Might Change Car...whats the best?

vengeance52

Im thinking of changing my motor again. Had a thread awhile back about getting a brera but a few more options have opened up.

So my choices are:

2006/7 BMW 730D SE



2006/7 Audi A6 2.7 / 3.0 TD S-Line



2007 Alfa Romeo Brera 2.4 JTDM



2007 Alfa Romeo 159 2.4 JTDM



2001 Maserati 3200 FH


2004 Honda Accord 2.2 i-CTDI (My Current Motor)



The BMW is the biggest, and will prob hold its value when it comes to reselling, but im not won over by its looks.

The A6 i think is very tasty car, and the s-line has the spec id want, but reviews say the ride is harsh, esp with 18" wheels and tyre roar can be loudish. also cant decide between the 2.7 and 3.0 TD engine

The Brera is a tasty car, looks the business, but its heavy for a 2door and its resale is a problem.

The 159 is roomier than the brera, still looks the part, but the resale is still an issue.

The maserati is my, what if i wasnt thinking straight choice. the car id test drive and buy without thinking about the consequences like 19mpg etc.

The then lastly is my accord. I think its a great motor, very comfy but Im after a change, and i would like something that handled better.

What im after here, is a car that handles well, can take corners without wobbling about and with little body roll. It has a bit of poke, but wont set fire to my wallet when it comes to fill up or service. i know im asking alot, but if i get some good pros and cons for the above cars, i might have a better idea,

Cheers
-V-

Woodgate

2007 Alfa Romeo Brera 2.4 JTDM

It would be the Audi for me.

Wishbone Ash

Woodgate wrote: »

It would be the Audi for me.

+1

OP - would you consider the A8 3.0TDi - probably more comparable with the 730 than an A6?

Automan

What about an Accord Euro R 220BHP?

http://cbg.ie/Car_Detail.aspx?ID=1963555

http://cbg.ie/Car_Detail.aspx?ID=1961605

vengeance52

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

+1

OP - would you consider the A8 3.0TDi - probably more comparable with the 730 than an A6?

I actually would love one, but i cant find one in my price range unfortunatly

vengeance52

Automan wrote: »

What about an Accord Euro R 220BHP?

http://cbg.ie/Car_Detail.aspx?ID=1963555

http://cbg.ie/Car_Detail.aspx?ID=1961605

well the euro r is nice, but if i was to change car, i probably like to try another car other then an accord. just to try somethin new

*Tripper*

God some very differnt, but quality, cars there Vengeance!

I'd strike the Accord and Maserati personally I think the other cars are better all over.

As was already said how bout an A8

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Audi/A8/4.2-Quattro/1009125/

Very nice car.

cantdecide

2007 Alfa Romeo 159 2.4 JTDM

Brera is a seriously beautiful car. Just cos it's not reliable doesn't mean it's not a stunner. You're not going to lie on your deathbed and think about the corolla you once had...

Cyrus

2004 Honda Accord 2.2 i-CTDI

a wierd range there!

the audi a6 doesnt belong in the same company at the 7 series, so scrap that and substitute the a8 in there!

alas neither the a8 or 7 series will hold their value well, big luxo barges dont, so expect some large depreciation no matter what.

anyway, of all the cars listed, id have the maser

quattro777

2007 Alfa Romeo Brera 2.4 JTDM

The Audi...but I would say that wouldn't I

Guy:Incognito

2004 Honda Accord 2.2 i-CTDI

I'd go with the Maserati. The most exclusive (badge wise because you dont see many about) and the average joe cant really spot a Maserati as a Maserati.

I'd love to own a Quattroporte someday.

Could probably do with refining you choices a bit. At least maybe decide between a large saloon or a sportier car, then decide which car you want once you've decided what type of car you want.

vengeance52

cantdecide wrote: »

Brera is a seriously beautiful car. Just cos it's not reliable doesn't mean it's not a stunner. You're not going to lie on your deathbed and think about the corolla you once had...

Its a great car. my mate has a 3.2 brera and its so much fun spinning about in it. Although there is a slight rattle from the engine at low revs and the alfa mechanics cant find the prob

Cyrus wrote: »

a wierd range there!

the audi a6 doesnt belong in the same company at the 7 series, so scrap that and substitute the a8 in there!

alas neither the a8 or 7 series will hold their value well, big luxo barges dont, so expect some large depreciation no matter what.

anyway, of all the cars listed, id have the maser

Well i can either get an 06 or 07 A6, or i can get an 04/05 A8. I was going for the A6 as it was a newer motor, but the a8 really is something

quattro777 wrote: »

The Audi...but I would say that wouldn't I

Cheers for all the info ya gave me on the a6. helped point me in the right direction

Stekelly wrote: »

I'd go with the Maserati. The most exclusive (badge wise because you dont see many about) and the average joe cant really spot a Maserati as a Maserati.

