Its that time again...

[Big Mouse]

..when I have to start thinking about changing the company car. Has it been 4 years already? well, err no but it will be by time I make my mind up.

It usually takes me 3-4 months to decide on the car I want - mainly because I can't afford to go out and buy the car I really want so I have to compromise - plus this time around I have to take into acount the crap financial position we're all in.

3 contenders at the moment, most of you will probably hate them but I've got to be sensible about a) what I can spend this time around, and b) what I like v what I need.

Option 1 - the first jap car I will have ever owned if I go ahead with it - is the Lexus 250SEL. It has all the toys comforts I need - sat nav, leather, electrickery to almost everything, multimedia etc.

Option 2 - the new Scirocco; small, difficult to get into for fat people, apparently poor visibility (haven't taken a test drive  as yet), its german so ze suspension vill be harsh and its a VW. The big upside is its a Scirooco and I love the shape

Deano will probably have stopped reading by now in disgust so I can go onto option 3 - a Volvo V50. I know, I know, old mans car, unimaginative, boring etc etc but it just ticks the right boxes about what I need at the moment. A mate has one and its just lovely to drive; I could use the extra space the estate gives but won't miss it if its not there. Plus it will go on for ever and whatever I buy has to stay on the driveway for at least 5 years this time or until the economy picks up, or until I win the lottery, or until pigs learn to fly.

Mockery and/or general opinions accepted

[Incursus]

Personally I would go for the Scirooco.  small car so would suit me.

Plus its puuurddy

[art b]

ive had a couple of v70s try one of them for size...fast as fook too if ya get the right one...

[HardRockCamaro]

Another vote for the Scirocco.

It looks cool and it's got that great 80s car name.


I don't care how cool people like to pretend Volvo's are.  It's a friggin Volvo.  Putting a bevel on the square edges and making a convertible in metallic camel sick does not a cool car make.


As for the Lexus, save a few grand and get a Toyota.  Same thing.



If I was being sensible and wanted boot space and a good drive I'd have a Mondeo TDCI Estate.  They look awesome but they are a good 27k when properly specced up (although these days you could probably get one for £4 and a Toffee Crisp).

[philoldsmobile]

vw

volvo










lexus.


lexus ae very bland, lack soul in a big way. the scirocco is a really nice car, i'd have one in a heart beat.

one curve ball though, what about an alfa 159 3.2 Q4? or if money is tighter, the 147 is now a run out model, there are some stunning deals about, just avoid the sillyspeed (selespeed) semi auto.

both are pretty reliable the 159 is based on the vectra 3.2 platform, and goes like hell, and come with decent warranties.



http://www.autocar.co.uk/CarReviews/FirstDrives/Alfa-Romeo-159-3.2-JTS-V6-Q4-Lusso/220296/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.autocar.co.uk/CarReviews/FirstDrives/Alfa-Romeo-159-3.2-JTS-V6-Q4-Lusso/220296/

[HardRockCamaro]

That's pretty.

[Big Mouse]

I love the looks of the scirocco and looking forward to a test drive next week time permitting.

but the lexus has everything that I want as standard, by time I come to do a deal the face lift model will be on the forecourt

I'm not sure about an Alfa - are they reliable?

[HardRockCamaro]

I got the impression from your first post that you don't really want the Scirocco and rather like the Lexus.

Doesn't really matter what we think really, I'd say let the test drive decide.

The only problem I have with Lexus is that they don't feel special and the drive is soulless.  I did have one of those convertibles in the states, well to be exact it was badged as Toyota but it's the same shape, same panels, same dash etc and it was nasty to drive.  VERY comfortable mind, but slower than most glaciers while still heaving through fuel, lifeless steering and awful brakes.

[HardRockCamaro]

As for the Alfa, if you're having it under warranty then I suppose they're fair game, just get the bestest roadside recovery service and make sure the dealers guarantee a courtesy car...

Got to be worth a test drive though?

[FUBAR]

Quoting: HardRockCamaro

£4 and a Toffee Crisp

PMSL

[Incursus]

Quoting: HardRockCamaro

If I was being sensible and wanted boot space and a good drive I'd have a Mondeo TDCI Estate.

Though if I had enough toffee crisps I would have the Audi A5 TDI tis my top modern eurobox car atm  (not including Aston's etc)

[Big Mouse]

Quoting: HardRockCamaro

I got the impression from your first post that you don't really want the Scirocco and rather like the Lexus.

Doesn't really matter what we think really, I'd say let the test drive decide.

The only problem I have with Lexus is that they don't feel special and the drive is soulless. I did have one of those convertibles in the states, well to be exact it was badged as Toyota but it's the same shape, same panels, same dash etc and it was nasty to drive. VERY comfortable mind, but slower than most glaciers while still heaving through fuel, lifeless steering and awful brakes.

