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Post by Roadrunner on Sept 27, 2023 14:12:56 GMT
My mother currently runs a 2015 Benz C200 AMG Line which had provided trouble free motoring for a number of years, but she now fancies a change. One of the main drivers for this is, at the age of nearly 83, she wants something higher up to make it easier to climb in and out. I noticed her struggle to a certain extent getting out of my E350 on Sunday, so it would seem to make sense.
She would like something a little smaller than the C Class but still wants something of decent quality, with leather seats and a sunroof. Looking at lightly used, up to about £35,000.
The current favourite is the Lexus UX 250h, probably in the top Takumi spec. Likely to be going to look at a few this weekend. Also considering a BMW 2 series Active Tourer and possibly an X1 or X2.
Is there anything else we should consider?
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Post by clunes on Sept 27, 2023 15:25:28 GMT
If she's used to C-Class and looking at higher end options like the Lexus (which I expect she would really like if quality of finish etc is high on the list) then I would also include options like the Audi Q2 and Range Rover Evoque.
The new Honda designs look pretty decent and a little different from the outside (though not as bold as the Lexus) and the hybrid technology I find very interesting - but have never sat in one.
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Post by Tim on Sept 27, 2023 15:28:53 GMT
Don't Merc still do the GLB or something like that? It'd be familiar surroundings for her and fine as long as she didn't mind scratchy dashboard plastics
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Post by LandieMark on Sept 27, 2023 16:29:44 GMT
GLC or GLA?
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Post by Roadrunner on Sept 27, 2023 17:09:05 GMT
I have looked at the GLA. The familiarity would be good, but they seem expensive for what they are and don't excite me that much. On the list.
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Post by Martin on Sept 27, 2023 17:27:43 GMT
What about the Volvo XC40?
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Post by Roadrunner on Sept 27, 2023 18:48:31 GMT
What about the Volvo XC40? That's on the list, too. One of her friends has one and likes it. I have found one with a sunroof and HK sound, so have added it to the list.
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Post by ChrisM on Sept 27, 2023 18:58:04 GMT
Is the MINI 4x4 thing (Countryman?) also an option, or perceived as being too small?
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Post by Roadrunner on Sept 27, 2023 19:31:53 GMT
Is the MINI 4x4 thing (Countryman?) also an option, or perceived as being too small? She tried a MINI before and said it was too noisy, but that was probably an earlier generation. I shall have a look.
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Post by Andy C on Sept 27, 2023 20:00:31 GMT
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Post by PetrolEd on Sept 27, 2023 20:18:13 GMT
Is the Lexus not a bit too clever for its own good. Not suggesting that your mum can’t work out a complicated car but are you not better keeping it a lot more simple and therefore future proofing for when she does slow down more.
Something like a Jeep Renegade with black bumpers.
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Post by Roadrunner on Sept 27, 2023 21:32:53 GMT
Ed - having seen her bump up the kerb as she pulled away from my house at the weekend I think you might have a point, but we shall stay with the interesting for now.
Andy - yes the Tonale is also on the list, but difficult to find one with a sunroof.
Audi Q3 added to the list as well.
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Post by Tim on Sept 28, 2023 7:08:03 GMT
Ford Kuga?
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Post by Roadrunner on Sept 28, 2023 7:24:17 GMT
No doubt a good car, but she is looking for something more premium. Maybe one in Vignale flavour could work?
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Post by cbeaks1 on Sept 28, 2023 8:11:12 GMT
The Kuga is great but Vignale spec won’t make a difference in this sort of premium search imvho.
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Post by Tim on Sept 28, 2023 9:09:20 GMT
Surely a Kuga is more exclusive than a run of the mill Audi or Merc SUV?
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Post by Boxer6 on Sept 28, 2023 10:41:04 GMT
Surely a Kuga is more exclusive than a run of the mill Audi or Merc SUV? I had a similar thought!
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Post by PG on Sept 28, 2023 12:29:06 GMT
Surely a Kuga is more exclusive than a run of the mill Audi or Merc SUV? I had a peek in the side window of a new Kuga Vignale parked up recently and it looks way, way better then I remember Fords ever being. Plus it still had actual physical climate controls. And for £35k you can get one that's almost new. But I also doubt it gets a look in if you want "premium".