I'd love to own a Quattroporte someday.

Well i love the maserati, but im not sure if my wallet could stand up to the fuel cost of the beautiful sounding 3.2 V6. it gets something like 19mpg and im scared to look into servicing costs.

Stekelly wrote: »

Could probably do with refining you choices a bit. At least maybe decide between a large saloon or a sportier car, then decide which car you want once you've decided what type of car you want.

Well ive always had saloon type cars since my first motor. I like the comfort of them as im 6ft 1, and biggish build. I just find some saloons a bit wobbly around the bends, so i was looking for something i can be comfortable in, but can handle the windy roads well.

Guy:Incognito

2004 Honda Accord 2.2 i-CTDI

vengeance52 wrote: »

Well i love the maserati, but im not sure if my wallet could stand up to the fuel cost of the beautiful sounding 3.2 V6. it gets something like 19mpg and im scared to look into servicing costs.


.

Meh I was only getting 19-20mpg from my Safrane. I'd have driven it forever if it was a Maserati. Sexiness justifies a lot.

Servicing I havnt a clue about tbh, although I'm sure with a bit of diggin you could find a good independent to look after it.

unkel

@OP - your head is all over the shop

vengeance52 wrote: »

i love the maserati, but im not sure if my wallet could stand up to the fuel cost of the beautiful sounding 3.2 V6. it gets something like 19mpg

No sh1t!

Unless you do a huge mileage, the fuel consumption of the cars you list is nothing compared to the other costs of owning them. Why worry about saving €500 a year in fuel costs when your depreciation is €5,000 a year?

vengeance52

unkel wrote: »

@OP - your head is all over the shop

Unless you do a huge mileage, the fuel consumption of the cars you list is nothing compared to the other costs of owning them. Why worry about saving €500 a year in fuel costs when your depreciation is €5,000 a year?

yup all over the place. thats why im tryin to get as much info as possible. I do about 50-60 miles a day 5days a week. on the weekend i could do anywhere from 70 - 200 miles. I dont do city driving. mostly 4th 5th gear driving.

unkel

vengeance52 wrote: »

yup all over the place. thats why im tryin to get as much info as possible. I do about 50-60 miles a day 5days a week. on the weekend i could do anywhere from 70 - 200 miles. I dont do city driving. mostly 4th 5th gear driving.

So roughly about 20k miles per annum? Just to give you an idea: a petrol doing 20MPG @€;1.25/l will cost you about €2.5k more than a diesel doing 40MPG @1.40/l in fuel

A good bit of money, but nowhere near what any of those cars depreciate at

vengeance52

unkel wrote: »

So roughly about 20k miles per annum? Just to give you an idea: a petrol doing 20MPG @€;1.25/l will cost you about €2.5k more than a diesel doing 40MPG @1.40/l in fuel

A good bit of money, but nowhere near what any of those cars depreciate at

that is a difference alright. what would be the depreciate like on these cars. is there any that holds there value better than others?

niceirishfella

2006/7 Audi A6 2.7 / 3.0 TD S-Line

cantdecide wrote: »

Brera is a seriously beautiful car. Just cos it's not reliable doesn't mean it's not a stunner. You're not going to lie on your deathbed and think about the corolla you once had...

Ehhhhhh, like who is going to lie on their Deathbed thinking about the cars they've owned?
Its a sad world if that was and is the case?
I like me motors - but there's more to life.:cool:

pburns

I reckon the A6 is a good step upwards from your current motor, a logical progression.

Don't understand all the egging for an A8 TBH... A6 is a lovely design and a more practical size for our increasingly crowded rows. If you REALLY want something that handles though, what about finding a Quattro version?

Cyrus

2004 Honda Accord 2.2 i-CTDI

im sorry but the a6 is a far inferior car to the e60 5 series so i can only assume its miles behind the 7, if its a choice between the two, there is no choice

unless its an s6 or rs6

vengeance52

pburns wrote: »

I reckon the A6 is a good step upwards from your current motor, a logical progression.

Don't understand all the egging for an A8 TBH... A6 is a lovely design and a more practical size for our increasingly crowded rows. If you REALLY want something that handles though, what about finding a Quattro version?

