Next workhorse, let's not make it a Passat

MarkDavis · 22 Dec 2008 at 21:13

Would suggest the new C5 2.2/2.7 HDi Estate or the Alfa 159 Sportwagon if you were after something interesting but then you say you want a 'workhorse' and are going to be spending £20,000 on one.....

...which only leaves the C-Class Estate and 3 Series Touring.

Housey · 22 Dec 2008 at 21:51

968 CS or NSX

5 Doors, Estate, Diesel are meaningless words I am just hearing Charlie Browns school teacher when I read those words

waha wha wha wha wha whow

Make the family walk, carry suff without the need to hear them and get something proper. You might die of boredem else.

merlin · 22 Dec 2008 at 21:54

I want to break free, I want to breeaeak freeeeeeeeeee.

Housey · 22 Dec 2008 at 21:55

or if all else fails go for one of these in 2.4D, a good engine I have read.

merlin · 22 Dec 2008 at 21:56

I saw one IRL today, office next doors' car park.

It truly stank.

Housey · 22 Dec 2008 at 21:57

I present http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/803829.htm

Be different, they look lovely and if you can find a good dealer (the real challenge) it should look after you. No BMW to drive but still a nice motor.

Housey · 22 Dec 2008 at 21:59

merlin said:
I saw one IRL today, office next doors' car park.

It truly stank.

Oh they are crap but the Passat filled so much forum space we need a replacement of catastrophic potential.

olv · 22 Dec 2008 at 22:04

Have you considered a Passat CC for that sporting gentleman inside of you?

[TW]Fox · 22 Dec 2008 at 22:52

I actually saw a Passat CC for the first time ever on Friday.

Alex UK · 22 Dec 2008 at 23:06

Housey said:
I present http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/803829.htm

Be different, they look lovely and if you can find a good dealer (the real challenge) it should look after you. No BMW to drive but still a nice motor.

I couldn't agree more. Absolutely gorgeous cars, I'd have one over yet another 320D every single time.

[TW]Fox · 22 Dec 2008 at 23:09

Alex UK said:
I couldn't agree more. Absolutely gorgeous cars, I'd have one over yet another 320D every single time.

What didnt you like when you drove the 320d? Cos surely you'd not pick a rep car based on how it looks externally and how many other people own one?

Alex UK · 22 Dec 2008 at 23:12

[TW]Fox;13139748 said:
What didnt you like when you drove the 320d? Cos surely you'd not pick a rep car based on how it looks externally and how many other people own one?

The Alfa 159 appeals to me. I look at one, I want one. The E90 doesn't have the same effect. It's as simple as that.

Pug · 23 Dec 2008 at 00:03

(gonna so regret asking this question here, but i'll try anyway!)

What are peoples experiences with the Chysler 300C? Quite take my fancy and would be about the budget i'd have...

OllyM · 23 Dec 2008 at 00:04

Old E-class underneath, cheap and very nasty interior and people put Bentley badges on them

[TW]Fox · 23 Dec 2008 at 00:04

Alex UK said:
The Alfa 159 appeals to me. I look at one, I want one. The E90 doesn't have the same effect. It's as simple as that.

It's a diesel motorway car, it isnt really the sort of car you buy on the basis of raw desire and 'want one' factor.

Pug · 23 Dec 2008 at 00:38

[TW]Fox;13140035 said:
It's a diesel motorway car, it isnt really the sort of car you buy on the basis of raw desire and 'want one' factor.

nah but i think its fair that if one makes you smile and the other doesnt, and you have to spend a lot of your time in it, better to get the one that makes you smile.

My point is i guess that because you HAVE to have a "dull" car, best to get the one you like the most.

wassap · 23 Dec 2008 at 08:18

I took a new Accord 2.2 ES GT out yesterday, nice motor tbh, pretty good handling, nice inside,even the derv was ok, I didnt get back into my ST and think WOW, which is what you get when you sometimes drive something crap like an A4 or similar.

I gave it a good going thrashing round some of Worcester's finest, and its on a par with the 3 series in the handling stakes, interior is much nicer imo.Generally the car had a solid feel to it.The only downside is that whilst the outside is massive, it isnt all that big in the back, nor is the boot.Infact the Civic has more space I believe.

I think they look good too(wheels are optional).

Other option is the new C class, some good deals on them at the mo.Ultimately the Bimmer is the best diesel in the class, if thats what you want, but even in M sport trim, they are a bit 'meh' (I still havent warmed to the styling

)

peterattheboro · 23 Dec 2008 at 08:33

[TW]Fox;13139641 said:
I actually saw a Passat CC for the first time ever on Friday.

The back end of these are absolute filth imo. That's my favourite arse-end on any car out at the moment

I know i'll probably be alone on that one!

Kingy · 23 Dec 2008 at 09:02

merlin said:
No idea yet how I'll pay for it.

merlin said:
I wouldn't fancy paying the co car tax on it either.

How can both these statements be true?

I thought you got a car allowance and a company car on top?

Imo anyone planning to spend ~£20k of your own money on a motorway hack would surely need their head checking, especially in the current market, regardless of if the expense was covered by a car allowance.

On the car side of it though, if you get one of those M Sport Editions that apparently comes with nav, idrive and bluetooth, you'd be on to a winner...

I liked the inflating side bolsters, and if you could get one with leather electric memory seats to go with the standard xenons and dual zone climate, other than a nice colour and possibly some Style 225s, I can't think of anything much better for the daily grind, assuming someone else was paying...

merlin · 23 Dec 2008 at 09:32

I hold the company cheque book so what I meant was I don't know whether it'll be bought outright or on finance or a lease.

Ultimately the company is paying so ultimately it's a company car which I have to pay tax on- I just don't know how the company will pay for it.