New car for mum... Possibly:)

Stupot_

Stupot_

Stupot_

Soldato
Joined
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Just wondering what all your thoughts are on the below, so I can start nagging!

She currently owns an e46 320i touring, '03 plate, with sport pack. Leather seats, auto, metallic black etc... It's pretty shagged, allows are a bit kerbed, no service history, remote locking on drivers door has just broke, and it's been used to cart lots of stuff around so a few dents in the leather etc! I reckon after a good valet it would look like a reasonably well used car, but not too bad. 80k miles.

Problem is, it's giving her back problems. She quite regularly goes on longish journeys (3-4 hrs round trip) to see my gran and it doesn't do her back any favours. recently, she's been ill, and hasn't been driving, and her back is fine. So, we've narrowed it down to the car.

Now, I'm fully aware the bmw is a very pleasant place to be on longer journeys, but it obviously doesn't suit her. She's always moaned about the ride being harsh (does the sport pack alter the suspension? or is it thinner tyres that make it worse?) and it feels underpowered.

The car she's comparing it to will be a wallowy '96 audi a6 estate, 2.6, which she had before. I always remember to be comfortable and quiet.

So, hypothetically speaking! What do you reckon her options are? I think it's time for a change considering the problems with her back. Something similar sized, either estate or larger hatchback as we have a dog, quicker than the bmw and most importantly, comfortable.

I've been thinking of things like an audi A4 (they're not renowned for ride though are they?), octavia, maybe vrs? (But i feel the interior will be a big step down from the bmw) a volvo, or smaller things such as a golf or focus.

To be honest, this probably isn't going to be happen but it's always fun to speculate right?! And if there is the perfect option then maybe I could convince her.

I seem to have written quite a lot.


tl;dr - replacement for '03 320 touring. Needs to be more comfortable, for the same price.
 
V50, Saab 9-3 (non aero) will have comfy rides and good seats. Forget performance versions of anything to be honest if ride is a concern.

Merc C class would be good, although depends on budget

If not, Honda Accord would be a decent comfy cruiser

Is the budget just what the 3 is worth? Would help if someone in the know could clarify what that is...
 
iaind said:
V50, Saab 9-3 (non aero) will have comfy rides and good seats. Forget performance versions of anything to be honest if ride is a concern.
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My mate has a 9-3 aero 250bhp thing. I am not sure if they botehred changing the suspension as it is horrendous in corners...and his is an auto and it is SLOW. over 8 secs to 60 :S
 
SeatIbiza said:
My mate has a 9-3 aero 250bhp thing. I am not sure if they botehred changing the suspension as it is horrendous in corners...and his is an auto and it is SLOW. over 8 secs to 60 :S
Click to expand...

I just got rid of mine, they're 210bhp unless his was a V6 Turbo?

They're not really about going around corners quickly, but the Aero suspension is stiffer.

Mine was an auto and wasnt what I'd call slow. Not going to set the world on fire, but plenty of mid range grunt and felt a lot quicker than the figures would lead you to believe. Definitely quicker than a 320i anyway ;)

A 2.0t Vector Sport would do the job pretty well
 
Does the lady want a fast car or one thats good for her back?

I thought it was for her back.
 
DiamondMark said:
Does the lady want a fast car or one thats good for her back?

I thought it was for her back.
Click to expand...

the lady probably doesn't want the hassle of buying anything tbh but I'm gonna do my best to convince her otherwise!

She doesn't want a fast car, but I imagine she wants a faster car than her 320i as it's something she's complained about. However, I don't know if that's just the gearbox being rubbish. It's the only auto I've driven, but I was pretty surprised at the lack of response. Depending on what gear you were in, sometimes putting your foot down gave no response as it figured out what to do. Push the pedal all the way down though and it kind of clicks into an 'overtake mode' and you get a surge of more power, which tbh is a bit sudden and quite uncomfortable when all your wanting to do is cruise past someone on a motorway. I didn't like it. Are the bmw autos renowned for not being great or am I just not used to an auto car?

Comfort is more important and if the v50 has the best ride (in a straight line) and seats in its class then I guess that's definately something I need to suggest to her.
 
iaind said:
I didnt look in much detail because I'm at work, was more to show what the money would buy - what's wrong with that one in particular though?
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Too many modifications, just dont fancy the look of it.
 
Volvo V50 will be my bet.
Safe, solid and very comfortable.

The petrols are not economical in the slightest, so bear that in mind.

We've had a V50 2.4 for 5 years from new, and it's been fine.
It's only covered 20,000 miles in the process, but it's beginning to make funny noises..
 
You need to get your mum into other cars, depending on her back issue will depend on what seats work best. My mum has severe back problems, just had 3rd operation to try to resolve and currently walking with sticks or using a wheelchair.

Dad has been looking to change cars for a long time and the number one criteria is seat/comfort for my mum - many cars get ruled out easily, m-sport bimmers and s-line audis but its not that easy. Many cars can be knocked on the head in a 2 mile drive (my lowered pompom on powerflex bushes in 100m ;0 )but it really comes down to what seats work well for your mum and require much car testing as folks finding out !

For instance, and i kid you not, my mum said the seats in a hire car matiz were fine :o this was pre- last op as my folks drive a lot of hire cars on holidays and will reject a car if its not comfortable for obvious reasons.

It is surprising how bad some seats are to my mum esp in 'prestige' brands or mile muncher type cars, comfort does not always = a good seat it would seem.
 
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