Well i was thinking about getting a quattro if one came in on budget. I saw this one that i think looks the part
http://www.allapprovedcars.com/Used-Audi-A6-2.7TD-quattro-S-Line-Saloon-4dr-Car-Stoke-on-Trent--crpId501940856-CarDetails.aspx

Cyrus wrote: »

im sorry but the a6 is a far inferior car to the e60 5 series so i can only assume its miles behind the 7, if its a choice between the two, there is no choice

unless its an s6 or rs6

I was looking at an S6, and they are well outta my budget. I like the 7series ok, but it doesnt appeal to me as much as an A6. The older 7 series was stunning (thats not an offer on your motor unkel ) but the new shape 7 has lost the looks IMO.

Cyrus

2004 Honda Accord 2.2 i-CTDI

whats the budget, surely something like a 530i/535d fits in?

mickdw

2006/7 Audi A6 2.7 / 3.0 TD S-Line

I recently came very close to buying an 04 audi A8 3.0tdi but got alittle afraid of costs to repair etc and resale. Bought a new audi A5 instead. Starting to regret it now. It hasnt the quality of the older Audis never mind an A8. Id be very surprised if you could get an 06/07 bmw 730d within the same price range as the other cars mentioned.

vengeance52

Cyrus wrote: »

whats the budget, surely something like a 530i/535d fits in?

well i was hoping the keep the price under 24k sterling. I could get a 2005 535d M-Sport for the kinda money, but i was in a 530d and the ride was quite hard, and the interior was bland. its was functional, but boring. I suppose the Audi interior isnt anything special, either, but i personally find it nice. plus a simelar spec'd A6 comes in alot less than the 535d

Now the interior in the maserati.................

vengeance52

mickdw wrote: »

I recently came very close to buying an 04 audi A8 3.0tdi but got alittle afraid of costs to repair etc and resale. Bought a new audi A5 instead. Starting to regret it now. It hasnt the quality of the older Audis never mind an A8. Id be very surprised if you could get an 06/07 bmw 730d within the same price range as the other cars mentioned.

I heard the A8 costs can be scary, esp the 60k service. My mate had an A4, which she changed for a 530, and she said the was a big increase in service costs etc between the audi and the bmw.

I saw a 730d here for less than 25k sterling.

Cyrus

2004 Honda Accord 2.2 i-CTDI

vengeance52 wrote: »

well i was hoping the keep the price under 24k sterling. I could get a 2005 535d M-Sport for the kinda money, but i was in a 530d and the ride was quite hard, and the interior was bland. its was functional, but boring. I suppose the Audi interior isnt anything special, either, but i personally find it nice. plus a simelar spec'd A6 comes in alot less than the 535d

Now the interior in the maserati.................

535d sport, thats what you want, and theres a reason they cost more than the a6

hard ride, harder suspension in the sport - try an se or ditch the run flat tyres

mickdw

2006/7 Audi A6 2.7 / 3.0 TD S-Line

vengeance52 wrote: »

I heard the A8 costs can be scary, esp the 60k service. My mate had an A4, which she changed for a 530, and she said the was a big increase in service costs etc between the audi and the bmw.

I saw a 730d here for less than 25k sterling.

Surprised at that price. Alot of car for that money and surely outclasses the other choices. You have me thinking now! Are you based in ireland?

vengeance52

mickdw wrote: »

Surprised at that price. Alot of car for that money and surely outclasses the other choices. You have me thinking now! Are you based in ireland?

yea its alot of car, and im still tempted. I live in NI most of the time now, and at my dads place maybe one day a week so ill be buyin in the UK.

Mr.Diagnostic

You have said that you are looking for a car that handles and that you spend a lot of time driving in 4th/5th gear.
The 7 series is a lovely place to sit as it eats motorway miles but is by no stretch of the imagination a drivers car. Maybe you should take an extended drive in one over some secondary roads.
Also that 7 series faces a major depreciation over the next 3 to 5 years.

vengeance52

Mr.Diagnostic wrote: »

You have said that you are looking for a car that handles and that you spend a lot of time driving in 4th/5th gear.
The 7 series is a lovely place to sit as it eats motorway miles but is by no stretch of the imagination a drivers car. Maybe you should take an extended drive in one over some secondary roads.
Also that 7 series faces a major depreciation over the next 3 to 5 years.

i havent had a chance to drive the 7 yet, just what reviews ive read and from people i know that own them. I dont drive motorways much, so i want somethin that will handle well. my accord is a great cruiser and ok on most roads but in bends it can bounce and wobble a bit, which doesnt inspire confidence. I kinda assumed the 7 would be simelar.

