Budget 15-16k Fun/Smart Daily
Discussion
Hi All
Looking to the people that know/have experience
I might be moving from my current role 20mile each way commute to 10mile each way. But to be honest I think Petrol is the solution or even Hybrid (hadn’t really thought until typing this) as the next step up.
Here’s my current status and what I’m really looking at and my only concern really is the step up in size of the car (but then my kids are growing up) and also ulez as I’m based in Hertfordshire but we have a Merc B ulez compliant family car.
Has anyone first hand experience of below cars? Any alternatives I hadn’t thought of and finally any issues I may need to know.
My Dad has an XE diesel, very smart R-Sport, I’ve always liked the Merc C200 AMG Line with the many spoke alloys (seems they’re rare now) and I do like Unique so was looking at a Guilia until they seem to start at £20k for a Veloce and I’m not sure how good the Speciale/Super are.
Looking for something a bit quicker than what I have but luxury.
Here’s my run down, seems mpg very similar if not a little lower than present which isn’t really an issue and won’t be if I move roles in the next few months. Tax I’m quids in compared to current standings. 0-60 well can most be remapped or are they already at their full postential.
So far I’d say I’m Merc, Jag, BMW in that order
Current Kia proceed
0-60 7.3
Tax £265
Mpg - 33-36mpg
Insurance 30E
Length 4.3m
WBAC £7.3k
Dealer £9k based on Autotrader 1 155miles away from Herts
£15k budget
No more than 70k miles
2015/2016 min
Merc C200 AMG Line 2015
0-60 - 7.5secs
Tax £165
MPG 36-38mpg
Insurance 31E
Length 4.68m
Jaguar XE 2.0T R-Sport
0-60 - 7.1
Tax £270
MPG 33-35
Insurance 27E
Length 4.67m
BMW 4 Series 420/428 M Sport 3015
0-60 - 7.8/5.8
Tax £220/£180
MPG 34-38/ 31-33mph
Length 4.63m
Insurance 34E
Alfa will have to be a few years down the line.
This is a late 40 bday present really. I’d step the budget up but holidays right now seem to start around £4K for a Spanish resort haha. I have to keep the wife happy as well remember :-)
Looking to the people that know/have experience
I might be moving from my current role 20mile each way commute to 10mile each way. But to be honest I think Petrol is the solution or even Hybrid (hadn’t really thought until typing this) as the next step up.
Here’s my current status and what I’m really looking at and my only concern really is the step up in size of the car (but then my kids are growing up) and also ulez as I’m based in Hertfordshire but we have a Merc B ulez compliant family car.
Has anyone first hand experience of below cars? Any alternatives I hadn’t thought of and finally any issues I may need to know.
My Dad has an XE diesel, very smart R-Sport, I’ve always liked the Merc C200 AMG Line with the many spoke alloys (seems they’re rare now) and I do like Unique so was looking at a Guilia until they seem to start at £20k for a Veloce and I’m not sure how good the Speciale/Super are.
Looking for something a bit quicker than what I have but luxury.
Here’s my run down, seems mpg very similar if not a little lower than present which isn’t really an issue and won’t be if I move roles in the next few months. Tax I’m quids in compared to current standings. 0-60 well can most be remapped or are they already at their full postential.
So far I’d say I’m Merc, Jag, BMW in that order
Current Kia proceed
0-60 7.3
Tax £265
Mpg - 33-36mpg
Insurance 30E
Length 4.3m
WBAC £7.3k
Dealer £9k based on Autotrader 1 155miles away from Herts
£15k budget
No more than 70k miles
2015/2016 min
Merc C200 AMG Line 2015
0-60 - 7.5secs
Tax £165
MPG 36-38mpg
Insurance 31E
Length 4.68m
Jaguar XE 2.0T R-Sport
0-60 - 7.1
Tax £270
MPG 33-35
Insurance 27E
Length 4.67m
BMW 4 Series 420/428 M Sport 3015
0-60 - 7.8/5.8
Tax £220/£180
MPG 34-38/ 31-33mph
Length 4.63m
Insurance 34E
Alfa will have to be a few years down the line.
