Archive for The Motor Forum talking cars since 2006          The Motor Forum Forum Index -> Your Cars ALF Another non-buying decision I'm going to keep the Audi for the forseeable future - either until it's well into 6 figures, or I'm doing a lot less miles - and not look to change it as soon as I can afford to. It's not the most exciting thing I've ever driven, but it is reasonably quick, reasonably smooth/revvy for a 4-pot turbo, very grippy and pointy, and returning more than 36mpg in my hands. With it being very refined and well made, it's basically well suited to my new life of hammering the motorways! When I was running it alongside the GTA I have to say the interior build quality was clearly so much better, when you drive an Audi a lot, everything else seems to creak spectacularly and be poorly made - every time I drive the Focus now I think "FFS - what the hell is that creaking!" I'm very glad now that we got a newer B7 model (quicker, more economical, better handling) and that we got one in a colour/spec I like! The 2WD S-Line is best for what I need. Purely aesthetically I'd prefer leather, but cloth is more comfortable and wears better. I basically can't see the point of taking the depreciation hit and spending money on something else to hammer the motorways on, and didn't feel entirely comfortable with any of the options - 130 (small fuel tank), 330 coupe (overpriced and less economical than the Audi), V8 with LPG (big running costs besides fuel) etc. A car has to fit your use for it, and the Audi does pretty well for me at this time. This may confirm that I'm officially middle-aged. I won't even consider a second car for now, I'm logical enough to realise that there is just no time in my life when I'd use it, just now! I'll keep karting, and do the odd hire trackday. I have to say, not having a car in the garage, and the hassles of running three, is a pleasure. I considered various upgrades like FSD's, LSD, a remap, strut brace, hifi, etc and have settled on FSD's and a speaker upgrade for the standard head unit. They are the sensible ones for what I use the car for, an LSD is overkill for tramping motorways and the car has very very good traction as standard (in fact it has an e-diff at low speeds, some spec-sheeting recently revealed). Plus 50 less gee-gees than the GTA, and wider tyres, which helps. I consider the standard ride just about acceptable - certainly OK for motorways and around town - but I do do a fair few miles on very poorly surfaces A and B roads as well. I may retrofit Bose (if for me, I'd have bought one with it) but will definitely do something to improve the sound - which is good for a standard car system but not good enough for my tastes, for something I'm in so much... So there, I'm a boring, 4-pot turbo driving bastard. I did worry about this when I took this job, nothing like driving 40k miles a year to keep your car tastes away from the exotic, but I can't complain, it's going well, and most of the time I quite like all the driving! Jasper Sounds like your head likes this car and your heart is willing to go along with it for a while. Do you think you'd like it more with a diesel engine? Dr. Hfuhruhurr Re: Another non-buying decision ALF wrote: So there, I'm a boring, 4-pot turbo driving bastard. I did worry about this when I took this job, nothing like driving 40k miles a year to keep your car tastes away from the exotic, but I can't complain, it's going well, and most of the time I quite like all the driving! And instead of spending more money on a different work car, you have the possibility of getting something more interesting as a weekend toy. scamper Why not swap for a Mark  5 Gti?  Same engine, better installation, most of the practicality and a bit more exotic. gonnabuildabuggy When you're doing high miles comfort and financial factors become more important, especially given that depreciation is the highest cost of running a car for most. If you're employer can pay for all your motoring costs then that's a good place to be right now. I'd agree that going the "third car" route is probably the best and cheapest, depending what you go for. My buggy plan is based around zero road tax (buying pre 73 registered chassis) and cheap (£100 pa) insurance but also having sold the Golf i'm enjoying only having 2 to wash/clean at the moment and might also tackle some of the smaller jobs on the BMW I haven't got round to. Not sure if something so old would appeal to you though? (classic racer perhaps?) doesn't stop me browsing ebay constantly though........ PG Re: Another non-buying decision You are just maturing nicely. Now, if you start having to do a lot of town driving you'll be buying an auto. That's the next step   gonnabuildabuggy Re: Another non-buying decision PG wrote: You are just maturing nicely. Now, if you start having to do a lot of town driving you'll be buying an auto. That's the next step   Or congested motorways..... I'm now thinking auto is the way to go permanently - what am I turning into   scamper I may be in a slightly similar position to Alfy soon - haivng to do 20k per annum just commuting to work each morning, which come to think of it i'm prob doing 13k now, but this will be on fast A roads and m'ways.  I'm considering doing this in a base fabia or Scooby just to keep my `weekend' car options open.  So i'm evidently less middle aged than Alf.   Turbonutter Re: Another non-buying decision ALF wrote: I'm a boring, 4-pot turbo driving bastard. I'm a boring, 4-pot turbo driving bastard too   "him" I'm just boring... Guitar Zero As soon as you factor high mileage into the equation, worrying about fuel economy is far less mincy and hom-ish. Particularly when you consider that of the extra thousands of pounds you spend a year on fueling something with a throbber under the bonnet, almost all of it goes to Blinky Fuckstick's screw you crew (aka - the government) IIRC - " keep the Audi " was the general concensus when you started the " what do I buy " thread Is this a forum first then - someone has actually taken the advice they have been given ? gonnabuildabuggy Guitar Zero wrote: Is this a forum first then - someone has actually taken the advice they have been given ?   Perhaps we should have told Martin to go black or blue but never, ever, Red. scamper Guitar Zero wrote: Is this a forum first then - someone has actually taken the advice they have been given ? We can't be having that.  Chop the Audi in for a GTA. Obviously high miles may effect depreciation too as well as getting all funny over fuel costs. ALF Scamper, the Golf GTi (and Octavia vRS) both appeal. If I didn't already have a car with the same engine/economy, better build quality/comfort/refinement/stability, etc then both would be considered. But while the vRS is particularly good value, the GTi is awful - ludicrous values, which means more money lost given the miles I'd put on it. I'm sure it would be more fun on the occasional bit of twisties, but most of the time it would be less suitable than what I have. And the cost to change is always high - plus I know the A4 well enough to trust it now, it feels very together and cosmetically is mint - not all SH cars are that way! Also, I know one person on here (can't recall who?) drove a 2.0T B7 A4 and disliked the installation, the reviews I've seen were pretty glowing, most stating that the FWD 2.0T was the best A4 of the range, all things considered, and it seems fine to me! I've no reason to think the Golf is any better except in the handling stakes. Apart from a nasty, nearly diesel-like clatter for a split second on startup (something the GTi does as well, and due as I understand it to direct injection) the engine is very refined, the turbo inaudible, and yet when pressing on there is a pleasing gruff note in the mid-range and quite a smooth howl higher up. As 4-pot hairdryer motors go, it is good, as I've always said. The FSD's just arrived. Can't wait... Frank Bullitt ALF wrote: Also, I know one person on here (can't recall who?) drove a 2.0T B7 A4 and disliked the installation, the reviews I've seen were pretty glowing, most stating that the FWD 2.0T was the best A4 of the range, all things considered, and it seems fine to me! 'twas me - I did prefer the 1.8T in another B7 A4 I had as a courtesy car but the older-tech engine produces less power, more carbons and uses more fuel - can see the appeal of the 2.0T from that perspective but found the A4 installation quite poor; prefered it in the A3 though which would almost tempt me to buy another Audi. Almost. I do remember it was a formidable cruiser though with top-gear running something like 30mph/1000rpm so it's very quiet at speed, yet still has pull in top despite the gearing. Martin Re: Another non-buying decision gonnabuildabuggy wrote: PG wrote: You are just maturing nicely. Now, if you start having to do a lot of town driving you'll be buying an auto. That's the next step   Or congested motorways..... I'm now thinking auto is the way to go permanently - what am I turning into   Don't do it.  4 days in an Auto have convinced me that I am way off getting one.  It was nice in traffic, but for every other occasion I would prefer a manual. Martin gonnabuildabuggy wrote: Guitar Zero wrote: Is this a forum first then - someone has actually taken the advice they have been given ?   