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Paco500 · Nov 27, 2007, 07:18 AM

While I'm in the UK, everyone is welcome to play.

I'm in negotiations for a new job, and part of the package is a company car. As I understand it, I can pick something up to £30k. I currently drive a BMW 3 series (yes, just like everyone else on this island) and I love it. My only complaints are MPG (~28, it's a 325 automatic) and the lack of leather seats. I'm looking for something just as nice/nicer, that can accommodate a family of 4 (wife and two kids under 7). Decent MPG is another plus.

I'm not opposed to another BMW, although I admit to being less than enchanted with the current 3 series styling. However, I'm wondering if there is more for the money out there.

So what would you look at?

Doofy · Nov 27, 2007, 07:40 AM

Benz C220 CDI with the leather upgrade? You should be able to get leather, slush box and a few trimmings for £30k.

Paco500 · Nov 27, 2007, 08:01 AM

Originally Posted by Doofy

Benz C220 CDI with the leather upgrade? You should be able to get leather, slush box and a few trimmings for £30k.

Have you driven one? Is the drive going to be too subdued after the BMW? And what do you know of the auto transmission on mercs? I went with the auto for the wife, but would be just as happy with a manual. The auto on the BMW seems to really kill MPG.

Peter · Nov 27, 2007, 08:01 AM

Audi TT.
I know, I know.
Awesome car though.

G4ME · Nov 27, 2007, 08:50 AM

Originally Posted by Paco500

Have you driven one? Is the drive going to be too subdued after the BMW? And what do you know of the auto transmission on mercs? I went with the auto for the wife, but would be just as happy with a manual. The auto on the BMW seems to really kill MPG.

so you are looking for something with performance and milage above 28 MPG?

go back to the 80s and get a GTI

Paco500 · Nov 27, 2007, 09:06 AM

Originally Posted by G4ME

so you are looking for something with performance and milage above 28 MPG?

go back to the 80s and get a GTI

BMW 320d M sport gets 60+ on the motorway. No need to go back to the 80's- just to europe.

wallinbl · Nov 27, 2007, 09:31 AM

You can get a BMW without leather? I don't think they sell them that way in the USA.

Mastrap · Nov 27, 2007, 09:49 AM

A lot of the cheaper BMW trims make use of artificial leather rather than cloth.

Paco500 · Nov 27, 2007, 09:52 AM

Originally Posted by wallinbl

You can get a BMW without leather? I don't think they sell them that way in the USA.

Mine has cloth, which is still standard for most trim levels, at least on the 1 and 3 series. I prefer the feel of cloth- cooler in the summer, warmer in the winter- but leather is a lot easier to keep looking nice, especially with kids.

badidea · Nov 27, 2007, 09:53 AM

Audi A4 Avant 2.0 TDI (the one with 170hp)

I'm driving one right now (rental car) and I just love it!!

talisker · Nov 27, 2007, 11:06 AM

Originally Posted by Peter

Audi TT.
I know, I know.
Awesome car though.

I didn't realise his new job was going to be as a hairdresser.

Doofy · Nov 27, 2007, 11:33 AM

Originally Posted by Paco500

Have you driven one? Is the drive going to be too subdued after the BMW? And what do you know of the auto transmission on mercs? I went with the auto for the wife, but would be just as happy with a manual. The auto on the BMW seems to really kill MPG.

Driven a previous gen, but not the new one. They're not too bad at all. As for whether it's going to be a little subdued after the BM, the answer is a little subjective. I hear they've sported it up a little but hey, exactly how sporty do you want it to be? You're in speed camera Britain, remember.

Go test one.

vexborg · Nov 27, 2007, 12:15 PM

Originally Posted by Peter

Audi TT.
I know, I know.
Awesome car though.

A titty...

Paco500 · Nov 27, 2007, 12:53 PM

Originally Posted by talisker

I didn't realise his new job was going to be as a hairdresser.

That made me giggle.

Peter · Nov 27, 2007, 02:53 PM

is the TT really a hairdressers car?

angelmb · Nov 27, 2007, 03:07 PM

Why not to drive something different?, I heard the upcoming 2008 CTS is really good…
As for germans, my vote goes for new C Class.

ajprice · 05:05 PM

Probably go for something german, with a diesel engine. Audi/BMW/Merc would be up to your personal preference. Also, is it for you or your kids? For 30k you probably have a choice of coupe, saloon, estate or 4wd.

pheonixash · Nov 27, 2007, 07:05 PM

Originally Posted by Paco500

Have you driven one? Is the drive going to be too subdued after the BMW? And what do you know of the auto transmission on mercs? I went with the auto for the wife, but would be just as happy with a manual. The auto on the BMW seems to really kill MPG.

