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Pick a Car

pblakeneypblakeney Posts: 22,954
edited May 2017 in The cake stop
Random Friday musings.....

Say you were to be driving from Newquay to Newcastle which car would you choose?
Just you and your partner with luggage for a week.
Budget £30k, probably used.

Speed is constrained by congestion and cameras so comfort and fun are the key deciders.
The above may be fact, or fiction, I may be serious, I may be jesting.
I am not sure. You have no chance.
Veronese68 wrote:
PB is the most sensible person on here.
«1345

Posts

  • iPeteiPete Posts: 6,076
    With bikes an Audi RS6
    Without bikes a Caterham Superlight (f**k comfort)
    But if constrained by speed, something fun at lower speeds like a Renault Megane Sport 265
  • andcpandcp Posts: 644
    With bikes - Jaguar XF Sportbrake - Capacious, smooth, heaps of fun to drive enthusiastically, relaxed when driving steadily. As used to achieve marginal gains........

    Without bike - BMW Z4 - Roof up on the motorway, put it down when you get there, weather permitting. Goes well, handles well, very comfortable. Luggage space is better than expected with the roof up.
    "It must be true, it's on the internet" - Winston Churchill
  • rick_chaseyrick_chasey Posts: 67,622 Lives Here
    Taxi and pocket the change.
    _
  • finchyfinchy Posts: 6,686
    Good idea Rick, but I'll go one better and use National Express and pocket the change.
  • verylonglegsverylonglegs Posts: 3,785
    I think you can haggle a used Lotus Evora for that much. If so, that's me sorted.
  • pblakeneypblakeney Posts: 22,954
    Interesting choices.
    With bikes, I would probably pick an RS4 or 6.

    But for these purposes lets forget about cycling. This is Cake Stop where you are supposed to go OT.

    Forget the Caterham, my back wouldn't take it, the Megane 265 would be fun but is the suspension as stiff as they used to be?

    Z4? Not my cup of tea but must be considered.

    Taxi? The car will be used multiple times over multiple years.

    Bus? With the smelly plebs? No thanks.

    Evora? I haven't been in one but I wouldn't fancy an Elise for that length. Is the Evora that much more comfortable?
    The above may be fact, or fiction, I may be serious, I may be jesting.
    I am not sure. You have no chance.
    Veronese68 wrote:
    PB is the most sensible person on here.
  • andcpandcp Posts: 644
    911?
    Boxster?
    Jag XK?
    Morgan +4?
    Merc SL?
    Nissan 370?

    Can we narrow it down a bit?
    "It must be true, it's on the internet" - Winston Churchill
  • pblakeneypblakeney Posts: 22,954
    [url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19680163#p19680163]Andcp[/url] wrote:
    911?
    Boxster?
    Jag XK?
    Morgan +4?
    Merc SL?
    Nissan 370?

    Can we narrow it down a bit?
    Pick 3.
    Your favourites.

    Out of that lot? The Morgan is not for me, or most I would think.
    370 is a bit medallion man and the Jag & Merc are possibles but a bit too old geezer, even if I am an old geezer.
    Boxster wins I think.

    But the 911 will probably kick that into touch.
    The above may be fact, or fiction, I may be serious, I may be jesting.
    I am not sure. You have no chance.
    Veronese68 wrote:
    PB is the most sensible person on here.
  • eric_draveneric_draven Posts: 1,192
    With bikes VW T4 Multivan,Iv'e had a few T4's and love them for some reason,but i'm not into the "dub" scene

    Without probably a 70's or 80's 911,BMW 635csi 80's version,Lotus Carlton,really just something a bit older that i have always wanted to drive
  • pblakeneypblakeney Posts: 22,954
    [url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19680184#p19680184]eric draven[/url] wrote:
    With bikes VW T4 Multivan,Iv'e had a few T4's and love them for some reason,but i'm not into the "dub" scene

    Without probably a 70's or 80's 911,BMW 635csi 80's version,Lotus Carlton,really just something a bit older that i have always wanted to drive
    Personally, I am not into vans but whatever floats your boat.....
    As for the older cars, I can appreciate the idea and definitely like the style but new cars are undeniably better. Especially for long distance.
    The above may be fact, or fiction, I may be serious, I may be jesting.
    I am not sure. You have no chance.
    Veronese68 wrote:
    PB is the most sensible person on here.
  • ProssPross Posts: 36,413
    As someone else said Jaguar XF and though I like manual cars for journey described I'd want an auto. Also, maybe one of the new Merc C Class plug in hybrids.
  • pblakeneypblakeney Posts: 22,954
    [url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19680204#p19680204]Pross[/url] wrote:
    As someone else said Jaguar XF and though I like manual cars for journey described I'd want an auto. Also, maybe one of the new Merc C Class plug in hybrids.
    A plug in car for 454 miles?
    I doubt that would work as advertised and would mainly be fuel driven. Not available until 2017 anyway.
    The above may be fact, or fiction, I may be serious, I may be jesting.
    I am not sure. You have no chance.
    Veronese68 wrote:
    PB is the most sensible person on here.
  • tlw1tlw1 Posts: 21,336
    As you are limited by congestion and cameras......,

