Next workhorse, let's not make it a Passat

merlin

merlin

merlin

Soldato
Joined
18 Oct 2002
Posts
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Location
England
Right, got to choose a new car soon and get the thing ordered.

I've been pretty busy with work etc so I've had no chance to test drive...well.....anything. I want to get it down to two or three cars - then I'll test drive them and get it done. I don't enjoy the selection process picking boring cars -just like to get it out the way, although come to think about it that's how it all went terribly wrong last time. :o

No idea yet how I'll pay for it but here's the requirements:

Brand new to virtually brand new (don't mind ex demo's if price is right)
Diesel
150 - 175 bhp
Manual option
Leather option
Price range £18k - £22k
5 doors, estate or proper high roofed hatch

If you make me buy something crap I'll crash it through your living room.
 
320d M Sport touring, or if you can find one in budget (unlikely) a 520d M Sport touring? :p

There are some AUC nearly new 320d M Sport 'Edition' available for just above 22k - they're nice as they have loads of stuff included like sat-nav (and iDrive) and leather.
 
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merlin said:
Too old, too many miles as a starting point and I wouldn't fancy paying the co car tax on it either.
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Didn't see the mileage but you'll get a newer one within budget ;)

Shame it's a 3.0L. Could get a 2.0 and remap? Or 2.5 TDI?

320D Touring is a good shout. Or 520D if it's within budget :)

merlin said:
I just don't think I can "deal" with the A4, it's just too Passat like. :(
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That's why I suggested it but looking at that Avant, I want! :p
 
gonna follow this with interest as i'm in exactly the same boat - the A4 is being retired, and i'm after something.

Had a brief look at some of the R Design Volvos - but didnt really set my world off tbh.
 
In that price range my thoughts would be either the Mondeo, or the new Accord. Nearly new would probably be a 3 series. I would also be looking at the Alfa 159 Sportback (most interesting imo), but would be hesitant to buy until i knew they had sorted their reliability issues out.
 
Details about how much driving you will be doing, on what roads, and with who in the car are required to make educated suggestions.
 
Not really my area of expertise this, but after looking at our work car park:

BMW 520d
BMW 320d
Merc C220 CDi
Honda Accord 2.2 DTEC

We have about 15 company cars at our place, just different iterations of those mainly.

The Accord is a fantastic car, considering it's a fair bit cheeper than either of the BMWs or Mercs
 
merlin said:
I just don't think I can "deal" with the A4, it's just too Passat like. :(
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Few other suggestions: Saab 9-3, Volvo V50, Toyota Auris (may be very very boring)...

Or if you're feeling really brave, you could go french or for an Alfa.
 
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