Even with its known faults/limitations I'd want one if it felt right. I'm just not convinced at my age i wouldn't look like one of thoses tools that drive around in porkers when their 60 trying to recapture their youth - which I'm not before anyone leaps for their keyboard

I like the lexus for its levels of comfort and I quite like the looks for some reason, not sure why (this is why it takes me so long to choose a car , that and my age)

I do about 20000 miles a year, mostly around town, so I spend a lot of time in a car, upto 25% of my working day. Its a workhorse for me really, but it needs to be something thats not too uncomfortable to sit in, that will get me around in a hurry if I need it to without using a tank of fuel a day.

I'll take a look at an Alfa buts its their appalling reliability issues that put me off; every breakdown has a financial implication to my business.
I have something 'special' in the garage for the days I need to blow the cobwebs away

[HardRockCamaro]

Indeed, with the sort of mileage you do and potential for hassles maybe a comfort and reliability should be more of a priority than cool/handling.

I see what you mean about the Scirocco...

Considered a Jag?
The diesel ones go well and they're uber comfy and supposedly reliable nowadays.  Plus v cool if I remember some survey or other on top gear...

[philoldsmobile]

Quoting: Big Mouse

I'm not sure about an Alfa - are they reliable?

yup. done 8000 miles in mine so far with only 1 minor issue that was easily sorted, and cheaply. there is also the advantage of an excellent approved independant specialist in milton keynes.

http://www.daysmk.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">www.daysmk.com


mercedes have made their share of problem cars, as have BMW, yet no one seems to bat an eyelid at buying one of those.

[HardRockCamaro]

Agreed, BMW are a bag of trouble.

[Fieldy]

jag diesel for me please, easy

[F Body]

Quoting: Big Mouse

the Lexus 250SEL. It has all the toys comforts I need - sat nav, leather, electrickery to almost everything, multimedia etc.

Well not exactly, lets start at the Lexus website :

Lexus IS250 SE-L ( Petrol auto )

List price £28,240  -  0 - 60mph = 8.4 seconds - Top speed = 141.

31.0 mpg combined.

It has electric seats, climate control, leather but no Sat Nav, you have to add the multi media pack ( Sat nav, park assist , blue tooth etc ) for £2,655

So ignoring discounts that's £30.895 on the road

That's a fair bit of wedge to be bored to death in

Let's see what the alternatives are

[F Body]

OK here is my list from £27k - £31k

BMW 1-Series 130i M Sport 3dr  2996cc £26,930 Got to love BMW comedy pricing  

Volvo V70 2.5T SE 2521cc £26,985
Cadillac CTS 2.8 V6 Sport Luxury 4dr 2792cc £26,995

Westfield SEight 3.9 Litre 3950cc £26,995 OK so not very luxury

Saab 9-3 SportWagon Vector Sport 1.9 TTiD 5dr 1910cc £26,995


Saab 9-3 Convertible Linear SE 1.9 TiD 1910cc £27,025 - Just in case you
fancy some wind in whats left of your hair

Volvo V70 2.0 FlexiFuel R-DESIGN 1999cc £27,095

Audi A6 2.0 TDI SE 4dr 1968cc £27,110

Alfa Romeo 159 2.4 JTDm Q4 Lusso 4dr 2387cc £27,145

Lexus IS 220d SE-L 4dr 2231cc £27,160

Volvo S80 2.0D SE Lux 1997cc £27,195

Audi A4 Cabriolet 1.8T Sport 1781cc £27,295

Nissan 350Z 3.5 V6 3498cc £27,300 - Has it got to have 4 seats ?

Audi A4 2.0 TDI S line (170ps) 4dr 1968cc £27,350

Volvo V70 2.4D SE 2400cc £27,370

Mercedes Benz C-Class 200 Kompressor Sport 1796cc £27,400 Cheap not very cheerful !

Alfa Romeo Brera 3.2 JTS V6 3195cc £27,420 Achingly pretty

BMW 5-Series 520d SE 1995cc £27,465 - It would be quicker to pedal.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-300 GS 1998cc £27,499 - See your Osteopath.

Audi A4 Avant 2.0 TDI S line 1968cc £27,500 - Very smart.

Audi A6 2.0 TDIe SE Avant 1968cc £27,670 - Recently revised.

Alfa Romeo 159 3.2 JTS V6 TI 4dr 3195cc £27,890 - It has a drinking problem.

Audi S3 quattro 5dr 1984cc £27,970 - Goes like hell but bland.

Mercedes Benz C-Class 230 Elegance 2496cc £28,015 - Extras are pricey.

Audi A4 Cabriolet 2.0 TDI Sport 1968cc £28,105

Volvo S80 2.5T SE Lux 2521cc £28,145

Volvo C70 2.4i SE 2435cc £28,150

Honda S2000 2.0 VTEC Roadster 1997cc £28,195 - It's a VTEC thing !

