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Help buying car - A4, C180, TT, 5 series

  • 10-07-2011 7:44pm
    #1
    douglashyde
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 694 ✭✭✭


    Hey Guys,

    I was on motors a few months ago trying to decide on buying a A4 or A6.. However a new job held me off and I am now more confused than ever. I'm not very car savy so I'm really taking into consideration what people know.

    I would like a cool sporty looking car that is comfortable to be in.

    I've been considering an 08 c180 recently, the new facelift looks awesome and the interior is amazing looking.

    An 08 A4 is great looking, however the interior is a bit tacky looking for the price esp compared the c180.

    The TT is an amazing looking car, but I'm unsure if it is not a bit feminine looking. I understand it is a lot less practical, but I'm 22 with more money than sense so practicality is the least of my concern... that said, I'm not sure if I'm going to look like a douche driving around in one. I'd be looking at getting an 07 in black.

    Finally, I've been looking at a BMW 5 series - I know; a massive difference between a TT - but this car looks good, while still a bit accountant looking.


    Guys - I need your help. First, what car do you think is best? Second, what kind of discount should I be looking for off a sticker price? Ill be paying hard cash and can live with not trading in my old car.


Comments

  • #2
    -Corkie-
    Closed Accounts Posts: 10,025 ✭✭✭✭-Corkie-


    Apart from the A4 the other cars are girly imo. Did you sell the Passat that time??


  • #3
    Jimdagym
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,844 ✭✭✭Jimdagym


    -Corkie- wrote: »
    Apart from the A4 the other cars are girly imo. Did you sell the Passat that time??

    I've never heard the 5 series called girly before.


  • #4
    -Corkie-
    Closed Accounts Posts: 10,025 ✭✭✭✭-Corkie-


    Jimdagym wrote: »
    I've never heard the 5 series called girly before.


    Oops never seen the 5 series bit..:o


  • #5
    El Guapo!
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,438 ✭✭✭✭El Guapo!


    Whats your budget?


  • #6
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 23,339 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    douglashyde wrote: »
    ...........

    I've been considering an 08 c180 recently, the new facelift looks awesome and the interior is amazing looking.

    An 08 A4 is great looking, however the interior is a bit tacky looking for the price esp compared the c180.

    The TT is an amazing looking car, ..................... I'm not sure if I'm going to look like a douche driving around in one. I'd be looking at getting an 07 in black.

    Finally, I've been looking at a BMW 5 series - I know; a massive difference between a TT -.............
    -Corkie- wrote: »
    Apart from the A4 the other cars are girly imo. Did you sell the Passat that time??

    I reckon the TT would be a tad girly, the buddy has an 07 in red, if I was going out mugging folk lads who drive TTs would be my targets :pac:

    C180 looks good but the wing mirrors are like shovels.

    A4s I don't like, if I was spending all that cash I'd like something a tad rare.


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  • #7
    colm_mcm
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 73,546 ✭✭✭✭colm_mcm


    Get the tt. If its 'girly' then girls will like it. You're hardly driving it to impress men are you?

    Besides. If you like it then that's the main thing. It's way less dull than the others


  • #8
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 23,339 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    colm_mcm wrote: »
    Get the tt. If its 'girly' then girls will like it. You're hardly driving it to impress men are you?

    Besides. If you like it then that's the main thing............

    Good point, however me thinks the OP will feel like a knob in one of them.


  • #9
    colm_mcm
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 73,546 ✭✭✭✭colm_mcm


    RoverJames wrote: »
    Good point, however me thinks the OP will feel like a knob in one of them.
    As in a flash git?

    Jesus, buy a passat or something if you want to blend into the background


  • #10
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 23,339 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    colm_mcm wrote: »
    As in a flash git?

    Jesus, buy a passat or something if you want to blend into the background


    Nope I'd drive a Boxster, X5 etc no bother, wouldn't touch a TT though. They're the automotive equivalent of skinny jeans in my eyes.


