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Post by racingteatray on Sept 10, 2020 12:38:06 GMT
...what to do in December.
In December, my current car reaches the end of its PCP, so I have to decide whether to buy it (either outright or refinance) or change it.
Vines rang today to gently enquire as to what my thinking was.
I had to admit that to them that for the first time, I don't really have a clear idea of what I want. Normally at this point, they just need to sell me the car as I have already decided what I want and with which colour/options etc.
Logically we should keep the 4GC - it's been a great car and has suited us well. Ideally, I would get a second-hand sports car of some sort. But I am starting to think for various reasons that we might be best served by a mid-size SUV such as an X3/Velar/Macan etc.
This annoys both my wife and me on principle as we have always been rude about city-dwelling SUV drivers, but perhaps we should not try to fight the inevitable.
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Post by michael on Sept 10, 2020 12:46:35 GMT
But I am starting to think for various reasons that we might be best served by a mid-size SUV such as an X3/Velar/Macan etc. This is the default bodystyle now so you're left with little choice if it's any consolation. |
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Post by Bob Sacamano v2.0 on Sept 10, 2020 13:23:18 GMT
Much as I like your 4GC the Velar is lovely, not too big, and a significant change from what you've had previously to be of interest.
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Post by Tim on Sept 10, 2020 13:40:47 GMT
I always think the Velour is bigger than expected when I see one out and about.
I'd keep the 4GC but get a warranty.
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Post by Martin on Sept 10, 2020 13:42:36 GMT
Much as I like your 4GC the Velar is lovely, not too big, and a significant change from what you've had previously to be of interest. The Velour can be nice when specced right but they're also pretty big. Not particularly long as it's slightly shorter than a 5 series, but its wider than a 7 or 8 series and compared to the 4GC it is 130mm/5" wider and 160mm/6.5" longer so quite a step up in. They're about half way between a Macan/Cayenne and X3/X5. There is a lot to like, but I still wouldn't choose an SUV unless the space and/or capability was really needed. |
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Post by racingteatray on Sept 10, 2020 13:44:30 GMT
Only two problems with the Velar are (i) it's eye-wateringly expensive and (ii) it doesn't have a good reliability record at all.
For the money, I'm not sure I wouldn't prefer a Macan. The Macan is also a bit lower (L-4.69, W-1.92, H-1.62) than a Velar (L-4.81, W-1.93, H-1.71), although neither the Macan or the Velar has a significantly bigger footprint than a 4GC (L-4.64, W-1.83, H-1.39). Of course the issue with the Macan is that it's a sort of reverse Tardis.
I have however asked for a test-drive in an X3 M40i as the more budget option. One of our neighbours has a 68-plate X3 M40i and, as my wife noted once, it unsurprisingly makes the same noise on start-up as our car. The salesman suggested the X4 but I said I wasn't sure I could live with the rear-end styling (we had already discussed that the new 4-series was a non-starter on the looks front).
I will also take a look at the Stelvio, F-Type and whatever Mercedes calls its equivalent (I get lost in the Mercedes badging system).
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Post by racingteatray on Sept 10, 2020 13:47:55 GMT
Much as I like your 4GC the Velar is lovely, not too big, and a significant change from what you've had previously to be of interest. There is a lot to like, but I still wouldn't choose an SUV unless the space and/or capability was really needed. Most of the properties we've looked at in Italy have either been at the end of dirt tracks or have had underground car parks that require a car with good ground clearance. That's really why I'm looking at an SUV. In theory, an X4-style SUV-coupe ought to be exactly in our sweet spot but I'm not sure I've yet seen anything of that sort that I didn't instantly think was both hideous and vulgar. |
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Post by Martin on Sept 10, 2020 13:52:44 GMT
You're right, the Macan is a reverse Tardis, there's slightly less room for people than there is in our Golf.
The latest X4 is too ugly for words, the X3 is much better and is a bit more 5 than 3 series but it's an easy £56-57k car new even with a 12% discount which is too much imo.
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Post by Martin on Sept 10, 2020 13:59:28 GMT
There is a lot to like, but I still wouldn't choose an SUV unless the space and/or capability was really needed. Most of the properties we've looked at in Italy have either been at the end of dirt tracks or have had underground car parks that require a car with good ground clearance. That's really why I'm looking at an SUV. In theory, an X4-style SUV-coupe ought to be exactly in our sweet spot but I'm not sure I've yet seen anything of that sort that I didn't instantly think was both hideous and vulgar. I had one for the day....hideous is about right  I didn't like it to drive, but it was on standard M Sport suspension. |
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Post by michael on Sept 10, 2020 14:05:44 GMT
Presumably the Velar and F-Pace will soon benefit from JLR's new 6 cylinder engines if they're pulling the 4 pots from the Defender? Drive the deal have the Range Rover Velar D180 R-Dynamic SE 5dr Auto for £47,654 saving 15.5%.
The Audi version of the Macan is:
Audi Q5 40 TDI Quattro S Line 5dr S Tronic * (new model) £38,295 Save 16.5%
Audi Q5 40 TDI Quattro Edition 1 5dr S Tronic * (new model) £42,166 Save 16.5%
And the Mercedes Benz rival:
Mercedes GLC 300 4Matic AMG Line Premium Plus 5dr 9G-Tronic £43,824 Save 15.5%
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Post by Roadrunner on Sept 10, 2020 14:19:41 GMT
With you being in London, would this be an opportunity to consider some sort of hybrid option?
