MegaSack DRAW - This year's winner is user - rgwb
We will be in touch
As you may recall, next year I've got a family trip with the wife/boy.
We're going to end up putting 2500 miles or so in the car over the course of 2 weeks, although only really 4 possibly 5 days of driving.
I currently have a 2007 Civic I-shift auto, which is nice enough, comfy enough I guess, but is quite road noisy and although a reasonable place to spend time, it doesn't feel 'plush' really in many ways.
So I ideally want something that's going to cruise through the miles and leave us feeling fresh as a daisy when we get there.
Part of the trip we've previously done in my 2010 plate Mondeo and it was a nicer place to be for this sort of trip, bit more leg room, etc, but it had a few mechanical issues that were getting expensive so it went. However something like a Mondeo isn't off the list at all.
I'm thinking along the lines of an Audi A5. Something on a 2009 or so with 60-70k on it, which you're looking about £10,000 to buy. My Civic only has 49,000 on it so is decent enough miles that I should see £3500-4000 back for it...
Other than the A5 though I really have no idea at all what's good bad or indifferent in that sort of car.
Ideally I either want a petrol (with 35mph average minimum) or a non DMF type diesel. My last few cars have been petrol for this reason and if I can manage it again that would be good.
I owned a Honda CR-V which was lovely, but had the infamous squeaky clutch pedal that my dealer couldn't fix, so went back. But I'm not sure it was massively more refined than the Civic in many ways.
Only other thing it must be able to do is have a towbar as I need to take motorbikes to racetracks.
So... what do you have guys ?
So I ideally want something that's going to cruise through the miles and leave us feeling fresh as a daisy when we get there.
Range Rover
Skoda Superb, comfy, surprisingly quick, inexpensive to buy and run, acres of rear legroom, massive boot, quiet on motorways.
I've got a 60 plate diesel and get 48/50 mpg. I gather petrol versions get high 30s/40 mpg
Maserati
EClass Merc estate 320d or at a push the 220d.
You can end the thread right here, right now.
bikebouy - MemberEClass Merc estate 320d or at a push the 220d.
You can end the thread right here, right now.
Yeah I've read that on the Topgear reviews, Honest John also says the BMW 3 series is better... but the reports are more about them being 'drivers cars' and TBF I couldn't give a toss how the drive in that context, I have motorbikes for speed and handling, I just want 'lovely'.
The BMW doesn't do it for me at all in the aesthetics department, whereas the Merc and the Audi both do.
+1 for the Superb, or take a chance on a high mileage Audi/Merc/BMW
I think he means E320d or E220d, 3 litre angine or 2.1. I'd second this recommendation, drive a few E classes before I bought my Mondeo, if MrsMomo could get over her dislike of auto boxes and not having a handbrake you can haul on for setting off I'd be driving one now.
A5 wouldn't be my choice for a comfy cruiser, at least it wouldn't be based on owning a B8 A4 avant, limited rear legroom and audi suspension is not known for being especially compliant.
Brother-in-law's A8 is a wonderful place to sit. Brother's A3 was harsh and bumpy. Not sure if the ride is softened as the models get larger but not sure an A5 is exactly right for what you describe.
Mondeos get a lot of love here and I thought ours (2 1/2 week hire car) was fab.
I'd hire a biggish van and stick the motorbike inside.
epicyclo - MemberI'd hire a biggish van and stick the motorbike inside.
Motorbike is completely unrelated to this trip, that's a day to day thing about 5-6 times a year taking them to track. So whilst a van would be GREAT for that... it's overkill for 99% of the time and therefore not happening.
So... what do you have guys ?
A5 with a towbar. Although mine is a diesel Sportback version. Overall a pretty comfy car for long distance driving, probably get another one after this one. as mentioned above for more comfort look at the larger models A6, E Class or 5 series. And the Skoda Superb is a good call.
May sound snobbish, but it's not going to be a Skoda no matter how good they are.
Just gave back a Mercedes 220d that was my ex company car. Superbly comfortable, effortlessly quick, can't recommend it highly enough. Would also second the Skoda Superb, very good value for a large family car that is essentially a VW
My 530D Tourer (6 speed auto) is the most relaxing long distance car I've ever owned. On quieter motorway and A road stretches the cruise control is good too.
