It is that time of year again. Dad's getting a new car!

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Paganisterr
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Yep, our yearly car change has come about again, I'm 99% sure. :D

This time, we are looking at getting a decent Diesel car. It still has to be in about the class we have now - a Jaguar X-Type - but has to be cheaper to run for various reasons we have.

Last year, we were thinking about getting a Chrysler 300, but decided not to as it was a little expensive and no feedback was on the European version as the car wasn't out here at the time. Well, we're looking at it again! Feedback has been good on the car, and particularly good in Test Drive magazine when the Diesel version was up against a BMW 5-Series and Vaxhaull Signum. The 300 came first overall because of its style, performance, interior design and fuel economy for such a large car, which surprised me and the reviewers. Because of this, the car seems quite appealing to us and we should be getting a test-drive in one in the next few days. If we did go for a new one, there wont be one available until November because of the demand. Even the used ones are rare and priced exactly the same as new!

I've been through other various cars with him and Mum: The Mercedes C-Class, doesn't look like his type of car and is unreliable; Audi A4, doesn't look right to him; the new Lexus IS, reviews have said the rear is cramped and the ride is terrible and the S-Type, but we test-drove one last year and didn't find it much different to the car we have now.

I'll keep you updated as things happen, and let me know on any car recommendations if you have any as I may have forgotten a few.


Edit: I forgot an important question. How much should he get for the 51 plate Jaguar X-Type 3.0 SE Auto ~31,000k miles, with optional Sat-Nav and CD Multi-changer? He's expecting about £7.5k trade-in, but I'm thinking it won't be that bad.
 
Depending on how long your dad keeps his cars I wouldnt reccomend buying a new 300c or a near new one due to its mega depreciation.

As a motorway cruiser its a very good car. Throwing it around corners and roundabouts its not so good. The price is tempting though to oversee that.
 
ExigeExcel
Is a 530d an option?

If not you can't go wrong with an Audi diesel.
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The 5-Series is an option, but the 530d is expensive and Dad has never understood the hype for BMWs, bland interors and all.

I'm still recommending Audis, but he doesn't like the styling (and I admit that thread Poverty made on the very good residuals is appealing).

Poverty
Depending on how long your dad keeps his cars I wouldnt reccomend buying a new 300c or a near new one due to its mega depreciation.

As a motorway cruiser its a very good car. Throwing it around corners and roundabouts its not so good. The price is tempting though to oversee that.
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Well, he should keep it about a year. :D Residuals are a problem, but I'll see how things turn out first. The handling and such isn't an issue, as quoted "I'm not Jeremy Clarkson". He just wants a good cruiser and something that is decent around town, even if the ride quality isn't the best.

Famine
VW Touareg V10 Greasel.
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No way! :lol:


Edit: I forgot an important question. How much should he get for the 51 plate Jaguar X-Type 3.0 SE Auto ~31,000k miles, with optional Sat-Nav and CD Multi-changer? He's expecting about £7.5k trade-in, but I'm thinking it won't be that bad.
 
He's expecting about £7.5k trade-in, but I'm thinking it won't be that bad.
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Id say that is a reasonable figure.


How about a Volvo S80 or Saab 9-5. Both however wont hold theyre value.
Im amazed to learn that the 300c weighs 2 tonnes :scared:
 
Max_DC
Subaru Impreza WRX STI 2006 with LPG
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I'd buy an STI. :D

9-5 and S80? No way. I've just realised how specific he really is......

I'm not surprised the 300C is 2 tonnes. The car is 5 meters long! We're glad it comes with parking sensors standard.
 
As an American, I obviously have no clue what is going on in the UK, but I'm interested in the 300 Diesel. The 300 is still considered to be one of the best cars you can buy brand new in the US, but build quality is from what I can tell, way below that of the competition. Generally speaking, that is the only think that has kept my Grandfather from buying one (former owner of a '58 300D HEMI Convertable), added to that the lack of a coupe or convertable option.

Of my expiriences with larger cars similar to what you are looking for, I would choose to nominate the Passat TDI, or maybe the new S80 (is it out in Europe yet?). Both are quite large, quite comfortable, and atleast in the US, they seem to be somewhat reasonably priced.

...But atleast in the US, diesel doesn't come up too often as an option. But I have been looking into an older Passat TDI myself for some time, as they are quite nice.
 
The new Passat is a very nice car. I've happened to have a ride in one as my Uncle has one as a company car. It's certainly giving cars in a class higher a run for their money - I happen to prefer it to the X-Type. The Diesel is ever so refined too, they really have reached the time when diesel engines are becoming just as refined as petrol engines. Dad still isn't interesed though. :D
 
The Passat is a very nice car, mechnically and comfort wise they're very good
 
Please, please, PLEASE do not buy the 300. You live in the UK for christ sakes. YOU CAN BUY ALL THE SWEET STUFF! I'd buy any VAG saloon diesel. ..or actually the Honda Accord diesel...because the Accord in Europe is a much better saloon than the one offered here in the states (it's called the TSX and it's a luxury model here). Depreciation in Europe means a hell of alot more than here in the states. Good resale value is important...so that alone should sway you away from the 300. That and it's a POS?
 