The 5series sport would be alot better around the bends, but the ride is harsh, as cyrus said, due to stiffer suspension and run flat tyres.

I was hoping that the A6 (possibly Quattro) would be a good comprimise. It would get good for wafting down the motor way, but can take the bends well with little body roll.

The more i think of these cars, the more that maserati sticks out in the back of my mind. I wish i could find somewhere nearby to test one out.

mickdw

2006/7 Audi A6 2.7 / 3.0 TD S-Line

The 730d would be a no no on an irish plate right now. But if I could have a car on a uk plate, i would have one.

Matt Simis

2006/7 Audi A6 2.7 / 3.0 TD S-Line

I dont think you are on the right track with thinking the 7series would hold its resale better, no "big" car holds its value in this time of fuel concerns and greeness. My personal gripe with the 7series was they didnt have the 535 twin turbo diesel in it when I was considering it.
However buy big and slightly older and save the money on the initial cost which evens out higher running costs and hopefully resale headaches etc.

Regardless, a 2003/2004 A8 would put you back around £12k.
A 2005 model £15k ish.

Of course you could consider my own boat of choose, a VW Phaeton, a 2005 3.0TDI for £19k (less for the ropey 3.2 petrol, slightly more for the V10TDI and same for the petrol W12).

Almost as exclusive as the Maserati (looking at Autotraders total for sale of both cars), better finished and looking than an A8 and shares the majority of its components with a Bentley Flying Spur

vengeance52

Matt Simis wrote: »

Regardless, a 2003/2004 A8 would put you back around £12k.
A 2005 model £15k ish.

Of course you could consider my own boat of choose, a VW Phaeton, a 2005 3.0TDI for £19k (less for the ropey 3.2 petrol, slightly more for the V10TDI and same for the petrol W12).

Almost as exclusive as the Maserati (looking at Autotraders total for sale of both cars), better finished and looking than an A8 and shares the majority of its components with a Bentley Flying Spur

I actually did look at the phaeton, esp after i saw one on the "Post a picture of your car here, part 3" thread.... must have been yours Theres not that many out there i can find for under 19k that hasnt got huge miles on it.

What are the phaetons like with handelling around corners?

vengeance52

Well was doing more research, and the A6 got one of the best reviews from honestjohn.co.uk

Audi A6 (Four Stars)
http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/index.htm?md=863&

Alfa 159 (Four Stars)
http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/index.htm?md=659&

Alfa Brera (Three Stars)
http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/index.htm?md=988&

BMW 7 Series (Three Stars)
http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/index.htm?md=536&

Audi A8 (Three Stars)
http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/index.htm?md=621&

VW Phaeton (Two Stars)
http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/index.htm?md=604&

Matt Simis

2006/7 Audi A6 2.7 / 3.0 TD S-Line

vengeance52 wrote: »

I actually did look at the phaeton, esp after i saw one on the "Post a picture of your car here, part 3" thread.... must have been yours Theres not that many out there i can find for under 19k that hasnt got huge miles on it.

What are the phaetons like with handelling around corners?

Yep, thats mine. With my original wheels (18" with fat tires) and stock ride height it was too floaty for my liking. VW changed the wheels to generally larger and wider variants (19 255s) now and they handle better. Mine is running Audi S8 20" with 35-255 width tires (ie OEMs) and its lowered (you can lower Phaetons with a laptop and keep it within spec as all Phaeton have Air Suspension) and the handling is far better than a 2.6ton car should have. The 3.0TDI, 3.2petrol and 4.2L V8 Petrol all are considered the "small" Phaetons as they have lighter engines and no doubt handle a little better too.

As they have air suspension they also have a option in the menu to raise the car to a "high suspension" mode to give yourself extra clearance on very bad roads. I make use of that fairly often on a certain road around here.

The V10 TDI has decent fuel economy (25mpg+), rated for Biodiesel and doesnt have a timing chain, it has a gear system (yes, like a tractor ) so thats one less service item and a major $ saving at that. Resale of course is the issue and there are only 2 VW dealers in Ireland that service them (obviously you could go independant if you want though).

I would only suggest the Phaeton as someone said, you were all over the place anyway.


EDIT: Lol at the HonestJohn Phaeton review. Its got some major fans in the press and some major detractors. It all depends on if they "get it" or not. It is too expensive "for a VW" though (new).

vengeance52

Matt Simis wrote: »

I would only suggest the Phaeton as someone said, you were all over the place anyway.