This is a late 40 bday present really. I’d step the budget up but holidays right now seem to start around £4K for a Spanish resort haha. I have to keep the wife happy as well remember :-)
Out of your list, the C200 is probably the safest bet, but i think there are better cars to be had.
I'd watch out for the XEs fitted with the 2.0 T Ingenium engine post 2017, I've heard some horror stories. They were fitted with the Ford Ecoboost 2.0 litre between 2015-2017, which is a much safer bet, as the 2.0 T Ecoboost is actually a chain driven Mazda L-series engine. So one like this 25t GTDi. They will remap to about 270 bhp.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112060...
With the BMW 4 series, avoid cars pre 2016 with the N20 engine as they can have problems with timing chain failure that wrecks the engine. That'll mean avoid the 428i entirely, go for the 430i instead - but that'll be over your budget, so you are stuck with the 420i. The post 2016 B48 engine is much more reliable, so like this. These can also be remapped to around 270 bhp safely.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212102...
You can just about get an Alfa Romeo within budget(ish) - I certainly wouldn't rule out the Super 200 models, the engine is identical to that found in the Veloce, it's just software that limits power to 200 bhp. They are over 100 kg lighter than the BMW and Jag, and pump out a decent amount of torque in stock form at 243 lb ft, meaning a 0-60 of 6.6. Take them to a reputable Alfa specialist for a remap and they will be kicking out 315 bhp and you'll get 0-60 times better than that of a Veloce! They are also reliable. Here's a couple
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303034...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301253...
Other ideas
Audi A4 2.0 TFSI - remappable to 260 bhp
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302234...
Hybrid option - Lexus IS300h
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212132...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302254...
I'd watch out for the XEs fitted with the 2.0 T Ingenium engine post 2017, I've heard some horror stories. They were fitted with the Ford Ecoboost 2.0 litre between 2015-2017, which is a much safer bet, as the 2.0 T Ecoboost is actually a chain driven Mazda L-series engine. So one like this 25t GTDi. They will remap to about 270 bhp.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112060...
With the BMW 4 series, avoid cars pre 2016 with the N20 engine as they can have problems with timing chain failure that wrecks the engine. That'll mean avoid the 428i entirely, go for the 430i instead - but that'll be over your budget, so you are stuck with the 420i. The post 2016 B48 engine is much more reliable, so like this. These can also be remapped to around 270 bhp safely.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212102...
You can just about get an Alfa Romeo within budget(ish) - I certainly wouldn't rule out the Super 200 models, the engine is identical to that found in the Veloce, it's just software that limits power to 200 bhp. They are over 100 kg lighter than the BMW and Jag, and pump out a decent amount of torque in stock form at 243 lb ft, meaning a 0-60 of 6.6. Take them to a reputable Alfa specialist for a remap and they will be kicking out 315 bhp and you'll get 0-60 times better than that of a Veloce! They are also reliable. Here's a couple
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303034...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301253...
Other ideas
Audi A4 2.0 TFSI - remappable to 260 bhp
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302234...
Hybrid option - Lexus IS300h
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212132...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302254...
georgeyboy12345 said:
Out of your list, the C200 is probably the safest bet, but i think there are better cars to be had.
I'd watch out for the XEs fitted with the 2.0 T Ingenium engine post 2017, I've heard some horror stories. They were fitted with the Ford Ecoboost 2.0 litre between 2015-2017, which is a much safer bet, as the 2.0 T Ecoboost is actually a chain driven Mazda L-series engine. So one like this 25t GTDi. They will remap to about 270 bhp.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112060...
With the BMW 4 series, avoid cars pre 2016 with the N20 engine as they can have problems with timing chain failure that wrecks the engine. That'll mean avoid the 428i entirely, go for the 430i instead - but that'll be over your budget, so you are stuck with the 420i. The post 2016 B48 engine is much more reliable, so like this. These can also be remapped to around 270 bhp safely.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212102...