Poverty
How about a used phaeton?
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Good question. I have never thought of it in that way because the car is a very good used buy. No, I'm afraid, it's a little out of our price range. The maximum price range we have is about £25k, depending on how much we like a car.

I've now strongly recommended a 525d, but I'll have to see what he thinks when he gets home from work. The 530d is just a little too expensive used.
 
media


media


2005 05 Reg Audi A6 2.7 TDI S-Line, Preston Audi 4 Doors, Manual, Saloon, Diesel, 12,700 miles, Light Silver, Anti-lock brakes,Driver and passenger air bags,Alarm,18in alloy wheels,Front/rear armrest,speed cloth/leather . . . . (trade)

Or one without the S-line kit.

Audi A6 2.7 TDI SE
4 Doors, Manual, Saloon, Diesel, 50 miles, Night Blue, Anti-lock brakes,Driver/passenger seat height adjustment,Driver, passenger and front side air bags,16in alloy wheels,Remote central door locking,Climate control,Electric/heated door mirrors,Front/rear electric windows,Front/rear head restraints,Heated front seats,6 speed manual gearbox,Power-assisted steering,Radio/cassette,Full service history,Rake/reach adjustable steering column/wheel,Immobiliser,Front fog lights,Multi-function steering wheel,Mobile telephone preparation,leather interior. £24,950.
 
Funnily, I just started looking at A6s before you posted. 👍

Seems like they're keeping their value. The ones near us are around £29,000, so a little out of the question.

Famine
Why not? He could make money in his spare time doing tractor pulls.
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Meh, I dunno. :lol:

Dad's spare time is precious to him. I doubt he'll be using it for that!
 
In the latest autobild the A6 2.7TDI beat the facelifted E-class diesel and and 5er diesel too. 👍

Oh and in the last Automobile magazine the M5 lost to the S6 and MB E63. The E63 took it though because of its share power. The RS6 should conquer though.

Making a strong case for the A6!
 
Hehe, all depends on what Dad says tonight.

Mum has gone MPV mad now! I'm like "NO! We don't need a car like that if we're never going to use it for what it was made to do. You might as well buy a Family saloon like our old Mazda 6 which is cheaper to buy and run! :mad:" She wants a Multipla too, but it has to be reliable. Our last one went wrong 3 times. :rolleyes:

Dad'll put a stop to this, I'm sure! If we're keeping this next car for many years to come, he won't buy an MPV, trust me...
 
Poverty
if you require 5 seats a A6 avant has more luggage space than most MPV's and SUV's on sale today.
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Exactly. You're paying for the "tallness" and ride height with the 5 seater MPVs. Even though it's cheaper than an Audi, I really don't understand...!
 
But aren't you bordering on 6ft James? And your brother will probably be the same, plus yu plan to keep it for a while so an MPV makes sense, does it not?
 
ExigeExcel
But aren't you bordering on 6ft James? And your brother will probably be the same, plus yu plan to keep it for a while so an MPV makes sense, does it not?
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6ft? I'm sure normal Saloons can take 6ft 5s nowadays (a lot of room in Jag yet, and that hasn't the best headroom because of the slooping roofline!). We're thinking of keeping the car for a very, very long time, like 10+ years. An MPV will make no sense whatsoever when we're out and about driving our own cars and the MPV will be left for only Mum and Dad. It would be a waste of money TBH. And you look ridiculous in one (I've said it now! :D).
 
G.T
6ft? I'm sure normal Saloons can take 6ft 5s nowadays (a lot of room in Jag yet, and that hasn't the best headroom because of the slooping roofline!). We're thinking of keeping the car for a very, very long time, like 10+ years. An MPV will make no sense whatsoever when we're out and about driving our own cars and the MPV will be left for only Mum and Dad. It would be a waste of money TBH. And you look ridiculous in one (I've said it now! :D).
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How old are your parents now?

When they're older they'll appreciate the higher seating position for getting in and out of. :D

Why, why, why am I arguing in favour of an MPV?
 
No, must be diesel. Nothing sporty and that'll eat fuel.

Btw, I think Mum was pulling my leg. But she seemed pretty serious!

Evan, they're in their 40s. ;)
 
...Excuse me for being an ignorant American, but the Mazda5 is an MPV, no?

Those aren't too bad if that is what your Mother is looking for. Atleast they still have the "Zoom Zoom" fun quotient even in a mini-mini-van.
 
G.T
No, must be diesel. Nothing sporty and that'll eat fuel.

Btw, I think Mum was pulling my leg. But she seemed pretty serious!

Evan, they're in their 40s. ;)
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Audi A6's favourite customers!, as thats who the A6 is aimed at. 70% of people who buy A6's are either over 34, a doctor or lawyer!
 

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