Which car?... thoughts and suggestions please!

[wadsy]

My criteria...

Decent comfort/refinement - low cabin noise, and good ride quality, but not wallowy/floaty!.. and comfy/supportive seats.
Reasonable running costs for: servicing, tyres, parts etc as we're looking to retire and income will greatly reduce!
4/awd
Needs to be solid/planted and confidence inspiring whatever the weather!
Reasonable practicality - 4/5 doors
I would prefer a "smaller" car due to day to day convenience in car parks and on smaller roads
Ideally 20-25k, but could go to 30k

I probably should add; I would ideally (if possible) like a bit of "PH-car-appeal" as it will be our only car.

My thoughts!...

Small...
Mk7.5 Golf R with dcc on 18's (standard) possibly 17's for better ride?

Compact...
335d Xdrive - Saloon or Touring (F30/31) - LCI with adaptive suspension
S4 Avant - B9 with whatever Audi calls their adaptive dampers - can't find details, and Audi don't have it as a filter on their 'site!

Mid-size...
540i Xdrive with VDC
A6 TDI
E Class

SUV?... not sure, as may have more 'wobble'???... or firmer ride for higher-body control???
Q5
X3
XC40
Touareg


I think a 335d Xdrive is probably top of my list, as it appears to offer the best compromise of our criteria. Your thoughts/suggestions much appreciated.

Cheers

Edited by wadsy on Wednesday 17th January 16:24

Edited by wadsy on Wednesday 17th January 18:23

[Mammasaid]

V60 Cross Country, ticks most, if not all of the boxes;

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309162...

[RazerSauber]

Mammasaid said:

V60 Cross Country, ticks most, if not all of the boxes;

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309162...

My immediate thought was a Volvo, too.

[Lotobear]

I've recently bought a used low mileage A6 Allroad and it's impressive, very comfortable and refined and more that sufficient grunt when you want it (over 400 torques)

Air suspension is nice too, and tweakable.

Handling is quite impressive for a big heavy old thing too.

I may regret it if it goes wrong but so far it does all I could want from a daily car - dogs, work and MTB's

[wadsy]

Mammasaid said:

V60 Cross Country, ticks most, if not all of the boxes;

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309162...

That does appear to tick all the boxes, thanks.

I probably should've added; I would like a bit of "PH-car-appeal" as it will be our only car. The Volvo is worth considering, but (imho) lacks a bit on that front.

Cheers

[biggbn]

wadsy said:

My criteria...

Decent comfort/refinement - low cabin noise, and good ride quality, but not wallowy/floaty!.. and comfy/supportive seats.
Reasonable running costs for: servicing, tyres, parts etc as we're looking to retire and income will greatly reduce!
4/awd
Needs to be solid/planted and confidence inspiring whatever the weather!
Reasonable practicality - 4/5 doors
I would prefer a "smaller" car due to day to day convenience in car parks and on smaller roads
Ideally 20-25k, but could go to 30k

My thoughts!...

Small...
Mk7.5 Golf R with dcc on 18's (standard) possibly 17's for better ride?

Compact...
335d Xdrive - Saloon or Touring (F30/31) - LCI with adaptive suspension
S4 Avant - B9 with whatever Audi calls their adaptive dampers - can't find details, and Audi don't have it as a filter on their 'site!

Mid-size...
540i Xdrive with VDC
A6 TDI
E Class

SUV?... not sure, as may have more 'wobble'???... or firmer ride for higher-body control???
Q5
X3
XC40
Touareg


I think a 335d Xdrive is probably top of my list, as it appears to offer the best compromise of our criteria. Your thoughts/suggestions much appreciated.

Cheers

Edited by wadsy on Wednesday 17th January 16:24

Lexus suv.

[Vsix and Vtec]

Honda CR-V or Jazz.

The parts costs will be lower than anything else on that list, as bugger all goes wrong with them. They're comfy, and they very well built too, so no irritating squeaks and rattles 10 years down the line.

If you want something up-market, get a Jaguar F Pace or XF/XE. Just avoid anything smaller than the 2.2 Diesel, as the 2.0 engine is not especially reliable.

[ZX10R NIN]

V60 Polestar, lots of PH appeal & a bloody good car:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202310132...

If you're going to be retiring soon & won't be doing many miles then I'd seriously consider the RS3 as it's depreciation will be lower (it'll cost more to run than an S3/Golf R but will depreciate less) & it's a fantastic car:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202311214...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202311023...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401075...

A35 AMG Premium Plus:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401035...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202310193...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202312114...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202312134...

[wadsy]

Thanks for all replies

[wadsy]

ZX10R NIN said:

V60 Polestar, lots of PH appeal & a bloody good car:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202310132...

If you're going to be retiring soon & won't be doing many miles then I'd seriously consider the RS3 as it's depreciation will be lower (it'll cost more to run than an S3/Golf R but will depreciate less) & it's a fantastic car:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202311214...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202311023...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401075...

A35 AMG Premium Plus:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401035...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202310193...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202312114...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202312134...

Are the RS3 and A35 both refined and comfortable?

Cheers

[georgeyboy12345]

I'd go for that V60 Polestar

What about something electric? Will dust any of the other cars suggested so far. Naturally quiet and refined.

MG4 XPower
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202310213...


Tesla Model 3

Long Range
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202308050...

Performance
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309011...


Tesla Model S P90D
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202312124...

[wadsy]

Thanks, but staunchly anti electric atm

[ZX10R NIN]

wadsy said:

Are the RS3 and A35 both refined and comfortable?

Cheers

Yes they are both of those the A35 has a slightly softer ride but test drive both as only you can decide what works for you.

The Alpina's have the best ride full stop.

[Silvanus]

Another vote for Volvo, but the XC-60 T8 R-Design for me.