New Car for Dev

Posted by: Dev B on 15 September 2005

Guys,

Currently Merc E240 Auto, 2 years old. Likes: Ride, Space in back, Seats, Refinement, Convienience Features (lights on, wipers, easy to drive), Boot Space, Great Cruiser, Quality Feel, Brand Support. Dislikes: A bit sluggish, Auto Box always feels like it's a gear too high, Fuel Economy.

I came to the Merc after a four BMW's (330 convertible, 325i, etc)

Looking for a bit more va-va voom, but not too much, more economy, better driving feel, just as easy for the wife to drive, safety, a wee bit smaller for city driving. Mrs Dev drives it most of the time and we do about 7k miles a year.

The contenders:

a) A4 Avant Quattro 3.0TDi Auto
b) BMW 330i/d Touring Auto (or maybe 325i)
c) BMW 525d Saloon
d) Merc E270CDi Estate Sport
e) Jaguar S Type 2.7D
f) BMW X3 3.0d Sport

What do you think? I'd appreciate your input and experiences,

regards

Dev

Posted on: 20 September 2005 by Dev B

Thanks all for your input. I have been doing some driving.

Last week it was the 330d Saloon: phenomenal torque and urge, great cornering, hard ride and small at the back and in the boot (it failed the pushchair test). Great steering and autobox, but somehow this car felt like you have had 47 vodka and red bulls and you can't sleep. The diesel characteristics seem highy urgent.

It didn't feel as refined or lush as my Mercedes, didn't feel soft and supple.

More to follow, next up the Audi A6 Quattro...

Posted on: 20 September 2005 by Markus S

quote:
Originally posted by Dev B:
It didn't feel as refined or lush as my Mercedes, didn't feel soft and supple.

Neither will the Audi. The closest to soft and supple from BMW is the X5. Take a look at a Volvo V70, maybe.

Posted on: 20 September 2005 by Polarbear

quote:
It didn't feel as refined or lush as my Mercedes, didn't feel soft and supple.

Its set up as a sports saloon not a favorite armchair.

What are you looking for speed or comfort?

Regards

Nigel

Posted on: 21 September 2005 by Martin D

quick

Posted on: 21 September 2005 by Rana Ali

Dev

If you go for a V70 make sure it's got the sport/self levelling suspension pack. On the whole, a fine spacious and comfortable car and, at BP rates for a D5, can be had for pittance (from under £150/month depending on your grade). Poor points are a really noisy bottom end and only 20mpg in town (geartronic version) which is pants for a modern diesel.

Posted on: 24 September 2005 by mtuttleb

quote:
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.

Sorry but I think this is funny.

John, have you got any electrical-mechanical analogues in mind