Perhaps we should have told Martin to go black or blue but never, ever, Red. I know my own mind   Seen a couple of red ones on the road since making the decision and I'm more convinced than ever I've done the right thing. garry Re: Another non-buying decision ALF wrote: So there, I'm a boring, 4-pot turbo driving bastard. I did worry about this when I took this job, nothing like driving 40k miles a year to keep your car tastes away from the exotic, I think this is a really good point. A porsche is great on the right roads, but easily beaten by a mondeo if you've got a 200 mile m/way trip on a wet friday evening. I do circa 30k per year - comfort and good ICE are really important to me. gonnabuildabuggy Martin wrote: gonnabuildabuggy wrote: Guitar Zero wrote: Is this a forum first then - someone has actually taken the advice they have been given ?   Perhaps we should have told Martin to go black or blue but never, ever, Red. I know my own mind   Seen a couple of red ones on the road since making the decision and I'm more convinced than ever I've done the right thing. Saw one yesterday and have to agree gonnabuildabuggy Re: Another non-buying decision Martin wrote: gonnabuildabuggy wrote: PG wrote: You are just maturing nicely. Now, if you start having to do a lot of town driving you'll be buying an auto. That's the next step   Or congested motorways..... I'm now thinking auto is the way to go permanently - what am I turning into   Don't do it.  4 days in an Auto have convinced me that I am way off getting one.  It was nice in traffic, but for every other occasion I would prefer a manual. There's a big difference between an auto hung off a 4 pot diesel and a big six in something overpowered.   For 80% of my driving an Auto is perfect, but only due to the engine size. Had one in a 2.0 Omega and it was woeful. Martin Re: Another non-buying decision gonnabuildabuggy wrote: Martin wrote: gonnabuildabuggy wrote: PG wrote: You are just maturing nicely. Now, if you start having to do a lot of town driving you'll be buying an auto. That's the next step   Or congested motorways..... I'm now thinking auto is the way to go permanently - what am I turning into   Don't do it.  4 days in an Auto have convinced me that I am way off getting one.  It was nice in traffic, but for every other occasion I would prefer a manual. There's a big difference between an auto hung off a 4 pot diesel and a big six in something overpowered.   For 80% of my driving an Auto is perfect, but only due to the engine size. Had one in a 2.0 Omega and it was woeful. Big Six?  I thought you have a 328i?     Seriously though, it's not like it was a weedy 4 pot diesel, not with over 200hp and 500nm torque.  Just a bit more than a 2.0 Omega!!  I still didn't like it. Maybe next time, when I am closer to 40   gonnabuildabuggy Re: Another non-buying decision Martin wrote: gonnabuildabuggy wrote: Martin wrote: gonnabuildabuggy wrote: PG wrote: You are just maturing nicely. Now, if you start having to do a lot of town driving you'll be buying an auto. That's the next step   Or congested motorways..... I'm now thinking auto is the way to go permanently - what am I turning into   Don't do it.  4 days in an Auto have convinced me that I am way off getting one.  It was nice in traffic, but for every other occasion I would prefer a manual. There's a big difference between an auto hung off a 4 pot diesel and a big six in something overpowered.   For 80% of my driving an Auto is perfect, but only due to the engine size. Had one in a 2.0 Omega and it was woeful. If you're not 40 why are you driving a 5 serie? Big Six?  I thought you have a 328i?     Seriously though, it's not like it was a weedy 4 pot diesel, not with over 200hp and 500nm torque.  Just a bit more than a 2.0 Omega!!  I still didn't like it. Maybe next time, when I am closer to 40   I don't know the answer buit what's the power/weight ratio on the 328 vs the 520d.? Surely you must have to be over 40 to drive a 5 series? Martin My main experience of an Auto was in the C250cdi, hence the numbers I was quoting.  I don't think it was a bad system, I just prefer the control on a manual for the sort of driving I do (90% A Roads). I'm only pulling your leg, as you well know. It's only the auto 5 series that are for the over 40s, the manuals (especially in M Sport Trim) are for dynamic 30 somethings!!! The power to weight ratio on the 520d isn't too bad (for a 2.0 diesel!!), as it weighs less than a 320d Touring and when you compare it to something the same size, my dads E280 for example, it's 250kg less.  The next 5 series won't have the all aluminium front end, so I expect that will be 200kg+ heavier.  