Big Citroen.
A5 sport back interior is a nice place to be imo. S-line suspension is hard, but you notice it around town, not when cruising. SE models noticeably softer. Cabin noise is good too, certainly much better than in a civic, or any Honda. Rear legroom only average. Would do the job, but If comfort is top priority there are more suitable choices.
"May sound snobbish, but it's not going to be a Skoda no matter how good they are."
Hey, it's your loss 😉
Why not stick with the Mondeo? I had one of a similar vintage, 2 litre diesel Titanium, and it was magnificent. It's exactly what you describe.
I would still say Mondeo, think you were unlucky with the one you had. Cant go wrong with Passat or Superb as above.
If you are going premium brand then a Merc for if you want a dull luxurious comfy car.
BMW if you want nice with a good drive, some people find them too twitchy (the exact reason why I dont like Mercs)
Not driven an A5 but all the stuff I have read on them suggests the ride is shocking. A4's again not great on big alloys.
May sound snobbish, but it's not going to be a Skoda no matter how good they are.
Sounds a bit stupid to be honest
Get what you mean about Skoda, don't expect folks on here to understand that though 🙄
56 plate S320.
This^^^^
[img] http://pictures2.autotrader.co.uk/imgser-uk/servlet/media?id=a6c53f2ff3bc46d5a4fd97a5f0656869 [/img]
Either will glide beautifully to your destination.
Big, comfy 4x4 would be my choice, but may not meet the rest of your criterior (diesel).
Another vote for a big Mondeo with decent engine and trim level.
Any decent sized <10 year old Volvo. Best seats in the business IMHO.
Usually get a higher spec with all of Volvos safety gizmos and lower miles for less money than the equivalent BMW/Merc/Audi etc.
Got to be a big old merc diesel auto. Wafty comfort.
Agree on Volvo seats. So comfy!
Cougar - ModeratorWhy not stick with the Mondeo? I had one of a similar vintage, 2 litre diesel Titanium, and it was magnificent. It's exactly what you describe.
Indeed I was a little unfortunate with the Mondeo. It split a coolant hose between the turbo and manifold which meant a 'subframe off' repair which cost me £800. I was also informed by the garage it was a new clutch in 10,000 or so and we had a DPF type warning coming up intermittently. I realised then it was going to get expensive over time. Other than that I really liked the car though.
If I were to go for a Mondeo it would be a petrol version to keep away from the nasty DPF type issues.
But I'm far from against the Mondeo idea.
momo - Member
I think he means E320d or E220d, 3 litre angine or 2.1.
Yeah, I mean the MERC E320d and E220d not BMW's. I know its confusing with the badges but the MERC's are what I'm on about.
If you can stretch a bit further then this is magnificent. [url= http://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/121878054138 Volvo V60 3.0T6 ( 304bhp ) ( AWD ) Geartronic 2012 SE 1 Owner Full Volvo History ]Volvo V60 T6 AWD[/url]
One if the last 6 cyclinder Volvos. 304bhp, AWD enough toys and safety features.
CaptainFlashheart - MemberAgree on Volvo seats. So comfy!
I was a little unlucky with an S60D5 I had, a few suspension niggles that got expensive along with juddery brakes we couldn't seem to ever fix... Other than that though the S60 was a LOVELY place to be and a superb engine that's for sure.
Another idea would be a Volvo. I had a V40 D4 Cross Country as a hire car, and it was really nice. Made progress, and a decent level of room. It was the Sat Lux level of trim i think.
...but then I am impressed by stuff like Volvo's floating center console 😀
[img] 
[/img]
I've got a 125d, don't think for minute that 4 up and luggage is comfortable in a 220d!
A5 is nice but very hard suspension in S line spec. Have you looked at a Passat?
Edit ahh, merc 220 not bmw 220 - that's a very good shout.
Go for the Mondeo. My previous car was the MK3 and it took me down to Spain and back many times in complete comfort. Never once after driving all day did I get out of the car feel stiff from spending so much time driving.
I did a 2k mile road trip last September in my EP3 Civic which I expected to come back wanting to replace.
