What is the best ca...
 

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[Closed] What is the best car on sale today...

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...taking absolutely everything into account? When you factor in price, performance, comfort, safety, economy, cost of ownership, practicality, image(?), reliability etc etc... is there something that hits the sweet spot or just a bunch of overly compromised jack of all trades?

I was just thinking as my Volvo V40 is more or less perfect for me, it's comfy, fairly quick, great economy, big enough for what I need but not too big and so on. One of the others that would be great for me would be the Golf GTD estate. I'm not suggesting it's the best car on sale, but what is?

/expects Skoda and Audi estates to feature heavily from the STW demographic/


 
Posted : 06/04/2016 6:47 pm
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Maserati.


 
Posted : 06/04/2016 6:51 pm
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Please retire to a darkened room and have a quiet word with yourself


 
Posted : 06/04/2016 6:51 pm
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Whatever meets the individual's needs.


 
Posted : 06/04/2016 6:53 pm
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It depends


 
Posted : 06/04/2016 6:53 pm
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Ford Orion 1.3L

Unbelievably, there's one blocking my driveway and it's yours for £50.


 
Posted : 06/04/2016 6:55 pm
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[img] [/img]

This would do it for me.


 
Posted : 06/04/2016 6:56 pm
 Drac
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Leased, cash or PCP?


 
Posted : 06/04/2016 6:57 pm
 LHS
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2016 Honda Civic apparently.


 
Posted : 06/04/2016 7:03 pm
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I'm not in the market for a new car, just idle curiosity. I remember in the mid/late 90s Clarkson said the BMW 5 Series was the best all round car in the world. Just wondered what today's equivalent would be (other than a new 5 series, obviously).


 
Posted : 06/04/2016 7:08 pm
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A Porsche Panemera estate which uses the running gear for the 918 hybrid hypercar would be ideal.

As it doesn't exist, and given that BMW don't do an M5 Touring and that Mercedss don't do an S65 shooting brake, it'll have to be an RS6 Avant.


 
Posted : 06/04/2016 7:14 pm
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A helicoptor.


 
Posted : 06/04/2016 7:14 pm
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Latest VW Passat, epically good yet totally unnoticeable, won't break the bank and won't mark you out as a nob but it will get you from A to B in comfort and without fuss.


 
Posted : 06/04/2016 7:14 pm
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The latest VW Passat is NOT "epically good" Good it may be, but it's a very, very long way from epic.


 
Posted : 06/04/2016 7:18 pm
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When you factor in price, performance, comfort, safety, economy, cost of ownership, practicality, image(?), reliability

Don't want much, do you? 🙂

Insigna, sod teh haters. Great cars for the money.

Or an i40, but something tells me they're going to look super-dated in a year or two.


 
Posted : 06/04/2016 7:18 pm
 tomd
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Please retire to a darkened room and have a quiet word with yourself

+1 spunktrumpetry of the highest order in the OP.


 
Posted : 06/04/2016 7:20 pm
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Ford Focus.

Although, I am loathed to give a semi-serious answer to what is either lukewarm shitposting, or genuine nobsense.


 
Posted : 06/04/2016 7:20 pm
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The very bestest one in the whole widest world? Are you 12?


 
Posted : 06/04/2016 7:22 pm
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Tesla Model S with ludicrous mode (faster than most things on the road, cheaper to run too and lots of space).

Yours for £60-70k though!


 
Posted : 06/04/2016 7:22 pm
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Macan


 
Posted : 06/04/2016 7:24 pm
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They are all really dull. Better to get one from the early 90's when even small Japanese hatchbacks were interesting.


 
Posted : 06/04/2016 7:31 pm
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A van.

End of thread.


 
Posted : 06/04/2016 7:32 pm
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Daffy

A Porsche Panemera estate which uses the running gear for the 918 hybrid hypercar would be ideal.

As it doesn't exist, ........

[url= http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/porsche/panamera/first-drives/first-drive-review-porsche-panamera-sport-turismo ]Panamera Sport Turismo.[/url]

[img] http://www.germancarforum.com/attachments/4421e348798ab9d7356e88e72f5184b8-_-jpg.283726/ [/img]

[img] [/img]

[img] [/img]


 
Posted : 06/04/2016 7:34 pm
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Honda civic tourer 1.6d. Email me if interested, yo.


 
Posted : 06/04/2016 7:36 pm
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I would be pleased with this:

[img] [/img]

[img] [/img]

[img] [/img]

Covers all bases for me


 
Posted : 06/04/2016 7:36 pm
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Golf GTI or Golf R estate. Sorry. Or the latest Rhd Mustang.

But for my needs Alhambra tdi.


