Which car should I buy?

[slimjim]

There are probably a lot of car-specific sites where I could ask this Q, but I'm a regular here and usually trust the answers I get here more than anywhere. It is time for me to renew my company car and I have reduced my shortlist to 4 models but now I can't decide further. My shorlist is the Audi A4 Avant, the Jaguar X-Type Estate, the Volvo V50 and the Volvo S60. My priorities are quality, space, image, and looks (not necessarily in that order). Anyone got any ideas which way I should (or shouldn't) go?

[Jenny Tools]

Audi A4 too common + just a blown up golf.

Jag X-type, blown up Mondeo though estate makes its usable.

V50 quality build, usable estate

V60 quality build, understated style, nice image and safe.

[robber1]

The A3 is basically a Golf, but where do you draw a line? The A3 is a better finished car than a Golf, but it ought to be for the extra it costs. Anyway, you mention image. A Volvo is always a Volvo and image is where it misses out. On Top Gear this year they said that the latest Volvo estate holds LESS than an A4, which is not a big load carrier. (I have an A4 avant). The Jaguar is a great estate (2.5 version). Road holding is top class in bad weather. I considered a Saab 9-5 for capacity. Its huge inside. Similar to what Jenny said though, its a Vauxhall in a frilly dress and its resale value is terrible. A BMW 3 series estate is an option, but it holds about thge same as an A4. Merc C class? I found it too "posh", not my taste. Would this satisfy the image criteria for you? If I were you, the Volvo would be a none starter. Audi covers it all exept big load carrying. Jag, good choice but not entry level. BMW, great car, not as good as the Audi. I tried them all you see, but it is down to what you like, not me

[Kev_UK]

It all depends on what you want and don't worry about what other people think. Too many people buy cars such as a BMW 3 series because they think they are the in thing, but in reality they are as common as a mondeo and vectra. I ddrive an american car and I get more people turn their heads than any BMW, Merc, etc costing far more. It depends on if you want to stand out from the crowd, if you want to look classy or sporty, etc.. and also, how much tax you pay (as company cars attract tax). I know a couple of years ago the rules changed so you could buy a classic car and run it as a company car, but pay far less tax. A guy a few miles away drives a Ford Mustang (It's a late 90's to early 2000's model) as a company car. Perhaps there is a dream car you have in mind that you could get, and stick a private plate on it if you want. I like very few euro/jap cars, but those I do include Toyoto Celica (old shspe) and the Honda Civic and Prelude (not sure of year, but the models that look lower and wider), mazda RX8. My tastes are probably different from yours, but out of the models you mentioned, I'd pick the Jaguar. Take a good look at tax costs, depresiation, insurance, etc on each of them.

[Kev_UK]

Sorry about the typos, spelling errors. BTW, I do like the new volvo (don't know the model) that looks a bit like an Aston Martin DB6 or 7 from behind.

[robber1]

This is not intented to be offensive OK? I have owned American cars (I was in the trade). Dont confuse class with flash. The question was about estate cars. BMW and Audi may be "common" but thats because they are genuine quality and people want to own one,if you can afford one, buy one. (Jag as well). Volvo are very nice cars, but at one time they were the only load carrier that was worth buying. This is no longer the case, now they carry the same or less than better rivals. Thank goodness we dont all have the same taste or we would all live identical lives! slimjim has to go with his head here. He knows what car turns his head, so it just a matter of deciding if it carries enough for him. Good luck Jim, enjoy choosing!

[Kev_UK]

Hi robber_1.. I thought the question was about company cars, and as I stated, it depends on what you want classy or sporty. I was pointing out that you can have american cars or an old british sports car for that matter as an alternative. Hey I think a lot of people do have the same taste, hence a mondeo and vectra on every street corner LOL

[robber1]

Yeah, I did miss his ref. to an S60. The others are estates and I just assumed. Thats my biggest problem, I always assume! He did say however "Quality, space image and looks". Thats tricky cos what I might think looks good (my wife!), you may not agree. Anyway, its nice to be in a thread where members are civilised and can exchange views. :o)

[ianess]

Ye Gods....the things people worry about. What about a Skoda Octavia Estate????????