Unless you are totally green, don’t eat meat, never go on holiday etc, etc, I can’t be doing with..............
......eco warrior........
I'm sure there's a correlation between people who's self-identity is entangled with a liking for medium-rare steak and big cars. And a desire to identify anyone who disagrees with them as an eco-warrior.
Don’t go to Spain, when you could go to Skegness,
Take the train to Spain and you'll polute les than going to Skeggy in most of the cars quoted on this thread. 🙂
Other than I'm alright jack your further comment hasn't really provided any clarity on your original comment.
Plenty nice cars provided that don't simply exist to burn as much fuel as possible.
I’m sure there’s a correlation between people who’s self-identity is entangled with a liking for medium-rare steak and big cars. And a desire to identify anyone who disagrees with them as an eco-warrior.
And I'm sure there's a correlation between time spent on STW and twisting what people say to make your point.
I didn't call anyone on here an eco warrior
I'd recommend what I have, which was partially bought for motorway wafting in mind.
Skoda Superb 2.0tdi - easy 50-55mpg+ on the motorway, even with a bike rack on the back, 2 bikes and fully loaded inside.
Mine has adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, android auto, a big 12 speaker stereo, and electronic suspension. Makes a trip from SE England to Scotland a breeze. And the estate is massive inside, both for passengers and the boot.
The lane keeping assistant is a game changer for motorway driving, does 90% of the small steering adjustments to keep you in lane meaning you can be more aware of vehicles around you.
If you’re after a big car for motorway driving, then it’s going to handle like crap in the corners and on B roads (generally). So why do you need or want a big engine? You’re gonna be at a steady 70mph (obviously!), so it’s not like you’re gonna be hooning it around back roads.
A proper motorway wafter has a big engine that is barely ticking over at 70mph, not at 4k rpm giving you a headache. Is quiet, comfortable, with soft suspension. Also the more toys the better; Climate control, heated seats, a good stereo, etc all add up to a effoetless, relaxed way to cover hundreds of miles in utter comfort.
A 1.0l micra ain't going to cut it 😁
A proper motorway wafter has a big engine that is barely ticking over at 70mph, not at 4k rpm giving you a headache. Is quiet, comfortable, with soft suspension. Also the more toys the better; Climate control, heated seats, a good stereo, etc all add up to a effoetless, relaxed way to cover hundreds of miles in utter comfort.
For motorway use any turbo diesel fitted to something Mondeo sized or bigger for the last 20 years will only be sitting at ~2k rpm at 70ish. I'd keep the existing car and get something big and comfortable and most importantly near the bottom of it's depreciation curve to do the dull motorway mileage in. Even hateful things like Vectras are perfectly acceptable for just motorway use as long as they're well specced.
Something like this would be ideal https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109046975762
If I was doing that number of miles, I'd be looking for the most reliable car, regardless of just about anything else.
For motorway use any turbo diesel fitted to something Mondeo sized or bigger for the last 20 years will only be sitting at ~2k rpm at 70ish
Yep. The GM whisper diesel (1.6 from 2015 onwards) does 1800 rpm at 70 in an astra, insignia, zafira etc. 360nm of torque, more than a 3l non turbo petrol could do. Plenty for hitting the motorway
It wouldn't be stw if someone looking at 3l V6 cars wasn't recommend a Berlingo 🤣
Something tells me this one isn't about mpg. Op just wants a new car. No one buys a V6 because it's necessary.
Unless you are totally green, don’t eat meat, never go on holiday etc, etc, I can’t be doing with these lines trotted out tbh
There are many things that most people do that an eco warrior could deem selfish
No mate that's not how this works. It's not about personal point-scoring, you can't attack someone for telling you to use less fuel cos they eat meat or whatever. It's not competition to see who can be the purest.
Fact is, you should think about every action you take and what consequences it has. I eat meat, because I struggle to enjoy vegetarian style food (although I try). But what's better? Eating meat and driving 500 miles a week at 40mpg, or eating meet and driving 500 mile a week at 60mpg?
It doesn't make a difference who's telling you this. The answer is still 60mpg.
