which high end sporty car for poor roads?

luckylucky

I've never been much of a car person before, basically coz I never had the bobs to afford anything other than a banger, so didn't entertain dreams of having a beamer, merc etc etc.

But now i'm thinking I might very well manage to get myself a top car later this year .

But not really sure what would suit.

Basically I want something sporty, but also sturdy as
I live in rural Portugal and some of the roads aren't great, so I will want something that can handle pot holes, and even dirt tracks at times.

Any of you motoring afficiandos got any ideas ?

Anan1

Subaru Forester 2.5XT?

Fey!

Bowler Wildcat?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLvlfAyduvA

luckylucky

Anan1 wrote: »

Subaru Forester 2.5XT?

Thanks for the suggestion. Probably a sensible option, but it just doesn't float my boat. Looking for something a bit more for want of a better word 'flash'. i was looking at the Audi site but not sure if any of the Audi sporty models are a sensible option for here.

Dub6Kevin

VW Golf R32 4motion DSG

Unbelievable fun to drive!

Beta Ray Bill

any WRC Rally Car will do ya.

Evos, STi's etc

luckylucky

I'm not looking for an off -roader, 4x 4 etc. Really just looking for the likes of a merc, bmw, audi sporty car. But one that won't get wrecked on poor roads.

Edit: there are plenty of good roads here too, it's mainly the dirt track to our house that concerns me, I won't be driving the car hard on this though.

Anan1

luckylucky wrote: »

I'm not looking for an off -roader, 4x 4 etc. Really just looking for the likes of a merc, bmw, audi sporty car. But one that won't get wrecked on poor roads.

If you want to be able to handle dirt tracks and potholes, then you really need some sort of a 'soft roader'. If you want something 'flash', then you'll just have to stay away from the dirt tracks & potholes. The basic question for you is therefore: Which matters more, ability or image?;)

JHMEG

luckylucky wrote: »

I'm not looking for an off -roader, 4x 4 etc. Really just looking for the likes of a merc, bmw, audi sporty car. But one that won't get wrecked on poor roads.

Edit: there are plenty of good roads here too, it's mainly the dirt track to our house that concerns me, I won't be driving the car hard on this though.

Have you done any research yourself? Did you find the websites of those manufacturers?

luckylucky

Anan1 wrote: »

Which matters more, ability or image?;)

lol defo a vanity thing I'll admit .

Don't get me wrong the roads here aren't absolutely terrible, you get the occasional crappy road and we have this dirtrack to our house, I mean I only drive 20 mph on it max anyway. Just when I was looking at some of the Audis they looked a bit too low to the ground.

Are you sure there is not some happy compromise out there?

luckylucky

JHMEG wrote: »

Have you done any research yourself? Did you find the websites of those manufacturers?

I'm looking now. I'm sure if I keep trawling the internet I'll find a few that might suit. I didn't think there was any harm in asking here first though as I'm fairly clueless in regards to cars and most everybody here would have a far better idea of what would be out there.

Anan1

luckylucky wrote: »

lol defo a vanity thing I'll admit .

Don't get me wrong the roads here aren't absolutely terrible, you get the occasional crappy road and we have this dirtrack to our house, I mean I only drive 20 mph on it max anyway. Just when I was looking at some of the Audis they looked a bit too low to the ground.

Are you sure there is not some happy compromise out there?

How about an Audi Allroad? They're a lot more expensive than a Subaru Forester, and slower and less reliable too, but they are a good deal more 'flash'.

pburns

Anan1 wrote: »

How about an Audi Allroad? They're a lot more expensive than a Subaru Forester, and slower and less reliable too, but they are a good deal more 'flash'.

Was just about to suggest this also.

The thought processes you have outlined and your insistence on owning a BMW/Audi/Merc only streghten my resolve NOT to buy any of these marques...

niceirishfella

get one of these and you'll have the the lot!

http://www.seriouswheels.com/mno/Mercedes-Benz-G-55-AMG-FA-1280x960.htm

Wossack

lamborghini, no question

luckylucky

pburns wrote: »

Was just about to suggest this also.