  • #11
    flash1080
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 1,017 ✭✭✭flash1080


    RoverJames wrote: »
    Good point, however me thinks the OP will feel like a knob in one of them.

    Or feel like he doesn't have a knob :pac:

    5 series or C180 from that list


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  • #12
    VolvoMan
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,309 ✭✭✭VolvoMan


    RoverJames wrote: »
    Nope I'd drive a Boxster, X5 etc no bother, wouldn't touch a TT though. They're the automotive equivalent of skinny jeans in my eyes.

    X5's are either for WAG's or footballer sissy boys.


  • #13
    Anan1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,815 ✭✭✭✭Anan1


    AT the risk of sounding smart, each of the cars mentioned will impress a different type of person. The OP needs to decide who they're trying to impress. ALternatively, they could be a real man and drive what they like. Confidence never goes out of style;)


  • #14
    El Guapo!
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,438 ✭✭✭✭El Guapo!


    Who says he's trying to impress someone? Whatever happened to just buying a car because you like it??!


  • #15
    Anan1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,815 ✭✭✭✭Anan1


    Dean09 wrote: »
    Who says he's trying to impress someone?
    The OP did.
    Dean09 wrote: »
    Whatever happened to just buying a car because you like it??!
    +1.


  • #16
    lomb
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,016 ✭✭✭lomb


    The current model TT is quite bland imo and probably not even a real TT compared to the previous gen, theres actually a new much better one out next year.
    The current TT has the aluminium pack as an upgrade, is mostly 2 wheel drive with the real quattro versions relegated to the enthusiast petrol versions. I have a nice old gen TT roadster but it is only a weekend car, useless as a day to day car and I wouldnt even consider it as one tbh.
    Mercs are old mens cars so scratch the c180 off, the Bmw or Audi a4 are quality options.
    Do you need to transport things? in which case saloons and coupes are useless,hatchbacks and estates coming into their own. A Bmw touring or A4 estate makes a smart practical car I think.
    An 08 Golf GTI with leather could be nice if you can live with the reliability issues. I see they are around 13.5 now , not bad for a 37k car.


  • #17
    bazz26
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51,483 ✭✭✭✭bazz26


    All of them are too common, my money would be on a Jaguar XF:

    http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201104201034758


  • #18
    VolvoMan
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,309 ✭✭✭VolvoMan


    Dean09 wrote: »
    Who says he's trying to impress someone? Whatever happened to just buying a car because you like it??!

    I don't care about image myself either. I don't understand people who are willing to turn down a car due to its image or brand perception of the manufacturer that produced it. It absolutely baffles me.


  • #19
    Bodhan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,011 ✭✭✭Bodhan


    douglashyde wrote: »
    Hey Guys,

    I was on motors a few months ago trying to decide on buying a A4 or A6.. However a new job held me off and I am now more confused than ever. I'm not very car savy so I'm really taking into consideration what people know.

    I would like a cool sporty looking car that is comfortable to be in.

    I've been considering an 08 c180 recently, the new facelift looks awesome and the interior is amazing looking.

    An 08 A4 is great looking, however the interior is a bit tacky looking for the price esp compared the c180.

    The TT is an amazing looking car, but I'm unsure if it is not a bit feminine looking. I understand it is a lot less practical, but I'm 22 with more money than sense so practicality is the least of my concern... that said, I'm not sure if I'm going to look like a douche driving around in one. I'd be looking at getting an 07 in black.

    Finally, I've been looking at a BMW 5 series - I know; a massive difference between a TT - but this car looks good, while still a bit accountant looking.


    Guys - I need your help. First, what car do you think is best? Second, what kind of discount should I be looking for off a sticker price? Ill be paying hard cash and can live with not trading in my old car.

    Right, I like you're choices apart from the C180 as you need a pension book to drive most of what Mercedes make right now.
    A4 is a cool looking car and goes well but there is a sniff of rep mobile about them if they are in boggo spec. Make sure there's some nice options and a DSG box if you can.
    The TT is good fun to drive despite the girly image you'll still attract the ladies in this one.
    5 Series is a great car with a proper spec, Auto is a must as is leather and decent alloys but don't go mad on the body kit.