We're almost into 'significantly richer than yow' territory.....not quite mind.
When fully back into the swing of pro musicianship, I'll be doing 500 miles per week regularly. In the spirit of recommend what you've got....52 plate Renault Kango Trekka 4x4 and everything. Dunno about mpg.....seems to be fairly frugal though. Should leave you with about 14k change too.
Or not driving 500 miles.
None of my business really but that seems a ridiculous distance to me.
When fully back into the swing of pro musicianship, I’ll be doing 500 miles per week regularly.
To band practice ?
but that seems a ridiculous distance to me.
I would agree but some people like driving ridiculous miles to work, or actually what I would consider driving ridiculous miles (any) to then ride a bike
As to why a big engined car. I’ve driven smaller cars with smaller engines, they might do slightly better mpg but they are not as comfortable over long distance or as easy/relaxing to drive
The plan will be to get a big car to handle holiday duties etc and the long drives and the get a small electric car for short local journeys
@trail_rat I gig nationwide. This weekend I'll do nearly 500 miles....gigs in Shropshire and Somerset.
@trail_rat I gig nationwide. This weekend I’ll do nearly 500 miles….gigs in Shropshire and Somerset
I know. It was more an comparison to driving 500 miles to practice kicking a ball.
No mate that’s not how this works. It’s not about personal point-scoring, you can’t attack someone for telling you to use less fuel cos they eat meat or whatever. It’s not competition to see who can be the purest.
Fact is, you should think about every action you take and what consequences it has. I eat meat, because I struggle to enjoy vegetarian style food (although I try). But what’s better? Eating meat and driving 500 miles a week at 40mpg, or eating meet and driving 500 mile a week at 60mpg?
It doesn’t make a difference who’s telling you this. The answer is still 60mpg.
I wasn't attacking you personally pal, just a generic way of STW thinking
Don't focus on the meat eating per se, but if you have to, then what's better? Eating meat and driving 500 miles a week at 40mpg. or not eating meat and driving 500 miles at 40mpg?
The answer is still, not eating meat
What's better, going on a big plane to wherever, or going to Skeg?
It's personal choice and none of us ALWAYS do what's best for the environment was my point - albeit, I'm well aware I'm never going to manage to get it across on here in a driving thread
Just say what most folk say when justifying their actions.
"But China dont reduce their pollution why should we"
Eat cabbage drink water walk everywhere on my hands.
Set fire to my car and watched it burn.
Clearly that's the only way I can have an opinion that changing a car specifically for doing big miles that buying a gas guzzler makes no sense on any level when perfectly adaquate comfy and nice to drive vehicles exist that are much kinder.
You have your big white caravan tower because few vehicles exist that can tow your mobile office/bed fair enough that has a purpose . But to just burn more fuel than the alternative is just daft.
It’s personal choice and none of us ALWAYS do what’s best for the environment was my point
Of course we don't. But my point is that we can at least make the easy choices. We're not asking him to put up with some tiny crappy uncomfortable car for the sake of a few mpg. We're saying that you can use MUCH less fuel with no downsides - a Passat/Mondeo/Superb or similar is a very capable car and is in no way a hardship.
Ah right!
Is the OP the same as from the football academy thread?
As an example.....I grew up in Staffordshire, lad in the year below me was in the Man City academy (I believe these days it's seen as one of the best) Training x's 3 would be a fair few hundred miles each week.
As to why a big engined car. I’ve driven smaller cars with smaller engines, they might do slightly better mpg but they are not as comfortable over long distance or as easy/relaxing to drive
The size of the engine makes no real difference here. There's no practical difference on a motorway between a 2.0 diesel with 150bhp and a 3.0 V6. It's ludicrous to waste nearly half as much fuel again for that.
Yes Tom that was me.
We live in the countryside, anywhere is a distance away
As to all the eco warriors, if I don’t buy the nice big car someone else will. The likes of the 1.6 diesel or 2.0 Passats are not really any cheaper 2nd hand so why not buy the best tool for the job
Of course I could buy a full electric (well actually I couldn’t afford an electric car with enough range), and do people really think buying an electric car is more eco than buying an old car?