What I found was that French roads are better surfaced than UK roads in most instances and that the Civic was great fun overseas and not in the least bit uncomfy (it is a bit noisy on the road though). I was even getting up to 38 mpg on French toll roads compared with at best 35 on UK roads.
Aside from that I've never owned a grown up or sensible car (i.e. 5 door and with decent leg room) so I'm no help here, sorry!
Get what you mean about Skoda, don't expect folks on here to understand that though
Well, I don't understand, for one. Have the forum have Audis and it's the same bloody car. The Skoda Superb must be one of the ultimate motorway cruisers, it reminds me a bit of my old froggy Scorpio. I could've happily driven that thing to the moon and back.
[i] I could've happily driven that thing to the moon and back. [/i]
You'd have wanted the climate control set to 'recirculate' for that.
My brother had an A5 and put 100k on it over three years driving across Europe.
Pros: It's a nice place to sit, engine is good, goes quickly, entitles you to tailgate in Germany and has a bangin' stereo for your tunes.
Cons: It's really low down; the ride is rather firm; having to motor the seats forward to get people in the back is really annoying; and you'll either love or loathe the Audi equivalent to iDrive.
The Range Rover will be fantastically comfortable but break down. Look at the Volvo range as others have suggested. My V60 is the only car that doesn't give me backache on long trips.
I'd be looking at something like a Jaguar XF, merc or Volvo if you're after comfort and cruising without too much fuss about performance.
BMWs tend to be noisier and have a firmer ride due to the run flats compared to their counterparts, Audis have firm suspension and thin tyres generally although the brand new A4 is meant to be amazingly refined.
We have a "budget restricted" older relative with a very similar opinion, they could get a nice 3-5 year old Skoda, reliable, comfy, not too expensive to run, even with main dealer prices. But they insist on premium brands. So they buy a big 8-10 year old BMW/Jag/Merc instead, spend a fortune getting it tidied up so it looks newer, live with the main dealer costs for service and (semi frequent) repairs. Then complain (to me) because cars are expensive to run. Like i can do anything to fix it.May sound snobbish, but it's not going to be a Skoda no matter how good they are.
You'll have to explain to most of the auto industry as well. Skoda has gone from being a joke to being a serious player in virtually no time at all. 15 years ago they were competing with the budget brands, now they are starting to take business away from premium brands in some markets.Get what you mean about Skoda, don't expect folks on here to understand that though
May sound snobbish, but it's not going to be a Skoda no matter how good they are.
Doesn't sound snobbish, just a bit daft. Go take one for drive. Superb offers exactly what you're after and is absolutely huge.
Yes they used to be a bit iffy, but that was a long, long time ago.
For your supplied specs, it [i]has[/i] to be a Merc E or S class. As has already been said.
I know [i]exactly[/i] what you mean about Skodas, I use to feel the same. However, it's worth realising that they are not the same anymore, and maybe take a high spec one for a spin. The top end ones are indistinguishable in the way they drive to their equivelent VAGs across the other three brands. (I've got a Golf GTD, mate has a Leon with the same engine, another has an Octavia VRs, yet another has a fastish A3. If I was blindfolded whilst driving any of them, I doubt I'd be able to tell you which I was in before I crashed into a lorry. They are more similar than they are different; just brand engineering really. Mines the best looking of the bunch though 😈 )
If it's cruising comfort you are after, I wouldn't be looking at a BMW or an Audi. Set-up more for the ultimate driving experience (sitting in traffic on the M25).
E-Class Merc
Older S Class
VW Phaeton
VW Touerag
Big Volvo of some description
Choose something that shuns PHAT wheels with rubber band wheels in favour of some tyres with a decent aspect ratio for a bit more compliance....
I spotted a lovely phaeton 3.0 v6 for sale around the corner from me at a local dealer the other week. 120,000 miles and immaculate. £4.5k.
I was soo tempted. But the registration number was familiar.
Then it came to me. I seized it from a drug dealer in 2012 under the proceeds of crime act and it's been sat in a vehicle pound for 3 years. 😀
For all those singing the praises of Skoda they are an OK motor built on VAG parts but with penny pinching measures to make them competitive. My 3 year old Skoda already has more squeaks and rattles than the 11 year old Mondeo it replaced.