You can just about get an Alfa Romeo within budget(ish) - I certainly wouldn't rule out the Super 200 models, the engine is identical to that found in the Veloce, it's just software that limits power to 200 bhp. They are over 100 kg lighter than the BMW and Jag, and pump out a decent amount of torque in stock form at 243 lb ft, meaning a 0-60 of 6.6. Take them to a reputable Alfa specialist for a remap and they will be kicking out 315 bhp and you'll get 0-60 times better than that of a Veloce! They are also reliable. Here's a couple
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303034...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301253...
Other ideas
Audi A4 2.0 TFSI - remappable to 260 bhp
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302234...
Hybrid option - Lexus IS300h
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212132...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302254...
My pals dad had a 200bhp Giuilia when they came out and it was much quicker than expected. Brilliant car. I'd watch out for the XEs fitted with the 2.0 T Ingenium engine post 2017, I've heard some horror stories. They were fitted with the Ford Ecoboost 2.0 litre between 2015-2017, which is a much safer bet, as the 2.0 T Ecoboost is actually a chain driven Mazda L-series engine. So one like this 25t GTDi. They will remap to about 270 bhp.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112060...
With the BMW 4 series, avoid cars pre 2016 with the N20 engine as they can have problems with timing chain failure that wrecks the engine. That'll mean avoid the 428i entirely, go for the 430i instead - but that'll be over your budget, so you are stuck with the 420i. The post 2016 B48 engine is much more reliable, so like this. These can also be remapped to around 270 bhp safely.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212102...
You can just about get an Alfa Romeo within budget(ish) - I certainly wouldn't rule out the Super 200 models, the engine is identical to that found in the Veloce, it's just software that limits power to 200 bhp. They are over 100 kg lighter than the BMW and Jag, and pump out a decent amount of torque in stock form at 243 lb ft, meaning a 0-60 of 6.6. Take them to a reputable Alfa specialist for a remap and they will be kicking out 315 bhp and you'll get 0-60 times better than that of a Veloce! They are also reliable. Here's a couple
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303034...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301253...
Other ideas
Audi A4 2.0 TFSI - remappable to 260 bhp
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302234...
Hybrid option - Lexus IS300h
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212132...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302254...
Kingdom35 said:
Hi All
Looking to the people that know/have experience
I might be moving from my current role 20mile each way commute to 10mile each way. But to be honest I think Petrol is the solution or even Hybrid (hadn’t really thought until typing this) as the next step up.
Here’s my current status and what I’m really looking at and my only concern really is the step up in size of the car (but then my kids are growing up) and also ulez as I’m based in Hertfordshire but we have a Merc B ulez compliant family car.
Has anyone first hand experience of below cars? Any alternatives I hadn’t thought of and finally any issues I may need to know.
My Dad has an XE diesel, very smart R-Sport, I’ve always liked the Merc C200 AMG Line with the many spoke alloys (seems they’re rare now) and I do like Unique so was looking at a Guilia until they seem to start at £20k for a Veloce and I’m not sure how good the Speciale/Super are.
Looking for something a bit quicker than what I have but luxury.
Here’s my run down, seems mpg very similar if not a little lower than present which isn’t really an issue and won’t be if I move roles in the next few months. Tax I’m quids in compared to current standings. 0-60 well can most be remapped or are they already at their full postential.
So far I’d say I’m Merc, Jag, BMW in that order
Current Kia proceed
0-60 7.3
Tax £265
Mpg - 33-36mpg
Insurance 30E
Length 4.3m
WBAC £7.3k
Dealer £9k based on Autotrader 1 155miles away from Herts
£15k budget
No more than 70k miles
2015/2016 min
Merc C200 AMG Line 2015
0-60 - 7.5secs
Tax £165
MPG 36-38mpg
Insurance 31E
Length 4.68m
Jaguar XE 2.0T R-Sport
0-60 - 7.1
Tax £270
MPG 33-35
Insurance 27E
Length 4.67m
BMW 4 Series 420/428 M Sport 3015
0-60 - 7.8/5.8
Tax £220/£180
MPG 34-38/ 31-33mph
Length 4.63m
Insurance 34E
Alfa will have to be a few years down the line.
