Can I have it all - probably not. 430d / 640d?

MR_Punk · 7 Oct 2020 at 14:02

So just over 12 months ago I got rid of my S4 and bought a year old Octavia VRS (Diesel), this was mainly due to a change in job role where mileage has increased significantly. Before lock down I was probably on for 25,000 - 30,000 miles easily in its first year. Now things have changed and as a business we are encouraged to work from home now and going forward (one of the very few things Covid-19 has helped with. I still expect to be doing up to 20,000 miles so am I crazy in considering a car change again?

Luckily I'm in a position where the Octavia is paid off and is still probably worth about £13k if I trade it in. I feel that I was spoilt with the S4 as it was so much fun to driver. The VRS is quick (not S4 quick) but the rides not as great and I suppose I've just not got that "fuzzy" feeling in it.

Maybe I'm being a little bit naïve and want it all.

Is there anything out there?

Thanks,

MR_Punk · 8 Oct 2020 at 12:40

Dis86 said:
What do you actually want? You don't say...

I don't know really that is the problem. As per title its not possible to have the super fast, responsive car and also have a mile muncher that runs on fresh air.

MR_Punk · 8 Oct 2020 at 15:26

Dis86 said:
335d.

Theres something about BMW's that just dont do it for me. My Dad has a 535 and although on paper it tickets all the box it just seems a bit boring to me.

MR_Punk · 8 Oct 2020 at 20:18

[TW]Fox said:
This would make sense if you craved a sports car but the car you miss was an Audi A4 of all things, possibly the least exciting German saloon on the market.

I don't think anyone in the history of the universe has ever seriously suggested an A4 was a more engaging drive than a 3 Series.

Your probably right, I reckon its a mental thing, Dad's always had a 3/5 series and probably in my head its an old mans car. Maybe he's onto something. Now don't get me wrong I'm open to options across the market.

MR_Punk · 9 Oct 2020 at 13:46

[TW]Fox said:
It does if his office is at home and he travels to client sites?

Something quite similar actually. Work from my office at home and I run three sites which I visit accordingly. Not rocket science is it @Smokey26

MR_Punk · 12 Oct 2020 at 08:05

I've got the Skoda due a service on Thursday which is at a Skoda garage in the middle of a few dealers including a Jag dealer, can't hurt to go take a spin whilst I'm waiting. There's a Carshop too so I can have a look around a few different cars to get a feel for what I actually want.

MR_Punk · 15 Oct 2020 at 10:08

Small update - I've taken on board a couple of comments and tried to broaden my horizons. I've started to lean towards a BMW 430D. I quite like the look of the 2 door over the 4 door. It seems to tick a lot of boxes with the additional power and still will do a decent MPG. The specs looks really nice as I'd be looking at more than a basic one. Anything I should be aware of? I'm off to test drive one later, not in the spec I'd have but I thought more to get a feel for how it drives?

MR_Punk · 15 Oct 2020 at 20:28

MrRockliffe said:
From what I read, you definitely want adaptive dampers as the ride can be too harsh otherwise. The BMW adaptive LEDs are excellent too if you do a lot of late night driving

The HK system on 3/4 series is significantly improved compared to a 1/2 series and is worth having if you listen to a lot of music.

Make sure you go for the pro nav (widescreen) on a 2015 car or newer, as it allows for retro fitting of Apple CarPlay into the system without any hassle

Excellent advice - thanks!

MR_Punk · 16 Oct 2020 at 20:39

Thanks all for the input. @[TW]Fox the car you have suggested is literally the only one I won't be going for just because I don't really want the exact same car as my dad as much as he does love it - am I being silly?

I have been out doing some research out in the field yesterday and today and have test drove the following; 430d 435d and 640d. My thoughts were that the styling of the 640d and just being a bigger car although the back seats are rather tight. The 435d was very nice but maybe it was the dry roads, maybe I didn't use the fun peddle enough but I couldn't see that much of a difference to the 430d. I do like the idea of a 2 door . The 640d I drove ended up getting an engine management light on thru the test drive so that didn't bode well. I think I will look for another example. At the moment I'm thinking 640d.

MR_Punk · 16 Oct 2020 at 20:41

MR_Punk said:
Thanks all for the input. @[TW]Fox the car you have suggested is literally the only one I won't be going for just because I don't really want the exact same car as my dad as much as he does love it - am I being silly?