The thought processes you have outlined and your insistence on owning a BMW/Audi/Merc only streghten my resolve NOT to buy any of these marques...

Was waiting for the inevitable sanctimonius comment. Hope you're well self-satisfied. :rolleyes:

Btw I've always driven bangers before and I didn't give two hoots what people thought about me.

I'm making decent money lately just about for the 1st time and i'm contemplating splashing out, I'm not going to apologise to anyone for that.

Also I didn't insist on the car being any particular brand.

alpina

Have to 2nd Wossack here, end of the day you'll have a Lambo. that is not going to loose it's front end at the first pothole or speed bump and, it has serious alloys..

cantdecide

All cars will get wrecked on poor roads. I've had 3 Audis and 2 BMWs and suspension problems are a regular occurence on our poor roads here. Audi Allroad might be a goer, though.

luckylucky

cantdecide wrote: »

All cars will get wrecked on poor roads. I've had 3 Audis and 2 BMWs and suspension problems are a regular occurence on our poor roads here. Audi Allroad might be a goer, though.

Sounds like i'll have to abandon getting any of these type of cars then. Got advised from a boardsie pal of mine that the subaru impreza might be the kinda car that would suit. Think it might be too. So I'm going to check it out. Thanks for all the replies btw (the non sarcy ones anyway) so far.

RobAMerc

X5 or Cayenne - both should handle rough roads - both handle fairly well (car like) and both high end.

None of them really fit into the 4*4 category

Otherwise the Forester as Anan1 suggested. The Imprezza may not like the rougher stuff too much unless you buy one with fairly high profile tyres ( ie not one of the fast ones ).

but if fuel consumption is an issue at all the X5 3.0d is your only option

luckylucky

RobAMerc wrote: »

X5 or Cayenne - both should handle rough roads - both handle fairly well (car like) and both high end.

None of them really fit into the 4*4 category

Otherwise the Forester as Anan1 suggested. The Imprezza may not like the rougher stuff too much unless you buy one with fairly high profile tyres ( ie not one of the fast ones ).

but if fuel consumption is an issue at all the X5 3.0d is your only option

Just checked out the X5. I think I like

JHMEG

If you want a badge with big wheels:

BMW X5, Mercedes ML-class, Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne, Lexus RX-anything.

All these are on their respective manufacturer's websites.

Anan1

luckylucky wrote: »

Sounds like i'll have to abandon getting any of these type of cars then. Got advised from a boardsie pal of mine that the subaru impreza might be the kinda car that would suit. Think it might be too. So I'm going to check it out. Thanks for all the replies btw (the non sarcy ones anyway) so far.

Just bear in mind that the Forester 2.5XT was made for people who want an Impreza WRX but need the ability to go off-road. The X5, on the other hand, was made for peroxide blonde mommies.;)

luckylucky

JHMEG wrote: »

If you want a badge with big wheels:

BMW X5, Mercedes ML-class, Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne, Lexus RX-anything.

All these are on their respective manufacturer's websites.

Ta.

Anan1 wrote: »

Just bear in mind that the Forester 2.5XT was made for people who want an Impreza WRX but need the ability to go off-road. The X5, on the other hand, was made for peroxide blonde mommies.;)

lol, I hear yeah, sheit I'm the male equivalent of a dumb blonde then .

i'm going to have a good look around first, I'm sure my initial opinions and outlook will change as I begin to get a better idea.

groupb

Dub6Kevin wrote: »

VW Golf R32 4motion DSG

Unbelievable fun to drive!

He said high end.

JHMEG

groupb wrote: »

He said high end.

He even named the badges!