Volvo S80 2.5T SE Sport 2521cc £28,195

Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon 2.4 JTDm Q4 Lusso 2387cc £28,245

Audi A4 2.7 TDI SE 4dr 2698cc £28,350

Volvo V70 D5 SE 2400cc £28,370

Mercedes Benz C-Class 220 CDI Sport 2148cc £28,440

Audi A5 2.0 TDI 1968cc £28,485 - Chris's choice but rather bland.

Ford S-MAX Titanium Individual 2.2 TDCi 5dr 2179cc £28,495

Chrysler 300C Touring 3.0 V6 CRD 2987cc £28,505 - Brings out the gangster in you.

BMW 3-Series Coupe 320d SE 1995cc £28,570 - Don't follow the herd !
Mitsubishi Shogun 3.2 DI-DC Warrior 3dr

Mercedes Benz C-Class Estate 200 Kompressor Sport 1796cc £28,600 - it's big but slow.

Mercedes Benz C-Class 280 SE 2996cc £28,625

Audi A6 2.0 TDI SE Avant 1968cc £28,705

Volvo XC60 2.4D SE Lux 2400cc £28,750 - I don't think so.

Audi A5 2.0 TFSI 1984cc £28,760

Volvo S80 2.4D SE Sport 2400cc £28,770 - It's devoid of character

Audi A4 2.0 TDI S line (170ps) quattro 4dr 1968cc £28,775

Citroen C6 2.2 HDi 2179cc £28,795 - This car invented deprecation !

Lexus IS 250 SE-L 4dr 2499cc £28,850 - Bland , boring & reliable

Volvo C70 D5 Sport 2400cc £28,870 - A vert which looks lumpy

Alfa Romeo 159 3.2 JTS V6 Q4 Lusso 4dr 3195cc £28,890

Lotus Europa Coupe 1998cc £28,900 - It has 4 seats, sort of

BMW 3-Series Coupe 320i M Sport 1995cc £28,940

Volvo V70 2.0D SE Lux 1997cc £28,945

Audi A5 2.0 TFSI (180ps) S line 1984cc £28,960

Jaguar X-Type 2.2 Diesel Sovereign 2198cc £29,000 - That's a lot of money for a Mondeo.

BMW 3-Series Coupe 325i SE 2996cc £29,150

Volvo V70 2.4D R-DESIGN 2400cc £29,170

Saab 9-3 Convertible Vector Sport 1.8t 1998cc £29,195

BMW 5-Series 523i SE 2497cc £29,200 - Cloth seats & air con full stop

Subaru B9 Tribeca 3.0 S5 3000cc £29,202 - Beaten with the ugly stick.

Alfa Romeo Spider 2.4 JTDm 2387cc £29,420 - Pretty.

Alfa Romeo Spider 3.2 JTS V6 3195cc £29,420 - Pretty & sounds good.

Alfa Romeo Brera 3.2 JTS V6 Q4 3dr 3195cc £29,420

Audi A5 2.0 TDI Sport 1968cc £29,435

Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer Elite 2.8i V6 Turbo 4x4 5dr 2792cc
£29,485 - Vauxhall comedy pricing

BMW 5-Series Touring 520d SE 1995cc £29,495

Audi A4 Avant 2.7 TDI SE 2698cc £29,500

Lotus Elise R 1796cc £29,500 - It's light, so wot !

BMW 3-Series Touring 325d SE 2993cc £29,510

BMW 1-Series Convertible 123d M Sport 1995cc £29,535 - It gets even funnier !

Audi A4 3.2 FSI quattro SE 4dr 3197cc £29,590

Mercedes Benz SLK-Class 200 Kompressor - Pretty car.

Subaru Legacy 3.0 R spec B 4dr 3000cc £29,705 - Brings out the farmer in you.

Audi A5 2.0 TFSI Sport 1984cc £29,710

Mercedes Benz C-Class 230 Sport 2496cc £29,715

BMW X3 2.0d SE 1995cc £29,715 - Only because I left the Volvo XC60 in.

Caterham 7 Superlight R 300 SV 1999cc £29,745 - better than drugs ( on a warm summer day )

Audi A6 2.0 TDIe S line Avant 1968cc £29,820

Mercedes Benz C-Class 280 Elegance 2996cc £29,820

Mercedes Benz C-Class Estate 280 SE 2996cc £29,825

BMW 3-Series Touring 320d M Sport 1995cc £29,860

Volkswagen Eos Sport 3.2 V6 FSI 3189cc £29,945 - VW comedy pricing

Audi Q5 2.0 TDI quattro SE 1968cc £29,950 - Ugly !

Land Rover Discovery TDV6 GS 7 seat 5dr 2720cc £29,950 - Go off road to Sainburys.

