Is there any hope in this "spec me"?

Scuzi · 29 May 2011 at 14:57

It has reached a point where I have no desire to hold onto the Z4 any longer. Ownership of it has become too much hassle and due to many things going on in my life, I need something more sensible.

This wasn't going to be a problem until the other half laid down the law on what we have to get

Requirements are:

Automatic gearbox
4/5 door
Big enough to seat 4 or 5 people comfortably
Reasonable fuel economy (capable of averaging around 35mpg+)
NO LEATHER (Damn vegans )
£15k max. but if something good enough can be had for less that would be a bonus.

The "no leather" thing is a bit of a pain in the ass as I was eyeing up some nice saloons. I even thought it was the perfect opportunity to get a Jag XJ (I've been wanting one for some time now) until that popped up. So is there any way I can avoid the equivalent of automotive purgatory with this spec? I don't want a Mondeo or a Vectra or even a BMW with a cloth interior. That's too close to surrendering

[TW]Fox · 29 May 2011 at 14:59

Some sort of DSG Golf.

What I'd really suggest is a bargain bucket spec E60 or E90 from a main dealer - they are worthless with cloth seats - but you say you dont want a BMW with cloth.

Is this a UK or a USA spec me? If its a UK spec me, why the heck are you not over there properly yet, stop wasting time

mjt · 29 May 2011 at 15:01

Is the leather really non-negotiable? That sucks man.

Something from Skoda? ie. Superb

Scuzi · 29 May 2011 at 15:25

[TW]Fox;19249894 said:
Some sort of DSG Golf.

What I'd really suggest is a bargain bucket spec E60 or E90 from a main dealer - they are worthless with cloth seats - but you say you dont want a BMW with cloth.

Is this a UK or a USA spec me? If its a UK spec me, why the heck are you not over there properly yet, stop wasting time

Are they significantly cheaper with cloth? If there's a chance I could get an otherwise decent 330i or something similar I'd be interested.

It's a UK spec me. I have to stay here until I finish my flying training otherwise I can't afford it

Scuzi · 29 May 2011 at 15:27

mjt said:
Is the leather really non-negotiable? That sucks man.

Something from Skoda? ie. Superb

I tried the whole "but the cow is already dead" and the "lets do the poor animal justice by getting the most use from it's resources" argument but it didn't wash.

Big VAG cars are the only sort that I can imagine without leather. I'll look into it.

[TW]Fox · 29 May 2011 at 15:31

Yea the totally rubbish spec ones are very cheap. You need spec for value on these.

http://www.bmw.co.uk/bmwuk/bmwauc/d...5@adm-xx,00.html?ch=_V0JBVkIzMjA2MEFXNTE0NjI=

Low mileage 330i Auto on a 57 plate - same engine as your Z4. Cheap because the spec is lol.

mjt · 29 May 2011 at 15:32

Could you get away with the half-cloth M Sport BMW seats and telling her that the alcantara is actually synthetic?

Vita · 29 May 2011 at 15:33

[TW]Fox;19249894 said:
Some sort of DSG Golf.

This is what came to my head instantly, when I read your requirements.

sigma · 29 May 2011 at 15:36

So this is what it's like being under the thumb!

[TW]Fox · 29 May 2011 at 15:38

sigma said:
So this is what it's like being under the thumb!

If she's paying for some of it she has every right to add her own criteria.

mjt · 29 May 2011 at 15:39

But surely all cars nowadays come with a leather gear lever gaiter and steering wheel?

sigma · 29 May 2011 at 15:40

[TW]Fox;19250263 said:
If she's paying for some of it she has every right to add her own criteria.

Meh, she could always buy her own.

mjt said:
But surely all cars nowadays come with a leather gear lever gaiter and steering wheel?

Aren't cows bad for climate change anyway? In that sense leather seats actually save the world.

Raymond Lin · 29 May 2011 at 17:16

Scuzi said:
I tried the whole "but the cow is already dead" and the "lets do the poor animal justice by getting the most use from it's resources" argument but it didn't wash.

Big VAG cars are the only sort that I can imagine without leather. I'll look into it.

Tell her it's man made leather.

Does she not have any leather products ?

Handbags, shoes, belts, jackets, wallets etc.

You know, play the hyprocrite card!

Eriedor · 29 May 2011 at 21:58

Raymond Lin said:
Tell her it's man made leather.

Does she not have any leather products ?

Handbags, shoes, belts, jackets, wallets etc.

You know, play the hyprocrite card!

I was wondering this as well, Scuzi does she prevent you from wearing leather shoes?

Mus be a ballache finding formal footwear if so...

Scuzi · 29 May 2011 at 22:41

Eriedor said:
I was wondering this as well, Scuzi does she prevent you from wearing leather shoes?

Mus be a ballache finding formal footwear if so...

No, I can wear what I want but since it will be "our" car it's something that will have to be accommodated.

Yea the totally rubbish spec ones are very cheap. You need spec for value on these.

http://www.bmw.co.uk/bmwuk/bmwauc/de...A2MEFXNTE0NjI=

Low mileage 330i Auto on a 57 plate - same engine as your Z4. Cheap because the spec is lol.

That sure is a lol spec.

Raymond Lin · 29 May 2011 at 22:47

But you missed my point, does she not have any leather products?

I fail to believe she has not a single leather belt, shoes, boots, bag or purse.

Princey · 29 May 2011 at 22:50

Doesn't seem that bad of a spec to me, climate, auto dimmer mirror, auto wipers, bluetooth ect...

Dave85 · 29 May 2011 at 22:50

Talk about whipped. Better check the steering wheels and gear levers on any poverty spec car as well. Your very limited.

Scuzi · 29 May 2011 at 22:51

Raymond Lin said:
But you missed my point, does she not have any leather products?

I fail to believe she has not a single leather belt, shoes, boots, bag or purse.

You better believe it. It's all synthetic.

Fr0dders · 29 May 2011 at 22:51

Thats a point ! how many cars have leather steering wheels and leather gaitors for the gearstick !