 
Posted : 06/04/2016 7:45 pm
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Lwb camper that handles like a supercar, does 80mpg if not electric carries 7 bikes and looks good when I pull up at a 5* hotel.
Well that's my criteria


 
Posted : 06/04/2016 7:49 pm
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My current Mondeo estate or my 1st 51 Passat estate.


 
Posted : 06/04/2016 7:52 pm
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Does that come with it's own Mr T?


 
Posted : 06/04/2016 7:59 pm
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@daffy, I suspect how we measure "good" is different. That porshe looks rubbish to me as a UK transport,brilliant for the once a year I drive to the south of france, but like wearing a tux tescos the rest of time.


 
Posted : 06/04/2016 8:14 pm
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Given how I'd quite like to be driven around these days now I'm suffering from all that stuff in the 40 plus thread, one with a chauffeur please. The new Mercedes 600 maybach would be ideal but I'll settle for a £1500 Lexus 400.

I'd be asleep in minutes.


 
Posted : 06/04/2016 8:19 pm
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Same thing I say in every thread, a scabby estate with a half-decent engine in it. A bicycling gentleman's motor vehicle should carry him to the riding venue with comfort and effortless pace; but once he arrives, it should be cheap enough and ugly enough that he doesn't mind [s]abandoning it[/s] parking it in a ditch, then filling it with mud and food wrappers for the waft home.

Mine was a bit too nice so I've spent 3 years ruining it, now it's perfect.


 
Posted : 06/04/2016 8:23 pm
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Scamper - Member
Golf GTI or Golf R estate. Sorry. Or the latest Rhd Mustang.
But for my n

The R can be had for £200/month at the moment


 
Posted : 06/04/2016 8:31 pm
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A Berlingo but with a 306 GTI-6 engine in it


 
Posted : 06/04/2016 8:34 pm
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These car threads always remind me of the Ford dealer salesman I met c.1980 in Leeds, I was a young guy just beginning to earn a few quid and looking to buy a RS something.

He said,where are you driving then, cos the limit here is 70 mph, all our cars do over 80mph, so why do want one of those shit boxes?

Cup holders, radio, safety, comfort, style, beyond that just marks you out as bit of a douche.


 
Posted : 06/04/2016 8:45 pm
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Whatever your first car was. For me it was a cut&shut W reg metallic gold MK3 Escort 1.3L. My first car - it was a shed but I had some of the best times of my life in or with that POS.

Edit -ah, just re-read the title, probably not on sale today though!


 
Posted : 06/04/2016 8:45 pm
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Assuming new, and that you value a bit of performance over mpg, it's hard to look past the Golf R estate.

There are quicker or cheaper or more economical or more comfortable cars, but not at the same time. Nigh-on 300bhp, 4WD, comfortable, easy to live with, huge boot, proper roof rails, so safe it costs very little to insure, 35mpg, and everyone outside of the car nerd world just thinks it's an ordinary Golf.


 
Posted : 06/04/2016 8:45 pm
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New Mazda MX5 though that F-type is amazing!


 
Posted : 06/04/2016 8:47 pm
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best is a bit of a subjective term.


 
Posted : 06/04/2016 8:49 pm
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Assuming new, and that you value a bit of performance over mpg, it's hard to look past the Golf R estate.

There are quicker or cheaper or more economical or more comfortable cars, but not at the same time. Nigh-on 300bhp, 4WD, comfortable, easy to live with, so safe it costs very little to insure, 35mpg, and everyone outside of the car nerd world just thinks it's an ordinary Golf.

See, now that's a sensible answer to what was a genuine question. I'm fully aware there is no "right" answer but that wasn't that hard was it?


 
Posted : 06/04/2016 8:52 pm
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I'm biased. I have one 😛


 
Posted : 06/04/2016 8:53 pm
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Daffy - Member
As it doesn't exist, and given that BMW don't do an M5 Touring

Yes they do


 
Posted : 06/04/2016 8:53 pm
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As a feat of engineering the Range Rover is hard to beat. The new ones are too gaudy though and will make you look a twunt. Brilliant car let down by it's customers,they are what they used to be.


 
Posted : 06/04/2016 9:37 pm
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Jeez, Skoda Octavia. C'mon people.


 
Posted : 06/04/2016 9:37 pm
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Tesla s 90 performance. Mega fast. 300 mile range and free fuel at the airport. Oh and 5 people in luxury with a practical hatchback boot.... mmm


 
Posted : 06/04/2016 9:40 pm
 Sui
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simply_oli_y - Member
Daffy - Member
As it doesn't exist, and given that BMW don't do an M5 Touring
Yes they do

And Alpina B5 Touring


 
Posted : 06/04/2016 9:40 pm
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Jesus Christ and the baby Frickin orphans. What is wrong with you people?

[b]MAZDA BONGO[/b]. FFS.


