Starting to think about my next car

**fat controller** · 17-02-2015,10:57 PM

Evening all

Its coming to that time when I begin planning (usually 12-18 months out from actually signing on the dotted) for my next car. My A4 and I have been together two and a half years now, and aside from occasional clutch quirks, it is altogether a nice beast to live with. Now, usually, I start off by looking at a handful of makes/models and then slowly whittle it down from there - - however this time, I am struggling.... a lot. The A4 is fine, but a tad snug; I need an estate (dog, family and avid gardener), and due to health problems I think the next one is going to have to be an auto (although this is not a total deal-breaker)

I have looked at BMW 5-Series; non-starter. Look OK on the outside and it all goes wrong when you open the door.
I have looked at Merc C and S Class; still can't work out where the pipe and slippers are supposed to go

Even the slightly off the wall choice - Volvo V70 - great seats, but that is about it as far as I can see

Part of the problem is the C7 A6 - in short, it has grabbed me whole-heartedly; I love the look of the car from any angle; the interior looks absolutely first class, and it looks big enough to tick all the boxes for me.

Now, I don't buy mine new sadly, so I am generally in the three year old area - at the moment, the three year old C7's are a bit rich for my pocket, so I will definitely have to wait. The older model, which I presume to be run out and seem to be fairly well loaded are OK in terms of price (saw one at £16k with 46k on the clock the other day which was a handsome beast) -- they don't have the looks or the interior that the newer cars have, but having said that they are not offensive either.

So, are the C7's much better than the C6's?

Any nasties to be aware of?

And when did the Avant appear in the C7 range, as there seems to be a lot more saloons than estates at the moment?

Thanks in advance

**Whippy53** · 17-02-2015,11:35 PM

Hi, yes of course the c7 is better, it's an evolution. However, I can't help every time I drive up to a Le Mans C6 but think "thats a nice car" classic looks, won't date, lotsa toys,it's just, right! know what I mean? If you get a C6 I don't think you'll be too disapointed. Avant seems to sell better than the saloon, more practical for familiys I suppose.

**L3nnox** · 17-02-2015,11:44 PM

My wife has a 2014 C7 A6 S-line Ultra and two of my mates have Le Mans C6s (a 2.0 and a 3.0 Quattro) and they in my opinion are better made/finished. Yes the C7 is more modern and has more toys but the C6 as Whippy says is classy.

Another alternative if you want to be s bit different is a colour Keyed C6 A6 All road?? In the right colour/wheel choose (silver & RS4) They look lovely.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**L3nnox** · 18-02-2015,03:09 PM

Or a complete left field option.... My dad bought this a few months ago and LOVES it..

It's 4x4, estate, auto, convertible with massive road presence...... I give you...

The Wrangler......

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**fat controller** · 18-02-2015,03:15 PM

Aaarggh! Sorry, but I cannot stand them.

I don't really need four wheel drive, living within the M25 there isn't much call for it. I had a passing glance at the Q5 which was OK, but I couldn't really see what the benefits were.

I drove a mates Porsche Cayenne, which was OK too - didn't really scream 'buy one like me' though....

Now you see why it usually takes me a year to decide

**Sam** · 18-02-2015,03:19 PM

Skoda Octavia vRS.

You've had the VW, you've got the Audi, time to see what all the fuss is about.

Edit: See, £14k, smidge over 50k miles, loaded...

**L3nnox** · 18-02-2015,03:21 PM

The VRS was an option when I got the GTD but coming from a procession of BMWs my badge snobbery alarm went off.

I had an X5 previously a twin turbo, stunning piece of kit!! Far nicer to drive than the Q5 or Q7.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**belly buster** · 18-02-2015,04:34 PM

The C7s are very well built, possibly an improvement on the A4 B8. The C6s are very solid too. I don't think build quality should be a concern on any of these models.

The saloon will always be more popular - unless you need an estate there's not much reason to pay the premium - so most people don't.

**Whippy53** · 18-02-2015,06:20 PM

Aaargh! Now I'll have to go and gouge my own eyes out.

**Passatier3** · 20-02-2015,11:24 PM

Originally Posted by L3nnox

My wife has a 2014 C7 A6 S-line Ultra and two of my mates have Le Mans C6s (a 2.0 and a 3.0 Quattro) and they in my opinion are better made/finished. Yes the C7 is more modern and has more toys but the C6 as Whippy says is classy.

Another alternative if you want to be s bit different is a colour Keyed C6 A6 All road?? In the right colour/wheel choose (silver & RS4) They look lovely.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I've been considering various VW Group cars as I need to replace my practical run-about/commuter soon and am looking at one of those as an option as I fancy a 3.0 litre. The more I think about it the more I fancy one.