Time for a new motor, but I have no idea what I fancy,

Time for a new motor, but I have no idea what I fancy,

Author
Discussion

monkeymechanic

Original Poster:

20 posts

214 months

Friday 19th December 2008
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Alright folks, I need some advice I think.

I need a new car, but I have no idea what I fancy. I usually prefer big german barges, and certainly I am tempted to pitch for another, but I wonder if maybe I should have something a wee bit different. I'm even tempted by a 4x4, although I never would use one off road, I would find the boot space rather handy as I carry loads of gear around, hence I need a decent size car.

I was looking at the usual suspects, Audi A4 Avant, Merc C or E or maybe a Jaguar X type Estate but wonder if there is something else I should be looking at?

I did think about a Freelander 2 or VW toureg, both Diesel of course but have never driven one, so cannot form an opinion.

Thanks all, and merry crimbo.

ShadownINja

77,397 posts

288 months

Friday 19th December 2008
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If you're bored and have no idea, I would stick to something really cheap that you can get rid of easily. Pretty much what I've done.

monkeymechanic

Original Poster:

20 posts

214 months

Friday 19th December 2008
quotequote all
Yeah, A CLK55 maybe slightly out of my price range!

AJWB

1,120 posts

216 months

Friday 19th December 2008
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Go drive a Freelander 2 wink

SurreyMustang

382 posts

198 months

Friday 19th December 2008
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What you need is a Mustang.
The new (S197) 2005-2009 models are a really good package which actually handle (unlike the older versions) and are extremely good as an every day car.
Downside is they are left-hand drive, but the upsides:
1. Very cheap to buy second-hand at the moment. A 2 year old low-mileage V8 coupe can be had for as little as £15k.
2. Cheap tax. They come under the 'standard' £185 per year as there is no 'European Emmissions Certificate' for them (not officially imported) so the Govt can't accurately assess what class they should be in.smilesmilesmile
3. Practical. The coupe is a roomy 4-seater with fold-down rear seats so you can even get your golf clubs, skis and fishing rods in!
4. Unusual. Those who aren't in the know always assume its a £100k super-car. Wherever you park there will be a crowd around itsmile
5. Very well supported aftermarket. there are literally thousands of companies who make millions of aftermarket parts for these Mustangs, so everything from wheel, suspension, brake and engine upgrades up to complete body kits are available, and usually at a fraction of the cost of similar 'European' mods.
6. Fuel economy isn't bad either. The 4.6 GT will usually return something in the 20's, though we've seen over 30 on a run (and under 15 on a hoon!!!)
7. Cheap to run. average service cost is circa £150 + VAT, and they really don't go wrong. In the 3 years we've been dealing in them the only 'major' components we've had to change (other than wear & tear) are 1 PAS pump and 1 Throttle pedal, and we have customers who are doing real 'average' mileage in their cars.
8. Drive one - you'll love it. The subdued V8 burble and the lazy power are just so addictive.

I hasten to add that we don't have a second-hand car for sale, but there are loads on various internet sites. This is just a 'public awareness' post!smile

ShadownINja

77,397 posts

288 months

Friday 19th December 2008
quotequote all
monkeymechanic said:
Yeah, A CLK55 maybe slightly out of my price range!
Eh? Sold it last week. I now have a stter (although, I actually do like it).

monkeymechanic

Original Poster:

20 posts

214 months

Friday 19th December 2008
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Hey Surrey, I do like the Mustang I have to admit, I had a 4.0 V6 in Hawaii back in October and I loved it, I know what you mean about lazy power. Lost of people I know dont rate the Mustang, but it makes sense in the US where fuel is cheap and the roads are wide.

When I took it back to the rental comapany, they had one of the Shelby's (The GT-H model for Hertz rental) in the garage, I would have loved a go, but it was going of hire and being replaced with a Corvette.

A big boot is pretty essential though, and maye the mustang will struggle with all my crap. On a positive note, a left hooker would be handy for all my driving in Europe.

Another import I quite fancy would be a Honda Element, very cool.

Jem0911

4,415 posts

207 months

Saturday 20th December 2008
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Consider The Volco XC90 bargins out there now.