[73GTVJim]

I'm not in A7 new price range and wouldn't consider one tbh even if affordable at one year old (which I just don't know tbh as they don't register as even vaguely interesting).


And I now have to google W212 thingy as I have no idea what it is. :lol: Edit: OK, E class, recent. Problem is that Merc's are notoriously built down to a price these days and aren't that good any more as well as being even more "pipe and slippers" than the XF. Sorry. Dullsville.

 

[hamish5322]

Looked at various options replacing 2.4 SW and have finally decided on a second hand Audi RS4 Avant, probably around 2 years old. A pal has had one for a while and servicing costs are not much higher than the Alfa. Fuel consumption will be a lot worse but I don't do as many miles as I used to. My brother has an XF, great car but a tad bland.

 

[cloverleaf159]

I fancy an e46 m3 csl

 

[cj romeo]

And I now have to google W212 thingy as I have no idea what it is. :lol: Edit: OK, E class, recent. Problem is that Merc's are notoriously built down to a price these days and aren't that good any more as well as being even more "pipe and slippers" than the XF. Sorry. Dullsville.

Better than that, it's actually an S212, the estate version.

You will note that I didn't recommend it, I just needed the space. On build, they are better than they were, I have avoided Merc for 10 years as during the Chrysler years they certainly were very poor quality. Yes, it's dull, even in the high spec I have, I wouldnt even consider a cooking version.

 

[pipadip]

I'm not in A7 new price range and wouldn't consider one tbh even if affordable at one year old (which I just don't know tbh as they don't register as even vaguely interesting).


And I now have to google W212 thingy as I have no idea what it is. :lol: Edit: OK, E class, recent. Problem is that Merc's are notoriously built down to a price these days and aren't that good any more as well as being even more "pipe and slippers" than the XF. Sorry. Dullsville.

Jim,
I admit is isn't a patch on my Ti in the looks department, but i am definately warming to my new merc... It looks pretty good, certainly more of an estate than a sportwagon though and it is considerably quicker than the 159 so is good for the grin factor!

 

[Commanderfish]

I know this is absolute heresy but I am seriously comtemplating a latest model 2 door coupe (E92) 2007/8 BMW M3 with the 414 bhp V8 engine. This would be to tide me over until I could afford a 4C in... maybe 5 years time at this rate.

The running costs would be high (17 MPG, top tax bracket) but I don't do many miles in my own car (3000ish) so this would be just for fun.

The reasons? I really want a RWD but won't be able to afford a 4C in 2 years time. Plus it's got a thumping great aluminium V8 and would be a hoot on track, and yet could move the family around if necessary. All-rounder really.

Oh, and it also comes in 4 door (E90) and Estate (E93) flavours for those who need more practicality. For lower running costs, the 335i is supposed to be stonking, but then it's not the top model, is it...

 

[alcooker]

Are you saying you can get an M3 estate? I know there's an M5 wagon, but didn't know they did an actual M3. That probably would be nice.

 

[Guest]

. For lower running costs, the 335i is supposed to be stonking, .

Had of of these parked up next to me the other day and he returned to his car just as I was walking off. It sounded incredible. Really surprised me

 

[Commanderfish]

Had of of these parked up next to me the other day and he returned to his car just as I was walking off. It sounded incredible. Really surprised me

The current 335i are twin turbo V6 3 litres. I haven't heard one yet... A guy up the road has one, but I haven't noticed anything about the noise when I've been walking past with the dog. But it would only have been idling. I think BMWs do typically have hefty baffled silencers.

 

[Commanderfish]

Are you saying you can get an M3 estate? I know there's an M5 wagon, but didn't know they did an actual M3. That probably would be nice.

Just checked - sorry, I got it wrong. E93 is a convertible, E91 is an estate. You can get the current M3 in saloon (E90) Coupe (E92) or Convertible (E92), but not estate (E91).