Audi A4 Avant 2.0 TFSI quattro S line1984cc £29,950

Mercedes Benz E-Class Estate 200 Kompressor Classic 1796cc £29,950 - OK so it's super charged but a 1.8 with a body this big

Cadillac CTS 3.6 V6 Sport Luxury 4dr 3564cc £29,995 - Well built, stylish if a little too bling !

SsangYong Rexton 270 R-Line 5dr 2696cc £29,995 - Korean comedy pricing.

Caterham 7 Superlight R 400 1999cc £29,995 - Getting insane.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-300 GSR 1998cc £29,999 - Flappy paddle gearbox.

Audi A5 2.0 TDI quattro 1968cc £30,010

Volvo V70 2.5T SE Lux 2521cc £30,085 - Jeeze 5 Volvo's for £30k

Volvo C70 D5 SE 2400cc £30,120

Volvo V70 D5 R-DESIGN 2400cc £30,170

Volvo C70 T5 Sport 2521cc £30,175

Volvo V70 2.5T FlexiFuel SE Lux 2521cc £30,195

Audi A4 3.0 TDI quattro SE 4dr 2967cc £30,200

Audi A6 2.7 TDI SE 4dr 2698cc £30,215

Audi A5 2.0 TFSI quattro 1984c £30,285

Audi TT Coupe 3.2 V6 quattro 3189cc £30,290

BMW 3-Series 330i SE 2996cc £30,295

Morgan Plus 4 2.0 Litre 2 seater 1999cc £30,374 - Yes it's wooden.

Volkswagen Touareg 2.5 TDI DPF 2461cc £30,415

Saab 9-3 Convertible Vector Sport 2.0t 1998cc £30,455


Mercedes Benz Viano Ambiente 2.2 CDI 2148cc £30,460 - Mercedes comedy pricing

Volvo V70 2.4D SE Lux 2400cc £30,470


Hummer H3 Adventure 3653cc £30,495 - Average 17mpg !

Mercedes Benz CLK-Class Coupe 200 Kompressor Avantgarde 1796cc £30,525

BMW 5-Series 520d M Sport 1995cc £30,585

Audi A6 2.0 TDI S line Avant 1968cc £30,855

BMW 5-Series 525i SE 2996cc £30,865

Saab 9-3 Convertible Vector Sport 1.9 TiD 180

Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon 3.2 JTS V6 Q4 TI 3195cc £30,990 - Alfa Romeo comedy pricing

Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0 CRD Limited 2987cc £31,000 - bankruptcy sale.

It's taken me so long to compile this list, I'll make my top 5 choices later

[Titsy]

Quoting: Incursus

Though if I had enough toffee crisps I would have the Audi A5 TDI tis my top modern eurobox car atm (not including Aston's etc)

I have to agree here... Our Engineering Director has one of these as he gets a car on loan from VAG every 6 months through his brother-in-law... It's the first car he's had that he's intending to get again... He can't find fault with it...

[F Body]

OK in at number one :

Quoting: F Body

Audi A4 2.0 TDI S line (170ps) quattro 4dr 1968cc £28,775

0-62mph = 8.6 secs and it tops out at 140mph.

It's manual only but gives a combined cycle of 50.4 mpg

Throw in Sat nav @ £1,935 & a Bang & Olufsen sound system at £515
it totals at £31,225, £330 more than the Lexus but it has the best interior period



Number two :

Quoting: F Body

Audi A5 2.0 TDI Sport 1968cc £29,435

No surprises really, the figures are almost identical to the A4, but the options are pricey
Sat nav £1,955 & cruise control £185

Total £31,575.

http://p.webwombat.com.au/motoring/images/audi-a5-1-big.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">

0 - 62 mph = 7.0 secs & 155 top speed.
Fuel combined = 25.7mpg.

http://www.zcars.com.au/images/alfa-romeo-brera-s1.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">

Number five :

Quoting: F Body

Lexus IS250 SE-L ( Petrol auto )
List price £28,240 - 0 - 60mph = 8.4 seconds - Top speed = 141.
31.0 mpg combined.Bland. boring but reliable

[Fieldy]

feck in hell martyn!!

[HardRockCamaro]

3.6 direct injection CTS would be my choice subject to test drives.

Although, I'd be very tempted by that A5...

[Big Mouse]

Too much to take in give me a couple of hours to respond

[Pod]

Quoting: F Body

Posted: 7 Dec 2008 07:53:01

Blimey, I didn't know that time even existed on a Sunday.

[F Body]

Quoting: Big Mouse

Too much to take in give me a couple of years to respond

Well they say the Chevy Volt will be here in 2010

I'm assuming that your gonna be leasing Ray, it's generally cheaper to lease a premium type car, because 3 or 4 years down the road they are worth a lot more, which means cheaper monthly payments. So that will more than likely rule out the Alfa & Cadillac