Car appreciation... the aesthetics, the engineering, etc

I like Volvos but the C70 looks like a barge.

It doesn’t need to be necessarily sporty. Four seats are probably preferable.

Good shout. Added to the list.

Saab 9-3 aero all day long

I think it's a mk 7.5, has updated lights clusters, apple car play etc so a bit more up to date.

@jsabine thanks yeah that was my thinking, interior looks pristine so I doubt it was a cab! I asked about the previous owner and usage but they didn't really know any details which made me a bit suspicious.

@Libraio Great tip thanks - I'll check that, no mention of any belt changes anywhere so far

I basically just want a comfy reliable family car so defaulted to the Golf, was suprised how much of premium they command over similar cars.

I basically just want a comfy reliable family car so defaulted to the Golf, was suprised how much of premium they command over similar cars.

Worth looking at a Seat Leon if you're set on that particular hatchback shape/style or Skoda Octavia if open to something a little different/roomier. Both have same underpinnings as Golf, interior fit and finish between the three is a toss up IMO, with the Seat and Skoda usually having more equipment as standard and you also save yourself the Golf premium.

went through similar a few months ago, we wanted a large hatchback, ideally 2017 or newer

test drove, 1.0 and 1.4 golf 7.5, focus, ioniq, a lexus hybrid, volvo v40

golf 1.4 was the nicest to drive while feeling open and small, volvo was comfier but felt enclosed and the lack of airplay was a put off

very happy with our golf, although the 1.4 was much nicer than the 1.0, and that was noticeable to both of us coming from a 2006 nissan micra

In my experience the focus (all gen) is much better to drive than the stodgy golf.. the three cylinder engines even sound good.

i should have put in a disclaimer that i know nothing about cars, so entirely subjective, but i enjoyed golf the most.

nice one dude. if we end up working with him and I get to know him better I will point him in that direction. and more importantly try wangle a chance to give it a tear

I'm just prejudiced against VWs and German cars in general!

Good info thanks! Sounds similar to my choices really, also considering a Mazda3 but haven't managed to test drive one yet.

Is that because of a bad experience with one? Or just a taste thing?

I remain really impressed with our Leon (estate shape). Preferred it to drive over the equivalent golf and a massive saving.

Now this should be your next car Citroen bx gti 4x4. If someone bought my range rover I d buy this https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1360652

On the subject of off road Audi's...
https://youtu.be/TRhpNS1NDr4

Interestingly I looked up the ground clearance of a xc70 and jeep GC, there's sod all in it, 21 and 21.8 cm

C70 is a barge but v comfortable for long journeys. Probably the best VFM of the mid 2000s convertibles. I'll likely be selling mine around spring next year

Spotless Alfa on the Marylebone Rd earlier this week

Such a pretty car.

Tyres. I have 7Jx16 rims, I need to replace the tyres. I currently have 225 50 r16's on them. These look fucking expensive to replace. It's a BMW e46 320D touring for reference. Often filled with tools and other shit.

My reading suggests that 205 55 r16 would fit the rim, and they're A LOT cheaper.

Any reason I shouldn't get the narrower tyres? My winter tyres are 205/55/r16 (on different rims tho).

Also, speed ratings - is there any reason I shouldn't save £40 over the set by getting V speed ratings over W ( 149 vs 168 mph) - the car will never be doing more than a ton, ever.

only thing i can think of is insurance

@ejay2.0 in town?

So weirdly, if I put the reg in, it says 205 55 r16 W - not 225 50 r16, so I've got no idea what the OEM size tyres were. Or are you talking more about the speed rating?

All sorts of awesome 👏 (the BX 4x4)