Thanks for all good input though !
There’s no practical difference on a motorway between a 2.0 diesel with 150bhp and a 3.0 V6. It’s ludicrous to waste nearly half as much fuel again for that
But they do not do 1/2 the mpg! Plus the engine is under less stress and is silky smooth.
if I don’t buy the nice big car someone else will.
If you buy the nice big car you'll contribute to the value of nice big cars being kept up, and ultimately this will result in one more nice big car not being scrapped. Also, given your mileage is pretty high, the other person who buys it is probably not going to be doing as many miles in it.
But you clearly don't give a shit, so we might as well stop there.
But they do not do 1/2 the mpg! Plus the engine is under no stress and is silky smooth.
I said the big car would use half as much fuel again, which is a conservative estimate - 40 vs 60mpg, but really you'd be looking at 70mpg for a decent 2.0 as has been demonstrated.
A 2.0 TDI is also not under any stress when cruising at 70 (or even 80) and as for V6 being smooth - yes they are, but get the **** over yourself. Do you demand luxury in life and **** everyone else? If so, knock yourself out, this conversation is pointless.
Of course we don’t. But my point is that we can at least make the easy choices. We’re not asking him to put up with some tiny crappy uncomfortable car for the sake of a few mpg. We’re saying that you can use MUCH less fuel with no downsides – a Passat/Mondeo/Superb or similar is a very capable car and is in no way a hardship.
I don't have any problem at all with people giving ethical advice and opinions (and probably very sensible opinions at that)
What I take issue with is the age old STW sancitmony on a car thread (easy target) when someone decides to take a personal choice to do something not quite so ethical and they get personally berated for their life choices by people who could probably make more ethical choices themselves in other walks of life that doesn't just focus on a car
What I take issue with is the age old STW sancitmony on a car thread (easy target) when someone decides to take a personal choice to do something not quite so ethical and they get personally berated for their life choices by people who could probably make more ethical choices themselves in other walks of life that doesn’t just focus on a car
This, along with most inefficient car choices in general is particularly egregious though because it's all vanity. That's why it attracts the most opprobrium. To suggest that a good 2.0 BMW, Merc or VW or something is not good enough to cruise motorways is just bonkers.
Two words there that I haven't got a clue what they mean.
I'm off to Google 😉
I do 400 miles a week on the motorway and love my v60, it's the short lived 1.6 hdi engine for low emissions. It sits at 85 mph all day and returns 47mpg. It's on 190k miles and sales through the annual test. Servicing every 10k is only 60 quid too.
It's acceleration isn't great (11 seconds to 60 I think) but that's not something I need lots of too often when wafting. There are more powerful versions too if required.
Uber comfy and dirt cheap to run plus it'll take a 29er inside easy.
Christ Molgrips - no one has said a 2.0 isn’t adequate. I’ve asked the question is a v6 nicer and most people have said yes they are
You could have been constructive on the thread as I have now read that you own or have owned a very large Merc, so thanks for being an arse as it made me look at your past posts and I’ve seen that you were not entirely happy with your big not so eco friendly Merc 😁
I will test drive a few cars but know now to be weary of big estate Mercs with AMG badges as they might not be that comfy. So thank you fellow big car enthusiast for your constructive input
He'll never buy your Merc now...
If it helps
Unnecessary
and
Critical feedback
There you go 🙃
Presumably people dragging mobile palaces around the country when tents/local accommodation are/is available should also be set fire to...? 😉
I will test drive a few cars but know now to be weary of big estate Mercs with AMG badges as they might not be that comfy. So thank you fellow big car enthusiast for your constructive input
Yes, don't get AMG Sport suspension with the 19 inch wheels. It is available with 18s though.
I’ve asked the question is a v6 nicer and most people have said yes they are
They are. I'd love one. But the extra fuel isn't justifiable.
You could have been constructive on the thread
Get a Passat. Or press the hybrid button a couple more times on the BMW.
Presumably people dragging mobile palaces around the country when tents/local accommodation is available should also be set fire to…?