    From your list I'd have the A4 or TT because I like the styling of both.

    Something really different that shouldn't be far off the budget Alfa Romeo Brera convertible, now that's cool! LINK


  • #20
    douglashyde
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 694 ✭✭✭douglashyde


    Jeekers, wasn't expecting so many replies.

    Right, so my budget max budget is 18k . That said, I would prefer to be spending closer to 16k.

    I'm not trying to impress anyone with the car, none the less I want a cool car.... who doesn't.... In term of "brand preception" each of these cars says a different thing - the only one I'd really be worried about is the TT... If I was getting it, I'd be getting the quattro.... however, to be honest the TT at the moment is bottom of my list.

    I realise that mercs are an old mans car, but the new c class is more modern looking: avantgarde

    I do like the BMW, but it is a bit corporate looking but in a slick way and I still can't decide if I love it or hate it.

    The A4 is great car but I really don't like the interior...

    The Jag XF is great looking but just out of my price range.

    As you can tell my head is all over the place, I need to upgrade my car bad... I think I need to go test drive these cars...

    Does anyone here actually own any of these cars?


  • #21
    VolvoMan
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,309 ✭✭✭VolvoMan


    bazz26 wrote: »
    All of them are too common, my money would be on a Jaguar XF:

    http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201104201034758

    I tell you, if I had 28k, I wouldn't be hesistant in driving down to Wexford in the morning.


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  • #22
    GavMan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,935 ✭✭✭GavMan


    VolvoMan wrote: »
    I tell you, if I had 28k, I wouldn't be hesistant in driving down to Wexford in the morning.



    This...


    OP, Merc SLK perhaps? Alfa GT, Brera, Or Spider are awesome. 147 is lot of fun too.


  • #23
    Tea 1000
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,520 ✭✭✭Tea 1000


    RoverJames wrote: »
    Nope I'd drive a Boxster, X5 etc no bother, wouldn't touch a TT though. They're the automotive equivalent of skinny jeans in my eyes.
    X5's are dire, pointless things... if a TT is skinny jeans, then an X5 is pink wellies with flowers on them! And the X6 is those same wellies but cut down to the size of a shoe.
    lomb wrote: »
    The current model TT is quite bland imo and probably not even a real TT compared to the previous gen, theres actually a new much better one out next year.
    The current TT has the aluminium pack as an upgrade, is mostly 2 wheel drive with the real quattro versions relegated to the enthusiast petrol versions. I have a nice old gen TT roadster but it is only a weekend car, useless as a day to day car and I wouldnt even consider it as one tbh.
    Mercs are old mens cars so scratch the c180 off, the Bmw or Audi a4 are quality options.
    The current model TT is a real TT, it has a better starting point for its chassis than the previous one did!
    The A4 is not a quality option. The C-class has far more quality to it, and is a much nicer car to drive too, far better handling. "old men's cars" cliche is typical Irish country folk speak. "Ya can't bate a Jetta..."

    douglashyde wrote: »
    Jeekers, wasn't expecting so many replies.

    Right, so my budget max budget is 18k . That said, I would prefer to be spending closer to 16k.

    I'm not trying to impress anyone with the car, none the less I want a cool car.... who doesn't.... In term of "brand preception" each of these cars says a different thing - the only one I'd really be worried about is the TT... If I was getting it, I'd be getting the quattro.... however, to be honest the TT at the moment is bottom of my list.

    I realise that mercs are an old mans car, but the new c class is more modern looking: avantgarde

    I do like the BMW, but it is a bit corporate looking but in a slick way and I still can't decide if I love it or hate it.

    The A4 is great car but I really don't like the interior...

    The Jag XF is great looking but just out of my price range.

    As you can tell my head is all over the place, I need to upgrade my car bad... I think I need to go test drive these cars...

