Best compact executive

Ivefoundgod

Hi folks

Currently in the market for an a4/3 series/c class in auto diesel variety. I do 140km commute each day so diesel and auto are musts. Have around 22k to spend all in. Am looking up north mainly as not many autos around here in that price range. I have my heart kinda set on the c class, just think it’s the best looking of the three. Anyone any experience with these cars? Reviews seem to all of different opinions. The a4 generally is recommended but I find the stying quite boring. Should add it’s the s line/m sport and sport/amg styles I’m interested in. Would love some opinions or first hand experiences.

Also wide open to other suggestions but not interested in mondeos or superbs etc.

colm_mcm

Possibly consider a Lexus IS300h?

Ivefoundgod

I had Colm, lovely cars but think they look best in white sport spec and I just couldn't live with a white car in my drive. Just don't like that colour in a car, reminds me too much of a fridge. Especially with half the new hyundais and kias in white. Do lexus have a 5 series competitor?

Should mention, the tech inside the car is a big thing for me. Would like good Infotainment system.

Mooooo

Jag xe?

kermitpwee

Ivefoundgod wrote: »

I had Colm, lovely cars but think they look best in white sport spec and I just couldn't live with a white car in my drive. Just don't like that colour in a car, reminds me too much of a fridge. Especially with half the new hyundais and kias in white. Do lexus have a 5 series competitor?

Should mention, the tech inside the car is a big thing for me. Would like good Infotainment system.

Gs450h would be a 5 series competitor

colm_mcm

Ivefoundgod wrote: »

I had Colm, lovely cars but think they look best in white sport spec and I just couldn't live with a white car in my drive. Just don't like that colour in a car, reminds me too much of a fridge. Especially with half the new hyundais and kias in white. Do lexus have a 5 series competitor?

Should mention, the tech inside the car is a big thing for me. Would like good Infotainment system.

I wouldn’t be a big fan of them in white unless it’s the pearl white, which is more of a grey. They look best in dark blue or that wine/red or the dark silver/grey IMO.

GS is the 5 series size Lexus. IS is slightly bigger than a 3 series.

R.O.R

You aren't going to get diesel mpg from a hybrid on a commute like that, especially not from a 2.5 litre petrol hybrid like the Lexus.

S60 is worth a look if you don't need boot space. Out of the 3 listed I'd be tempted by the Merc as long as its at least a 220d. 3 Series pricing is really struggling so may be best value for money.

Volvo S80 would be a very nice place to be for that distance as well and a very cheap compared to 5 Series or A6.

Ivefoundgod

Will have a look at the GS though I have already more or less discounted the bigger 5 series/A6 as I just don't need the size. I'm coming from an S40 R.O.R. and while its a comfy place to be i'm looking to move away from Volvo. The S60 is very dated car now IMO even though the R-design versions can look sharp enough. Interior is my biggest issue with them, looks almost identical to my s40 with a tiny screen in the dash. S80 would be nice place to be but wouldn't have the looks for me. In an ideal world I'd buy an S90 but way out of my price range for now, in a few years maybe.

bazz26

Your 22k would go further if going to the UK is an option. Most compact exec saloons here have poor spec in which case you might be better off looking at a top spec non premium brand. The standard spec on a current model VW Passat Highline BE or Skoda Superb L&K would put most compact execs to shame.

Ivefoundgod

bazz26 wrote: »

Your 22k would go further if going to the UK is an option. Most compact exec saloons here have poor spec in which case you might be better off looking at a top spec non premium brand. The standard spec on a current model VW Passat Highline BE or Skoda Superb L&K would put most compact execs to shame.

Definitely an option allright, would rather keep to NI but if it was worth while then a trip to the UK wouldn't be an issue. Not looking in Ireland at all tbh, had a quick look and the c class were mostly manuals which is baffling given theres almost no manuals in NI or UK. We're a strange country when it comes to manuals.

noelf

With a 140 km daily commute I think you should stay clear of a rear wheel drive for year round motoring ...

Ivefoundgod

noelf wrote: »

With a 140 km daily commute I think you should stay clear of a rear wheel drive for year round motoring ...

Only started this job a few weeks ago, hence the need for new car. I know we had crap conditions at times this year but you reckon rear wheel drive is a no no? It's motorway the whole way up and back so can't imagine too many days where RWD is going to cause massive issues or maybe i'm just naive.

noelf

noelf wrote: »

With a 140 km daily commute I think you should stay clear of a rear wheel drive for year round motoring ...

Utter nonsense. :rolleyes:

Pubtalk is not helpful.

If you happen to live somewhere prone to particularly bad weather related road conditions in the winter, just get tyres that are suitable for that, the same way most of Europe does.

OP, the W205 in Avantgarde with AMG/Sport trim is a smashing looking car and a great place to put up miles daily.

Ivefoundgod

Ivefoundgod wrote: »

Only started this job a few weeks ago, hence the need for new car. I know we had crap conditions at times this year but you reckon rear wheel drive is a no no? It's motorway the whole way up and back so can't imagine too many days where RWD is going to cause massive issues or maybe i'm just naive.

It won't and you're not naive.

Don't pay any attention to the whole 'Rear wheel drive is no good in winter' crap.

Sorry if that hurts anyones feelings, but it's about time people stopped giving advice that's just plain wrong.

It's Ireland. It's ridiculous to suggest you'll have any problems at all with an RWD car in the winter, just because it's RWD. Decent tyres (just decent all-season tyres with good rain performance, not budget crap or tyres rated and sold as a summer tyre) and you'll be absolutely fine.

People who warn against RWD cars for winter use also don't seem to have any idea just how capable the ESP systems in a modern merc are. Just one other reason to dispense with their ill-formed opinions when you're considering their input before making a buying decision.

Get the C class and don't look back.

Ivefoundgod

Thanks for that JayZeus. Figured there mustn't be too a big a deal with the amount of 5 series I pass every day. Glad to hear the positive comments about the C class. Any thoughts on the engines? Had been fairly set on the C220 but read a few places say the C200 with the newer engine is more refined, only thing concerning me is if it'd be pokey enough.

PukkaStukka

Out of curiosity, there's a 1.6 direct injection petrol in the C-Class. Are they any good??