Next car quandary

[Paco]

Sadly I don't think I can make a Maser fit my bill, I have up to about £20k and need something smart but business-like too (no bling) ideally with 5 seats, dog space a bonus but not essential, capable of 30 mpg plus as I am doing 20k plus a year at the moment and even my man-maths is struggling to make it viable to have a loony petrol motor.

I also do a fair amount of bashing through potholed country lanes, so it needs to be reasonably robust and tolerate a layer of mud and excrement for the winter.

So far I am thinking diesel XF 09/10 at 40k miles ish, RR sport tdv6 probably with more miles, RR sport or Discovery 4.4 on LPG if I can find a nice one that hasn't been to Mars.

Alternatives include a new leased Merc e class, the lease cost is peanuts but I'd probably not have the budget for a 350, so it would be taxi power.

I have also thought LPG Monaro, or maybe an M3 and spend half as much to buy it and the change on petrol.

But, I keep coming back to the XF, so come on people, I need your inspiration!

 

[conaero]

Buy an Alfa GT Lusso deisel for £8k and keep the 3200 or buy a Spyder/4200.

Spend £5k on an Alfa Lusso deisel and get a QP?

Just get a QP and convert to LPG?

The Alfa GT deisel is phenomenal goes like a train, get a dog in the boot, 5 seats, leather and all the toys and returns 45mpg regardless of how you drive it. You could go 159 Sportwagon but I don't think they are that good and brakes and steering racks are a known issue.

 

[Paco]

Proper man maths! Would need to rent a garage though, and might struggle to convince the command module of the need for 3 cars (she has the actual kid/dog bus) at the moment.

 

[Paco]

Oh and the 3200 went a while ago! This is my post financial apocalypse purchase, consigning the bargain smoker 9-5 aero to banger doom and celebrating the fact that we are still trading despite the world economy going down the pan!

 

[Paco]

And after a 147 and a 159 I've bought enough suspension arms to last me a life time!

 

[Felonious Crud]

I had an XF and it was great but the middle rear seat wasn't much use except for occasional journeys.

Hate to say it, but er.... 520D (sorry sorry sorry)

 

[cobratwin]

And after a 147 and a 159 I've bought enough suspension arms to last me a life time!

on the 159 too? i havent needed one in mine and she just about to hit 5yrs old!

 

[BennyD]

535D and chip it. If you need an estate, get the Touring. Approx 330-340 bhp and over 500 lbs/ft. 40+ mpg on a run and a bit of badge kudos too.

 

[Max Swell]

535D and chip it. If you need an estate, get the Touring. Approx 330-340 bhp and over 500 lbs/ft. 40+ mpg on a run and a bit of badge kudos too.

Good call Benny had a 530d a couple of years ago and that was very good only cost me servicing and tyres for 4 years and got 44 on average with my lead right foot!!

 

[BennyD]

I've got a chipped (08) 335D at the moment and it is a great car. Heated electric leather, Bluetooth, comfort access, internet, a fantastic stereo, electric sunroof, sparkling performance and well under £20k. What more do you need?

 

[Wattie]

Buy an Alfa GT Lusso deisel for £8k and keep the 3200 or buy a Spyder/4200.

Spend £5k on an Alfa Lusso deisel and get a QP?

Just get a QP and convert to LPG?

The Alfa GT deisel is phenomenal goes like a train, get a dog in the boot, 5 seats, leather and all the toys and returns 45mpg regardless of how you drive it. You could go 159 Sportwagon but I don't think they are that good and brakes and steering racks are a known issue.

I've an Alfa GT Blackline Diesel and XF diesel and both are terrific......the Alfa has been literally trouble free over the 3 years of ownership......which many may not expect!

Cheers Wattie

 

[cobratwin]

swap out the alfa GT for a 159 TI Jtdm (give me a shout just so happen to know where one is for sale ),
then ill go out and pick up a rather sexy QP lol

 

[Andyk]

Paco, the XF seems to have a very big following so worth a look........

As an owner of an E46 M3 I do not think there is a better all round car for the money........Worth you having a test drive...

 

[Paco]

Mmmm, Beemer and Audi estates are the default choices I'm trying to ignore, but they may be the default because they are good at what they do! Must admit the consumption figs on paper don't look that good which is what sent me the XF first, that and the interior...! The merc interiors are abysmal by comparison.

My 159 ate a set of arms at 4 yrs old, but over 100k miles so fair enough. The big wheels looked lovely but probably don't help suspension wear on the terrible roads around here. It also lunched a set of ac pipes that were sawn through by the wiper linkage, recommend any 159 owners check before its too late, changing these pipes is a massive job!

147 needed arms constantly, that was on 17s though.

Packaging on the Alfa GT is pretty ideal, I love the idea of a QP on gas too!

 

[Andyk]

I get around 28 mpg in the M3 on a long run. Thats taking it steady.......Normal driving around town and a mix of roads 22/23.......Giving it large 18ish......

 

[dem maser]

Thats economical andy.....taking it easy im getting 18 and giving it about 11!!

Im looking into 320d estates, i can get an M sport with 100k for 3k....thas good value....

 

[dem maser]

Tell you what the wild card is.......

Smart forfour!!
1.5 diesel does 60mpg and pretty nippy, reliable also and has great handling!!

 

[dem maser]

You want a cheap reliable economical car??
Im selling my 118d, 2007 model SE with 72k and all the extras.....

 

[Paco]

28 mpg in an M3 Andy? That's not much less than what my aero estate does.

I believe some M3s have 3 belts in the back too. And the dog would be relegated to the long haired generals car, result!

Smart aint gonna happen Dem!

 

[Paco]

I suppose a 118 and a maser could....