    Does anyone here actually own any of these cars?
    Funny you say that about the A4, but the interior is the only thing I like about the A4. I'd go with a TT. Failing that get a C-class with something better under the bonnet.


  • #24
    douglashyde
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 694 ✭✭✭douglashyde


    Thanks guys, this feedback has been helpful.

    Gavman - these are great suggestions, never checked these ones out before.

    Tea 1000 - I agree with you on all of what you said.... I have to admit thought, that I feel like I'm getting much better value for money buying the merc over the audi... as for the TT, i still can't make up my mind.

    Just on a side note, does anyone know what kind of discount should be expected off sticker price? assuming I wouldn't be trading in or looking for finance?


  • #25
    douglashyde
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 694 ✭✭✭douglashyde


    Just looking at Gavman's suggestions in the Alfa - spider and brera truly are awesome.....


  • #26
    Tea 1000
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,520 ✭✭✭Tea 1000


    douglashyde wrote: »
    Thanks guys, this feedback has been helpful.

    Gavman - these are great suggestions, never checked these ones out before.

    Tea 1000 - I agree with you on all of what you said.... I have to admit thought, that I feel like I'm getting much better value for money buying the merc over the audi... as for the TT, i still can't make up my mind.

    Just on a side note, does anyone know what kind of discount should be expected off sticker price? assuming I wouldn't be trading in or looking for finance?
    Test drive the TT and a couple of C-Class, maybe a C250. See what you think. Re. discount, I can't see a Merc dealer being all that generous, but seeing as you'll be buying a petrol then haggle hard. Some places will give you nothing and tell you that the sticker price is their rock bottom, others will negotiate maybe up to 2 grand for a petrol that they think may be difficult to shift.


  • #27
    Gophur
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,921 ✭✭✭Gophur


    Tea 1000 wrote: »
    X5's are dire, pointless things... if a TT is skinny jeans, then an X5 is pink wellies with flowers on them! And the X6 is those same wellies but cut down to the size of a shoe.


    .........

    You cannot expect to be taken seriously when you start off with bilge like that!


  • #28
    Tea 1000
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,520 ✭✭✭Tea 1000


    Gophur wrote: »
    You cannot expect to be taken seriously when you start off with bilge like that!
    Oh dear... we have an X5 fan in the house!


  • #29
    cork sham
    Closed Accounts Posts: 58 ✭✭cork sham


    Bmw 1 series coupe?
    Audi A3 Cabrio?
    Mazda RX-8?
    Merc Clk coupe or cabrio?
    Volkswagen EOS?
    Volvo C30 / C70?


    IMO C Class is a no no, total sales rep car, 5 series are savage but a bit common, as is the a4. The TT is the only option really, try and get the dsg model and you'll be posing for years to come!


  • #30
    TheZ
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 451 ✭✭TheZ


    Audi S3 also worth a look

    http://www.carzone.ie/search/Audi/S3/Quattro/201117202162035/advert?channel=CARS


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  • #31
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 23,339 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    cork sham wrote: »
    ...........

    IMO C Class is a no no, total sales rep car.........

    :confused:

    C class a reps car ?


  • #32
    cork sham
    Closed Accounts Posts: 58 ✭✭cork sham


    RoverJames wrote: »
    :confused:

    C class a reps car ?

    ya, have you noticed the amount of them around on steel wheels in flat black paint with a suit jacket hanging in the back of it?

    definately over taken the 3 series as the reps choice in cork anyway


  • #33
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 23,339 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    cork sham wrote: »
    ya, have you noticed the amount of them around on steel wheels in flat black paint with a suit jacket hanging in the back of it?

    definately over taken the 3 series as the reps choice in cork anyway

    Nope, I haven't to be honest, and I live in Cork.


  • #34
    cork sham
    Closed Accounts Posts: 58 ✭✭cork sham


    RoverJames wrote: »
    Nope, I haven't to be honest, and I live in Cork.

    You'd see plenty on the link every morning and a few all day everyday!


  • #35
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 23,339 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    cork sham wrote: »
    You'd see plenty on the link every morning and a few all day everyday!

