Having second thoughts

[seesixtythree]

I've had my C63 coupe for 4 months and to be fair it is a great car, love the sound, looks etc but having a 7 month old means its tricky getting her in the back and i usually default to just using the wives car, which means in the last 4 months I've done less than 500 miles......so I am considering swapping the car for a 14 plate A45, on the basis that the A45 will be easier to get the baby in to. I have thought about the C63 saloon but if I am making the change I may as well get something completely different ( I want a car which is equal value to my current car as I don't want to put any more money in)!

So far everyone I have consulted think I am mad....I personally like the look and the drive of the A45 albeit different to the C63. Can you guys help with making up my mind, should I go for the A45 or persevere and in 18 - 24 months she will be old enough to not have to be carried in and out the back?

Thanks,

 

[StuartK]

I had a hard choice between A45 and C63.

Personally I didn't like the look of the coupe so went saloon.

I found the A45 uninspiring and "safe" compared to the 63. I think you would get bored of it fast!

Get yourself a Saloon 63 and if your making the change find a nice low miler or a 507.

 

[kjb1]

Can you get a cla with A45 engine in???


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[Airbusdriver]

I am in almost exactly the same position! I have had my c63 coupe since june, it was meant as a fun/travel to work car but I have a 5yr old and 2 year old and so we tend to take the Discovery when going anywhere as a family. I therefore use the c63 as a commuter car of which the journey is short and mainly on motorway, seems a waste. Flipside, rubbish fuel tank range hasnt proved an issue as there are petrol stations at the start and end of each journey and at current fuel prices the car isnt costing as much to run as I had expected. Round and round I go..........

 

[John]

Get a second car?

 

[ash59fifty-uk]

Coupes look strange to me, if it was me (and I feel safer in bigger cars) I'd get a saloon

 

[Airbusdriver]

I was considering the 3 car family with something super sensible to drive to and from work and then another for the fun time. New mini cooper s and a vauxhall vx 220 were my prime candidates. 2 problems - I have had both before and I think it might be rose tinted glasses and also with young children I know that there will be very few opportunties to use a fun car. Same reason my golf clubs are collecting dust.....
Thats why I am going to test a new mini jcw this week to see if I could actually live with it after the mighty v8

 

[StuartK]

I was considering the 3 car family with something super sensible to drive to and from work and then another for the fun time. New mini cooper s and a vauxhall vx 220 were my prime candidates. 2 problems - I have had both before and I think it might be rose tinted glasses and also with young children I know that there will be very few opportunties to use a fun car. Same reason my golf clubs are collecting dust.....
Thats why I am going to test a new mini jcw this week to see if I could actually live with it after the mighty v8

I went M3, SQ5, Mini JCW then C63.

Don't do it your kidding yourself and will lose a fortune in the process!

 

[seesixtythree]

I am in almost exactly the same position! I have had my c63 coupe since june, it was meant as a fun/travel to work car but I have a 5yr old and 2 year old and so we tend to take the Discovery when going anywhere as a family. I therefore use the c63 as a commuter car of which the journey is short and mainly on motorway, seems a waste. Flipside, rubbish fuel tank range hasnt proved an issue as there are petrol stations at the start and end of each journey and at current fuel prices the car isnt costing as much to run as I had expected. Round and round I go..........

This is exactly the issue, I go 6 miles round trip to work at back fuel consumption sitting in rush hour is crap but it doesn't matter as any other time I ma having to take the family out in the other car....I don't have enough space for 2 cars hence me thinking the A45 is the best compromise for fast, fun and practical compromise. TBH if i had the budget i would look at the new RS6 but then again I don't need that much space....

For some weird reason I prefer the looks of the A45 compared to the CLA45.

Interestingly I see that no one yet has said yes do it........

 

[developer]

Just get an E63 - proper range, more power, more toys and loads of room, especially in estate form.

Job done.

 

[DannyHall]

For practicality the CLA45 would be ideal. Not a great lot of headroom in the rear but that shouldn't be a problem with kids.

I'm on 1800 miles on my CLA45 now and love it, the power is very noticeable and the fact it grips in all types of weather is definitely one of the advantages compared to the C63.

In terms of power, obviously it lacks some comparing but with general english weather i wouldn't think the 63 would destroy it.

Going from the old styled interior the new gadgets in the 45 might be refreshing and for me the leather exclusive package is a must!

Dan

 

[Deleted member 113659]

I know you have the discovery for family runs but the boot in the A45 is really small.

However, don't let people's view on here hold you back. If you like the 45 and can live with little boot then go for it. It's hardly going to be a bad car. I like it a lot.

Ant.

 

[AMGeed]

No disrespect to any owners of the A45, but it's not in the same league as the C class.
I would group them along with other hot hatches like Focus RS, Golf R32 etc.

As John above, an E63 would solve the rear seat access problem at a stroke and you'd still have a powerful V8 and not a 2ltre turbo.

 

[kjb1]

cla 45 shooting brake ??


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[HB]

You'll get a good deal on an E63. It's a great all rounder.

 

[StuartK]

Just so your aware don't expect to get better economy in the A45 either

 

[Airbusdriver]

I went M3, SQ5, Mini JCW then C63.

Don't do it your kidding yourself and will lose a fortune in the process!

I think you will be quite right.
I sometimes miss the care free attitude you can take with the performance of a smaller, lighter and lower powered car. I am in middle surrey, police and mummy central so I have a self imposed mental limiter when at the 2nd to 3rd gear full chat change as this is the difference between points/angry policeman and a wife that will still talk to me! I love my c63 but I am finding that the opportunities to enjoy the thrill of the noise and acceleration are limited due to my location and my limited use of the car as a commuting vehicle. Thats not to say I am an angel and it does help that I leave for work at 5am when the roads are generally quiet and clear but how many times have you looked down and thought "this is fun, oh sh.t thats a bit quick"
Caveat - I still giggle everytime I start it and I am not sure I can exchange an AMG V8 for a bmw 4pot even if it does have a trick crackly exhaust.....

 

[seesixtythree]

Hmm - surprised that the A45 won't give better economy surely round town the power will be more usable than the C63?

must admit I am surprised so many have gone against the A45....has anyone made them move though and what are your thoughts?

Thanks,

 

[StuartK]

Hmm - surprised that the A45 won't give better economy surely round town the power will be more usable than the C63?

must admit I am surprised so many have gone against the A45....has anyone made them move though and what are your thoughts?

Thanks,

I was having a in depth chat with an owner the other day. He reckons he gets mid to late teens round town. Motorway he gets mid to late 30's MPG. Round town in getting 17 ish mpg and motorway 25-30 depending on driving in the 63.

I found the A45 a little sluggish at low speed. I suspect a tune will sort this out. Just wasn't a spark there for me. Shame as it truly is a great car. My only other concern was what's going to start happening when they are older/higher mileage. Forced induction small engine cars with that power won't IMO be reliable in later life.

I think based on the fact the guy who owned this A45 had a focus RS before and desperately wants rid of the A45 for a C63 Estate says to me I made the right call.

 

[flango]

Stupid app see next post