This is a late 40 bday present really. I’d step the budget up but holidays right now seem to start around £4K for a Spanish resort haha. I have to keep the wife happy as well remember :-)
Here's an alternate list:Looking to the people that know/have experience
I might be moving from my current role 20mile each way commute to 10mile each way. But to be honest I think Petrol is the solution or even Hybrid (hadn’t really thought until typing this) as the next step up.
Here’s my current status and what I’m really looking at and my only concern really is the step up in size of the car (but then my kids are growing up) and also ulez as I’m based in Hertfordshire but we have a Merc B ulez compliant family car.
Has anyone first hand experience of below cars? Any alternatives I hadn’t thought of and finally any issues I may need to know.
My Dad has an XE diesel, very smart R-Sport, I’ve always liked the Merc C200 AMG Line with the many spoke alloys (seems they’re rare now) and I do like Unique so was looking at a Guilia until they seem to start at £20k for a Veloce and I’m not sure how good the Speciale/Super are.
Looking for something a bit quicker than what I have but luxury.
Here’s my run down, seems mpg very similar if not a little lower than present which isn’t really an issue and won’t be if I move roles in the next few months. Tax I’m quids in compared to current standings. 0-60 well can most be remapped or are they already at their full postential.
So far I’d say I’m Merc, Jag, BMW in that order
Current Kia proceed
0-60 7.3
Tax £265
Mpg - 33-36mpg
Insurance 30E
Length 4.3m
WBAC £7.3k
Dealer £9k based on Autotrader 1 155miles away from Herts
£15k budget
No more than 70k miles
2015/2016 min
Merc C200 AMG Line 2015
0-60 - 7.5secs
Tax £165
MPG 36-38mpg
Insurance 31E
Length 4.68m
Jaguar XE 2.0T R-Sport
0-60 - 7.1
Tax £270
MPG 33-35
Insurance 27E
Length 4.67m
BMW 4 Series 420/428 M Sport 3015
0-60 - 7.8/5.8
Tax £220/£180
MPG 34-38/ 31-33mph
Length 4.63m
Insurance 34E
Alfa will have to be a few years down the line.
This is a late 40 bday present really. I’d step the budget up but holidays right now seem to start around £4K for a Spanish resort haha. I have to keep the wife happy as well remember :-)
XF R Sport 250 it's a better overall car than the XE but you'll have to compromise on mileage:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302074...
Infiniti Q50 Sport (these share the same drivetrain as the C200) & are a good alternative but the 35h below is an even better one
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301293...
35h:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302264...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301273...
Passat CC:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209230...
Giulia 200:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303034...
DS5 170 Elegance:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211302...
Leftfield:
Hyundai Genesis high tax but if you're only doing 20 miles a day it's a great place to be
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205306...
Insignia SRI VX Line 250:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303024...
Lexus GS 250 F Sport:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301153...
How about a 2019 Honda Civic 1.5 VTEC Turbo Sport Plus
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212012...
0-60 - 8.3
Tax £165
MPG 45.7mpg (Honest John)
Insurance 22E
Length 4.518m
Understand the looks are hit and miss (I love it) but I think they are a great drive and seriously practical.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212012...
0-60 - 8.3
Tax £165
MPG 45.7mpg (Honest John)
Insurance 22E
Length 4.518m
Understand the looks are hit and miss (I love it) but I think they are a great drive and seriously practical.
Thank you all for the input.
I think as I said before the Alfa is a push but the Merc a close 2nd.
Are you saying the C200 isn’t as good as say the XE or 4 Series?
I do prefer the XF over the XE (the link provided didn’t work on that XF) but I think it’s just a bit too big much like the E class maybe too.
Good to know about the Alfa being that much lighter and remaps better than the rest.
I think as I said before the Alfa is a push but the Merc a close 2nd.
