A fast & fun eco cruiser - A paradox?

NVP

NVP

NVP

Soldato
Joined
6 Sep 2007
Posts
12,807
Hi All,

I need some advice please. I'm really struggling on what car to get next, well actually more on what engine.

I'm now travelling just under 100miles a day and bought a cheap-o 730d (e65) to tide me over whilst the new house purchase and wedding costs etc. hit my savings but I'm at the point now where I would like to get something which isn't so dull and boring yet will still be financially viable with my long daily commute.

Before I got rid of the M5 I was looking at the F10 estates however I've now been looking at 640d gran coupes and also the panamera 3.0d, however I'm saddened by this choice of engine and pine for petrol again.

I believe the only petrol’s that would give me decent mileage are not the type of car or power I'm after, but I don't actually know. All I know is I really miss my M5 but this type of car isn't viable anymore, however I hate yachting around in an old mans 7 so I'm trying to find a decent middle ground.

I guess I'm asking whether petrol is a plausible answer for the below criteria, or if a diesel is the only way:
- My commute is 100miles a day on mainly motorways so a decent cruising ability is needed, with decent MPG figures.
- I prefer larger cars, with a decent amount of luxo-comfort & gadgets etc.
- Needs to be a fun car to drive around country roads etc, whilst a good motorway cruiser - this is where I'm being swayed by adaptive drive in bimmers.
 
Buy a 5 or 6 series.

Everyone's idea of fun in a car differs but I find mine a fantastic blend of fun, economy, luxury and refinement.
 
Thanks for the replies :)

chroniclard said:
What are you defining as "decent MPG" ?
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I'm not too sure, I used to average 11 in the E60 and I'm getting 34 in the E65 but I think anything over 40mpg will be sufficient, however the higher the better.

[TW]Fox;30153625 said:
Buy a 5 or 6 series.

Everyone's idea of fun in a car differs but I find mine a fantastic blend of fun, economy, luxury and refinement.
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I agree, they are extremely fun to drive whilst also being a refined cruiser, however my debate is with the engine - can the diesels truly be fun, or will they become a bore?

mccarf said:
Perhaps 2 cars is the answer here? Keep the 7 series for your work commute then buy something more fun for the weekend.
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I'm currently restoring my E34 to sell, once this has gone I will be purchasing a track day car (e36/e46), which might provide pleasure on the weekends but I'm still after fun in my daily :)
 
[TW]Fox;30153625 said:
Buy a 5 or 6 series.

Everyone's idea of fun in a car differs but I find mine a fantastic blend of fun, economy, luxury and refinement.
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Don't forget grey.
 
Yes so I've read, I'm yet to test drive the diesel though but the engine in the 640d is appreantly much nicer to use. Both are still diesels though, which is the down side.

Is there no petrol alternative to save me? :(
 
But realistically I'd be averaging under 30mpg with either of those.

I was looking at the hybrid panamera, however it's out of my budget still which is a shame.

I guess there is no hope, I'm destined for another diesel :(
 
x35d or x40d in whatever car takes your fancy.

or if your budget stretches and you can live with 35mpg get a m50d, cracking motors
 
NVP said:
But realistically I'd be averaging under 30mpg with either of those.

I was looking at the hybrid panamera, however it's out of my budget still which is a shame.

I guess there is no hope, I'm destined for another diesel :(
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Early Hybrid Panamera is a hateful engine combination on noise alone. The V6 diesel is less offensive.
 
If you really want a nice petrol engine but don't want rubbish economy then you could look at the M135i, M235i or 335i, 435i option. Maybe they're all a bit small for your needs, but driven gently they are surprisingly frugal engines, yet have bags of power on tap when you want it.
 
Havana_UK said:
If you really want a nice petrol engine but don't want rubbish economy then you could look at the M135i, M235i or 335i, 435i option. Maybe they're all a bit small for your needs, but driven gently they are surprisingly frugal engines, yet have bags of power on tap when you want it.
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On a longer run maybe but average will be 30 at best.
 
Havana_UK said:
If you really want a nice petrol engine but don't want rubbish economy then you could look at the M135i, M235i or 335i, 435i option. Maybe they're all a bit small for your needs, but driven gently they are surprisingly frugal engines, yet have bags of power on tap when you want it.
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Why bother with any of these if you want a big cruiser and the same engine is available in a 5 or 6 - which it is? :p
 
Lokken86 said:
Why are you all getting such bad mpg with your diesels. I regularly get 40 and up in my Octavia rs 220 petrol.
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With respect a Skoda Octavia 4cyl is not exactly in the same league as the diesels being discussed in this thread. One of the diesels mentioned has not far short of 400hp :)
 
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