I would preface that with " In your opinion" it certainl isn`t mine.

As far as BMW and Audi are looking at different customers if you look at the price list there is great deal of difference between any of the marks.Here in Germany a 3 series is thought of no better than a Insignia or equivelent Toyota,Mainstream Audis are just rebadged Skodas with about as much charisma as a brick and there has been so much trouble with BMW timing chains they are best left alone for the private buyer.Oh and by the way I own a Bmw 5 series as well as a new VW and my son has a newish BMW 3 series coupe.

Well in the end, the way that cars are sold, via franchised dealers, that are generally variable and not particularly customer focussed, ( except in notable instances already covered ) is very outdated, and is ripe for being overhauled. Sometimes you have to buy a new car and why should it be such a minefield, compared to buying a fridge or a TV. The dealers are fully intent on fleecing you, undervaluing the PX vehicle and loading up mis-sold warranties, paint protection etc, on top of the finance deals that are all just a con. No other way to describe it.

So how can we simplify this ? Why can't we deal direct with the manufacturer ? Until these awful grasping dealers can be brought into line, it will always be a nightmare.

Sometimes you have to buy a new car and why should it be such a minefield, compared to buying a fridge or a TV.

Fridges just as much a minefield but generally the simple answer is...buy cheap buy again soon, same goes for washing machines and other white goods, thats fine for people who like shiny new paintwork regularly but not for those of us who want things to last.

Cars are infinitely variable, the right badge and a high price doesn't mean it will last any longer or be any more reliable, but it might impress peers enough to warrant the cost for some.

Invariably a high price means high (read expensive) overall running/repair costs, possibly due to clever marketing luring people into a false sense of security with the minimal servicing requirements, the two makers here are well into this.

How many people try to justify spending £thousands to gain a claimed extra 10mpg, nothing wrong with buying anything if you want and can afford it, but be honest with self the reasons why.

Quite. They have the same mechanicals, and more of their dealers are family-owned businesses.