Changes to cars what do the panel think?

[LTD]

If you can live the Caddy, it looks superb value for money.

Don't know about the fuel economy though ............

 

[Tiff]

If you can live the Caddy, it looks superb value for money.

Don't know about the fuel economy though ............

Engine Size 2792 cc
Cylinders 6
0-60 mph 8.4 s
Power Output 215 bhp
Valves 24
Torque 262 Nm 193 lb-ft
Top Speed 140 mph
MPG 24
Insurance Group -
Euro Emissions Standard IV
CO2 Emissions 278 g/km
Road Tax Band M

 

[stevieb15]

I did this after 20+ years with company cars, did more business mileage than you intend but it was a real money spinner.
Pity you have ruled out diesel as the answer for me was a 530d, however on the petrol theme one of my colleagues elected the GS300 which was just fabulous, so thats my suggestion.

 

[timskemp]

If the interior of the gs300 is like the GS450h then it's a plasticky and cheap feeling place to be.

 

[gaz_l]

Although it looks like a lot of car for the money, knowing the general build quality of American cars I wouldn't feel that confident of the Caddy's long term reliability. Parts and service would also be a concern as IIRC they threw the towel in and pulled out of the UK market a couple of years ago.

I think the Skoda Superb would be an excellent choice if you're looking for a budget exec. I got given one as a rental not long after they came out and it was a real eye-opener. I drove it out of the airport car park feeling like I'd been short changed (even though I'd only booked a Focus) and brought it back in with a whole different mindset. I think Superb is over-selling it, but if they'd called it the Skoda Perfectly Acceptable they'd have been bang on the mark. It changed my attitude to the brand completely.

I was going to suggest something by Subaru but I believe you had a Legacy before the Volvo? So I assume you've already gone down that avenue..

Cheers,

Gaz

 

[moonloops]

Another vote for SAAB 95 Aero.

tons of power and remarkable economy to go with it.

 

[flango]

Although it looks like a lot of car for the money, knowing the general build quality of American cars I wouldn't feel that confident of the Caddy's long term reliability. Parts and service would also be a concern as IIRC they threw the towel in and pulled out of the UK market a couple of years ago.

I think the Skoda Superb would be an excellent choice if you're looking for a budget exec. I got given one as a rental not long after they came out and it was a real eye-opener. I drove it out of the airport car park feeling like I'd been short changed (even though I'd only booked a Focus) and brought it back in with a whole different mindset. I think Superb is over-selling it, but if they'd called it the Skoda Perfectly Acceptable they'd have been bang on the mark. It changed my attitude to the brand completely.

I was going to suggest something by Subaru but I believe you had a Legacy before the Volvo? So I assume you've already gone down that avenue..

Cheers,

Gaz

Cheers Gaz, yes Legacy does figure and my Outback was a great car.

Only have one problem with the Skoda and thats SWMBO would not let me park it within 100 miles of our drive so its a no go. Plus all the high mileage examples I have seen dont stand up that well.

 

[d w124]

This old girl 1995 W124 MERCEDES E 420 V8 with 275bhp, not E 500 on eBay (end time 23-Jan-11 19:14:40 GMT) wont be far from 25mpg with 90% motorway,and even though it highish miles,it`ll do those again if looked after.
I know you said something newish but that is what I would go for + you could really make some people wonder with it

 

[flango]

This old girl 1995 W124 MERCEDES E 420 V8 with 275bhp, not E 500 on eBay (end time 23-Jan-11 19:14:40 GMT) wont be far from 25mpg with 90% motorway,and even though it highish miles,it`ll do those again if looked after.
I know you said something newish but that is what I would go for + you could really make some people wonder with it

If it wasn't a left hooker I would be seriously tempted, I would have to change the wheels though, not my style at all

 

[d w124]

If it wasn't a left hooker I would be seriously tempted, I would have to change the wheels though, not my style at all

They never made W124 V8 rdh and I agree about the wheels

 

[wemorgan]

Oh and BTW Ian this IS the car you need parked in the garage for the w/e

Auto Trader UK - NOBLE M12 GTO-3 2dr Coupe

but I guess that's waiting for another thread.......

