At around £20k. What Car would you?

[Gentleman]

Hi Guys,

I am starting a new job which requires a fair bit of travelling in/out/around Kent, Surrey, Essex and London and I really need a very COMFORTABLE car so that I don't get to work tired.

I recently drove a friend's lexus CT 200h and it was surprisingly comfortable that my back felt better seating in the car than getting out. Since I test drove this car, I have started looking at the Lexus GS 450h.

I wonder if I should stick to the Lexus CT200h for its comfort and ECONOMY? Also, would I be better going for an E class or a BMW 5 series? Are these cars as comfortable and is there a massive difference in running cost?

Finally, I want something reliable with no surprises after spending around or under £20k?

What do you all thing? Arguments for and against? Any other alternatives that you have driven and felt refreshed when you come out?

NB: I do not have a lot of money or anything. I just know I'll be spending a lot of time in the car and I do not want to be sleeping all weekend recovering from driving/traffic etc

Thank you all in advance.

 

[Gentleman]

M5 /thread

Whaaat? Did I post in the wrong place? Apologies if so!

Lexus will be more reliable than the Germans for sure.

Did you look into IS ? GS450 is a big car...

I considered it. I just was not sure if it will be as comfortable?

530d. Surely one of, if not the best car for that money. If you want something more comfortable, then yeah, the big Lexus (LS), 7 series / S-Class / A8. But these could come with large bills (probably not so much the Lexus). And might not be the easiest cars to park being that they are road ships...

If you want something depreciation proof, but not necessarily the most comfortable, you could get a 996 Porsche 911, lol.

I originally fell in love with the LS600h but then parking and petrol bills put me off. However, I might still look into this in the future. I do travel to see other family members across the country...generally 2 to 3 hours drive but looking to be doing more of those with a super comfortable and enjoyable drive. Also, large bills not really my thing lol

All cars depreciate, don't they? The Porsche sounds fast but that much money and not enough comfort?

530d. Surely one of, if not the best car for that money. If you want something more comfortable, then yeah, the big Lexus (LS), 7 series / S-Class / A8. But these could come with large bills (probably not so much the Lexus). And might not be the easiest cars to park being that they are road ships...

If you want something depreciation proof, but not necessarily the most comfortable, you could get a 996 Porsche 911, lol.

Also, not a huge diesel fan for some reasons...

 

[Gentleman]

I would first think about what kind of car you would like. Being tall I find taller cars along the lines of SUV’s more comfortable for long distance driving as I don’t feel like I am trapped in a metal box as much like I would in lower cars.

Probably best to test drive a few different types to see what you prefer. I only found out my preference by accident when I had a golf plus as a courtesy car, the driving position and feeling of space felt much better.

For me, I am thinking more along the lines of an executive saloon. I thought those are the most comfy cars?

100% this.

I personally think its an unbeatable blend of all round ability. I can't think of much else that does so much so well.

Get a good facelift car for £20k now.

Ability or comfort? How comfortable is it over a long or short period? How reliable?

 

[Gentleman]

What are you driving at the moment OP?

I'd second a Volvo at this price point, if comfort is top of your list, I've not found anything as good at that price.

Are you saying a Volvo will beat Lexus in comfort? The quietness from the double glazing and all the different adjectives that people have used to describe these cars makes me think it is comfortable. What Volvo would you recommend? I have never really considered a Volvo.

I have a 2003 BMW 3 series at the moment. But it's hardly used and it's got 58k on the clock. This is generally fine for normal day to day. But the back support etc is so inadequate by today's standards and you definitely feel tired after a long drive.

Vauxhall astra elite. V comfy car. 15k a year old.

I have never looked at this car but I think I will. Some of the reviews does mention comfort.

Me neither, I hate diesels.

I love my 530d

How comfortable is it?

 

[Gentleman]

I love my Lexus GS450h. My PCP agreement comes to an end in 6 months and it is the first car I’ve considered keeping. It is the most comfortable car I’ve owned (my previous car was a MB E350cdi), fast (0-60 is 5.6 seconds) and going down to Milton Keynes from a Bolton I often manage 50mpg. Around town, I’m getting over 35mpg. Don’t worry about the CVT gearbox, once you adjust your driving style it is incredibly smooth.

Sounds like music to my ears. Any particular year to get or avoid? What trim? Is it really quiet? If you find it more comfortable than an E class and it is from your personal experience and not online reviews...I think you are echoing my thoughts. I know the big barges are more desirable but I'll like my car to be desirable but I want to feel fresh after a long drive. How do you find it on long journeys like Bolton to MK?

 

[Gentleman]

5th Gen which is 2012 onwards. £20K shoulf get you a 2015 Model. Dealer FSH is a must as you will want the hybrid health certificate. Servicing is every 10k miles. Extended warranty is £995 for two years including European breakdown cover. Mine has never missed a heart beat. I’m still on my original discs and pads at 70k miles.

I would recommend the F-Sport if you can find one. Mine is the base 'Premium' spec with the upgraded 17 speaker hifi. F-Sport adds 4 wheel steering and adaptive suspension and a few other sporty trim bits. Cooling front seats have been lovely in this weather.

Longest journey I’ve done is Bolton to Riems. Parked up and happily went for a walk around the town.

Technically it only has two physical gears and it changes into second at about 75mph. It also doesn’t have a reverse gear (it reverses on the electric motor). Start stop is smooth as it will move off in EV mode.

Thanks. I thought the F sport models have bigger rims and maybe less comfortable? Also, I was thinking the Fsport seats might not be as comfortable...

 

[Gentleman]

19’s I think.

I went for mine as it has 18’s, I’m in my early 40’s and I like my spine.

It is not a car for blasting down bendy B roads. It is too big. Don’t take any notice of reviews which take it on a track. You don’t buy a GS for track days.

The Fsport seems more popular and at £20k....only 2012 available for the price. I might consider the Premier trim as they seem to be the best specd model.

 

[Gentleman]

Wow!!

maybe if you van get 2k off the asking price and find an extra 1k

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201804195712882?radius=1500&advertising-location=at_cars&postcode=cm74aq&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly New&onesearchad=New&make=BMW&sort=price-asc&fuel-type=Petrol&model=6 SERIES GRAN COUPE&page=1

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201807108317674?sort=price-asc&advertising-location=at_cars&fuel-type=Petrol&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly New&onesearchad=New&model=6 SERIES GRAN COUPE&make=BMW&radius=1500&postcode=cm74aq&page=1

Wow!!! This looks beautiful! I would never look at this. It's got the racing look more than the saloon look but damn! Would it be as comfortable as the likes of the 530d? I have been looking at them since it was kindly recommended on this thread and it is rated even better than the Eclass.