Just continuing my thoughts on replacing my Forester, I have been thinking about smallish vehicles with high perceived quality. I don't need nor want a large vehicle, even though I can afford to buy/run one.
My needs are at least four doors and automatic. As my Forester has heater leathed seats, climate and cruise control I would want to replicate these as I find them all helpful. So I am thinking of....
Audi A3 Sportback
BMW 1-series
Volvo S40/V50
Not certain I want a Merc A or B-class - am I right to dismiss these despite the fact I like sitting higher, as in the Forester.
As I have done only 8,500miles pa over the last 21 months, economy is barely relevant, so whilst I'm not averse to diesel, its not vital. In all cases I want a reasonably powerful engine.
Any other ideas, or should I simply buy another Forester, which is slightly improved over my existing model?
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I'd be reluctant to suggest the A3 in lieu of the 1 series, but FWD apart I'd struggle if it was my choice. Buy another Forester that's what I'd do.
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I think you are looking at the right cars if you want perceived quality.
If you want real quality go for a Honda or stick with Subaru.
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What about an Impreza? They arent that big.
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Hmm that's what I keep telling myself. It just that I like the way the Europeans have interior design (esp volvo) really up to scratch, whereas the Subaru is rather boring.
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I have to agree with you there on interiors.
A friend has a V50 and that is a very nice place to sit in.
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You won't like the 1 series. Honest.
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Id still have the Impreza - a fancy dashboard is all well and good, but if your used to Subarus, you may have too high expectations for a european car in terms of ownership experience. Subaru appear at top of JD power for very good reason...
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Hang on for the next generation Impreza? - which is going to be a hatch (I think?)
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You dont need a diesel at that mileage. I would look at an S40 or V50 2.5T, a 325i, a 130i or an X-Type 3.0 Sport if you want AWD.
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Audi A3 Sportback 3.2 Quattro with DSG would be my choice.
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>>Just continuing my thoughts on replacing my Forester,
>>As I have done only 8,500miles pa over the last 21 months,
Go on Espada let your head rule your heart. Why do you need to change? It is only going to cost you more in the long run compared to keeping your current Forester. It still does exactly what you want it to do and has all the things you want in a car.
If you must change then buy another Forester as I feel sure you will not be happy with anything else.
--
Roger
I read frequently, but only post when I have something useful to say.
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Roger
I don't need to change - I have too!
The car actually belongs to my father, who bought in December 04, but decided he wasn't keen and went back to his older Forester, so gave the new one to me. He now wants 'mine' back and although I have said I will buy a replacement for him, he likes mine, knows it well, so will buy me a newer car instead. It's complicated, to do with family companies, but its not like I'm getting a new car for free.
So I have a choice of anything and about £18,000 to spend.
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The thing that stunorthants says above was exactly the thing going through my mind. I never mentioned it in fear of being lambasted by the european car owners as tends to happen with me.
I think that having been through the Subaru ownership experience, I expect you to feel let down by owning one of the cars you have on your short list after a while of driving and dealing with the dealerships.
As the man says - Subaru do not appear above the makes you mentioned on the customer satisfaction surveys for no reason.
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Well my experience of Subaru dealerships and reliability is A1 I must say. I've had one service which was painless.
A couple of weeks ago I found that some scrote had screwdrivered my drivers door lock. I went into a relatively new dealer in east Manchester who said they could fit me a new lock in 24hrs with a different pattern to the existing, or an identical one in a few days when one arrived. Well they rang up, told me the lock was in stock and fitted it easily all for £75 inc VAT and labour. I'll use them for the next service in December.
So top of the tree for JD Power survey for me.
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An early Accountant of mine once said, never spend x to save y in tax.
MD.
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or put clearly, why spend 10 to save a MAXIMUM of 4
MD
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Therefore??
I don't understand you. I have an obligation to return the car to its rightful owner and he wants that car, not a similar car. So I have the opportunity to buy either something similar myself or something different. The finances are irrelevant.
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I got carried away. Swmbo has suggested that before you know!...........sorry...............AND you won't hear that too often!
Best reg's.....................MD
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We bought our Forester 2 in March 2003.
If I had to replace it, there's only 1 car I can think of replacing it with - another Forester.
That solid thunk when you close a door, that solid feeling when you're driving along, the fun turning into a sharp bend....
The only downside is fuel consumption if you travel over 70-75, we get a lot more mpg driving at 70 than 80-85.
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Just been for a test drive of a Volvo S40. Its a perfectly pleasant car and some nice touches. I like the idea of electric seats with memory and an electronic key, and the interior is very tasteful.
However there various things I hate...
Lack of glasses holder above rear view mirror
Huge drinks holder cabinet between seats is a total waste - the Forester has a large box with a power socket in so I can charge my batteries etc out of sight of scrotes. Also in the Forester is a deep cubby with lid on top of the dash (where sat nav would go if it were fitted). I put my laser tape measure in there, its so big.
Tiny glove box and door pockets. I fit large A-Zs in my door pockets.
For my use, it would be impractical, but for most people, a very nice car.
I think I will keep with Subaru.
Oh I also called in at a Merc dealer to look at a B-class. Lets say that the customer experience was the complete opposite of visiting the Volvo dealer. Volvo were excellent. Seen promptly, just enough information and not too pushy. No-one spoke to me at Merc at all.
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Espada,
Why would you slum-it in a Merc, you'd miss the quality and reliability of Subaru ;)
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I've just bought a 06 Legacy 3.0 Spec B for £19k. There are a few more about around that price. Nice interiors too and all the toys.
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Impressions of the Mercedes B-class may help - I think I may be the only one on the forum who has one (B200 CDI). I'm also probably the only Mercedes driver who thinks he should have had a Skoda.
In many ways it's a fine car - excellent seats and driving position (for me anyway - I'm 5' 7"). Lots of room in the back for a fairly short car and reasonably good visibility. No imaginative seating arrangements but the rear seats do what I need surprisingly often - fold down easily to make a van without having to remove the headrests.
Steering and handling are fine - very little penalty for being a tall vehicle. The bugbear is the engine - quite sprightly performance but the diesel drone does my head in. 4 cylinders + diesel + automatic is probably a bad combination for noise. In fairness this is much less noticeable at motorway speeds. It also has an infuriatingly low idling speed - about 700 rpm - which makes the car vibrate although it never actually stalls. Apparently this is set up at the factor and can't be altered even by a dealer.
Wipers are set for LHD - a stupid piece of penny-pinching.
A manual might be better, but as you don't need a diesel, maybe try the B200 petrol. A broker might get it down to about £18,000, or there's the A200 which is of course smaller and cheaper, but still room inside.
Reliabilty - fine so far after 6 months and 11,000 miles- touch wood.
The Mercs are worth a look if you want to sit high and don't need 4wd. If sitting high isn't a priority, then I'd go for the A3. My last car was a much-loved Audi A4: if I can possibly afford it, so will my next. If I can't, it'll probably be a Skoda.
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