Hardly progress. gonnabuildabuggy I know   I'm just curious to work out how "lardy" cars are today as the outputs from todays diesels cars are great but I suspect my old 16V Golf would have been as fast as many of todays 2.0d's despite a weedy 140BHP. The 328 weighs about 1395Kg and you can pretty much drive it like a manual in terms of fast kick down and using rev bands to force gear changes. I've been nothing but impressed with mine, but as I say it's not lugging much about so isn't under much strain. When you're 40 the mid-life crisis will kick in and it'll be time for a convertible Guitar Zero Pfft I was 25 when I got my E39, there's quite a few lads on the BMW forums with fives and they are barely out of their teens. Only dudes and coolies rock the five   Best cancel your order then Martin     Martin The 520d weighs 1585kg, even in heavier M Sport Business Edition trim.   In BMW terms, that's the same (give or take a couple of KG) as a non optioned 320d Touring, 123d/135i Coupe etc.  My dads E280 (admittedly an estate) is 1845kg, so 265kg heavier.   The new 5 series Gran Turismo weighs 2035kg as a 530d SE, a huge 380kg (25%) more than a current 530d SE!! Martin Guitar Zero wrote: Pfft I was 25 when I got my E39, there's quite a few lads on the BMW forums with fives and they are barely out of their teens. Only dudes and coolies rock the five   Best cancel your order then Martin     Which one were you, a dude or a coolie?   And what happened? Dr. Hfuhruhurr Martin wrote: The new 5 series Gran Turismo weighs 2035kg as a 530d SE, a huge 380kg (25%) more than a current 530d SE!! And exactly the same as the A5 3.0 TDI cabrio gonnabuildabuggy Guitar Zero wrote: Pfft I was 25 when I got my E39, there's quite a few lads on the BMW forums with fives and they are barely out of their teens. Only dudes and coolies rock the five   Best cancel your order then Martin     No, he's OK. That's E39 and E34's mainly. My daily "M6 check" reveals most E60's are driven by thrusting exec's - he might need to gain some weight and lose some hair though. Apparently the aluminium suspension was designed to overcome the average weight of the typical owner. Martin I'm not sure which is worse!! ALF I like 5-series, past and present, and don't really associate them with any particular wankyness - that seems largely to be people in the 3-series/A4 class. I certainly get shoved around a bit more in the Audi than in the Alfa, people expect a certain degree of wankiness from me, that sometimes I deliver... The 5-series is probably a bit big for me, but a 530i Touring would be a lovely car, I'd certainly have one if after a drive it felt narrow enough on the local lanes. Eff One Martin wrote: The 520d weighs 1585kg, even in heavier M Sport Business Edition trim. That's pretty good for its size and type - doesn't the M3 weigh nearly 1700kg? One of the most disappointing aspects of the 135i - a car I should lust after, but don't - is its weight. Something like 1560kg, I think. ALF Eff One wrote: One of the most disappointing aspects of the 135i - a car I should lust after, but don't - is its weight. Something like 1560kg, I think. Me too. The 130 is not light, but the hairdryers seem to add a lot of weight. I like the 135, but it makes the extra size, comfort, and allegedly better handling of the 335 seem alluring because the car is barely heavier. The same can be said for many 1 series/3 series comparisons. So often the case though these days, when the smaller cars share platforms with the bigger ones! scamper Racing will be better imformed, but i thought the the 135i did not feel as heavy as its weight suggests.  However, round the bends, the front end felt a bit floaty for some reason, something the 330i I drove after did not suffer from. Martin Eff One wrote: Martin wrote: The 520d weighs 1585kg, even in heavier M Sport Business Edition trim. That's pretty good for its size and type - doesn't the M3 weigh nearly 1700kg? One of the most disappointing aspects of the 135i - a car I should lust after, but don't - is its weight. Something like 1560kg, I think. Yes, it's about that.  As you can see, not much less than a big diesel saloon, which is surprising.  The 130 is a bit lighter, 1450kg iirc.   Remember that BMW quote unladen weights with a 70kg driver, 90% full tank of fuel and 7kg of luggage.  I'm not sure what others do, but that's not what I would call unladen!! How much does 20 litres of fuel weigh?  You can take that off the 520d weight when comparing to a 1 series! DaveGibson Martin wrote: ......  How much does 20 litres of fuel weigh?  You can take that off the 520d weight when comparing to a 1 series! About 35lb or since you're talking litres, about 16Kg. Martin Thanks! So 520d = 135i then!        The Motor Forum Forum Index -> Your Cars Page 1 of 1