Lord Nikon

Audi Allroad, 3 litre, tdi, quattro. Comfortable, fast, not a problem on bad roads.

mickdw

Im in rural ireland and managed with an audi TT. Situation is like yours, roads in general ok but road to house was second gear max with a rough surface. Though my TT would start to rattle but no. drove it here for 2 years and was still perfect.

coolbeans

How about the new Honda Legend? Lovely car, vastly underrated, beacuse it's a honda and not a Benz, and it'll be reliable. Plus it's four wheel drive! Click the link; you know you wanna!
http://www.honda.ie/contentv3/index.cfm?fuseaction=page&pageID=4468

Or how about a Subaru Legacy? http://195.212.6.166/Subaru_ie/ViewMenu.qed?menuid=M3M3M0

RobAMerc

Anan1 wrote: »

Just bear in mind that the Forester 2.5XT was made for people who want an Impreza WRX but need the ability to go off-road. The X5, on the other hand, was made for peroxide blonde mommies.;)

Lets be fair there is a LOT more to the X5 than a blonde cart - it really is quite good to drive and has very car like handling.

I am not sure about the Lexus or Audi Q7 cutting the mustard as 'sporty' there a bit more mummsy I think

JHMEG

coolbeans wrote: »

How about the new Honda Legend?

Yaw, but look at that badge. It's ghastly.

luckylucky

JHMEG wrote: »

Yaw, but look at that badge. It's ghastly.

I did get your point the first time you know

Not as concerned with 'badges' as you seem to think either. I'm not much of a car person tbh in the 1st place. I'm just thinking it might be nice to actually drive something the completely opposite to the piles of sh1te I've driven all the time before.

P.S. I've never said Yaw or loike anytime in my life either , sorry to disappoint

JHMEG

luckylucky wrote: »

Not as concerned with 'badges' as you seem to think either.

luckylucky wrote: »

really just looking for the likes of a merc, bmw, audi

luckylucky wrote: »

defo a vanity thing I'll admit

Make up your mind!

luckylucky

luckylucky wrote: »

I've never been much of a car person before.

luckylucky wrote: »

But not really sure what would suit.

luckylucky wrote: »

Any of you motoring afficiandos got any ideas ?

luckylucky wrote: »

lol defo a vanity thing I'll admit .

You forgot to quote my wink here btw. it was a tongue-in cheek type comment. So in case you don't get that here's ;):p;):p

luckylucky wrote: »

Are you sure there is not some happy compromise out there?

luckylucky wrote: »

I didn't think there was any harm in asking here first though as I'm fairly clueless in regards to cars and most everybody here would have a far better idea of what would be out there.

luckylucky wrote: »

Sounds like i'll have to abandon getting any of these type of cars then. Got advised from a boardsie pal of mine that the subaru impreza might be the kinda car that would suit. Think it might be too.

We can all do selected quoting to paint things in a certain light!!!:mad:

JHMEG wrote: »

Make up your mind!

The whole point is I'm openly admiting I'm clueless when it comes to cars, so that's what I was hoping to get here some help in starting me off in making up my mind! I valued and appreciated all serious suggestions.

I had to reinforce the point that I was thinking of a high end sporty car not a 4x4 as that was where the thread was going. Hence the reference to BMW, Merc, Audi - and yes these are defo on my consideration, I never said it absolutely had to be one of them though. In fact I'm beginning to think they just would not be practical for here.

Man I should have expected to get this. I don't think we are quite the nation of begrudgers that we once were but still there obviously. At 37 I'm enjoying success for about the first time and I was just thinking about splashing out, you know if I drove around in a Lada, the very same begrudgers would be saying ffs, look at that tightwad. Can't friggin win. :mad:

Oh and just to make it crystal gear since you enjoy being so judgmental I am not some D4 Yaw Yaw type like you seem to conveniently picture in your mind.

Was on dole for a good spell in my early 20's - not by choice and went hungry more than once at certain points, thankfully those low points are hopefully well behind me.

coolbeans

Didn't judge you at all there boss.
Anyway my advice is to get a Legacy, a Legend or a Lexus; perhaps the GS300. They're all different cars but reliable, much more exclusive than a Benz or Beemer and the Legacy/Legend both feature four wheel drive. The Legend and Lexus are a good deal more expensive than the Subaru but you know yourself. Just a few suggestions.

luckylucky

coolbeans wrote: »

Didn't judge you at all there boss.

