Do I or don't I (new car)?

Basher

Basher

Basher

Soldato
Joined
18 Oct 2002
Posts
9,158
I've been thinking a lot recently about a new car. I've considered all sorts of possibilities but the reality of the situation is that I need something that looks good, is pretty fast and is comfortable enough on a 160 mile commute 2-3 days a week.

I currently drive a poverty spec. E90 320D. It's dull, pretty lifeless but provides some relatively hassle-free motoring. As practical as it is, I'm bored with it and want something much more exciting, but still retains a decent sense of practicality.

I've test driven a couple of and 335d's and it seems to be pretty much exactly what I'm after.

I have a budget of around £20k (can go a couple of k. above this if the spec is right). For this amount of money I'd want an facelifted model (update iDrive etc).

The question do I go for it now, or will waiting a few months get me a much better example?
 
Other than more performance how is the 335d any less dull, its the same car you have now but with a better engine.

Changing a diesel you find dull for another diesel car of the same model with more power is not 'much much more exciting'.
 
[TW]Fox;21015336 said:
Other than more performance how is the 335d any less dull, its the same car you have now but with a better engine.

Changing a diesel you find dull for another diesel car of the same model with more power is not 'much much more exciting'.
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Somewhat true, but the power increase makes it sufficiently less dull for my requirements.

The challenge I have is that I need something that is a decent balance of performance and economy, and from I can see, there's nothing much that comes close.
 
I don't think changing the engine from a 2 litre diesel to a 3 litre diesel will change your car experience drastically to be honest.

If you want to improve the experience then you need to go down the petrol route, and have something that will make you smile whenever you desire to plant your right foot.

Example A:

2008 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 3.6 V6 R36 4MOTION 4DR DSG
 
[TW]Fox;21015477 said:
Lol he wants something much much more exciting and you suggest a Passat? Are you being ironic?
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A 3.2 V6 Passat. He wanted comfort though, I could have suggested many many other much better and more exciting cars than this.

I am intrigued to see what you would suggest given the OP's criteria...
 
But the 335i is simply a better car than a Passat. Faster, more economical, a better chassis. Just better full stop.

I am still not sure any of this stuff is 'much much more exciting' though and think he may need to look at a different type of car if that's really what he is after.
 
[TW]Fox;21015567 said:
But the 335i is simply a better car than a Passat. Faster, more economical, a better chassis. Just better full stop.

I am still not sure any of this stuff is 'much much more exciting' though and think he may need to look at a different type of car if that's really what he is after.
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I simply want much more exciting ;)

I've not driven a 335i just yet but maybe that should be the next step. What are the real world differences in economy?
 
[TW]Fox;21015567 said:
But the 335i is simply a better car than a Passat. Faster, more economical, a better chassis. Just better full stop.
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Faster yes, more economical yes, better chassis yes. The passat is more exclusive and has a much better cabin IMO. The 3 series is too common and tainted with the image of a rep mobile hence why I think the OP is bored with it. Granted the 335i will offer more power, but it's the same bland 3 series he already has...

[TW]Fox;21015567 said:
I am still not sure any of this stuff is 'much much more exciting' though and think he may need to look at a different type of car if that's really what he is after.
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I agree, in the OP's case he needs to accept that he has a car built for the purpose in which he needs it, and therefore just continue with that. I can't see anything that is going to excite his 160 miles commute without costing significant amounts in fuel.
 
There is nothing exclusive about a Passat. That specific model yes but the world isn't brimming with 335i saloons either.

There is nothing bland about the 335 that doesn't also apply equally if not more so to the Passat.
 
[TW]Fox;21015699 said:
There is nothing exclusive about a Passat. That specific model yes but the world isn't brimming with 335i saloons either.
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I've lost count the amount of 335i saloons and coupé's I've seen on my travels. In all my time driving I have only ever seen 1 R36. I understand this doesn't mean it's a better car, nor will it be a better drive than a 335i.

To be fair if the OP had a 2.0tdi passat I would probably be speccing him a 335i, it's the sensible option.
 
Remap the 320 few hundred quid for a 25-30% power gain might still give you the same car but it will be a tad more entertaining and the. Indy you save not buying another BMW who will be exactly the same when your sitting in the outside lane at 60 waiting on some blind peasant to move out the way you can buy yoursel a weekend toy

Think along the lines of something raw like a locost7 type thing or a cheap proper hot hath or lots of hookers and coke


Another BMW with more grunt is still going to feel exactly the same 99% of the time so save cash and buy a toy for that 1% of the time when you really can enjoy it
 
Only you can tell if the cost to change is worth moving to broadly the same car with a bigger engine. Seems a bit of a waste of money to me.

"Much more exciting" tends to come with increased running costs if you need the practicality. For instance I might suggest an E60 M5 at your budget, but the epic amount needed to run it is not for everyone.

The only things I can think of that will be much more exciting and won't cost the earth to run probably don't fit with a "decent sense of practicality" I'm afraid, so all-in-all I'd probably do what I said at the beginning of my post and stick with what you've got.

If you want a change for change's sake then fine, but don't think any other 3 series bar the M3 is going to be much more exciting.
 
[TW]Fox;21015477 said:
Lol he wants something much much more exciting and you suggest a Passat? Are you being ironic?
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His car recommendations are comical, it goes to show someone who has A. no idea about cars and B. no idea about true values, just take a look at the RX8 thread, a 5k Mazda 3MPS.....

Who was that dude with the mini who got banned then posted spam on Pistonheads, he reminds me of him.
 
Firestar_3x

keyboard%2Bwarrior.jpg


Fulfil me with your car knowledge then oh wise sire

just rofl
 
rk88 said:
Firestar_3x

[IMGhttp://1.bp.blogspot.com/_P1I-Or2ze18/SVjn8mrgTkI/AAAAAAAAB3w/5dKmv5fJ3NU/s1600/keyboard%2Bwarrior.jpg[/IMG]

Fulfil me with your car knowledge then oh wise sire

just rofl
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I don't think it's car knowledge your after, but first just a basic form of intelligence so you can grasp simple concepts that appear to be beyond you judging from how bad you are at posting and the terrible opinions you hold.
 
From now on everyone with 3k to spend should buy an 04 plate CLK55 AMG, the fact that they don't exist is besides the point.... I like to think in motors we give people honest opinions on what to buy based on hard won knowledge and an understanding of the markets, that's why it's funny when someone comes along who has no idea and starts posting suggestions in peoples threads.
 
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