Stainy

Right you're my dad (knowing my mum, there's a good chance )

You're 60, just retired and you've already done the sports car thing.
Now you've moved on to something more refined. You're buying what will probably be your last ever car and you will run it until it dies/you do.
Only do 7k miles a year and due to the fact you are keeping it forever, resale value is not a consideration.

Which of the following if the one to go for? (based on looks/equipment/longevity/reliability and just generally being a nice place to be)

Mercedes C-class sport coupe
Lexus is220/250
Jaguar X-type
Audi A4
Volvo?????

or something else we've missed at around 22-23k?

Andy M3

I think a Merc of some description but not a coupe. Nice steady C class...........

Or a jag but only the XJ version......

paulwrxboro

i said lexus because merc dealers are supose to be a bit crap
and at that age you dont need anymore ****

AudiLover

Volvo S80 or audi A6

Luminous

iTrader: (3)

Subaru forum, and subaru is not an option?

SimonD

You want trouble free ownership...... Lexus is the only option!

I'd go for a Legacy though.

Stainy

Erm, other marques actually

AudiLover

it is a myth that lexus's are uber reliable. Since they have been competeing with the germans head on they have had their fair share of unrelaible cars, and toyota has recalled over a million cars like a month ago, infact toyota is recalling more cars than anyother manufacturer, whilst german reliability increses, japanese cars these days are being built like ****.

Maz

iTrader: (34)

Fantastic seats but little else to commend the Volvo.

J4CKO

iTrader: (1)

S80 = Depreciation city !

Anyway, at Sixty they could live another 30 odd years, and drive for another 20 odd, dont be so eager to get them buried !

Maz

iTrader: (34)

Plus knobbly ride, awful thirst (thirstier than the Impreza!), mediocre performance for a 2.9 twin turbo, crappy autobox and stupidly narrow boot. The best seats in the business though.

paulwrxboro

BMW ?

Stainy

Lol, the sentiment is his not mine. His current car is 13 years old so chances are he'll be 73 before he even thinks of changing again. He knows this and also knows it's unlikely he'll be buying another new one at 73. Hence this will be kept.

Duck_Pond

Agree about Lexus - a friend bought a used one from a Lexus dealer, with all the associated checks and warranty - had nothing but trouble with it, and neither his local or original dealer could sort it. It eventually got taken to Lexus HQ in the UK for checks and was found to have serious problems which the initial checks (before he bought it) should certainly have uncovered. He used to really rate Lexus - now he says he'll never go near one again.

I disagree about all Jap cars being built like **** though. If that's the case, how do Honda and Mazda, time and time again, fill the top spots of these surveys? If anything, they've got to be more reliable than the competition, on account of the numbers that they sell.

For the poll - the bigger Volvos (S80?) are very good, and one of the most comfortable cars around. BMW 5 series is worth considering too. Always good.

Petem95

The Merc, Lexus or Audi would fit the bill nicely. The new IS is a big step up from the old model. Merc C-class coupe is maybe a little on the girlie side, but still nice! I have a 2002 A4 myself, and its very refined and comfortable so no doubt he'd like that.

I wouldnt put the Volvo and X-type in the same catagory as them, but still alright cars, and no doubt get a lot more for the same money.

AudiLover

Foget about honda, I rate them very highly. Im surprised mazda does so well though.

Stainy

After a day of test-drives, the Merc is out. He doesn't like the look of the A4 and the Volvo was a only a passing fancy.

So, it's between the Jag and the Lexus. Both 2.2 diesel, Lexus more powerful but 500Kg (yes you read that correctly ) heavier so about the same performance.

The Lexus is more expensive but Oozes quality. Jag is nice but is basically a Mondeo.

It will be a close call (I think he will go for the Jag but I would have the Lexus) The base spec Lexus is *about* the same price as a X-type 2.2 sport. He really likes the look of the sport.

Watch this space

AudiLover

if hegoes for the jaguar tell him to start saving for his next car

Stainy

Yeah, I'm a bit worried about that myself

The thing is, they get quite a good write up in the motoring press. Just hope they have the legs for 10-15yrs

Quote of the day from the Lexus dealer, 'we dont stock exhausts anywhere in the country.....they dont fail'

Maybe I should do a new poll, Jag or Lexus

AudiLover

Even though I dislike lexus, id say youd be better off with the japanese car.

Jamesemt

How much are s types these days?

If I were 20 years older, I would definately have a Jag...but at 28 I think I'd look rather daft

Jamescsti

I voted Audi, but between Jag and Lexus I would go for the Lexus

Tidgy

think merc as well tbh, they are very nice luxuary cars

Paulo P

iTrader: (42)

I'd have to say Lexus I've recently bought a 12 year old LS400 and there is nothing wrong with it It's done 105k which is low for one of them but it still looks, drives, rides, feels and sounds like brand new

John57

I just looked at a mint C32 AMG saloon at a Merc main dealer for £22,950 ..... 02 reg with 17K on it.

Unfortunately they sold it in days ..... or fortunately as the wife says