    Bmw 535d

    I never thought I would recommend a diesel :(
  • pblakeneypblakeney Posts: 22,954
    [url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19680231#p19680231]matthew h[/url] wrote:
    As you are limited by congestion and cameras......,

    Bmw 535d

    I never thought I would recommend a diesel :(
    I am with you on that one but some of the new oil burners are supposed to be really good.
    Bringing us back to the XF supporters, Diesel S or petrol?
    The above may be fact, or fiction, I may be serious, I may be jesting.
    I am not sure. You have no chance.
    Veronese68 wrote:
    PB is the most sensible person on here.
  • andcpandcp Posts: 644
    My 2 cents - I run an XF oil burner and love it, but i am (mostly) a steady driver. I imagine the petrol version is fabulously quick (the diesel can be) but maybe a bit thirsty. The only thing I would suggest is that you drive both the saloon and the sportbrake. I have the sport brake and due to the air suspension on the rear I found it a better drive than the saloon.

    However with no bikes to consider, a 911 does have appeal.
    "It must be true, it's on the internet" - Winston Churchill
  • pinnopinno Posts: 49,266
    Mercedes W123 series, 230SE petrol automatic.
    T5 VW Sportline, auto.
    1972 350SL Merc, auto.
    Triumph Stag convertible so if it is a gridlock, you can sit there with the roof down.
    SAAB V4 for a laugh and if the M1 is chock-a-block, just drive it across the fields.
    BMW Alpina C2 2.7 (E30/E35) In gunmetal grey. Probably the most elegant saloon ever built. If you're stuck in traffic, you can just wind the window down and listen to that straight 6, purring away. Something like this:

    0.jpg
    seanoconn - gruagach craic!
  • pblakeneypblakeney Posts: 22,954
    [url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19680521#p19680521]Pinno[/url] wrote:
    BMW Alpina C2 2.7 (E30/E35) In gunmetal grey. Probably the most elegant saloon ever built. If you're stuck in traffic, you can just wind the window down and listen to that straight 6, purring away. Something like this:

    0.jpg
    Were you the guy in Scotland that sold this one on?
    http://www.blowdog.com/motors/1987-bmw-e30-alpina-c2-2-7-for-sale/
    The above may be fact, or fiction, I may be serious, I may be jesting.
    I am not sure. You have no chance.
    Veronese68 wrote:
    PB is the most sensible person on here.
  • pinnopinno Posts: 49,266
    If I had one, it would be the last thing I would sell.
    seanoconn - gruagach craic!
  • Stevo_666Stevo_666 Posts: 54,615
    Merc C63 AMG. Saloon or estate. Thunderous rear wheel drive fun. As Clarkson put it: 'it's not a car, it's an axe murderer with headlights'.
    "I spent most of my money on birds, booze and fast cars: the rest of it I just squandered." [George Best]
  • VTechVTech Posts: 4,736
    [url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19680530#p19680530]PBlakeney[/url] wrote:
    [url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19680521#p19680521]Pinno[/url] wrote:
    BMW Alpina C2 2.7 (E30/E35) In gunmetal grey. Probably the most elegant saloon ever built. If you're stuck in traffic, you can just wind the window down and listen to that straight 6, purring away. Something like this:

    0.jpg
    Were you the guy in Scotland that sold this one on?
    http://www.blowdog.com/motors/1987-bmw-e30-alpina-c2-2-7-for-sale/

    I had an E30, I fitted an E46 M3 engine into mine and it was quite fast. So sad I sold it.

    All round, if you wane to cover miles get an Audi, BMW or for a treat, a Range Rover.
    Living MY dream.
  • pblakeneypblakeney Posts: 22,954
    There seems to be a surprising consensus on big diesel cars.
    A sign of the times or a credit to engineering?

    I have no doubts that a Range Rover would be very luxurious, but fun on the twisty parts?
    The above may be fact, or fiction, I may be serious, I may be jesting.
    I am not sure. You have no chance.
    Veronese68 wrote:
    PB is the most sensible person on here.
  • VTechVTech Posts: 4,736
    [url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19680614#p19680614]PBlakeney[/url] wrote:
    There seems to be a surprising consensus on big diesel cars.
    A sign of the times or a credit to engineering?

    I have no doubts that a Range Rover would be very luxurious, but fun on the twisty parts?

    You won't be driving the Range round the twisties like a road car :mrgreen:

    For that you need a porsche 8)

    The A5 is a dream though and the 4wd makes it superb to drive on country roads and prices are very low for them.

