Reply to: Cars again

[darmstadt]

I don't think you can get the AWD Aplina/BMW's in the UK, except the X1, X3, X5 and X6.

There isn't an AWD of the B3S Biturbo yet but you can still find B3 Biturbo AWD around if you search. Alpina don't do versions of the X series (apart from some wheels,) they only do the 3, 5, 6 and 7 currently

[Fred Bloggs]

Skoda Superb was on the list until her indoors stuck her oar in - she's the brand snob not me (although I don't want a BMW so maybe I am a snob as they are so common).

I've had Audi's and VW's as well. The best cars without doubt have been the Skoda's. If you look at a Superb, be aware that the Mk1's (like mine) have some serious (if they aren't fixed) but easy to fix water ingress issues and that the VAG 2.0 TDi engines have oil pump failure issues. The best all round Skoda (IMO) is an Octavia estate, miles better than VW Golfs and Audi A3's that share the same platform.

[dang65]

I've only driven RS models, with 19" wheels and "sports pack" all thrown in.

You can try different configurations on the cool new non-Flash website:

R8 < Models < Audi UK

[ChrisPackit]

Now how about an Alpina B3S BiTurbo AWD - has everything you've asked for, is an estate and has 400bhp and goes faster than some Porsches yet has reasonably good fuel consumption and CO2 output.

You could always do what I did when I first started contracting a get a Skyline GTR 34 which does about 15 mpg, a 100 mile per day round trip and still live with your parents - Wahaay, £40 a week keep !!

[DimPrawn]

The main problem with Audi is the driving position. In most models the pedals are offset, less of a problem in an auto but otherwise it's going to result in back aches. It's pretty crap that a so called 'premium' manufacturer can't sort out the conversion to RHD, I mean Citroen and Peugeot are crap at that but don't pretend to be premium.
Plus VAG are the ultimate triumph of style over substance, knowing I'm driving an expensive model from their overshared parts bin that is pretty much the same as the cheapest skoda underneath would irk somewhat.

In which case everyone should be driving a Skoda Yeti.

Viddler.com - Skoda Yeti - Top Gear 16x01 - Uploaded by TopGearAddict

[Bagpuss]

The main problem with Audi is the driving position. In most models the pedals are offset, less of a problem in an auto but otherwise it's going to result in back aches. It's pretty crap that a so called 'premium' manufacturer can't sort out the conversion to RHD, I mean Citroen and Peugeot are crap at that but don't pretend to be premium.
Plus VAG are the ultimate triumph of style over substance, knowing I'm driving an expensive model from their overshared parts bin that is pretty much the same as the cheapest skoda underneath would irk somewhat.

[DimPrawn]

That's bollocks. It might be true if you go for an RS whatever or the "sports pack" and boy racer 19" wheels with low profile tires but normal ones with normal tires are just fine.

I've only driven RS models, with 19" wheels and "sports pack" all thrown in.

[doodab]

He wanted good ride quality. All Audis are hard as nails. Suspension like concrete.

That's bollocks. It might be true if you go for an RS whatever or the "sports pack" and boy racer 19" wheels with low profile tires but normal ones with normal tires are just fine.

[Peoplesoft bloke]

badge snobs are idiots.

Ere that's my other half you're talking about - on the other hand, you have a point

[gingerjedi]

A Mazda 6 Estate
Only fails on one of your specs

That's what I'd have said, or Honda, Skoda etc.

The stats speak for themselves... badge snobs are idiots.

[Halo Jones]

It's a bit like when adults tell left handed or ginger children that they're "special".

But they are "Spethal"

[DimPrawn]

Or a VW Tiguan

Or a Ford Kuga (4wd version)

[Peoplesoft bloke]

Those Lexus are tiny inside. Once the kiddy got older than 3 they'd struggle. And that website says 31mpg. I couldn't afford the fuel for that. My thoroughly unglamorous (but huge inside space) Skoda Superb 2.5TDi does just over 48mpg on my weekly commute to/from Surrey.

Skoda Superb was on the list until her indoors stuck her oar in - she's the brand snob not me (although I don't want a BMW so maybe I am a snob as they are so common).

[Peoplesoft bloke]

PeoplesoftBloke,

question, do you peoplesoft people now have oracle email addresses ?

is anybody buying peoplesoft products these days ?

Milan.

People who still work there have Oracle e-mail addresses

Yes organisations are buying - mainly upgrades and extra modules for existing customers, but there's plenty of work around.

[DimPrawn]

You said:

My requirements -
Excellent ride, reasonably brisk, nice to drive. Must have xenon(HID) headlights and heated seats. Proper ipod integration or ability to replace the stereo fairly easily.
Not a BMW.

Her requirements -
Auto trans (I can probably get around this), heated seats
Not a Seat, Skoda or Mazda (or probably Toyota or Honda if seh thinks about it)
Better fuel economy than her Disco 3
Not embarrasing for her to turn up at work in
Doesn't have a new random fault every week like my current Jag.
Less than 4 years old

Okay, you want good ride comfort, so that's either a luxury saloon (not a sporty version) or a luxury 4x4.
You want better fuel economy, so that's either a hybrid or a diesel.
Not embarrasing, so no Skodas or cheap Jap/Malaysian/Korean crap.
Four seats and probably four doors.
Not BMW.
Good in snow if possible (that removes all rear wheel drive cars without winter tyres)


Audi Q5
Lexus RX 400h (e.g. Lexus Leicester : RX ESTATE 400h 3.3 SE 5dr CVT Auto [Navigator])
Merc ML ( e.g. Mercedes-Benz of Leeds : MERCEDES-BENZ M CLASS ML280 CDI Sport 5dr Tip Auto)