Help me pick a new (used) car. 17k budget.


JohnTurbo

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Oct 3, 2013
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I need to replace my Saab 9-3 Aero Estate, and I am struggling to find a perfect fit for my needs. 500/month over 3 years is 17k you see.

It must be:-
Able to tow a car (1600kg tow limit)
Be 40+ mpg
Have toys (ie satnav, good oe stereo)
Be a hatchback or estate
Quickish
Look ok from an exective viewpoint.

Have thought about:-
Alpina D3, 5 series bmw, A4, A6, A5 sportback, Jaguar XF estate.

The alpinas have **** equiptment.
A4s are dull
A6 and 5 series a bit biiig
Jags are too expensive except old man looking specs
A5 is a good shout...but load space is slightly low.

Any other ideas?
 
Discovery or that kind of thing an idea or are you after a car?

Freelander 2's are a pretty good all rounder too.
 
Volvo v40 R design?
 
Hmm... I hadnt thought of 4x4 though generally they havent been my thing. Suppose I should check out the volvo too.
 
330d estate. easily mapped to 300 and pretty good on diesel and looks.
 
Yeh I was going to say Volvo too
 
4x4 -BMW x5 or merc ml or audi q7
Estate -BMW 3 or merc c or audi a4
I wouldn't really get a bigger estate, instead jump to a 4x4. I think hatch might be too small
 
I don't think you could go far wrong with something like this for example

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...d=used,nearlynew,new&price-to=17000&logcode=p


For a bit more grunt you could look for the 3.0tdi version or get the 2.0 mapped


If your not doing big mileage then the 2.0 TFSI is a good shout too, I tow the integra with a 450kg trailer, spare wheels, fuel, tools etc with a 2.0TFSI quattro mapped to approx 250bhp and its great.... 30mpg while towing and 37mpg on the motorway not towing. Its good fun to drive on a country road, comfortable while still handling well and great in the snow
 
When you say 1600kg tow limit, is that what you are towing or is that just a limit you are using?
Also the 40mpg rules out most of the bigger 3ltrs diesels unless you are motorway driving all the time. I don't care what the manufacturer quotes haha!
 
^^^^^ this^^^^

I've just hit a new Golf GTD..180bhp, with everything, Nav heated seats etc.
Surprisingly large load area, and can tow 2000kg

Leased over 3years £299 pcm

Job done!
 
Y
^^^^^ this^^^^

I've just hit a new Golf GTD..180bhp, with everything, Nav heated seats etc.
Surprisingly large load area, and can tow 2000kg


Job done!

I am not sure Golfs can legally tow 2 ton........
Most say 1.5 braked. Still within the ops 1600kg limit.
 
Personally, if I had 17000 monies to spend I'd be putting like 5k on a tow car and the spare 12k on something alittle more special....
 
Y


I am not sure Golfs can legally tow 2 ton........
Most say 1.5 braked. Still within the ops 1600kg limit.

I've never actually checked the vin plate ha ha.
I'm going by the Westfslia tech(who make the factory bar) which shows braked maximum of 2000kg. I'll definitely check that as we actually install bars, so if it's wrong I need to highlight that to them.

Cheers :)
 
Yeah I would agree with this. No idea what they cost but cooler than penguin piss.
Suprisingly they hold their money very well. I would buy a older one less than 10grand depreciation proof, best reliabiliity, comfort, all terain, nothing is in the same class.
 
Guys I don't know if a Land Cruiser meets John's criteria of "quickish"? I do like them though, and the Nissan Patrol.
 
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