I drive a E320 with the 7GTronic auto. I think the higher end models of the C have that. It's a really smooth box, you can hardly feel it shifting. I always have the power on tap, so I think the ratios are setup quite well. I don't know 'bout the 5 speed box tho...I also get 'bout 23-24 mpg, with some mixed city and highway miles.

iMOTOR · Nov 28, 2007, 01:25 AM

If I was buying:

Volvo S60 - All Volvo Models - www.volvocars.co.uk

skacoreimplore · Nov 28, 2007, 04:43 AM

I would buy a Civic type-R, I wish they had them in the US.

ajprice · Nov 28, 2007, 05:02 AM

Originally Posted by skacoreimplore

I would buy a Civic type-R, I wish they had them in the US.

And what does he do with the other £12,000 ?

badidea · Nov 28, 2007, 05:43 AM

Originally Posted by ajprice

And what does he do with the other £12,000 ?

Stickers, spoilers, a custom paint job, 2 amps, 24 speakers and 2 subwoofer...

Kevin · Nov 28, 2007, 07:32 AM

Originally Posted by Paco500

BMW 320d M sport gets 60+ on the motorway. No need to go back to the 80's- just to europe.

You really can go wherever you live and still get cars of the like. It doesn't have to be the 80s, or Europe.

Mastrap · Nov 28, 2007, 11:28 AM

^ Really? Show me the equivalent car in North America. There isn't one, because we're way behind in diesel sales.

Nivag · Nov 28, 2007, 01:54 PM

Originally Posted by Peter

is the TT really a hairdressers car?

No, it's the owner of the hairdressers car. A hairdresser drives a MX-5

How about a top end Alfa Romeo 159, apparently the build quality is a lot better on this model.

Mastrap · Nov 28, 2007, 02:09 PM

Originally Posted by Nivag

No, it's the owner of the hairdressers car.

You can own a hairdresser?

ajprice · Nov 28, 2007, 02:50 PM

Originally Posted by Mastrap

You can own a hairdresser?

Yes.

I keep mine in a cupboard and feed it cheese.

Railroader · Nov 28, 2007, 02:58 PM

Originally Posted by ajprice

Yes.

I keep mine in a cupboard and feed it cheese.

Quit wasting cheese.

Kevin · Nov 28, 2007, 03:54 PM

Originally Posted by Mastrap

^ Really? Show me the equivalent car in North America. There isn't one, because we're way behind in diesel sales.

I wasn't talking diesel. I was talking about his comment about "performance and milage above 28 MPG" You don't have to go to the 80s, or Europe to get that.

Mastrap · Nov 28, 2007, 04:26 PM

Originally Posted by Kevin

I wasn't talking diesel. I was talking about his comment about "performance and milage above 28 MPG" You don't have to go to the 80s, or Europe to get that.

Not really. Paco was talking about 60+, not 28+:

Originally Posted by Paco500
BMW 320d M sport gets 60+ on the motorway. No need to go back to the 80's- just to europe.

Your response was:

You really can go wherever you live and still get cars of the like. It doesn't have to be the 80s, or Europe.

Paco500 · Nov 28, 2007, 07:32 PM

To be perfectly fair here, the 60+ MPG is based on the UK gallon, or ~1.2 US gallons. So it's more like 50+ MPG in US terms. Still, I've driven a 320d and it's a very sporty drive, and gets better real world MPG than a Prius.

I'm curious about the Alpha, they look great but I'm still pretty concerned about reliability. Same on the Audi- well that and maintenance costs. I haven't checked prices for Audi, but a co-workers Passat has higher servicing costs from the dealer than my BMW. I can't image Audis are cheeper.

But I'm still looking into this program, I think servicing costs may be included. I have a lot to learn about life over here.

EndlessMac · Nov 28, 2007, 08:21 PM

Originally Posted by Paco500

I went with the auto for the wife, but would be just as happy with a manual. The auto on the BMW seems to really kill MPG.