VAG isn't all it used to be either in engineering terms and is it turns out the VW cheat software was actually from the Audi engineers going as far back as 1999. Vorsprung Durch Technik my arse, maybe they need to change it to Vorsprung Durch Betrug.
Phaeton. Definitely a Phaeton.
or lexi.
On a brand perception point of view, I'd rather have a Skoda than a Ford I think. By all accounts the Superb is pretty good - see the fifth gear Superb vs E class video on YouTube.
What do you Superb owners make of the seats? I did a couple of hundred miles in one a few years ago and it was spine shattering.
Volvo or VW passat
Both v comfy seats and we are on Volvo #3 for practical reasons. Only downside is the wallowy drive
see the fifth gear Superb vs E class video on YouTube.
Short test based on a couple of days with a car shouldn't be your basis on buying a car that you will have for a few years or more.
I'd gladly have a Ford rather than a VAG again. I'd chose a Citroen over one too.
Weeksy, Citroen C5's are great cars too but they are huge even compared to a Mondeo. Fast, realiable and economical with a magic carpet ride. Don't knock it until you've tried them. A client of mine replaced their fleet of Skoda's with them and now the leases have finished just replaced with the more C5's.
Citroens have always had a reputation for making smooth and comfortable large cars. Resale values fall off a cliff though which makes a second hand one a bargain. Reliability and build quality has always been suspect. Not sure what they are like now but problems like that can stick for years.
I have benefited a few times from outdated reliability concerns buying Alfa's. All great cars and as reliable as anything else if you are mechanically sympathetic and keep them serviced.
By all accounts the Superb is pretty good
Looked a one a few years ago when I was buying a new car. I am an old man but even I couldn't drive one of them around. Comfortable and felt like a well built car but look awful.
<hijack>
I spotted a lovely phaeton 3.0 v6 for sale around the corner from me at a local dealer the other week. 120,000 miles and immaculate. £4.5k.
I was soo tempted. But the registration number was familiar.
Then it came to me. I seized it from a drug dealer in 2012 under the proceeds of crime act and it's been sat in a vehicle pound for 3 years.
Why would proceeds of crime put you off? Because it may have been run ragged or something else? Will it always be flagged on some DB somewhere?
My father (ex-force) had a Ford Galaxy for years that had been used for undercover work in drugs surveillance.
I've got a C class Estate sport which had 4000 on the clock when I bought it (£6k of the list) and was cheaper than a good spec Mondeo at the time!
I have done a few miles over the years having jobs that required me to travel around the country and the Merc is flawless, 7 speed semi automatic and is a joy to drive. Done 100k so far and expect at least another 100 before I flog it.
Volvo or VW passatBoth v comfy seats and we are on Volvo #3 for practical reasons. Only downside is the wallowy drive
In which case you need to buy an 03-07 S60R or V70R. Whole different beast. Ohlins design chassis/suspension with Monroe electronically controlled shocks and three chassis settings. Combined with Brembo brakes and a 300bhp engine that will do 0-60 in 5.5secs. All for change out of £7k for a sub 100k mile car. Bargain.
I'd agree the E class is a good call, however the higher ride height of an XC90 is nice as the forward view is better, making for very relaxed cruising. On top of that you have all the benefits of 4WD, 7 seats and ability to fit huge loads in when you want to.
HTS
I find the seats really comfy, can easily do 150 miles without a stop (unless I need a wee or some coffee or a Ginsters 😉 ) and still feel fine when I arrive.
It did take a bit of fiddling to get them just right though.
I nearly bought an E-Class instead but it was twice the price and I found the Merc seats were too wide, I felt as though I was sitting in the middle of a sofa rather than in an armchair.
EDIT
Also the Superb has a proper spare wheel rather than runflats or a pram wheel spare
What kind of roads will you be driving on? When I've driven to the alps in a 3 series (M-Sport with run flats, apparently really uncomfortable if you believe the internet rumours) and it's felt like it took less than half the time and [b]no[/b] aches or pains whatsoever, quite an achievement considering the driver has a wrecked back with a prolapsed disc.
Long distances in an Auto car with a torquey quiet 6 cylinder diesel are a breeze.
Ignore those who say BMW's are too harsh. The only time I'd agree with that is if you're only driving on badly surfaced roads.
