Commuter car down the road

[wdc330i]

Originally Posted by FC

I don't want dirt cheap. I'm looking for an upgrade to the GTI.

I don't need new. The MB's above would be up to 6 years old in a couple of years when I'd be looking for a car. But I do want something nice if I'm going to spend time on it every day.

And yes, the i4 seems like a good fit, which is why it was always penciled in as the choice. But it would be around $80k new, and that's a lot.

Originally Posted by Josh (PA)

There is a 330e plug in hybrid. Don't know If it does anything better than an i4 other than put gas in for long drives

The 330e has my vote.

But, as I recall, your wife always wanted an MB in the stable, and I’m thinking it might be time for her to get something she really likes

[FC]

Yeah. I need to do some good old fashioned car shopping and comparisons.

[SARAFIL]

E53 is in different class than the others - do you want/need the extra space and ok trading off some of the sportiness?

[FC]

Originally Posted by SARAFIL

E53 is in different class than the others - do you want/need the extra space and ok trading off some of the sportiness?

I don't really know the answer to that. I'd need to know how much of one I gain for how much I am losing of the other.

[Alan]

Originally Posted by FC

I don't really know the answer to that. I'd need to know how much of one I gain for how much I am losing of the other.

I love my M550, it is probably one of the best all around cars I've owned, crazy fast, great suspension (DHP) and super comfortable to drive (Best seats ever).

The gas mileage sucks I think I average 14 mpg though for me it is a non factor especially being my Commute to the office is 9-10 miles also I go through tires pretty quickly (1 replaced and 2 more needed asap), 3 out of 4 of my wheels were bent at one point, I must of had the wheels balanced at least 4-5 times in the last 2 years and I have only 11k miles. I know this will be an expensive car in regards to maintenance but it is one of the last of its kind.

I would not recommend it for what you are looking for.

[FC]

Well, I still think the M550 is worth checking out. It is quite a bit cheaper CPO too, largely in line with the E53.

It seems the E53/M550i lose agility and sharpness vs the M340/C43, but that is to be expected. Also, no matter what relative to the general vehicle population, I'm sure they could move along and handle reasonably well.

I am also getting the BGTS for fun drives and the occasional (much longer) scenic drive to work. The focus would be to have a nice, comfortable cruiser with a roomy back seat that is not too numb.

That's what I say now. We'll see how the test drives work.

[JST]

Arteon? They won’t make them much longer but they should be available cheap.

[Jeff_DML]

Originally Posted by JST

Arteon? They won’t make them much longer but they should be available cheap.

Actually going to miss mine it is a good commuter

[Josh (PA)]

Yea, if the goal is a useable back seat then I would not be looking at a sloped roof 4 door coupe style. Check out a used 540 along with the e53.

[John V]

Why not a pre-owned panamera? Seems better than an ugly modern BMW