I'm looking to replace my 05 2.0 TDCI Zetec Focus early in 2010. I've had it since it was one year old, and in that time I've added just over 50,000 miles to it. I've tried to add as much detail below as possible to outline my car use.
I used to do a fair few miles each year, but since both my job and position has changed. Last year I clocked up less than 6,000 miles on the car, and rarely used it outside of weekends. I now use my motorbike 10 months a year for my 6 mile commute to work, and the car gets use at weekends only. However, every other weekend it needs a long run, when I visit my son who lives 135 miles away.
I like a bit of comfort for this regular journey, the vast majority of which is spent on motorways at a decent speed - A12, M25, M23, A23 - Ipswich to Brighton to Ipswich. I normally travel early on Saturday mornings and late Sunday evenings, so the roads are generally quite clear.
The Focus gets just over 50 mpg on these journeys, but the mileage has dropped now to well under the point where I think a diesel can be justified - servicing is expensive and it just 'feels' like it doesn't like being say unused for a couple of weeks.
My new work position demands something a little more executive. I've driven a couple of 5 series BMWs, but really only gelled with the 2007 facelift model. The 530d drove very well, but I think I should avoid diesel again. The 530i felt great, but both could be just out of reach for next year, except with silly mileage on them. I seriously considered a Boxster in the summer when prices were really deflated, but I need 4 doors plus I have the bike for thrills.
I've considered Audis, but there doesn't seem to be anything outstanding from the A3 and A4 models. Mercedes' range is confusing to me (never really looked at them before), and they all seem under powered and under specced. Finding a decent Alfa seems difficult, and I (rightly or wrongly) have a nagging concern over reliability.
What I'm looking for is a car that will have:
- decent mileage for a 2/3 year old (not 150k+ rep mobiles)
- comfort
- power adequate to have a bit of fun if I want, without looking for track day bhp
- the ability to sit unused for a few weeks without too much complaint
- good interior spec, with excellent controls, facia, technology etc.
I'm leaning towards a facelifted 5 series, if I can find one, but would like any ideas on alternatives. Insurance isn't an issue - clean licence and long no claims. I really don't want to go over budget at all, as I don't want to look at finance. I've based my calculations on the Focus being worth around £4k in a few months time, and I'll make the remainder up in cash.
Thanks!
I used to do a fair few miles each year, but since both my job and position has changed. Last year I clocked up less than 6,000 miles on the car, and rarely used it outside of weekends. I now use my motorbike 10 months a year for my 6 mile commute to work, and the car gets use at weekends only. However, every other weekend it needs a long run, when I visit my son who lives 135 miles away.
I like a bit of comfort for this regular journey, the vast majority of which is spent on motorways at a decent speed - A12, M25, M23, A23 - Ipswich to Brighton to Ipswich. I normally travel early on Saturday mornings and late Sunday evenings, so the roads are generally quite clear.
The Focus gets just over 50 mpg on these journeys, but the mileage has dropped now to well under the point where I think a diesel can be justified - servicing is expensive and it just 'feels' like it doesn't like being say unused for a couple of weeks.
My new work position demands something a little more executive. I've driven a couple of 5 series BMWs, but really only gelled with the 2007 facelift model. The 530d drove very well, but I think I should avoid diesel again. The 530i felt great, but both could be just out of reach for next year, except with silly mileage on them. I seriously considered a Boxster in the summer when prices were really deflated, but I need 4 doors plus I have the bike for thrills.
I've considered Audis, but there doesn't seem to be anything outstanding from the A3 and A4 models. Mercedes' range is confusing to me (never really looked at them before), and they all seem under powered and under specced. Finding a decent Alfa seems difficult, and I (rightly or wrongly) have a nagging concern over reliability.
What I'm looking for is a car that will have:
- decent mileage for a 2/3 year old (not 150k+ rep mobiles)
- comfort
- power adequate to have a bit of fun if I want, without looking for track day bhp
- the ability to sit unused for a few weeks without too much complaint
- good interior spec, with excellent controls, facia, technology etc.
I'm leaning towards a facelifted 5 series, if I can find one, but would like any ideas on alternatives. Insurance isn't an issue - clean licence and long no claims. I really don't want to go over budget at all, as I don't want to look at finance. I've based my calculations on the Focus being worth around £4k in a few months time, and I'll make the remainder up in cash.
Thanks!
![[TW]Fox](/data/man-of-honor/2009.png){kind=avatar}
