My choice of 3 cars.

Tazium

Budget - 22-24K
Wishlist - A5 Interior in a BMW 3 Series Coupe with a Lexus CT200 service cost.
Must Have - Automatic & Leather and some tech (Nav/Media/Bluetooth streaming, that kind of thing)

Why A5 - really admire the shape & styling, cockpit is a pleasure.
Why BMW 3 Series - ridiculously well regarded for it's 'drive'.
Why CT200 - Smaller running costs than the diesel engines in the above. Hybrid Tax. More eco-friendly than the above. Higher MPG.

It's likely the car will come from the UK for the better choice. Bearing those things in mind and if it were your money what would you lean towards?

Moneymaker

None.

I'd buy a Jaguar XKR.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201403082353283/sort/pricedesc/usedcars/make/jaguar/onesearchad/used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew/radius/1500/model/xkr/postcode/ls98al/page/5/quicksearch/true?logcode=p

What about a BMW 6 series?

Tazium

Won't get that Jag landed for 24K, great car though. Then again while it gives the style, comfort & gadgets it also has much higher running costs. Tax, petrol etc. It'd be a killer.

6 Series is a beautiful car again with the running costs though

rcdk1

Why not just buy an A5?

veetwin

Don't know why you're considering the CT200 tbh. IMHO it is way behind the Germans in most departments and and I can't see it being much cheaper to service or run than an Audi or BMW diesel.

I definitely know which one I'd prefer to be selling in a few years time and it's not the Lexus. Not to mention the nicer driving experience. The Lexus might have it on reliability but that's about it.

Oafley Jones

Jaguar XF.

Had a ct200h for two days, hated the ****ing thing. Slow, horrible drive and in basic s-drive spec an absolutely rotten interior.

d1234

Which A5 is it

Tazium

d1234 wrote: »

Which A5 is it

2 litre, auto. Preferably coupe. Have occasional need for back seat passengers once every few weeks or so. I think I can get by with the coupe on that basis.

3 series coupe is much simpler in the interior space, a little easier to come by though has a good reputation mostly. I worry reading the posts on motors about common diesel failures. The timing chain issue on the BMW engine is unsettling really. I've no experience with it though. Likewise the dmf and turbo and general diesel issues would make switching from my lowly 1.6 petrol more expensive.

The ct200 appears nice enough in my eyes. Low running costs, petrol won't worry about short enough trips. Not a rocket for sure, but nippy enough when needed. Trim levels are quite different between UK and Ireland.

I am interested in making an informed decision and really do appreciate the replies and your collective opinions too. After all, it's here I'll be posting when / if info have a problem!

Supergurrier

A5 diesel is as close as you will get to what you are after.

pah

Oh god if I had the money ...

curtins

I'd be on the A5 all day, over that lovely rear-wheel push feel of the 3 series and for all the reasons you've given in OP. Style and cockpit, but mainly style!

MuppetCheck

Worth finding a C or E Class coupe?

http://cars.donedeal.ie/view/6362646

d1234

Great car - think that the coupe is far nicer, esp in auto. Best of luck and hope all works out well!