Not sure how I can be much more specific, except that:
- I need the car soon, and I dont know anything about buying new - doesnt it take weeks to arrive? Plus, I've heard that new cars lose loads more than used in depreciation, which is definitely a consideration as I'm paying cash rather than leasing (I think!)
- I would like a prestigious brand like merc, bmw, audi, and i reckon for most of these buying new would come in at well over 30k with extras added (I like gadgets).
- Something that can do better than 8 secs to 60 would be good.
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Another vote for the 535d estate please.
I think you should still prepare to lose "loads" in depreciation though. Virtually everything costing £30K will lose a lot.
Go and drive a 535d and report back!
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Preferably when I'm on holiday - I miss it a bit but my middle aged body was out of kilter with the image, which was more suited to a Skoda.
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PU - I can't help feeling if you could afford to run the 535d and willingly gave it up for a Skoda Roomster, then it's your mind that has failed you not your middle aged body!
( joke(ish) )
come on bartsimpson - go and drive one and give us a proper road test report.
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No there was a rational set of decisions behind it. But sometimes rational doesn't make emotional sense. My head hasn't regretted it but my heart hasn't.
However, yes the 535 will have all the toys you may or may not want, its a deeply involving car inasmuch as its a fast, practical and very very satisfying drive. Use the right dealer and you'll have an unbeatable combination, I would recommend you get one from a dealer, 25k to 30k should get you a decent one. This one is in Blue Bell in Wilmslow. Look beyond the badge and you will genuinely find one of the best cars money can buy. The sports suspension is acquired taste though.
2005 55 Reg BMW 535d 2993 cc M Sport Touring (trade)
Blue Bell Wilmslow
* 38,052 miles
* Automatic
* Blue
* Diesel
5 Doors, Automatic, Estate, Diesel, 38,052 miles, Mystic Blue, Flashlight Cloth/Nappa Leather, Bootlid operation. powered, Sport Model, Sports Suspension, Remote Control Alarm, De-chroming, Roof Rails,
Authorised BMW Dealer
BMW Approved Used Cars
£26,450
or
Photograph of BMW 5 SERIES DIESEL TOURING (2004 - 2007) 535D SPORT 5DR AUTO
2005 BMW 5 SERIES 3000 cc 535d Sport (trade)
Sytner Leicester
* 40,170 miles
* Automatic
* Black
* Diesel
5 Doors, Automatic, Estate, Diesel, 40,170 miles, Carbon Black Metallic, 2 Owner(s), Dark Poplar Wood - High Gloss,Comfort Seats - Electric,Media package,Visibiltiy Package,Coming Soon (Vehicle In
logo
£28,850
Sytner had a good write up here today. Black....mmmmm
Edited by Pugugly on 30/03/2008 at 23:02
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Save 10K and enjoy a year old Subaru Legacy Spec B Tourer (10K buys a lot of fuel). Indecently rapid, too.
Manged three dogs, four adults and a baby in mine today - which was because the (newish) Audi wagon the other pasengers were suppposed to be travelling in had broken down....
Davros
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bart, what are you driving at the moment?
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quick update, drove an s4 this morning, never thought i would say this but - i found it slightly boring.
extremely quick, no question, but in a funny way it was TOO quick. i got up to 80 on a dual carriageway and it felt like i was trundling along at 30. it was frustrating, like the car was crying out for you to push it to its limit, but you just couldn't.
so i reckon the merc is now favourite
bmw to be honest i just dont like the look of them. im sure theyre great to drive and everything, but they look really ugly to me
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If you're looking at Mercs, have you tried an E-Class? The estate version is huge and they are massively better than an M-Class in terms of ride, handling, interior space and build quality. Don't know too much about prices in the UK, but I'm guessing for that money you could get an E350 (or E320 if it really must be diesel).
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No car has ever grown on me styling-wise like the current 5-series. I think it's a gorgeous piece of design, particularly in Touring form.
I've never been in a 535d, but I have seen one given full beans off the line (off the lights on the Handy Cross roundabout and down the A404 towards the M4 and grinding its rear tyres into the tarmac, leaving a pair of light tread marks for about 200 yds). It is a seriously quick car, let alone for a diesel. Not even a puff of smoke out the back during the whole thing either.
Cheers
DP
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Two alternatives come to mind: Mondeo and Accord. In 2.5T Ghia spec you get your performance and toys, in the Honda 2.4 just slightly less. Add leather to the ford and still have the best part of 8K change.
You do need a big boot: these two give it to you.
Or, and I'm guessing you'll discount it, the new C5 Estate looks gorgeous and early impressions seem very favourable.
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How about a Merc C320 CDI Estate? Sub 7.0 secs 0-60, but even quicker mid-range. Very smooth and economical when called-for. A little smaller and not quite as quick as a 535d, but less 'in yer face' (quite understated even?) and cheaper second hand. Mine is one of the few non Sport-Edition ones and is all the better for it with a better ride and self-levelling rear suspension. The interior is not disimilar to your Sports Coupe.
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Many thanks for the advice given so far, i will have a look at all these suggestions and report back soon.
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