Looking for a new motor...

wozzizname · 25 Feb 2014 at 15:59

I was in a similar position, and test drove the XF-S and a 535d.

Both lovely cars, but I bought the Jag as I thought the interior was more 'special' than the 5 series, and you seem to get more toys for your money.

I love the car, very quick when you want it to be, but also a comfy place to be if you just want to waft about.

Participant · 25 Feb 2014 at 17:00

XJ not getting much love here then? Superior to both the XF and the F10 in terms of interior luxury, imo. And a class above those too.

mjt · 25 Feb 2014 at 17:35

Participant said:
XJ not getting much love here then? Superior to both the XF and the F10 in terms of interior luxury, imo. And a class above those too.

I'd say the XJ is on par with the 5 GT.
When they first came out I only ever saw them used for chauffeuring people about.

Castiel · 25 Feb 2014 at 18:02

My problem with the Jaguar's isn't the cars themselves but the fact that the nearest dealership to me is Southampton which would be a royal pain in the butt for servicing and so on..

Castiel · 25 Feb 2014 at 18:04

djjuk said:
Can only report on mine and it was as explained except I meant the armrest and not the hand brake - As it is electronic. Long day!

I know what you meant..

Its something I'll have to consider that is for sure.

Participant · 25 Feb 2014 at 19:42

mjt said:
When they first came out I only ever saw them used for chauffeuring people about.

Exactly, any car that people get chauffeured about in must be great, because rich people that get chauffeured about have high standards.

And if the interior is on a par with the 5GT then at least it doesn't look as gopping as one from the outside.

Castiel, can see how that might be a problem. It would have to be very far away to put me off the right car personally though, as you'll probably only use it once every two years.

Castiel · 25 Feb 2014 at 20:33

What's this I keep reading about the 5 series and VDC?

[TW]Fox · 25 Feb 2014 at 20:35

Some people moan it doesn't handle like a 5 Series should unless it has Variable Damper Control.

Personally I often drive an SE 5 Series Touring without VDC and it's fine.

Castiel · 25 Feb 2014 at 20:40

[TW]Fox;25911734 said:
Some people moan it doesn't handle like a 5 Series should unless it has Variable Damper Control.

Personally I often drive an SE 5 Series Touring without VDC and it's fine.

Cool. I am hopefully test driving a 520d SE in the next couple of days. This one:

http://www.ridgeway.co.uk/bmw/used-cars/14188/bmw-5-series/

What's your opinion on the spec and what sort of price should I be looking at if I decide to buy?

[TW]Fox · 25 Feb 2014 at 20:42

It's a nice enough car but it isn't ultra spec and IMHO is a £20k car not a £22k one. It isnt new or high spec enough for £22k IMHO - to put it into perspective a 2013 can be had for £25k so £22k for a 2010 looks poor.

http://www.approved.bmw.co.uk/bmwuk...BRlcxMjBYMEQzMzkyNjc=&btp=2x24-price_ASC|list

This is what I mean about the market being odd for these, normally a car thats 4 times as old wouldnt only be 10% cheaper.

geekman · 25 Feb 2014 at 20:45

mjt said:
I'd say the XJ is on par with the 5 GT.
When they first came out I only ever saw them used for chauffeuring people about.

I thought the XJ was a class above the 5 GT, although I've only sat in both and never driven them. The BMW competitor to the XJ is surely the 7 series?

Castiel · 25 Feb 2014 at 20:48

Yeah I see what you mean. So if I can get it for 20k its worth it, otherwise walk away?

It does seem that down south prices are inflated somewhat.

Jonnycoupe · 25 Feb 2014 at 21:51

geekman said:
I thought the XJ was a class above the 5 GT, although I've only sat in both and never driven them. The BMW competitor to the XJ is surely the 7 series?

Yes it's am F segment car, typically this is where the front wheels get pushed forwards from the windscreen to give the correct proportions and/or engine bay length... But that said isn't the 5GT based off the 7 anyway.

Castiel · 26 Feb 2014 at 17:45

What do people think about this 530d GT?

http://www.dicklovettswindonbmw.co.uk/approved-used-bmw/

I'm not sure about the back..like the front end though and thought it might be worth a look?

[TW]Fox · 26 Feb 2014 at 17:54

The only thing wrong with a 530d GT is how it looks. Most people hate it - this is why it's so cheap. If you can get over the looks nothing else touches it for value.

It is more car than a 530d saloon with more kit and yet it costs less.

Castiel · 26 Feb 2014 at 18:09

[TW]Fox;25917062 said:
The only thing wrong with a 530d GT is how it looks. Most people hate it - this is why it's so cheap. If you can get over the looks nothing else touches it for value.

It is more car than a 530d saloon with more kit and yet it costs less.

I might give it a go and see how it drives...it looks a bit weird, but then I really like the old shape 5 Series which got slated as well. I'm testdriving tthat 520d this weekend, just wondering what pricepoint I should be aiming at if I decide to barter for it?

[TW]Fox · 26 Feb 2014 at 18:16

If you've got £25k and can afford the 2012/13 models just how much less would you want to pay in order to have a 2010?

Think about how long you'll keep the car. If 3 years, the 2010 model will need 2 further years warranty purchasing at £1500-£2000 for 2 years depending on your chosen level of cover. A 2013 would need just one.

I think I'd want that car for £19k or less to be happy with it. Otherwise it's just too tempting to buy something.. better. There are 530d's on the AUC site for £21-22k, don't pay that for a 2010 520d.

Castiel · 26 Feb 2014 at 18:19

[TW]Fox;25917213 said:
If you've got £25k and can afford the 2012/13 models just how much less would you want to pay in order to have a 2010?

Think about how long you'll keep the car. If 3 years, the 2010 model will need 2 further years warranty purchasing at £1500-£2000 for 2 years depending on your chosen level of cover. A 2013 would need just one.

I think I'd want that car for £19k or less to be happy with it. Otherwise it's just too tempting to buy something.. better. There are 530d's on the AUC site for £21-22k, don't pay that for a 2010 520d.

I cant find a single car in that kind of price range without travelling several hundred miles out of my way...something I really want to avoid if I can. All the 13 plates down here (Swindon, Bournemouth, Salisbury, Southampton, Basingstoke) are more like £28k and upward...or they are poor spec, not that I know what poor spec is exactly on a BMW. I'm just going by what I've read here...

[TW]Fox · 26 Feb 2014 at 18:21

Castiel said:
I cant find a single car in that kind of price range without travelling several hundred miles out of my way...something I really want to avoid if I can.

Most dealerships will deliver. Nobody in our family has bought an AUC from within 200 miles for almost 10 years now

Castiel · 26 Feb 2014 at 18:31

[TW]Fox;25917248 said:
Most dealerships will deliver. Nobody in our family has bought an AUC from within 200 miles for almost 10 years now

I have actually just found some on the Isle of Wight, which isn't too far.

So basically what you are saying is Media Professional, Visibility pack and 2012 or newer is what I should be aiming at and at or under £25k?

What is the difference between the Business/Business Advanced/Professional Media packages?