Recommend me a car

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Discussion

PipPip

Original Poster:

23 posts

160 months

Tuesday 27th February
quotequote all
I’m looking for ideas for our next car. Currently we have two EVs, a Tesla Model 3 and a Volvo C40. They are salary sacrifice leases which both finish in the next 18 months. I’m going to opt out of salary sacrifice when they go back as I will be retiring in 2.5 years. I plan to buy a used EV for shorter journeys, probably an eNiro. The open question for me is what to get for the main/long journey car. This car will be used mainly for long road trips. We go to Alps several times a year and in retirement we will be doing many Euro road trips. The Tesla has been alright for these trips, although it’s far from luxurious and the superchargers have become increasingly busy that in the last 18 months these longer trips have become a bit of a chore. I’m open to going back to ICE or a hybrid. Will be buying used, probably 3 years old and I’d like something both luxurious and reliable, budget £35k to £40k. My current thinking has boiled it down to a couple of cars - a Volvo XC60 or a Lexus RX450h. I don’t like the interiors of Mercs and think a Land Rover, BMW or Audi/VW won’t be reliable. Have had many BMWs and Audis before and they were nice but I wouldn’t say reliable. Any other ideas? Thanks

Hoofy

77,468 posts

289 months

Tuesday 27th February
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My old Volvo S60 (2002 model) was the most comfy thing I've been in. Motorway journeys were fine. Didn't get out with a sore backside or back. Everything else seems firmer to sit on. If firm was comfy, then all sofas would be really firm but they're not - they're cushioned!

Gustavo7

141 posts

129 months

Tuesday 27th February
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https://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/vehicle/202310112887769...

Probably all the car you will ever need for those long journeys. Fast, reliable, economical, comfortable (its got comfort seats), with all the toys and plenty of room.


SkodaIan

779 posts

92 months

Tuesday 27th February
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I'd forget the XC60 if you're after something reliable and keeping long term. I've heard a few tales of these going expensively wrong when not very old.

A Lexus is likely to be a good bet reliability wise and a decent enough place to sit in. Would be worth looking at the slightly smaller NX as well as the RX (I think the NX is fairly close to an XC60 in size). You'd get a nearly new one of those in budget. Also if it doesn't have to be SUV style, their saloons would be good too.

A couple of left field options if you're not too bothered about fuel consumption would be a Kia Stinger or Genesis G70.

I can't think of much else as you've dismissed all the other "normal" premium brands. Other options would be a Alfa or a Maserati, but if Audis aren't reliable enough I can't see either of these being on the list ......


PipPip

Original Poster:

23 posts

160 months

Tuesday 27th February
quotequote all
Gustavo7 said:
https://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/vehicle/202310112887769...

Probably all the car you will ever need for those long journeys. Fast, reliable, economical, comfortable (its got comfort seats), with all the toys and plenty of room.
Good shout. I do prefer these to the X models.

PipPip

Original Poster:

23 posts

160 months

Tuesday 27th February
quotequote all
SkodaIan said:
I'd forget the XC60 if you're after something reliable and keeping long term. I've heard a few tales of these going expensively wrong when not very old.

A Lexus is likely to be a good bet reliability wise and a decent enough place to sit in. Would be worth looking at the slightly smaller NX as well as the RX (I think the NX is fairly close to an XC60 in size). You'd get a nearly new one of those in budget. Also if it doesn't have to be SUV style, their saloons would be good too.

A couple of left field options if you're not too bothered about fuel consumption would be a Kia Stinger or Genesis G70.

I can't think of much else as you've dismissed all the other "normal" premium brands. Other options would be a Alfa or a Maserati, but if Audis aren't reliable enough I can't see either of these being on the list ......
Thanks. We don’t want another saloon as need space for a dog now. In the past I’ve had an Audi A6 Allroad which was great but at just 4 years old cost me thousands in repairs. Really put me off Audis. Also after 4 years of Tesla driving I want some buttons for the basics. I don’t like the dual touchscreen approach adopted by Audi. Also had the older model XC60 which was very reliable. Had various BMWs and Minis, which were a mixed bag. The EVs have by far been the most reliable and trouble free cars. Literally nothing other than tyres. Recently took the Tesla in as its 4 years old and I said surely it needs a service? Tesla service centre said not really, the car will tell you if anything is needed but we can change your cabin air filter for you if you like? So I’ve been spoilt with faultless EVs and would like the replacement to be exceptionally reliable. Lexus seems to have that reputation.

ninjag

1,874 posts

126 months

Tuesday 27th February
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Porsche Macan
Jaguar F-Pace (I don't hear any reliability issues with these)
Alpha Stelvio


ZX10R NIN

28,358 posts

132 months

Tuesday 27th February
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Sounds like the NX350h/RX450h will suit you just fine.

lornemalvo

2,446 posts

75 months

Tuesday 27th February
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If going for a Lexus RX450h I'd suggest getting an insurance quote first, they are vulnerable to canbus theft and are being stolen on an industrial scale. Lexus are fitting physical security device but insurance companies are ignoring this so far and are squeezing owners till the pips squeak. tough to make me look elsewhere for my next car

PipPip

Original Poster:

23 posts

160 months

Wednesday 28th February
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lornemalvo said:
If going for a Lexus RX450h I'd suggest getting an insurance quote first, they are vulnerable to canbus theft and are being stolen on an industrial scale. Lexus are fitting physical security device but insurance companies are ignoring this so far and are squeezing owners till the pips squeak. tough to make me look elsewhere for my next car
Thanks for the tip. Will definitely do that. We live in a quiet rural area so hopefully that will count in our favour, but with car insurance who knows!

ninjag

1,874 posts

126 months

Wednesday 28th February
quotequote all
lornemalvo said:
If going for a Lexus RX450h I'd suggest getting an insurance quote first, they are vulnerable to canbus theft and are being stolen on an industrial scale. Lexus are fitting physical security device but insurance companies are ignoring this so far and are squeezing owners till the pips squeak. tough to make me look elsewhere for my next car
haha considering the op's handle!

skywalker001

25 posts

55 months

Wednesday 28th February
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Cupra just announced that they are knocking off £2k off some of their models

Jiebo

957 posts

103 months

Wednesday 28th February
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Gustavo7 said:
https://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/vehicle/202310112887769...

Probably all the car you will ever need for those long journeys. Fast, reliable, economical, comfortable (its got comfort seats), with all the toys and plenty of room.
Absolutely nuts that a 3 year old 530d costs £40k. I thought it was nearly new when I opened it, until I saw the 2021 plate. Madness.