Are you saying the C200 isn’t as good as say the XE or 4 Series?
I do prefer the XF over the XE (the link provided didn’t work on that XF) but I think it’s just a bit too big much like the E class maybe too.
Good to know about the Alfa being that much lighter and remaps better than the rest.
Kingdom35 said:
Thank you all for the input.
I think as I said before the Alfa is a push but the Merc a close 2nd.
Are you saying the C200 isn’t as good as say the XE or 4 Series?
I do prefer the XF over the XE (the link provided didn’t work on that XF) but I think it’s just a bit too big much like the E class maybe too.
Good to know about the Alfa being that much lighter and remaps better than the rest.
Actually, just had a bit more of a read on the C200's, the M274s in those have a couple of issues with the timing chain once they get to around 80k, as well as the potential for turbo failure around that mileage. Probably nothing to worry about, as there are examples for sale on AT with over 150k on the clock. It seems to be more of a problem with cars that have missed services, so I'd find one with FSH with as low a mileage as you can afford, like this. They'll remap to around 250 bhp.I think as I said before the Alfa is a push but the Merc a close 2nd.
Are you saying the C200 isn’t as good as say the XE or 4 Series?
I do prefer the XF over the XE (the link provided didn’t work on that XF) but I think it’s just a bit too big much like the E class maybe too.
Good to know about the Alfa being that much lighter and remaps better than the rest.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212222...
Edited by georgeyboy12345 on Saturday 4th March 22:29
Yes I do (I assume you mean Infiniti) I have two family members with them as well as friends, they're very good cars.
I would check to see that you're local Nissan dealer services Infiniti's most do but a small number don't, or alternatively see if you have an Indy that's happy to work on hybrids.
As for the car itself they're very good the engine is basically a 350Z engine the hybrid system is smooth except in very slow stop start traffic where you can feel the transition.
Economy wise my cousin who goes from Catford to just past Leatherhead daily is averaging around 44mpg, my aunt who travels into central london is averaging 32mpg.
Performance is properly quick the AWD version is a bit quicker 0-60 but both are quick. spec wise you'll want for nothing although not every car has adaptive cruise.
In the four + years my family has had them neither has had an issue, one of my friends had a thermostat failure with another suffering a split hose & a broken clamp on the radiator.
If there's anything specific you'd like to know feel free to ask.
I would check to see that you're local Nissan dealer services Infiniti's most do but a small number don't, or alternatively see if you have an Indy that's happy to work on hybrids.
As for the car itself they're very good the engine is basically a 350Z engine the hybrid system is smooth except in very slow stop start traffic where you can feel the transition.
Economy wise my cousin who goes from Catford to just past Leatherhead daily is averaging around 44mpg, my aunt who travels into central london is averaging 32mpg.
Performance is properly quick the AWD version is a bit quicker 0-60 but both are quick. spec wise you'll want for nothing although not every car has adaptive cruise.
In the four + years my family has had them neither has had an issue, one of my friends had a thermostat failure with another suffering a split hose & a broken clamp on the radiator.
If there's anything specific you'd like to know feel free to ask.
That’s great feedback.
Must say that’s a quick car and very economical, plus a hybrid. What’s not to like. No need for a remap either.
I need to see one in the flesh I think, only 3 on autorader, few more on the bay.
The looks are unique, straight off not as striking as the GIULIA or Merc but again must see it in the flesh.
You helped/made me look into the KIA Proceed originally. So I trust your judgement and I know you’ve always said about the Infiniti.
Just need to find a Nissan or Indy local to me for peace of mind too
Must say that’s a quick car and very economical, plus a hybrid. What’s not to like. No need for a remap either.
I need to see one in the flesh I think, only 3 on autorader, few more on the bay.
The looks are unique, straight off not as striking as the GIULIA or Merc but again must see it in the flesh.
You helped/made me look into the KIA Proceed originally. So I trust your judgement and I know you’ve always said about the Infiniti.
Just need to find a Nissan or Indy local to me for peace of mind too
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