Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[Uncle Joe]

Dudes and Dudettes, a very dear friend of mine - I darent call her old, she'll kill me - is looking to buy a new car. Maybe this isnt the correct place to ask, but it might set you all thinking!

She is looking for a 2 door, 2+2 preferably automatic. Good handling, and good in traffic.

So far, she has test driven and discounted SAAB, BMW's (dare not write her comments on those, they are stronger than mine), various Chrysler products, and a Maserati (!!!!!). Next on the list are a Lexus 430, and various Mercedes.

Are there any more suggestions from you all? No sports cars please! I was thinking of that australian built Vauxhall thingy, but cant remember what it is. Are there any more?

One more thing about her. She used to drive a Rally Support Vehicle, and I have never even sat in a car when she has been driving!

UJ

[gillberry]

Vauxhall monaro is what your thinking , what abot the volvo c70 ?

[Uncle Joe]

Thanks for that gillberry, the Monaro is already passed on.

In spite of the fact that I live in the land of Volvos, I will not pass that one on though...I know to much about them!

UJ

[Scotty]

Hi UJ,

Mercedes are just about to (if not already) launch their new "C" Class Mercs - and they are already getting a really good write up.

That means two things to this frugal Scot -

1. Mercedes do a very nice two-door Coupe in their "C" Class range, so the new one is going to be a cracker I reckon. There are the stunning CLK's (AMG's for example) or the less expensive C320, etc Coupes that should fit the bill (I'm working on mid-range models here as I don't know your friends budget).

2. However because there's going to be this new model then current existing old style "C" Classes, but still brand new in the show rooms, are going to be a buyers market as the dealers won't be wanting "dead" stock lying around.

I bought a 6 month old "E 240" last year from Mercedes Management via a dealer just after the face-lifted "E" Class came out and saved myself £5,000 - its worth taking a wander into a Merc dealer's and playing silly buggers to see what kind of deal you can get.

[Uncle Joe]

Scotty, thanks for that...its been duly passed on...

UJ

[Stuchamp]

[Uncle Joe]

Unless the Department of Defence have any M1 Abrams for sale....

UJ

[alfanut]

UJ
Could you expect me to suggest anything but an Alfa, that is if they are available in your part of the world
The GT is a genuine 2+2, but if that isnt quite roomy enough, then the 147 should do. There are enough combinations of engine and trim to satisfy just about everyone, too.

[Uncle Joe]

Alfanut, no I wouldnt expect you to suggest anything less than an Alfa. She does live in the UK though....

UJ

[UKdave2002]

Hi UJ

I know its anecdotal but I don't know anyone who has owned or worked on a Lexus thats ever had a bad thing to say about them , if she is going for the SC 430 it even looks good as well !

I'm looking at changing my car for an LS430 (not new I hasten to add!) as I spend half my working life on the M6 or M1 it makes for a very pleasant working enviroment!

Dave

[Uncle Joe]

Hi UK, it is the SC that she is looking at...although in the last mail she was starting to look at BM's again. I must put her straight on that one!

UJ

[Uncle Joe]

The decision as to which car has now been made.

She is picking up a brand spanking new Audi TT quattro 3.2 on Monday....how she got round the waitng list, I'll never know!

Any comments?

UJ

[UKdave2002]

Hi UJ

I had a one of the original TT's about 7 years ago, the 1.8L 225, my only grumble was that it felt a bit cheap inside, and after a couple of years started to have a few rattles. The new ones look more refined, so I should think she will be happy with it.
If she does offer you a lift mind make sure you are not in the rear, my son who was 5 years old used to complain about no space in the back!!

Dave

[Uncle Joe]

Hi UK, what beats me is how she got round the waiting list....

UJ

[UKdave2002]

Given how quickly she got it, it couldn’t have been her factory order, so must be either;

•Demo car
•A car that the dealer had ordered in for stock
•A cancelled customer order

What ever it was she was lucky as all of the above will still be in demand.

Dave