What am I missing? £20k ish choice

[Simon]

So I'm finally in a position to start on the lookout to change car. I'm not interested in going round corners at 11 billionty miles an hour, and above all the car will have to be a really nice place to be. I'm tall too so a comfortable driving position is a must. I think I've settled on a second hand petrol C class (current, W205). Budget is £20-25k. Car will be with me for a good few years so low mileage at the outset is a must. I do 14k-ish miles in my new role so running costs are a factor. Must be 5 door and a 'good' auto.

It's my own money so diesel is out. I think the long term outlook for them isn't good (looking at the 5 year horizon). Nothing French. Can't stand current Japanese design, and also no BMWs (sorry, I know this is really the BMW supporters club).

Realistically a Golf 7-R estate with the dynamic chassis control (set to comfort most of the time) would be the right fit, but I wasn't overly impressed with the plastics. Respectable but didn't strike me as plush.

However, there is a tiny part of me that wants a 'blowout' car for a year. Something like a W204 C63 because it sounds amazing even when you're not thrashing it. Then be sensible next year. How much would that cost me?

Don't want to lease as I want something to show for it at the end of the day. In an Ideal world I'd save a little more and get a C43, but I won't get one because Mercedes have made the huge cock-up with the 4-matic RHD conversion, lack of Ackermann and consequent tyre scrubbing issue. It's a mess.

Thoughts? Looking to be in the new car by the start of June.

[JLv3.0]

You didn't mention which C-Class you're interested in? (the original mention of it, not the C63). This is important to see what your aspirations are.

[Rich B]

Sounds like you should get a petrol Mercedes c class of some description.

[JLv3.0]

Yep - as per every other what-car thread posted by a car enthusiast who's already decided. But hey - it's a slow day at work.

[Simon]

You didn't mention which C-Class you're interested in? (the original mention of it, not the C63). This is important to see what your aspirations are.

Ideally it would be a C300 estate, but they don't sell those here (nor anywhere but the US at the moment whilst the facelift is launched). So it'll be just a C200 as that's the only option. Not really quick enough for what I want but it'll do. Could always add the Brabus box if the insurance company doesn't complain too much.

As I said, ultimate poke isn't the highest priority, but something quick would still be nice. It isn't the priority.

Ultimately a B8 S4 Avant is the obvious other choice, but 1) Harris' would-be DSG bill scares me and 2) I think the interior has aged really quickly in compared to the current model.

[JLv3.0]

Sorry, I just can't be involved in a thread in which someone is intending to spend 20-25k on a C200.

I..........I can't do this.

[Simon]

Yep - as per every other what-car thread posted by a car enthusiast who's already decided. But hey - it's a slow day at work.

Yes, I think it's most likely.

This thread is just to cover off the 'what have I forgotten' list, rather than the 'what should I buy' list.

[Rich B]

Sorry, I just can't be involved in a thread in which someone is intending to spend 20-25k on a C200.

I..........I can't do this.

So much this.

Evo. The thrill of spending a massive sum on something hugely dull because it has a nicer interior than something good.

[GG.]

A pulse?

[Jobbo]

I like the W205 estate and owners seem to like them too, but they don't come with a wide enough range of engines. A 6-cyl diesel is notable by its omission, for instance, and the only 6-cyl petrol is all AMG'd up and pricey with it.

Thought about an Audi A7 with the 3.0TFSI engine? An example, below your budget but too high on miles probably: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified ... 4215778736 - or how much could you haggle this one down? https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified ... 2073506523

[Simon]

I like the W205 estate and owners seem to like them too, but they don't come with a wide enough range of engines. A 6-cyl diesel is notable by its omission, for instance, and the only 6-cyl petrol is all AMG'd up and pricey with it.

Thought about an Audi A7 with the 3.0TFSI engine? An example, below your budget but too high on miles probably: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified ... 4215778736 - or how much could you haggle this one down? https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified ... 2073506523

I hadn't considered the A7 at all. Nice one!

[scotta]

S3 would be in your budget and ticks most of the boxes bar the V8 one.
a Jayyyeellle RS4 would be a depreciation free/low option to have for a year or so.

[JLv3.0]

Yep, that would be a good bet.

Oh - best to keep about 5k / year up your sleeve for repairs and to expect 14 mpg

[Matty]

Lexus IS-F is what you're missing.

[NotoriousREV]

Lexus IS-F is what you're missing.

Did they do a 5 door one of those?

[Matty]

Lexus IS-F is what you're missing.

Did they do a 5 door one of those?

The rear boot can be a door, if you want it to be.

He also says he doesn't like Japanese design. He's wrong. Possibly racist, but I'm not judgemental.

[NotoriousREV]

Lexus IS-F is what you're missing.

Did they do a 5 door one of those?

The rear boot can be a door, if you want it to be.

He also says he doesn't like Japanese design. He's wrong. Possibly racist, but I'm not judgemental.

[integrale_evo]

335i.

Except bmw

[Swervin_Mervin]

335i.

Except bmw

Yeah. Could get yourself in a 340i Touring or 435i Gran Coupe for that. But nevermind

[Nathan]

W205 interior is quite chintzy and plastic IMO