Advice For New Company Car...

[ErnestM]

Right, you lot...
Since I have been on Pistonheads I have found (amongst other things) the best advice possible regarding automobiles, so here is your chance once again...

Around July-ish I will be turning in my current company auto (Lincoln LS) and will be looking for a new one...

1. I am in the US, so choices are limited
2. Car must be 4 or 2 door coupe/sedan (no sports cars)
3. Manual transmission is a must ( personal preference)
4. Trying to keep it below $ 45,000 US

What do you recommend and why? Have you driven it (whatever it is you recommend)?

Cheers

ErnestM

PS: Would rather take the advice of fellow pistonheaders than go off what is written in the, A-hem, media

>>> Edited by ErnestM on Thursday 28th March 18:12

[jeremyc]

quote:2. Car must be 4 or 2 door coupe (no sports cars)

Just interested - when does a 2 door coupe (pronounced 'koop', naturally ) become a sports car in your view? When the roof comes off?

Or put another way, what type of car can you not buy?



>> Edited by jeremyc on Thursday 28th March 18:38

[ErnestM]

Sorry - that should be Sedan Thanks for pointing it out...

In other words, the vehicle must be able to seat 4 (and no the ones in the back can't be midgets...)

ErnestM

[pbrettle]

Have to admit that a 3-series BMW is a cracking car. If you can get the 2 door then great, but even the 2001 / 2002 model with the changed lights in 4 door is excellent. $45K should get you a fully loaded 330i shouldnt it? M3 is out of the price range, but a 330i with sports suspension is as good as you are going to get for a reasonable amount of money....

Cheers,

Paul

[ErnestM]

I don't generally like BMW transmissions as they have always felt a bit sloppy on the shift. However, will give this one a test drive... and you're right, the M3 is just outside the upper $ mark or else it would be a serious contender...

Thanks

ErnestM

[tjones5420]

Ernest

I had same dilemma and ended up with an Audi S4. Its rather good !!!

The new 3.0 A4 is supposed to a hell of a car, as is the new X-type.

Enjoy the test drives.....

[dan]

3.0 X-Type Jag should come into your budget.

Thats what I'd have.

Cheers Dan

[ErnestM]

I'll admit that the X-type is at the top of my list (sport package, 5 speed, all wheel drive, 3.0 - yeah baby), but I have also noticed the A4...

What's all this about the Audi CVT transmission. Anyone tried that or is it just technical fluff to sell more cars?

Anybody driven the two (A4 and X-type) that can do a comparison type of thing? (other than audi having 12 way adjustable seats to Jag's 8 way...)

Keep them coming, this is great

Thanks

ErnestM

>> Edited by ErnestM on Thursday 28th March 20:13

[tvradict]

quote:
(other than audi having 12 way adjustable seats to Jag's 8 way)

[ErnestM]

quote:

Yep - from Carpoint:
Audi A4-"...The 3.0 trims upgrades with genuine wood trim, 12-way power front seats and 16-inch cast alloy wheels..."

From X-type site:
X-type-"...8 way power driver's seat..."

Not that it matter as much as how the two four wheel drive systems compare. I know Audi's is legendary, but I have heard really good things about Jag's. Also I am curious about Audi's single gear CVT transmission - but I am getting the impression that it is just "technofluff".<- hey new PH word?

ErnestM

[go-go]

Ernest go for Audi with manual (look at my profile, 70.000 miles without minimum problem). CVT is for numpties (and Elvis is not shakin' the pelvis). Manual V6 I can recommend for sure. By the way, I am waiting to see a coupe version of A4 and that will be my 4th A4. Cheers

Oh yes, wanted too bad an X type. But, when a saw a Mondeo called Jaguar, shame....

Real cars have longitudinal engine.

I drowe both, go for Audi if you want.


>> Edited by go-go on Friday 29th March 08:59

[pbrettle]

I've driven an Audi with the CVT transmission but I would have to say that due to the design and limitations on power and torque you are unlikely to want one. They are limited to less than 150BHP and something like 200 lbs torque (something like that). Which means that it will come on the 2.0 litre engine and some of the lower power diesels, but not on the 3.0 litre....

I have also driven a 2.5 Jag and the new Audi A4. Both nice, Audi wins on the quality of the interior and is a much improved drive compared to the previous model. The Jag was a bit of a revelation in that I expected it to be softer and woolier. It was actually rather pleasant.

One note though on the gearboxes - if you think the BMW one is not nice then try one of the 4WD ones in the Audi or Jag - nasty in comparison. Not that they are bad (actually very good), but due to the 4WD system they will feel considerably different to those in the BMW.... just a word of caution...

Cheers,

Paul

[simonelite501]

Does it have to be a "new" car or could you/would you want to, opt for a classic?

[ErnestM]

quote:
Does it have to be a "new" car or could you/would you want to, opt for a classic?

Since my company is going to be paying for the service/upkeep etc, new is a must. In fact service plans as well as insurance are also a factor...

Looks like the field is narrowing to the A4 and the X-type. One good thing about being in the US - since we don't have Mondeo over here, your average person on the street would not be able to draw Mondeo/Xtype comparisons...

There are some other vehicles in this category (Lexus, Volvo, Saab), I have summarily dismissed them purely on looks, however have any of you driven any of these?

Methinks that the test drives shall commence this weekend should I be able to "hurry up" the easter visit with ye olde mother in law

Thanks for all the responses so far

ErnestM

PS:Will post my impressions of the test drives on this thread after they happen...

[Tuff Noodell]

I don't know whether you can get them in the US but how about trying a Holden HSV. Comes with adequate size engine (5.7 litre) and manual gearbox. www.hsv.com.au/

[ErnestM]

quote:
I don't know whether you can get them in the US but how about trying a Holden HSV.

Isn't Holden based on a GM vehicle? I seem to remember Lutz is supposed to be looking at bringing over an Aussie V8 based car. I've seen the Holdens on TV running in (I think) "V8 Supercar" race - Nice car..

ErnestM

[simonelite501]

Purely on patriotic terms, I would go for the Jaguar.What with it's English name pedigree and the Ford motor Company being American, Audi being german would rule it out straight away! Being serious for a minute, I've not had the oppertunity to drive either, but I'm sure which ever you decide on you'll be very happy with. Lucky guy! There is a company who are re-making Mk2 Jaguar with up to date running gear, including a V8 supercharged engine. I'll have a trawl through the recent mags and post the details, although I don't know if you would be able to get it in the US.

[ErnestM]

quote:
Purely on patriotic terms, I would go for the Jaguar.What with it's English name pedigree and the Ford motor Company being American

Funny you should mention that... My Dad is American (ex USAF type) and my mother is 100% Scottish from Dunure around Ayr. Me being the product - the Xtype does kind of suit, eh?

Cheers
ErnestM

>> Edited by ErnestM on Friday 29th March 18:37

[SamN01]

I drove the new A4 (must admit it was a TDi) and did not like it.
The steering is very light and the car is the same as a new GOLF on the inside. There is not differance.
Go for the Jag !!

[simonelite501]

Right, found it. This is , in my humble opinion, the car to go for! It's a V8 Supercharged MK2 Jaguar. I think it's the best car that Jaguar never made. Take a look for your self at www.beacham-jaguar.co.nz
They are a New Zeland firm who are advertising in the UK sports car magazine "Classic & Sports Car" so wether you would be able to get one in the US, I don't know. It would look fab parked next to your Esprit though don't you think?!