    They must do a special rep model for Cork so, that only you see going about your day to day activities, I've yet to see a C class from 08 onwards on steelies.


  • #36
    douglashyde
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 694 ✭✭✭douglashyde


    Not mad about a hatch back - so EOS, A3 are out of the question.

    TT is looking good. DSG looks great.

    Think I might check out a few dealers and test drive a TT and C class this weekend.


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  • #37
    cork sham
    Closed Accounts Posts: 58 ✭✭cork sham


    douglashyde wrote: »
    Not mad about a hatch back - so EOS, A3 are out of the question.

    TT is looking good. DSG looks great.

    Think I might check out a few dealers and test drive a TT and C class this weekend.

    Eos and A3 are cabrios tho :confused:


  • #38
    Idbatterim
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,533 ✭✭✭✭Idbatterim


    you could buy a merc cls for that money... i reckon the only bmw that youd be interested in is a E60 or E92 msport. the audi a5 coupes are lovely, but would be a bit outside your budget, the merc e class coupes are gorgeous aswell again outside your price range I reckon, see below as an example...

    http://www.carzone.ie/search/Mercedes-Benz/E-Class/250-CDI-/201112201761252/advert?channel=CARS

    or how about below thread, see my post, you might like some of the coupes, the top red one in particular, for the cars you are getting looks and money wise, I dont think anything else even comes close...

    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=73267973&utm_source=notification&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=notify#post73267973

    tint the windows on the coupes for contrast and you are going to have a serious head turner, for absolute peanuts, and they have taken alot of the depreciation...


  • #39
    mark renton
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,696 ✭✭✭mark renton


    http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/6-Series/645-645C/201126203127595/advert?channel=CARS

    nuff said


  • #40
    Idbatterim
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,533 ✭✭✭✭Idbatterim


    how the hell did I overlook the 6 series?1 great suggestion by the above poster. I actually agree 6 series, end of in my opinion! they come in 4.4 L v8 or 3 L (05 on I think)! Id go for black! see below also...

    http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/6-Series/630i-1-O/201121202546289/advert?channel=CARS
    http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2206413
    http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/6-Series/630I-SPO/201121202607284/advert?channel=CARS

    i reckon you could get a decent bit off the asking prices...

    630ci stats

    Fuel consumption (urban) 20.3 mpg
    Fuel consumption (extra urban) 40.4 mpg
    Fuel consumption (combined) 29.7 mpg
    0 - 62 mph 6.7 seconds
    Top speed 155 mph
    Cylinders 6
    Valves 24 v
    Engine power 258 bhp


    645ci stats

    Fuel consumption (urban) 17.5 mpg
    Fuel consumption (extra urban) 35.3 mpg
    Fuel consumption (combined) 25.9 mpg
    0 - 62 mph 5.8 seconds
    Top speed 155 mph
    Cylinders 8
    Valves 32 v
    Engine power 333 bhp

    go for the 6 series if you want a major status symbol! I dont see the point in paying that money unless your getting the head turner and badge to be honest...


  • #41
    Idbatterim
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,533 ✭✭✭✭Idbatterim


    the above is a manual which is very rare for 6 series, nice panoramic sunroof aswell, only after giving it a proper look over now... the new 6 series is either already being sold or about to be though AFAIK.


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  • #42
    douglashyde
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 694 ✭✭✭douglashyde


    Right update to this post.

    Because of work arrangements requiring travel this was put on hold. Back now and getting a 2007 or 2008 c class 180 sport model (big grill and 3 point star)

    Looking at these

    http://www.carzone.ie/search/Mercedes-Benz/C-Class/C-K-180/201145205420463/advert?channel=CARS

    http://www.carzone.ie/search/Mercedes-Benz/C-Class/C-K-180-/201147205720200/advert?channel=CARS

    How much should I be looking at offering for these? When it comes to cars I'm the type of guy that ends up on RTE "dont let this happen to you" story.


    Also, would I be better waiting until new year?


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