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Post by Tim on Sept 28, 2023 13:24:06 GMT
Surely a Kuga is more exclusive than a run of the mill Audi or Merc SUV? I had a peek in the side window of a new Kuga Vignale parked up recently and it looks way, way better then I remember Fords ever being. Plus it still had actual physical climate controls. And for £35k you can get one that's almost new. But I also doubt it gets a look in if you want "premium". You mean if you THINK you want 'premium'! Drive round any modern build housing estate - so many of those 3 bed terraces have a white Merc A Class or Audi A3 parked out front. All on a £200/month PCP probably. Any Ford that isn't a Fiesta or Puma is pretty rare now
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Post by Stuntman on Sept 28, 2023 14:25:17 GMT
My Dad is 80 and has had both knees replaced. He used to have an Audi Q3 and now has a Volvo XC40. He doesn't particularly like the Volvo but I think he liked the Q3.
However, both cars probably have the right combination of relatively compact footprint, higher driving position, and ease of entry and exit. If you're thinking Lexus - what about the Toyota C-HR, or is that a bit big? I recognise that its looks can be polarising, but I like it.
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Post by Martin on Sept 28, 2023 14:30:27 GMT
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Post by Roadrunner on Sept 28, 2023 16:01:17 GMT
I didn't realise the Macan could be had in company fleet spec. A lot of car for the money, but I can't see her choosing it I dropped into the Lexus showroom near my office this afternoon for a test sit in the UX. The interior quality is outstanding and it is a very nice place to be.
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Post by Tim on Sept 28, 2023 16:07:02 GMT
My Dad is 80 and has had both knees replaced. He used to have an Audi Q3 and now has a Volvo XC40. He doesn't particularly like the Volvo but I think he liked the Q3. However, both cars probably have the right combination of relatively compact footprint, higher driving position, and ease of entry and exit. If you're thinking Lexus - what about the Toyota C-HR, or is that a bit big? I recognise that its looks can be polarising, but I like it. A freind has recently bought a Toyota CH-R and when you're standing next to it it's really not that big - I'd say it's smaller than a Q3?
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Post by clunes on Sept 28, 2023 17:32:04 GMT
My Dad is 80 and has had both knees replaced. He used to have an Audi Q3 and now has a Volvo XC40. He doesn't particularly like the Volvo but I think he liked the Q3. However, both cars probably have the right combination of relatively compact footprint, higher driving position, and ease of entry and exit. If you're thinking Lexus - what about the Toyota C-HR, or is that a bit big? I recognise that its looks can be polarising, but I like it. A freind has recently bought a Toyota CH-R and when you're standing next to it it's really not that big - I'd say it's smaller than a Q3? It's definitely longer than a Q3 but not sure about the other dimensions. The Honda HR-V is a similar size to the other things mentioned. Volvo was a good shout - I think they are doing a great job in general (despite stopping the sale of estates here!)
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Post by Martin on Sept 28, 2023 17:42:38 GMT
Some comparisons. CH-R is joint shortest with the X2, the Lexus is the longest
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Post by clunes on Sept 28, 2023 18:50:20 GMT
Doh! I was clearly thinking CR-V not CH-R. The CR-V is definitely longer than these options.
I’m not surprised at your thoughts on Lexus interior. They don’t always photograph well but in person tend to convey a higher level of build & materials quality
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Post by Roadrunner on Sept 29, 2023 10:15:25 GMT
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Post by Martin on Sept 29, 2023 10:51:17 GMT
Looks like a great spec and the black plastic wheel arch surrounds don't look too bad against that body colour, but it's far from an attractive car.... On the positive side, the interior does look nice and it feels like pretty good value.
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Post by clunes on Sept 29, 2023 11:13:27 GMT
I don't mind the Lexus styling - far from traditionally 'attractive/pretty' for sure but, as I've probably said before, at least they are different and stand out. The interiors tend to be very good but for me I think the gearbox would be the biggest issue - though for your mums needs it may well be perfect - I hope she likes it
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Post by Martin on Sept 29, 2023 11:17:28 GMT
I don't mind the Lexus styling - far from traditionally 'attractive/pretty' for sure but, as I've probably said before, at least they are different and stand out. The interiors tend to be very good but for me I think the gearbox would be the biggest issue - though for your mums needs it may well be perfect - I hope she likes it You sound like a BMW designer! Yes, a CVT would make anything a non starter for me (it ruined the GS 450h I drove about 9 years ago), but I'm sure it will be fine for RR's mum.
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