EDIT: Lol at the HonestJohn Phaeton review. Its got some major fans in the press and some major detractors. It all depends on if they "get it" or not. It is too expensive "for a VW" though (new).

yea my head was all over the place. the phaeton looks nice, but not sure about handelling around the twisty bends. not many places i can test drive one.

Headin this week to test the A6, so this should be fun

elmolesto

Maserati 3200

vengeance52 wrote: »

2007 Alfa Romeo 159 2.4 JTDM

Alfa 159 for me

Matt Simis

2006/7 Audi A6 2.7 / 3.0 TD S-Line

vengeance52 wrote: »

yea my head was all over the place. the phaeton looks nice, but not sure about handelling around the twisty bends. not many places i can test drive one.

Headin this week to test the A6, so this should be fun

I think the A6 ticks the most boxes on your check list alright.

vengeance52

Matt Simis wrote: »

I think the A6 ticks the most boxes on your check list alright.

Im also leaning towards the 3.0TDi quattro. Seems to get some great praises on various motoring sites. hope they have one when i got to test the A6

vengeance52

rang audi garage in cavan today. they didnt have the 3.0tdi Quattro in stock, cos i wanted to test drive one. Ah well. Gotta look elsewhere now

E92

Matt Simis wrote: »

My personal gripe with the 7series was they didnt have the 535 twin turbo diesel in it when I was considering it.

Fear not, the next generation 7 series, which will be shown to the world in all its glory on July the 7th or barely a months' time will finally be offered with more powerful diesels in RHD now that BMW, like Merc are "phasing out" diesels with more than 6 cylinders;)!

Back to the OP: it's hard to know what to recommend, there is such a diverse range of cars there. Personally, I'd like the Maserati:D!

JHMEG

2004 Honda Accord 2.2 i-CTDI

I can't believe the two whaling vessels are out in front and the Maserati is so far down the list. I thought this forum was for car lovers!

vengeance52

E92 wrote: »

Back to the OP: it's hard to know what to recommend, there is such a diverse range of cars there. Personally, I'd like the Maserati:D!

id love the maserati. ive been looking into it too, the 16-18mpg is a bit of drop compared to my accord. But the main problem is from various forums and site, is it can be very expensive to service and maintain, and somewhere in NI that i can get it serviced properly. that would be a worry. Im trying to weigh the cost of running against the depreciation id have with the likes of the A6 or 7series.

but then again, take a look http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/319395.htm

JHMEG wrote: »

I can't believe the two whaling vessels are out in front and the Maserati is so far down the list. I thought this forum was for car lovers!

oh for me personally, if i had the cash the maserati would be number one. as i said before, its the servicing etc that may be a prob.

vengeance52

just got a few quotes for insurance.

For an 2006 Audi A6 3.0TDI SLine Quattro - Addditional 598.40 Sterling

For the 2001 Maserati 3200GT - Additional 601.70 sterling

I just renewed 1st of june, and it only cost me 588.06 for the renewal

JHMEG

2004 Honda Accord 2.2 i-CTDI

Your renewal was expensive for an Accord. Mine was coming in at €500 fully comp when I had one.

vengeance52

JHMEG wrote: »

Your renewal was expensive for an Accord. Mine was coming in at €500 fully comp when I had one.

26 with 3yrs NCB. thought it was pretty good tbh.

JHMEG

2004 Honda Accord 2.2 i-CTDI

vengeance52 wrote: »

26 with 3yrs NCB.

Ah ok, that explains it.

vengeance52

JHMEG wrote: »

Ah ok, that explains it.

hmmm maybe thats why its expensive for a 370+bhp maserati :pac:

Biro

Maserati 3200

vengeance52 wrote: »

Im also leaning towards the 3.0TDi quattro. Seems to get some great praises on various motoring sites. hope they have one when i got to test the A6

Go for the Alfa. Lovely looking car, real flare to it's design, and a good engine. I drove the 3 litre quattro A6 and while it's not slow, it just is a bit underwhelming. The Auto box in it is very mediocre, it feels very heavy and almost boaty compared to the 2WD 2 litre TDi. I also never liked the looks of them from day one, but now they're looking quite dated.

vengeance52

which is more cost effective over lets say a year

a 2001 Maserati 3200GT getting 16-19mpg + service costs + depreciation

or

a Audi A6 3.0TDI Sline Quattro + service costs + depreciation

My head is defo bein turned to the maserati

JHMEG

2004 Honda Accord 2.2 i-CTDI

vengeance52 wrote: »

26 with 3yrs NCB. thought it was pretty good tbh.

The BMW and the Audi are for the older gentleman (as is the Accord to an extent). You'd be wasting your youth buying either.