If you want better MPG then get a manual. I also drive a manual car which is supposed to only get 30 MPG but I'm getting 38 MPG. A manual car is really two cars in one depending on how you drive it because you can short shift it for fuel economy or redline it for speed.

Have you seen the current BMW 3 series in person? I didn't like them until I did. Some of the current Audis aren't bad. Although part of the reason why BMWs are popular is because they really are a joy to drive. I don't own one but a relative of mine has one that I've driven.

Paco500 · Nov 29, 2007, 05:28 AM

Originally Posted by EndlessMac

Have you seen the current BMW 3 series in person? I didn't like them until I did. Some of the current Audis aren't bad. Although part of the reason why BMWs are popular is because they really are a joy to drive. I don't own one but a relative of mine has one that I've driven.

I have- I've driven a 320d- it was a loner while mine was being serviced. I really like the looks of the copue and can tolerate the looks of the saloon and touring, at least externally. Perhaps it's just me, but I really don't like the new interiors. The older 3 series seemed to be set up with more of a driver focus. However, they do drive beautifully. It's likely I'll end up with a 320d manual, but I just want to see what is out there. BMW just kills you on options, and not much comes standard. I want to shop a bit. Thankfully, I've got a few months to look around.

talisker · Nov 29, 2007, 06:00 AM

Originally Posted by Nivag

No, it's the owner of the hairdressers car. A hairdresser drives a MX-5

How about a top end Alfa Romeo 159, apparently the build quality is a lot better on this model.

Actually, I think an MX-5 (particularly an early 90s Series 1) is less hairdressery than a TT. But anyway, good call on the 159. James May tested it on a recent Top Gear, and indeed the build quality was good and it was generally great to drive. He had an Italian Car Road Test swear box on the dashboard - he had to put a coin in whenever he said Passion, Soul, etc

Kevin · 06:58 AM

Originally Posted by Mastrap

Not really. Paco was talking about 60+, not 28+:

I was actually replying to G4ME's original comments to Paco when I posted what I said. I was attempting to use the double quote but failed. And didn't really think it was that important enough to go back and change. Still don't.

Originally Posted by G4ME

so you are looking for something with performance and milage above 28 MPG?

go back to the 80s and get a GTI

It's not like it's really a big enough deal to argue about is is Mastrap? Really?

Doofy · Nov 29, 2007, 06:49 AM

Originally Posted by talisker

But anyway, good call on the 159. James May tested it on a recent Top Gear, and indeed the build quality was good and it was generally great to drive. He had an Italian Car Road Test swear box on the dashboard - he had to put a coin in whenever he said Passion, Soul, etc

But when all is said and done, he lost the race to a bloke who was walking.

Paco, there's another reason to go Benz: It says to your employer that you're sensible and reliable, that you're a keeper. Compare to a TT or an Alfa, which both say you're having a midlife crisis, you're menopausal or you're about to have your willie chopped off in an elective NHS operation.

Plus, of course, the Benz badge gives you the automatic right to sit in the fast lane of the motorway at a steady 70 MPH.

badidea · Nov 29, 2007, 07:13 AM

Originally Posted by Kevin

It's not like it's really a big enough deal to argue about is is Mastrap? Really?

Why do you even post when you don't like to discuss the content of your posts? Really?

Kevin · Nov 29, 2007, 07:23 AM

Originally Posted by badidea

Why do you even post when you don't like to discuss the content of your posts? Really?

I think you misunderstood my post if that is what you got out of it.

BTW this has really nothing to do with the topic. This post you just made could have easily been sent as a private message. I request any further posts of the matter that inquire questions about me personally be sent to me via MSG instead of derailing threads. Not only will I appreciate it, I am sure the rest of the forum will too.

villalobos · Nov 29, 2007, 07:59 AM

Originally Posted by Kevin

You really can go wherever you live and still get cars of the like. It doesn't have to be the 80s, or Europe.

If only...

as2 · Nov 29, 2007, 08:06 AM

Try and hold off and order the new Audi A4 that will hit the roads in the new year. Great car, and will get more for your money than the Merc or BMW.

You're likely to get more for your money with the current A4 being at the end of the line though. The 2.0 (170ps) diesel is a great engine, and won't sting you too much on the company car tax. I've got the same engine in an A3 and easily get 45mpg with a fair bit of urban crawling!