 
Posted : 06/04/2016 9:41 pm
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It's so obvz innit..
[img] [/img]


 
Posted : 06/04/2016 9:43 pm
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Just in case anyone actually wants one: https://www.gateway2lease.com/cars/volkswagen/golf/golf-estate-2.0-tsi-300ps-r-dsg6-4motion-mk7.php?id=4932490


 
Posted : 06/04/2016 9:57 pm
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Anonymous spacious tdi estate or mpv. Berlingo, Alhambra, Mondeo, depending on if your priority is budget, space or poise.


 
Posted : 06/04/2016 9:58 pm
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For several decades my answer to this hasn't changed. Range Rover. Still see no need to change the answer. The "image" doesn't change the engineering, though it might put me off buying one were I rich enough to do so (as it would a BMW or Audi). As it is my Hyundai is perfect for what I need...


 
Posted : 07/04/2016 7:15 am
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No one mentioned T5 4Motion yet....


 
Posted : 07/04/2016 7:39 am
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http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C603623


 
Posted : 07/04/2016 7:52 am
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simply_oli_y
Daffy - Member
As it doesn't exist, and given that BMW don't do an M5 Touring

Yes they do

Do they?


 
Posted : 07/04/2016 7:55 am
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I have to agree with other posters that the Golf R estate does seem to be the "one car to rule them all".

That said, the ideal car for me is my current car plus an S1 Elise...

Whoever said Insignia hasn't compared the boot (or anything much else) to other cars on sale (Golf estate, Leon estate, Octavia and Mondeo are all considerably larger in the boot and nicer to drive)


 
Posted : 07/04/2016 8:34 am
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jimjam - Member

Do they?

No, they don't. The previous E60 model had an M5 Touring varient, but the new one doesn't.

That Panemera Sport Tourismo is now at the very pinnacle of my list!


 
Posted : 07/04/2016 8:38 am
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Daffy
jimjam

Do they?

No, they don't. The previous E60 model had an M5 Touring varient, but the new one doesn't.

That Panemera Sport Tourismo is now at the very pinnacle of my list!

That's what I thought re the M5 Touring.

And yes, that Panamera Super Tourismo is awesome isn't it. They're bound to do a pretty hot version of it too. Would look well with a bike or two on the roof.


 
Posted : 07/04/2016 8:42 am
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hmmm, I wonder how much a Golf R would be for 40,000 miles a year....


 
Posted : 07/04/2016 8:43 am
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Saw an F-type coupe in traffic yesterday. Want so much.


 
Posted : 07/04/2016 9:30 am
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 Nico
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A well-sorted RX-7.


 
Posted : 07/04/2016 9:37 am
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Definitely a contender for Most Subjective Thread of 2016.

The best car ever hasn't been invented yet. If it had, it would be run from the contents of my recycling bin, would have a range of a fortnight between refuelling, would cruise at 70mph in leather upholstered comfort, could be serviced by any untrained garage gibbon in exchange for a few quid, would carry all my bikes plus family and would ride like a Rolls Royce or handle like a 1980s hot hatch on demand.

Failing that, I'd settle for a Tesla.


 
Posted : 07/04/2016 9:37 am
 LoCo
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Can't believe no one has mentioned the fabulous range rover evoke convertible yet, in white obvs. 😈

Quite surprised by the number of Teslas in Cornwall this easter holiday, seems to the the go to option now that or a supercharged range rover 😉


 
Posted : 07/04/2016 9:38 am
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PJM1974
Definitely a contender for Most Subjective Thread of 2016.

The best car ever hasn't been invented yet. If it had, it would be run from the contents of my recycling bin.............

Good thing the thread title is "Best car on sale today" and not best possible hypothetical future car isn't it 😉


 
Posted : 07/04/2016 9:40 am
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it'll have to be an RS6 Avant

My boss has one of those and it's bloody lovely. Not that much space in the boot though and certainly not very economical.

For me, my wife's Micra. It's very reliable, very economical and nippy around town which is where it is used most. It's also great in the snow and I can get 2 bikes in it with the seats down. It's also not too nice so we don't mind muddy boots and bikes in it or the odd scratch and dent on the body work.

For me/us, it is genuinely perfect.


 
Posted : 07/04/2016 9:44 am
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Good thing the thread title is "Best car on sale today" and not best possible hypothetical future car isn't it

I covered my backside with this:

Failing that, I'd settle for a Tesla.

🙂


 
Posted : 07/04/2016 9:46 am
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This is a bit like a conversation I have with my 5 year old.

However, I think the Telsa model S has to easily be the top trump card.


 
Posted : 07/04/2016 9:55 am
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Agree on the Golf R. The lease deals are unbelievable. Just hope they are still around when it comes to changing my GTD (which also is a brilliant car).


