Where would you go next...

Cyrus wrote: »

its def an option, its just as to whether it was specced or not! might not always be listed in the advert.

Or vw arteon?

eljono wrote: »

Currently have a Mk7 GTI and really like it. It has good tech, good performance and is easy to live with. The only downside really is boot space, ideally would like to have more space as I end up dropping the rear seats a lot and that's not ideal. 

So toying with the idea of getting something older and more focused as a weekend car and something a little larger as the daily. 

Trying to think of cars that fit the following criteria with more boot space than a Golf but aren't S-class size. Budget is up to 35k.

Want:

• 2013+
• Adaptive cruise
• Memory driver's seat
• Split fold rear seats
• 200bhp+
• Fun to drive, decent ride and handling
• Decent boot
• Lowish miles for age

Nice to have:

• Towbar or ability to add one  
• Android Auto
• Sunroof

Where I'm struggling is finding something larger but not too large, that is still fun to drive, practical and has the spec I've listed. A 430i/d GC or 330i/d estate would be ideal but I haven't seen any with adaptive cruise. A Golf R estate would also be ideal, but I haven't seen one with memory driver's seat.

Any suggestions that I'm missing? 

Cupra ST (Estate)?

Although memory seats might be hard to find in most cars.

Cyrus wrote: »

Or vw arteon?

This could be a runner alright, ideally the 280bhp 4matic, but this is the only one I've found in the UK within budget and no mention of memory seat: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008212776660?make=VOLKSWAGEN&radius=1500&model=ARTEON&sort=relevance&advertising-location=at_cars&postcode=bt11ar&onesearchad=New&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=Used&keywords=memory&fuel-type=Petrol&page=1

Technique wrote: »

On the 4 series, you'll see a black square in the grille below the number plate if it's got adaptive cruise control.

Good to know, thanks!

hooch-85 wrote: »

Cupra ST (Estate)?

Although memory seats might be hard to find in most cars.

Cupra could work too but finding one with memory seat could be tricky. Do they come with adaptive cruise?

vintagevrs wrote: »

Think you'll struggle with that criteria. If memory seats/adaptive cruise can be dropped then it will open up a fair few options. A lot of the 3 series tourings will have everything, but adaptive cruise is rare. A 320i is 180ish bhp, so maybe not enough power. I'm guessing you dont want a diesel...

That's the problem The criteria I have mean that I'm struggling to find a good solution. An A5 SB or Arteon could be the way to go, but I haven't found one yet that has that spec combo I'm after.

Yes, would prefer petrol but open to a BMW or Audi 3.0 diesel.

miller_63 wrote: »

I'm running a 340i F31 which I imported recently, complete with the MPPSK. 2016 version so the all important RWD....

The B58 engines are an absolute peach....well worth the effort to import one should anyone be thinking.

They tune incredibly well too, apparently...

One of the criteria is fun to drive. I wouldn't say an arteon, no matter how much power would be that much fun. Rwd 250bhp would be though. In my humble opinion ofcourse

R.O.R wrote: »

For every question, there is a Volvo answer :pac:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202007301905052?make=VOLVO&onesearchad=New&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=Used&keywords=adaptive&fuel-type=Hybrid%20%E2%80%93%20Diesel%2FElectric%20Plug-in&sort=relevance&postcode=ls11az&advertising-location=at_cars&radius=1500&model=V60&page=1


Possibly slightly high on the mileage side. Haven't driven a D6 version, but D3/D4 versions were unexpectedly good to drive, and D6 is AWD with the Twin Engine Set up.

Definitely doesn't have Android Auto, but will have BT streaming. Adaptive Cruise isn't standard, but wouldn't be too uncommon on V60's. Not sure if sunroof or Tow Bar were options - Tow Bar might not be possible due to battery placement, but not sure about that.

Thanks R.O.R., that's an interesting suggestion, one I hadn't thought of. My dad was a Volvo fanboy and had everything from 240s up to S80s with an 850 T5 somewhere in the middle, so I'm well used to driving Volvos but hadn't come across a D6 before. A quick google suggests that they're not particularly dynamic or fun to drive, something I'm trying to match up with additional space and spec.

So far an A7 or 3.0 Quattro A6 seem to be the only cars hitting the criteria. I will keep an eye on Autotrader though to see if any 4-series or 3-series estates pop up with the right combo.

vintagevrs wrote: »

One of the criteria is fun to drive. I wouldn't say an arteon, no matter how much power would be that much fun. Rwd 250bhp would be though. In my humble opinion ofcourse

The 4motion 280bhp version sounds good on paper. I would hope that they've managed to endow it with some of the Golf R's attitude and dynamics.

frozenfrozen wrote: »

what about an allroad

I don't know how good they are to drive but the power must make it at least a bit fun. I don't think that one has radar cruise but I know it's not an uncommon option on newer cars from a quick look.

They're a cool car, would certainly consider one if it met the criteria.

Would separate keys not save the seat position? Making memory seats redundant. At least that's the case on our SEAT.

frozenfrozen wrote: »

is the service history saved on iDrive a reliable source or can it be edited by someone with the right software etc? Asked 335d seller about service history and he said its on the idrive. I didn't realise till now there's no service book and it's just on idrive?

Insurance quote on chill is a reasonable 980 euro :cool:

I wouldn't let that answer put you off as it's how it's done now. As mentioned I would call your local dealer with the reg and ask their service dept to verify. Anyone can enter dates and services on the idrive if they have a bit of computer know how and the right software but it gets wiped when it goes to dealer and over written with the centrally held records. I'm sure a service advisor would give you history over the phone if you tried a couple of dealers.

bazz26 wrote: »

Nope. What happens when you drop the car in for a service or valet? The same key is still used but someone changes the seat adjustment.

Yer not saying memory seats are a must because of a once/twice year service?

frozenfrozen wrote: »

is the service history saved on iDrive a reliable source or can it be edited by someone with the right software etc? Asked 335d seller about service history and he said its on the idrive. I didn't realise till now there's no service book and it's just on idrive?

Insurance quote on chill is a reasonable 980 euro :cool:

Before I bought my car from the UK last year, I phoned BMW UK and gave them the registration number and asked about service history. They were able to give me the names of the two different garages that the car was serviced at. I rang each garage and they gave me the date and mileage of each service as well as the type of work that was carried out.

It gave me the final bit of piece of mind before purchase.

Back to the F30 vintage linked to. Going for a manual is admirable but that colour I could see being hard to shift, plus it's a bit basic spec wise - no electric memory seats or the high level instrument binnacle being the two obvious omissions, and the omission of both would annoy me more than the strange colour choice. I actually wouldn't buy a car without electric memory seats again, they were one of those things I didn't think I needed until I got my E46. It wouldn't bother me personally, but I could see people turning their noses at the absence of heated seats and steering wheel, too. I think the audio is the standard one, which I know will annoy some also.

Some won't like the fact it's on 18 inch (instead of 19 inch) wheels - but I would see that as a factor in its favour, the smaller wheels will lead to better handling and a more compliant ride, plus 18 inch wheels are hardly small even on modern cars.

conor-w wrote: »

Adjust your budget a bit, and buy my M4

Why are you selling and what are you looking to get into?

Have to question the memory seats too. I suppose if a car is shared a lot having a his and her key could be useful. They almost crack me up at times in my own car as they are that slow at going back and forward. Not something I would need in a car at all.

You won’t find electric seats in a Golf R or any VAG performance car I would say. Either not available at all or an extremely rare option.

I had memory seats in the BM. I did find them a nice to have tbh, especially if 2 people of very different height drive the car regularly!