Cheers, don't think most people did to be fair. But at least one very clearly did.

Thanks again for the tips.

Mr.Boots

Subaru Forester STi

Cmar-Ireland

BMW X5 3.0d would be my choice. Nice and sporty looking IMO. Reasonably economical and quick with the newer engine. Just don't go for one with big wheels and it will ride better on the rough roads

Maybe have a look at the new BMW X6 too.

michaelanthony

Mercedes CL or any Porsche

f22

RobAMerc wrote: »

I am not sure about the Lexus or Audi Q7 cutting the mustard as 'sporty' there a bit more mummsy I think

Plant your foot in a Lexus RX400h and see how mumsy it is. Would blow most saloons and sport hatches out of the water, never mind a big heavy diesel.

JHMEG

luckylucky wrote: »

Hence the reference to BMW, Merc, Audi

For me that says enough. It says you want a badge, not how much money you have or haven't got.

luckylucky

So far the BMW X5 is the one car mentioned here that appeals to me the most in terms of a compromise between high end sporty car and practicality, but it'll probably be a few months down the line before I actually buy anything. There is a part of me that thinks that such a car might be a bit OTT for here tbh but I wanted to see what was out there anyway.

Anan1

An X5 is neither high-end nor sporty. Unless you're the kind of person who finds Victoria Beckham classy.

luckylucky

Anan1 wrote: »

An X5 is neither high-end nor sporty. Unless you're the kind of person who finds Victoria Beckham classy.

lol, sheit man you are really putting me off now, I hate that woman .

f22

Anan1 wrote: »

An X5 is neither high-end nor sporty. Unless you're the kind of person who finds Victoria Beckham classy.

Nearly 100,000 for a decent spec X5 and you don't consider it high-end. Would seriously like a job where you work.

E92

f22 wrote: »

Plant your foot in a Lexus RX400h and see how mumsy it is. Would blow most saloons and sport hatches out of the water, never mind a big heavy diesel.

Whether it's fast or not is immaterial, it is still a yummy mummy's car. Speed has nothing to do with it. I wouldn't buy any 4X4 to be honest, I simply don't see what they do that a standard 5 series or A6 or whatever doesn't, something like a 530d or a Merc E320 CDI or an A6 3.0 TDI would be far, far nicer.

f22

E92 wrote: »

Whether it's fast or not is immaterial, it is still a yummy mummy's car. Speed has nothing to do with it. I wouldn't buy any 4X4 to be honest, I simply don't see what they do that a standard 5 series or A6 or whatever doesn't, something like a 530d or a Merc E320 CDI or an A6 3.0 TDI would be far, far nicer.

All personal taste, the Audi or Merc wouldn't interest me in the slightest though. Most of the cars/4x4's mentioned are perfectly good in their own right so it comes down to what floats your boat.

I get bored after a year in a car regardless.

RobAMerc

f22 wrote: »

Plant your foot in a Lexus RX400h and see how mumsy it is. Would blow most saloons and sport hatches out of the water, never mind a big heavy diesel.

:rolleyes:
There is a bit more to being sporty than just being quick - this is not a game of top trumps is it ?

RobAMerc

Anan1 wrote: »

An X5 is neither high-end nor sporty. Unless you're the kind of person who finds Victoria Beckham classy.

ha ha - well put, but this guy wants something that handles rough roads and handles well - the X5 is a reasonable option imo

a legacy outback would be another - if you want new the new diesel boxer engine looks great - imo they are classless and cool.
(not beckham class less now).

galwaytt

michaelanthony wrote: »

Mercedes CL or any Porsche

Hello? Any Porsche ? On bad back roads.........I don't think so !

f22

RobAMerc wrote: »

:rolleyes:
There is a bit more to being sporty than just being quick - this is not a game of top trumps is it ?

Agreed, but mumsy to me is something like a Honda HRV/ Nissan Qashqai or the likes.

Speed is part of a sporty (sports) car in my mind, what's the point in having a "sporty" looking car that's all show and no go!