most widely regarded in the automotive industry as offering the best and most superb quality, reliability, true luxury (not just gadgets and gizmos, but noise, vibration and harshness) and something that is truly rewarding to drive, travel in and own.

Dev B, I think you should buy a Lexus.

Best regards

John...

dev

buy a saab 9-3 aero convertible with full hirsch performance pack

regards neil

I would second the Lexus, at any rate why not check out the new GS and IS? (At least they come with a decent stereo!)