    For those who have a lower budget which doesnt stretch to Lamborghini, Ferrari, Pagani and Porsche etc, the MX5 is almost certainly the very best road car ever built.
    Living MY dream.
  • pinnopinno Posts: 49,266
    [url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19680748#p19680748]VTech[/url] wrote:
    [url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19680614#p19680614]PBlakeney[/url] wrote:
    There seems to be a surprising consensus on big diesel cars.
    A sign of the times or a credit to engineering?

    I have no doubts that a Range Rover would be very luxurious, but fun on the twisty parts?

    You won't be driving the Range round the twisties like a road car :mrgreen:

    For that you need a porsche 8)

    The A5 is a dream though and the 4wd makes it superb to drive on country roads and prices are very low for them.

    For those who have a lower budget which doesnt stretch to Lamborghini, Ferrari, Pagani and Porsche etc, the Honda S2000 is almost the best Japanese road car ever built...or is it the Nissan Skyline R33 or the Toyota Supra twin turbo or perhaps the Honda NSX or the Datsun 240Z

    FTFY :D
    seanoconn - gruagach craic!
  • pblakeneypblakeney Posts: 22,954
    [url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19680794#p19680794]Pinno[/url] wrote:
    [url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19680748#p19680748]VTech[/url] wrote:
    [url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19680614#p19680614]PBlakeney[/url] wrote:
    There seems to be a surprising consensus on big diesel cars.
    A sign of the times or a credit to engineering?

    I have no doubts that a Range Rover would be very luxurious, but fun on the twisty parts?

    You won't be driving the Range round the twisties like a road car :mrgreen:

    For that you need a porsche 8)

    The A5 is a dream though and the 4wd makes it superb to drive on country roads and prices are very low for them.

    For those who have a lower budget which doesnt stretch to Lamborghini, Ferrari, Pagani and Porsche etc, the Honda S2000 is almost the best Japanese road car ever built...or is it the Nissan Skyline R33 or the Toyota Supra twin turbo or perhaps the Honda NSX or the Datsun 240Z

    FTFY :D
    Good point Pinno. The Japs have made a few good cars.
    An MX5 would be fine for shortish twisty runs but I feel it would be out of it's depth in the comfort stakes come a few hundred miles of motorway.
    That's why I picked this as a test, it covers all the bases and specialist cars will lose out one way or the other.
    The above may be fact, or fiction, I may be serious, I may be jesting.
    I am not sure. You have no chance.
    Veronese68 wrote:
    PB is the most sensible person on here.
  • verylonglegsverylonglegs Posts: 3,785
    A mate had an S2000, it was good but the rear was a tad snappy and he sold it after he managed to prang it twice due to spinning it on slightly greasy roads, he said you just didn't get any warning it's going. He's no mug with a steering wheel, he's had plenty of experience on dozens of track days with instructor tuition and currently drives a V6 Exige so I trust his judgement.
  • norvernrobnorvernrob Posts: 1,445
    [url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19680824#p19680824]verylonglegs[/url] wrote:
    A mate had an S2000, it was good but the rear was a tad snappy and he sold it after he managed to prang it twice due to spinning it on slightly greasy roads, he said you just didn't get any warning it's going. He's no mug with a steering wheel, he's had plenty of experience on dozens of track days with instructor tuition and currently drives a V6 Exige so I trust his judgement.

    Someone put an S2000 into the side of a house near me after losing control, he hit it so hard the occupants had to move out whilst the cracks in the house walls were repaired!

    I'd have a C63 AMG, no doubt whatsoever.
  • pblakeneypblakeney Posts: 22,954
    [url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19680853#p19680853]NorvernRob[/url] wrote:
    I'd have a C63 AMG, no doubt whatsoever.
    Hmmmm.
    My initial thought was a CL500, but then I thought maybe something nimbler.
    Not only is the C63 smaller and I presume nimbler but it also has split folding rear seats for bikes.
    Hmmmmm.
    The above may be fact, or fiction, I may be serious, I may be jesting.
    I am not sure. You have no chance.
    Veronese68 wrote:
    PB is the most sensible person on here.
  • VTechVTech Posts: 4,736
    63 is a great choice but the fuel is a serious issue.
    Living MY dream.
  • pblakeneypblakeney Posts: 22,954
    edited August 2015
    [url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19680869#p19680869]VTech[/url] wrote:
    63 is a great choice but the fuel is a serious issue.
    This is undeniable.
    It would explain the choice of a 535d over an M5.
    But I imagine that the engine note would be intoxicating.

    If purchase price wasn't an issue then my pick would probably be - http://www.alpina-automobiles.co.uk/en/models/d5-biturbo/highlights/
    The above may be fact, or fiction, I may be serious, I may be jesting.
    I am not sure. You have no chance.
    Veronese68 wrote:
    PB is the most sensible person on here.
  • VTechVTech Posts: 4,736
    535d is quicker.
    I once tuned one for Autocrat magazine and it was funny watching the BMW diesel whoop the ferrari and lamborghini's
    Living MY dream.
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