[brinty]

Hi all,

Could any of you recommend a car to me which would have
Luxury branding (i.e. audi, bmw etc)
manual diesel
comfort
good fuel efficiency
2008 or newer for lower tax bands
around 20k

I'm a 6 foot 3 man driving over 500 miles a week so need the above just for my own sake.

Am trading in my 2003 A4, it has high mileage and worth less than 3k now, and is just generally breaking down. Recently passed driving test so not restricted on what I can buy thank god, as I have been unable to get insurance on some of the cars I would consider.

I would like to go for something thats a bit fun to drive. I test drove a new model A4 and was i felt a bit sterile and boring. Tested a 520d and wasn't bad but didn't get to properly open her up..

I'm considering something like BMW520, c class merc, x type jag

If anyone could help or share their experiences would be very thankful..

[Jimbob 83]

2008 A4 tbh, much improved car if you go for a high spec one

[brinty]

Thanks Jimbob, when i did the test drive I asked for a 143bhp in the main dealers and sales guy was oh they are rare we don't get them in blah blah...the 120bhp is just as good...i nearly rung his neck..he's pestering me since about 120bhp ones he has etc..

[fabsoul]

only thing is the tax bands is €677 because its auto

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Mercede...t?channel=CARS

[brinty]

Thanks Fabsoul,

Prefer a manual to auto, as auto will eat diesel!!

[fabsoul]

Originally Posted by brinty

Thanks Fabsoul,

Prefer a manual to auto, as auto will eat diesel!!

nope 50+ mpg

I have a 320cd auto and get 40+ mpg auto not that bad anymore

[Blazer]

Have a 520D and highly recommended.
Would advise buying a late 09/10 if possible as the N47 engine in the 08/09 models has flaws with weakpoints in the camshaft/timing chain area.
6K to fix if it goes wrong and you're not in warranty.
Apparently BMW revised and improved the engine in late 09 to resolve this issue.
Not familiar with the other cars so can't provide any info on those.

[brinty]

Cheers Blazer, sounds interesting, see what I can see on them..

Had heard about problems with something like that on BMW's but had thought it was e60 engines

Thanks for info Fabsoul, good to know auto's are getting better

[bazz26]

Not exactly a premium brand but they are a rare enough sight and they are well specced compared to the likes of most Audi A4s, etc:


http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index...13433999173010

Probably not what would be described as fun to drive either but worth a look at anyway.

[Casati]

Originally Posted by fabsoul

only thing is the tax bands is €677 because its auto

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Mercede...t?channel=CARS

A manual C200 CDI or C220 CDI might be a good option. If you fancy going to the UK this might be an option

2009 C200 SE with 36k for £11,299

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...ge/2?logcode=p

[miller50841]

Honestly go for a high spec Avensis, Mondeo or Accord you would not be disappointed.

Jap cars are top for reliability

[brinty]

Thanks for responses thus far to all.

Casati, thanks for the link, I saw another sporty Merc on that site for £14k, jaw dropped i think i'm in love

But seriously, keep the recommendations coming. If any of ye drive/previously owned one of what I'm considering could yet let me know some of your experiences.

[Media999]

Late 08 or newer Audi a4 2.0 Diesel. Its as quiet as a petrol and great MPG. 6"3 myself and perfectly comfortable. Low tax.

[brinty]

Casati,

Thanks for the recommendation, wife likes it and is encouraging me to give them a call. And she dislikes mercs...there an old mans car!!!

[brinty]

Tested a 2010 A4 was very comfy and nice
Rethinking an audi now, but wanna try a Merc and BMW