I'm right there with a 330d SE up until the understated bit

Are they understated? Well yes, compared to some. Ultimately it depends what you're comparing it to

You've listed a benchmark for quickness, but not for any of the other qualities?

Steve

Monster depreciation means that a second hand 607 or citroen C6 would make a rare, but very comfortable car.

VW Phaeton?

Citroen C6 V6 HDI.

Toyota Auris SR180

Renault Vel Satis :eek:

MG ZT260

Superb 3.6 V6 :P

Passat W8

I have a 260 and much as it has the Q factor and the performance (0-155 in 5th gear).

The 20-26mpg on normal driving may hurt if 400 miles is a regular event. There are a lot of fast diesals now that can hold a 330 and are more easy on the pocket. That said I have yet to hear any diesal that sounds as good as my old 260.

Steve

You've listed a benchmark for quickness, but not for any of the other qualities?

Well, for comfy, I said "suitable for 400 miles in a day, (though not necessarily every day)". For understated, "the sort of thing that does not lead observers to make any strong judgement on the owner/driver".

Classy I did not define, true. I suppose I would suggest "the opposite of a rusty white Ford Escort convertible." Something that people would be happy for other people to see them in, perhaps.

So have you had any thoughts about what may be The One yet Sporkster?

BMW 535d...

BMW 535d...

Remapped - It will beat a veyron you know

Citroen C6 V6 HDI.

Saw a black one of them at the local Tesco at the weekend. I was shocked, I really liked it. Still quite expensive for a big French barge knowing how much you'd have to set aside to get the electrics fixed every year.

Current model S80 V8 - so comfortable, brilliant chassis (dare I say preferable to the current high end 5 series?), AWD and cheap as chips to buy. For such a big engine the economy isn't too bad either. Well worth it for the V8 Howl too.

I can't see how the current S80 can hold a candle to a 5-Series for chassis dynamics and driveability, but I've not had a go in one so I stand to be corrected

Last time I was in one it was like driving a big wobbly pudding, while sitting in a very comfy armchair

Steve

Remapped - It will beat a veyron you know

And in standard tune it will beat a mapped Fabia vRS.. :eek:

So have you had any thoughts about what may be The One yet Sporkster?

Ah; it's just idle speculation really. Some interesting suggestions though. A chap at work has an R36 and it's very pretty, but I think the W8 suggestion might be the closest yet - they look almost identical to the normal Passat of that age. And I am a sucker for the W8 for some reason. Never tried one, of course... and it's impossible to find a manual estate.

Ah; it's just idle speculation really. Some interesting suggestions though. A chap at work has an R36 and it's very pretty, but I think the W8 suggestion might be the closest yet - they look almost identical to the normal Passat of that age. And I am a sucker for the W8 for some reason. Never tried one, of course...

Auto only you know? I owned a auto great for relaxing from a to b, but dont you like to stir the petrol.

Steve.

An idea of budget would help narrow your options down a bit?

And in standard tune it will beat a mapped Fabia vRS.. :eek:

a joke's a joke, but now you're just being ridiculous...:thumbdwn:

I can't see how the current S80 can hold a candle to a 5-Series for chassis dynamics and driveability, but I've not had a go in one so I stand to be corrected

Last time I was in one it was like driving a big wobbly pudding, while sitting in a very comfy armchair

Steve

Like I said, the V8 version...

It's like comparing a base spec Octavia with a sports version. The chassis on 4.4 V8 is AWD and has had a **** load of input from Richard Parry Jones so is pretty damn capable. As a non new choice, I know where I would be putting my money and it wouldn't be Stuttgart. And yes, I have had the opportunity to drive most of the high end 5 series as well as several different specs of the S80, including the aforementioned V8. It perhaps isn't quite as entertaining as the 5 series but as a proposition for a Q car, it is right at the top of my list, especially as the interior is one of the nicest of any car I have driven.

Another vote here for the Volvo S60 with the higher-powered D5 engine. Plenty of shove, sounds nice in a 5-cylindery kind of way, lots of kit, some of them look reeeeeally nice, plus they're ridiculously comfortable good deals on them too. Willing to bet a remapped one would surprise many a driver.

Or...

BMW 530d M-Sport, e39 model...my dad had one, it was awesome In gunmetal grey, it was even understated.

Auto only you know? I owned a auto great for relaxing from a to b, but dont you like to stir the petrol.

I've definitely seen manual ones on Ebay, but only saloons. I don't think many estates sold, and even fewer in manual.

An idea of budget would help narrow your options down a bit?

It's just idle speculation - no purchase imminent. Though I've noticed that the going rate for a W8 is about 5k now. Almost makes up for the incredible thirstiness and (presumably) excruciating service/parts costs...

Volvo V50 R design Se sport D5 with the manual box, then remap to 220bhp

Turbocharged Trabant

Pics of my 260 stealty? I just washed them both ready for a run up to Dreadnought garage in Callender in Scotland. This is the spot to supercharge the Ford 4.6 lump in the Uk. The run has been cancelled, gutted as I am hoping to S/C mine later in the year. Then it will be understated for its capabilities. Plus the mpg goes up from 23mpg to over 27mpg.

http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/3416/img1023.jpg

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/9550/img1024g.jpg

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/8039/img1022c.jpg

Steve

Saab 9-3 or 9-5 for me. My best mate has just bought a 2003 9-3 Aero 2.0T (HOT) with 230bhp Hirsch upgrade, and I'm in awe of the thing