I have been out doing some research out in the field yesterday and today and have test drove the following; 430d 435d and 640d. My thoughts were that the styling of the 640d and just being a bigger car although the back seats are rather tight. The 435d was very nice but maybe it was the dry roads, maybe I didn't use the fun peddle enough but I couldn't see that much of a difference to the 430d. I do like the idea of a 2 door . The 640d I drove ended up getting an engine management light on thru the test drive so that didn't bode well. I think I will look for another example. At the moment I'm thinking 640d.

Smaller update on the Octavia it went into Skoda yesterday for its service and had to have a new cambelt - thankfully under warranty.

MR_Punk · 17 Oct 2020 at 09:15

[TW]Fox said:
Yes, you are. Buy a 4 Series because you want one and prefer it - not because your Dad has the 5 Series. My Dad has had 5 Series the entire time I've had them - I'm on my third, he's had 4 but has since moved onto a 6 Series. I think they are great cars and don't really understand why people would avoid a car simply because someone they know has one. If you like one, get one, if you don't, don't.

The 640d is simply the better car by absolutely miles. If they are in budget they are massively better than the 4 Series. The interior is exceptionally good, its better specified, its just better. And mechanically its the same as the 4 Series so its no less reliable.

The 6 Series is basically a luxury 5 Series coupe. I'd have had one if they were not so much more money than the equivalent 5 when I got mine (I got a year old 530d for the price of a 3 year old 640d).

The only reason not to buy a 6 Series is if your budget isn't enough for a nice one. They will typically be fairly old, high mileage and tatty if you're looking around the 15k mark.

I'm going to see what today at the £16k which has 40k on the clock so I'm hoping for a good one. It has a brown leather interior which on the photos looks really nice so fingers crossed on the condition of the car overall. Your absolutely right on the 5 series thing I am being a little silly so I think I will put them back on the list. I am now focused towards the coupe style.

MR_Punk · 18 Oct 2020 at 08:56

Dis86 said:
I think someone's lost the plot.

I didn't imagine my car search would hit such a nerve. Sincere apologies to all for mentioning the D word

rodenal said:
What a very strange philosophical rant even if you ultimately have a point around the future of cars why does this guy need to be the first to buy an annual bus pass when he wants a 640d?

Forget the bus pass I'm now going to buy a good pair of walking shoes, none leather of course I don't want the animal rights guys on me too.

MR_Punk · 18 Oct 2020 at 09:03

MrRockliffe said:
So you’re going to get plastic ones and contribute to the plastic waste ending up in oceans?! Great. How selfish of you.

Oh no I've done it again, there isn't a solution!

MR_Punk · 18 Oct 2020 at 10:41

I have put a deposit down on a 640d I went to see yesterday. Best car I've drove so far but there were a few superficial little bits I wanted the garage to correct before I put the big bucks down. I should hopefully have by the end of the week and will post some pictures. I'll obviously have to clean the back of the car first as it will be full of soot!

MR_Punk · 28 Oct 2020 at 15:41

Antony101 said:
Do we have any pictures of this 640d yet? I've been tempted to look at replacing my 520d Touring with one.

However after reading all of SkodaMart's posts I may choose to do my drive to Germany with four passengers and a trailer in a 1 litre Fiesta instead...

Just posted in the BMW thread but can't hurt to post here to bookend this thread:

You can see the soot coming out of the back even when's it not on!

MR_Punk · 28 Oct 2020 at 15:53

Antony101 said:
Looks lovely, bet it's a gorgeous drive over the Skoda!

I'd have to get the GC myself as I'm not a fan of having less doors than seats. Not a dig at the car though, just my personal preference!

I do so few miles with anybody in that it never really was an issue. The little man fits fine in the back too in his seat which is great although he's rarely in my car. I can get my golf clubs and trolley in the boot too which is a massive win. What I cannot get over is the sheer size of it. I'm glad it has a reverse camera and front sensors because I guarantee I'd have dinged it by now.

@Antony101 your absolutely right its like a different world compared to Skoda, and don't get me wrong I'm not knocking the Skoda (I've had 3!). I'm looking forward to many happy miles.

What doesn't make sense so far is the consumption as I've used the loud pedal quite a lot and expected to be able to see the fuel rocket down but it hasn't which is a bonus!