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Post by racingteatray on Sept 10, 2020 14:28:35 GMT
With you being in London, would this be an opportunity to consider some sort of hybrid option? Are there are any medium-sized petrol hybrid SUVs which don't come with a 4-cylinder engine? A 4-cylinder SUV would just upset me. |
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Post by racingteatray on Sept 10, 2020 14:29:20 GMT
Oh and no diesels. I'm not about to take the risk that they get legislated out of London in the next four years!
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Post by Martin on Sept 10, 2020 14:34:25 GMT
With you being in London, would this be an opportunity to consider some sort of hybrid option? Are there are any medium-sized petrol hybrid SUVs which don't come with a 4-cylinder engine? A 4-cylinder SUV would just upset me. Not that I can think of, you'd have to move up to an X5 45e to get 6 cylinders. Edit: Doesn't a no 4 cylinder rule means you've narrowed your options down to Macan and X3? Unless you're thinking of really upping the budget and looking at the V8 Velar, Stelvio Quadrifoglio? |
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Post by michael on Sept 10, 2020 14:47:11 GMT
Oh and no diesels. I'm not about to take the risk that they get legislated out of London in the next four years! As you're binding yourself to the extent you are I'd keep your car and extend the warranty. There's simply nothing on the market that isn't a major compromise. |
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Post by Big Blue on Sept 10, 2020 15:06:15 GMT
I assume you're in the "change because I want to" state of mind that I am in.
I'll sit here and wait for you to advise us that you bought a Macan because I can't see any other option that would fit the bill.
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Post by cbeaks1 on Sept 10, 2020 15:09:06 GMT
Second hand i8 and swap the Fiat for a Golf R wagon.
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Post by racingteatray on Sept 10, 2020 15:17:00 GMT
Well perhaps.
I looked up the boot space on a Macan and it's actually slightly bigger than the boot space on my car, so given it's just the two of us, I'm minded not to write the Macan off just yet.
Normally I'd say that I wouldn't buy a new one but I am quite impressed by the residuals on a Macan GTS.
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Post by michael on Sept 10, 2020 15:22:28 GMT
Would you consider the Audi Q5 given it's pretty much the same car? I assume they can be had with a V6.
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Post by racingteatray on Sept 10, 2020 15:24:00 GMT
Would you consider the Audi Q5 given it's pretty much the same car? I assume they can be had with a V6. No they can't! And my father has a Q5 hybrid on order and love him as I do, I don't want to drive the same car but not as nice as his (since his are always dripping with exclusive paint, leather and all manner of FG). |
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Post by Martin on Sept 10, 2020 15:31:40 GMT
Well perhaps. I looked up the boot space on a Macan and it's actually slightly bigger than the boot space on my car, so given it's just the two of us, I'm minded not to write the Macan off just yet. Wouldn't buy a new one though. It is when measure in litres, but that really surprised me, maybe it's because the 4GC has a more practical shape? You'll see what I mean from these pictures.   |
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Post by Martin on Sept 10, 2020 15:33:09 GMT
Would you consider the Audi Q5 given it's pretty much the same car? I assume they can be had with a V6. No they can't! And my father has a Q5 hybrid on order and love him as I do, I don't want to drive the same car but not as nice as his (since his are always dripping with exclusive paint, leather and all manner of FG). And it's a 4 cylinder SUV..... |
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Post by racingteatray on Sept 10, 2020 15:53:17 GMT
Well perhaps. I looked up the boot space on a Macan and it's actually slightly bigger than the boot space on my car, so given it's just the two of us, I'm minded not to write the Macan off just yet. Wouldn't buy a new one though. It is when measure in litres, but that really surprised me, maybe it's because the 4GC has a more practical shape? You'll see what I mean from these pictures. I think the boot space will be fine. I have tests arranged for a Macan S and a Velour in D300 flavour (to see what it is like). I've also asked for the X3/4 M40i but not yet set up. |
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Post by Andy C on Sept 10, 2020 16:50:36 GMT
Stelvio QF . The engine is stunning.
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Post by Roadrunner on Sept 10, 2020 17:17:44 GMT
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Post by racingteatray on Sept 10, 2020 17:35:12 GMT
Very nice indeed. I also have a call into my nearest Jaaag dealer. |
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Post by Martin on Sept 10, 2020 17:49:48 GMT
Would need to have the “In Control Touch pro” system (Much improves Nav plus Digital dials), that’s got the ancient one, as will most, because I think they only sold the V6 petrol in 16-17? Same time period for the Velour with that engine, but one of those would have a much better infotainment system, better std equipment and look a lot nicer too. |
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Post by racingteatray on Sept 10, 2020 18:00:45 GMT
I'm told that engine has truly shocking fuel consumption in the Velour, so I assume likewise in the F-Pace.
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Post by Martin on Sept 10, 2020 18:11:47 GMT
I'm told that engine has truly shocking fuel consumption in the Velour, so I assume likewise in the F-Pace. Won’t be any worse than a petrol Macan (low 20s avg) edit: tracked over 1.4m miles  |
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Post by chipbutty on Sept 10, 2020 18:45:36 GMT
Anyone considering the purchase of a Velar or F-Pace in December should keep their eyes peeled for interesting developments over the next few weeks.
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