But I bet you could have the 335i V6 twin turbo in estate form

 

[LJ_GQV]

Its definatley hard trying to 'replace' an Alfa at the moment . Im selling my GTA & have been looking at what Alfa have to offer there isn't anything. Id have a 159 but dont need a big family car at 23, i like the Brera but unless i had the 3.2 i dont think id be happy with it after my GTA (from reading stuff on here) & id like something that is a bit cheaper to run. i like the Guillietta but not enough to want to go & buy 1, i dont think it would have the 'performance' unless i got the cloverleaf which i think is still out of my price range anyway (haven't looked though). I looked at the Punto Evo Abarth & really liked it & was happy to buy 1 but since my GTA hasn't sold yet i looked at what else was available for the same money & saw the Renault Megane RS is the same price-

I've liked the look of them (if you squint i've convinced myself the front is a GT & the back is a Brera :lol, they are quick cars, renault have been making good hot hatches for a while & if i get a 2 year old car i've still got 2 years warranty, 2 years free AA cover & 2 years free servicing. In theory thats 2 years 'free' motoring.

The thing with trying to replace an Alfa is you get spoilt by Alfa, it looks good inside & out, it generally has good performance etc & makes you feel 'special' but trying to get another car like that there always seems to be a compromise, with the megane it has good looks outside but a bit 'meh' on the inside. Its not bad but its definatley no Alfa

 

[mikeyw]

Renault make fine hot hatches - the styling not to everyone's taste granted but i bet they are great fun

 

[Robbo73]

I test drove the 335d estate a little while ago and it's a blinding machine. Very quick and good handling. The petrol does sound nicer though. One thought and a rare call but you can get an alpina B3 estate(M3 equivalent). Not easy to find in petrol but it may be worth looking for one.

 

[lanceshaw]

I made the change as can't wait any longer. Purchased a Chrysler 300C SRT Design. a lot of car for your money and it has Merc engine and running gear. Get a lot of looks like I did in the Alfa - its also a better tow car too with a lot more room inside. Looking at a remap soon but I don't have any DPF problems like I did with my 2.4

 

[CiaranONeill]

There is another option ...
I bought a 156 V6 way back in 2002 and when it was due to be changed in 2004 I couldn't find anything I liked. Eventually I gave up and spent the money buying an additional car, a GT 1600 Junior. WARNING This course of action may become addictive as it has happened several times since. Hence I now own 4 Alfas, a Fiat, a Porsche and an old Range Rover!

 

[Commanderfish]

The thing with trying to replace an Alfa is you get spoilt by Alfa, it looks good inside & out, it generally has good performance etc & makes you feel 'special' but trying to get another car like that there always seems to be a compromise

You've hit the nail on the head. In the price ranges that Alfa are in, you just can't get that combination of attributes from anyone else.

Hence I'm looking for a 5 year old BMW, it'll have the right performance and added practicality, but will be more expensive to run and still won't look as good as an Alfa. Compromises.

 

[Elfred]

Head is saying 'XF' but heart is pushing for a 'BRZ'

 

[Rigid27]

I can recommend the C250cdi, a great diesel engine. 200+bhp and 370lb/ft.
It's no Alfa admittedly but the 7 speed auto makes it a real bruiser of a car and economical to boot! The sport plus spec is quite good too

Is it just me or does the steering wheel sit off centre from the driver's seat. I liked the test drive but the C220 CDi Coupe that I drove definitely seemed to have a squint steering column.

 

[Guest]

Head is saying 'XF' but heart is pushing for a 'BRZ'

The BRZ is a great car, but currently costs around £26k second hand. Whilst you can pick up a used XF for half that. I know what I would have. ?

 

[cloverleaf159]

you know what, im toying with a fiat bravo possibly. be the diesel in sport trim..... tide me over till the giulietta second hand value drops. not sure i want as big a car as the 159 next time so the giulia might be off my shopping list if s even bigger that the 159