🤣🤣🤣🤣
Touché
@FunkyDunc my 4.2l V8 might be up for sale soon, buy that, it'll really wind them up. Lovely comfy motorway cruiser, will return 30mpg if you're drafting. 11mpg if you're in a rush and will apparently do 160mph on the M40 🤔
Maybe surf-mat=awesome should be replaced with TAFKASTR=awesome ?
Drafting trucks I’ve seen 90mpg (over 50 miles) in my zafira with its last gen engine – something like an insignia (more aero) should be able to do even more.
I had an Insignia SRi diesel as a loan car while my old Octavia was being assessed for damage, when I handed it back it had done just shy of 900 miles, just commuting backwards and forwards to work, 155 miles a week, and it had just gone onto reserve. It did cost £72 to fill it up, but if it had been doing mostly motorway miles I reckon 1000 miles out of a tank would be perfectly feasible. I drove my EcoSport up to London for the first time a couple of weeks ago, filled it up before I left and it was showing a range of 304 miles. When I got to Hammersmith where I was parking, it showed a range of 340 miles.
It was still showing a range of 290 miles when I got home, having done 200 miles. That’s a 1.0 EcoBoost petrol, which isn’t particularly economical driving in relatively slow traffic. More and more, though, I appreciate having a semi-auto gearbox with cruise control!
It's odd, the thread about an enthusiastic driver buying an Atom to buzz about the Highlands in (For Fun) was generally fine.
Treads about any type of van conversion, Transporter conversions as daily drivers, that's fine too!
Bloke asks for advice on engine size for taking his lad to train for Football all over the country. Gets everyone into a froth.
We had better tell all of the Pro MTB teams to sell all of the kit they use all over Europe, That Mercedes Actros and 13m race transporter aren't going to save the planet are they!
Funky, Great Dad. Supporting his kids sport, spending time with his kid, making sacrifices helping his kid to make the most of a cracking opportunity.. good luck for the season.
Funky - I was a long term merc estate owner in form of 3.2 v6.
Very comfortable, point'n'squirt, oodles of room; great on long journeys, not practical for short/stop-start drives; hopeless on icy roads - rear wheel drive auto is not your friend on ice.
A good independent specialist is preferable to merc dealership for servicing.
Service costs as you would expect for that size of car.
For the driving you describe a big merc would fit your requirements.
Anything bigger than 3ltr is, probably, overkill; that's my experience of moving from 3.2 v6 to
4.2 v8.
And a not entirely serious suggestion...VW Phaeton.
Edit - it wasn't an AMG and didn't have a pretend body kit; just a standard merc.
DTs well said; +1
Maybe surf-mat=awesome should be replaced with TAFKASTR=awesome ?
Nah, I'm a shit driver
530D Tourer Auto if I had the money.
Skoda Superb Estate 2.0 TDi if I couldn’t get the Bimmer.
DTs well said; +1
+2
If you’re committed to the mileage long term and have off street parking it’s screaming EV for me.
120 miles in my model 3 would cost about £1.80 in electricity at 5ppkwh overnight. Even if you got 50mpg out of a nice wafty 6 pot diesel that’s gonna cost what £15? That’s 8 times more fuel cost from the ICE.
EVs are obviously expensive to buy/lease/finance but if you’re slamming the miles the running costs will sharp net that out.
I’m just staggered that a 330e will only do 20mpg once the battery is toast and isn’t a good companion on a long journey. My old M135i would do 35+mpg on a run easy as long as I didn’t drive like a total dick. However, my wife’s 320i at the time was a much better companion on a long journey.. I’d take the smaller engine in the better car over the better engine in the smaller car every day of the week. (But maybe that’s because the 1 series was so badly nailed together).
I’ve always considered myself a petrol head but after getting the Tesla 18 months ago I honestly don’t think I’ll ever have another ICE car unless I’m in the position where I have the money and space for a second sports car that is a proper garage queen and does a few hundred miles a year.
I'd actually agree with the above! We're currently in the midst of selling 2 x mortgaged properties and using the profit to fund a mortgage free barn conversion.....once done a Tesla on lease will be arriving asap. If you're not fussed about colour/spec etc you can get some incredible deals.