The XC90 has long been one of my favourites, but the fuel economy seems pretty rubbish on them, which is a day to day factor.
My boss has a Ford Kuga in a diesel auto which seems a really nice car when I've been in it, fast, smooth, quiet... etc...
I also really love Jaguar XFs...
solamanda - MemberWhat kind of roads will you be driving on?
Mostly motorways I guess.
Trip goes as follows
UK > Geneva > Bologna > Como > Paris.
BAck in UK it's mostly A34 and M4 driving.
Then I'd recommend 325D in automatic, you can get a really low mileage one for under £10k. You still get a torquey inline 6 of the 330 and 335. With your family on board, you probably won't miss the extra power as you'll be cruising.
No DMF in automatics.
Pug 407 sw, it's like driving a leather sofa.
Passat CC. We take ours to the alps and back each year and I have never got their feeling fresher. We do about 20k per year in it
Worth considering saloon vs hatch/estate. If road noise is important then a saloon does a really good job of isolating noise from the rear axle (sheet of metal rather than flimsy parcel shelf). Saloons often cheaper but obviously less practical..
I reckon e class as noted or maybe a 525d both in auto. Go for SE trim if it's the Beemer.
Why would proceeds of crime put you off? Because it may have been run ragged or something else?
He said it had been sitting in a pound for years...
VW Phaeton is a great shout - I'd have one of those if it wasn't for the dog.
So I have an Audi A6 Avant (the last shape, not the current one). It's very enormous, very comfortable and has so far been 100% reliable, and it devours miles with no fuss and even less stress. However the new shape is better in every department. Go for one of the 3l diseasels for a winning combo of power, economy and refinement. 4WD is an option too.
I'm going to stop and view this on the way home today.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/272118073784?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
Not necessarily to buy it as such, but just a sit in, look round, feel how it is etc.
For something big and comfy you could look at a Jag of some kind - maybe an S Class or XF?
Bit left field, but the big citroens have a reputation for being massively comfortable and are pretty cheap since they're not cool. A C6 for example?
Here's one with a 3.0 V6, LPG and 110,000 miles for £5k-ish:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2007-Citroen-C6-3-0-i-V6-Exclusive-4dr-/252335610961?hash=item3ac05fdc51:g:84cAAOSwsN9XBRa5
Our mk2 Octy vRS is a little firm, but otherwise a pleasant place to be while munching the miles (M3 and A34 as it happens).
The boot lip is a little annoying if you're planning on carrying lots of heavy things, but it's a small problem in the scheme of things.
If money's no object then ranger rover is the obvious choice. In the real world, I've been absolutely delighted with my new Passat. Mine is a high spec estate and it's so relaxing to drive it's unreal. I expect a saloon or a CC (with sensible sized wheels) would be even better.
Having previously owned an A4 and my work having all sorts of Audi pool cars over the years, it wouldn't be an Audi.
Lexus GS300
I have a '14 plate Superb 1.4tsi petrol I get "indicated" 50mpg average on a motorway run.
It's huge, comfy the twindoor boot is ace. Glad I got it.
I came from an Octavia vRS.
I would have another one, however I do like the look of the newer Mercs and Jags 😀
You won't, but I wanted to mention it, I had a 7-Series a few years back and it was lovely way to spend long trips. Four adults plus luggage in total comfort.
Seemed a waste for local pootling though so I sold it again. I kinda miss it.
"[i]...non DMF type diesel[/i]"
You won't find any vaguely modern (manual) diesel without a DMF. As already mentioned, autos don't have DMFs, but they do have their own potential issues.
Unless you meant DPF ?
Citroen c6 arrive as if you only just left and looking like a hit man or president.
For upmarket waftage, how about a tdi A8, like the Phaeton, there are a few about after horrific depreciation leaving a great car at a good price.... Autobahn friendly, loads of go and probably eats miles for breakfast.
Sor more sporty wattage, A6 3.0 Avant.
Looked a one a few years ago when I was buying a new car. I am an old man but even I couldn't drive one of them around. Comfortable and felt like a well built car but look awful.
The new Superb looks pretty good to me:
[img] 
[/img]
The new Superb looks pretty good to me:
You sure it's not a Mondeo ?
The new Superb looks pretty good to me:
That does look pretty good for £10k.
Oh.