 
Posted : 07/04/2016 10:04 am
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For me, my wife's Micra. It's very reliable, very economical and nippy around town which is where it is used most. It's also great in the snow and I can get 2 bikes in it with the seats down. It's also not too nice so we don't mind muddy boots and bikes in it or the odd scratch and dent on the body work.

Is that the older bubble car style one? I used to get them years ago as they were brilliant. Loads of space if you dropped the seats, I'm still amazed at how later and supposedly larger cars manage to have less space in them than a crappy old 1L Micra.

Then Renault got involved with Nissan and the Micra went really rubbish rather than just a bit rubbish but quite practical.


 
Posted : 07/04/2016 10:11 am
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Hmmm, just realised a flaw with a Golf R estate is that, were I to buy one, I would care about it as a nice object, not just as a tool, and therefore would perhaps be too precious about it and end up divorced. And perhaps get annoyed with myself for filling the boot up with muddy bikes and kit. And spend too long cleaning it.

My car is the BEST car on sale (at the time I bought it) (for me).


 
Posted : 07/04/2016 10:15 am
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for build quality, performance and MPG that is somewhere near the official figures then I would say BMW hits the sweet spot. Incredibly well engineered in that leaves it other German competitors looking very average.

On the other German competitors or VAG I really think they have lost the plot and easily beaten by Ford and dare I say it Citroen.


 
Posted : 07/04/2016 10:23 am
 br
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Still got no idea how the OP could imagine that a V40 is the 'best'...

For me a car needs to:

- seat 5, although it mostly only has 1, but 4 in comfort
- big enough for me as a tall driver that a passenger can sit behind
- be auto and fast enough to overtake on tight A roads
- take a towbar, for bike racks
- be able to swallow a tip run, so hatch/estate/thru-seat saloon
- decent radio and connect phones and music
- air con, electric windows and heated seats

So usually go for a large hatchback.


 
Posted : 07/04/2016 10:24 am
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for build quality, performance and MPG that is somewhere near the official figures then I would say BMW hits the sweet spot.

Agreed. A 5 (or even 3) series 2L touring is all the car I would need.

On the other German competitors or VAG I really think they have lost the plot and easily beaten by Ford and dare I say it Citroen.

The new A4 I looked at knocks spots off any ford or citroen I have ever seen or owned in pretty much every way imaginable. In fact, it (particularly the inside) is better than all of the recent BMW's I have seen. It's very, very nice.


 
Posted : 07/04/2016 10:30 am
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Think the closest your going to get to a modern day M5 Touring is a Alpina B5 touring, 500BHP 0-60 in under 5secs and just shy of 190mph and still able to carry 5 people and there luggage,
That said they still don't do it for me.
[img] [/img]

[url= http://www.evo.co.uk/alpina/b5/7048/driven-alpina-b5-biturbo-touring ]LINKY[/url]


 
Posted : 07/04/2016 10:36 am
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Obvs

[img] /revision/latest?cb=20130925095624[/img]


 
Posted : 07/04/2016 10:40 am
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[img] ?itok=ppB88pwN[/img]

[img] ?itok=16vfAveF[/img]

Deserves an honorable mention. Though in the metal they look even more ridiculously aggressive than an RS6.


 
Posted : 07/04/2016 10:42 am
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Still got no idea how the OP could imagine that a V40 is the 'best'

Did you read the OP? I said it was near perfect for my needs, then said I wasn't suggesting it was the [i]the[/I] best. Although it does tick all the boxes you listed (except auto)...


 
Posted : 07/04/2016 10:44 am
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Ferrari GTC4Lusso.

4 seats
4WD
shooting brake style body
V12

Looks like this:
[img] [/img]

The new A4 I looked at knocks spots off any ford or citroen I have ever seen or owned in pretty much every way imaginable. In fact, it (particularly the inside) is better than all of the recent BMW's I have seen. It's very, very nice.

Nice place to sit, but not better in regards to price/spec or handling. Historically [url= http://www.reliabilityindex.com/reliability/search/8 ]Audi have done worse in the reliability index[/url] than [url= http://www.reliabilityindex.com/reliability/search/84 ]equivalent Ford models too[/url].


 
Posted : 07/04/2016 10:45 am
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See, now that's a sensible answer to what was a genuine question

No it's not, it only does 35mpg.


 
Posted : 07/04/2016 10:47 am
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Nice place to sit, but not better in regards to price/spec or handling

It won't compete in terms of value that's true, but they handle well enough (at least the S-line I drove did). The new shape Mondeos are absolutely everywhere! I think every sales rep in the country has one on order.
Historically Audi have done worse in the reliability index than equivalent Ford models too.

But not than Citroen! From bitter experience, that is a truly miserable ownership experience. I would honestly sooner walk than have another one of those.


 
Posted : 07/04/2016 10:56 am
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