Where would you go next...

I was one of the few who actually liked the new 4 series from the day it launched and its growing on me even more. Would just be €98k to spec one as I’d like!! Looking forward to seeing the grand coupe version, if it came in a hybrid I’d definitely consider.

digiman wrote: »

I was one of the few who actually liked the new 4 series from the day it launched and its growing on me even more. Would just be €98k to spec one as I’d like!! Looking forward to seeing the grand coupe version, if it came in a hybrid I’d definitely consider.

You can spend 98k on a 4 series that isn't an M4? Christ.

Overall I love the Model 3 still, I'm always looking at cars though, it's a bit of a problem. I test drove an X45e and an M50d couple of weeks ago, really didn't know what to make of the X45e to be honest. I was expecting more of it, it was only a 20min test drive and feel like I would need it for 24 hours to get a proper feel for it.

The Model 3 is a little bit impractical with small kids, putting my little one into her car seat is a lot more awkward than putting her into the wife's Tiguan. I really miss the absolute comfort of the 5 series for the long motorway spins to Cork, the Model 3 just doesn't have the sound insulation of the 5 series and is noisy on the motorway. However going up to Donegal the Model 3 is great fun to drive with twisty roads and loads of chance to accelerate out of corners and passing out is just a breeze.

I think what I really need is a 3rd car, I'd love a new 5 series again or possibly the X5, just couldn't justify it and don't have anywhere to park it. If the family grows it would be very tempting to go back to the 5 touring, it's just a pity that they don't have the 545e in touring, but by the time that's needed there might be better options out there. Next year looks to have a few more electric options coming out.

It's pretty easy to get used to the electric lifestyle, not pulling into petrol pumps and fueling up is something I don't miss. Going into the plaza places and charging is fine, the Tesla superchargers on the M8 are great and Ionity at Cashel are too, there is always ones free so you never really have to worry about it and you plan your journey around stopping for something to eat and it just fits into your day.

The cost of running them is amazing, €120 a year in tax, insurance dropped from €1000 to €480 or so, I'd estimate I spent about €250 or so on charging and have 10,000km on the car. Costs about €5 to fully charge it at home, this month to date I've spent about €7 in charging it at home and the battery is 50% full at the moment but I've not done been outside Dublin. Apparently there is no major need to service it other than change tyres and the breaks don't wear much due to regen, I usually keep a car 2 years, so probably won't have to spend anything there.

They also seem to be holding their value really well, in fact my car has gotten €4k more expensive since I bought it but the new VRT changes might drop it a bit but I'd expect to lose a hell of a lot less than what any BMW would have dropped in price after 2 years and its cost nothing to run.

I love the regular software updates, since I've bought it they have added 5% extra power, added the ability to save your dashcam footage, then added an option to view it on the screen, added more camera views when reversing, 2 side views, enhanced all the visualizations, even added Netflix and youtube. Then simple things like having one phone be the priority for bluetooth which irritated me as my wife's phone used to connect to the car first every time she got in!!

All in all, I'm delighted with it, it will make changing out of it very hard to be honest. I de-chromed my own myself, and the extra little things they added to the updated version are all things i would like to have other than the new alloys. I much prefer my own alloys I must say.

The last thing, the attention this car gets from people is like nothing I've ever seen. So many times I'm returning to my car and there are people standing around it and peaking in the windows to see what it looks like inside, and just walking around taking a really good look at it. Nobody meaning any harm, just general curiosity about the car and then some people stop and ask loads of questions about it which is all fine. Kids can't stop staring at it, you would think a spaceship just landed down they way they stare at it which always puts a smile on my face which also adds to the fact that I think they will be a popular 2nd hand car and hopefully the prices can stay strong for them as it would be rare to see a 2nd hand one for sale yet.

Thanks for that comprehensive reply.
It can be hard to get unbiased opinions on the EV forums.
My intention has been to go for a more performance oriented car with a petrol or even big Diesel engine before succumbing to electric but the recent budget and the apparent sentiment going forward has made me think a jump to electric next may be the answer.
I really like the polestar 2 but it’s not in Ireland. When BMW bring out the i4 it will probably be astronomical in price.
The quality and comfort of my 5 series is so good that I think the initial buzz of the Tesla would wear off on me when I have to live with it.
I might look at second hand Audi e tron or I pace jag.

Brandon75 wrote: »

Thoughts on a Mercedes CLA 220 AMG sport . Vs a BMW 320d automatic

Also looking a SUV not sure what to go for any suggestions? Maybe a BMW X5

Brand new or used?
Any budget in mind?

Value on a manual 2010 530d SE lads? 115k miles. I'm thinking about 7-8k myself at best if in good nick, especially being a manual non m sport.

Yeah he's interested but reckons the 530d is worth 10-11k. I'd be selling that on immediately for cheap just to be rid of it, about 6-7k.

Take what you want overall for the car, minus 6.5k and there you go. Up to him to take or leave it.

Why are you taking a trade in of something you don’t want?
No way is it a 10k car.
If keen to deal, get value of it from traders and work from there. If he’s serious he will understand the true value of what he has after talking to people in trade. If you move a bit on price then too, it might work out well for all.

Wailin wrote: »

Oh without a doubt Augeo. He did mention he made an offer on a 2016 750i in the UK which made me think he might actually be serious if that's the calibre of car he's looking at.

I'd take a trade no problem with the right amount of cash. No reason not to. 38k plus a 10yr old 530d would be a decent outcome. I'd sell that on for well below 10k so it's not something, like my own, that wouldn't sell easily.

If you allow him 10k against asking price and you think you can get 6k for it handy, if that puts you anywhere near what you paid for it, id be grabbing it.

Heres Johnny wrote: »

Is the 530d an e60 or f10?
Both were available in 2010 weren't they?

They were indeed, yes. It's an f10.

Where to go next...... I'm currently on my second GTI,a Mk7 , having previously owned a Mk6 before it. It's a 142 model with extras and now I'm hoping to change in the next few months. I'm not sure what to get though. I cannot afford a brand new GTI so was thinking of coming up to maybe 172/181 if my budget could stretch. I always try to find low mileage examples so I can feel like it's somehow "new" to me. Recently though I've been thinking of the current Honda civic s design 180 bhp. It's loaded with tech and crucially has a larger boot which is something I've been kinda hankering for. What do you think? Am I mad to ditch the extra horses and good name of the GTI for a new civic? Or am I just showing my age now (43)?!!😂 Anyone here driven the 180 bhp civic?