 

[flango]

Oh and BTW Ian this IS the car you need parked in the garage for the w/e

Auto Trader UK - NOBLE M12 GTO-3 2dr Coupe

but I guess that's waiting for another thread.......

Must admit I really fancy a Noble and you are right think we better have another thread on that later as to what I should keep for the weekend

 

[Seamster15]

TBH the 1997 528i SE E39 was the best car I've ever owned, just wished i'd never sold it on.

 

[st4]

My nod would be to an E39 5 series. Nice 528i. What about an E46 3 series. Must be able to get one of those for £4k now

Or a 210 if the rust is not an issue. For £4k take your pick. Nice E320 petrol or a 203. Would £4k get a W140 or is that likely to be a shed that needs money spent all the time, same for a 98-2003 7 series

Not a saab fan, a 3.2 vectra is another bet.

Personally, I'd keep the clatter wagon as it will do what you've done to it again, without the massive depreciation you will have incurred.

If thats not an option then this thread has some cracking recommendations.

 

[ringway]

Crikey Ian! You surprise me shying away from a diesel. Why have you decided to opt for a petrol?

I thought you'd be straight into a mapped 535d - You know how quick they are!! Or for the money a 210/211 320CDI. It's not as though any service or mechanicals are going to hurt with access to JAR Motorsport.

Looks like I'll have to give you some counselling on Wednesday afternoon.


Edit: I've recently resurrected my 3.0 Elite Omega and though it is a capable performer with all the toys, I much prefer my 320CDI in every way.

 

[flango]

Crikey Ian! You surprise me shying away from a diesel. Why have you decided to opt for a petrol?

I thought you'd be straight into a mapped 535d - You know how quick they are!! Or for the money a 210/211 320CDI. It's not as though any service or mechanicals are going to hurt with access to JAR Motorsport.

Looks like I'll have to give you some counselling on Wednesday afternoon.


Edit: I've recently resurrected my 3.0 Elite Omega and though it is a capable performer with all the toys, I much prefer my 320CDI in every way.

I'm currently running my Nephew's BMW 530d which is mapped as SWMBO is using the Volvo whilst the Audi is sat awaiting repair. Jumped out of the BMW straight into the Audi to take it to the body shop and the difference was staggering the BMW was no where near the class, drive or smoothness of the Audi and I knew then I just had to go back to petrol and get away from the oil burners

 

[st4]

Paul has a point, the running costs in fuel over the car you have will be noticable.

I do about 30k yr and would love to run a 500 or AMG but miles per gallon are a consideration. I must spend about £5000pa on fuel. Thats bad, at 600miles to tank and £100 to fill it. Approx 40mpg average there so reckon nearer the £6000/annum.

Do do that in the petrol equivilent, E350 or E500 I'd be looking at £8000-£10,000 PA maybe more.

Thats a lot of money.

 

[LTD]

Steve

Like I said before.

Learn to read, walk to the train with a book for the journey to work, get fit and buy a decent car for the times you actually want to drive it rather than need to drive it.

For **** weather, buy a **** car. Like a Fiesta.

 

[trapperjohn]

Fiat Panda for Steve.

The only car I can think of at the mo with a food connection is a Ford "Galaxy" not the crappy people carrier. But the stonking Yank Tank racing machine. Cant see him in a Polo. Has he been know to eat a Fox. There is always the Rabbit as the Yanks call the Golf.

 

[flango]

Paul has a point, the running costs in fuel over the car you have will be noticable.

I do about 30k yr and would love to run a 500 or AMG but miles per gallon are a consideration. I must spend about £5000pa on fuel. Thats bad, at 600miles to tank and £100 to fill it. Approx 40mpg average there so reckon nearer the £6000/annum.

Do do that in the petrol equivilent, E350 or E500 I'd be looking at £8000-£10,000 PA maybe more.

Thats a lot of money.

By my calcs running petrol over a diesel would cost me around £2.2k more per year in fuel, £800 of which would be reimbursed by my employer so £1.4k per year extra more than offset by the allowance they will pay. Also petrol engined big cars have never been as cheap so my initial purchase cost would be lower but I accept my ongoing costs would be higher, but that gives me more disposable cash up front for a weekend toy, well thats my line of thinking so far