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OT: So I still haven't purchased a new car....

CF LION

CF LION

Well-Known Member
May 29, 2001
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A few months ago I sought some advice here but I've procrastinated and looked around some more to completely shift to three other cars:

A pre-owned Audi S5
A pre-owned BMW 428i
A new Alfa-Romeo Guilia

Love the Guilia, but am concerned about reliability. The S5 is fun to drive but lacks the sexiness of the Alfa. The 428 is a great car, but kind of dated.

Any experiences with these vehicles (especially the Alfa)?
 
I am very much in the same boat although I'm interested in the Mercedes E class instead of the Audi, and maybe the BMW 5 series instead of the 4. Also considering the Jaguar XF. I haven't test driven any of them yet. As a current Mercedes owner, I'm partial to that brand and everything I've read rates the E class at the top of the midsize luxury car segment. My head is telling me to stay with the E class, but my heart is partial to the Alpha or Jaguar. I'll probably rule out the Gulia over reliability concerns. The worst car I've ever owned was a Fiat in the 70s, and even now after returning from Italy, my driver there told me to "buy German."
 
My wife has a BMW 435 and absolutely loves it. It is a really fun car to drive. She drove the 428 and then the 435 and she was sold on the 435.

The Alfa will turn more heads for sure.
 
X
Nitwit said:
I am very much in the same boat although I'm interested in the Mercedes E class instead of the Audi, and maybe the BMW 5 series instead of the 4. Also considering the Jaguar XF. I haven't test driven any of them yet. As a current Mercedes owner, I'm partial to that brand and everything I've read rates the E class at the top of the midsize luxury car segment. My head is telling me to stay with the E class, but my heart is partial to the Alpha or Jaguar. I'll probably rule out the Gulia over reliability concerns. The worst car I've ever owned was a Fiat in the 70s, and even now after returning from Italy, my driver there told me to "buy German."
Click to expand...

I'm looking for something smaller, as it's just my son and me. Preferably a 2-door. The Giulia is just too sexy to not consider, but there is no track record yet. I really like the 428, but it seems that every other car I see in the parking lot is a BMW. Never been a huge fan of the Audi's rather boring appearance, but it ranks highest in this segment in many auto publications.

The S5 is essentially the sport version of the A4 with a 3 liter, 333 HP, 8 speed power train. One of the odd things about it is every one that I've seen has leather seats with suede inserts.

Planning to shop around this weekend. Hopefully I can make a decision.
 
Always impressed by the clean lines of Audi. The Alfa is unique but can't say I'm in love with the grill. What happened with the Caddy? I was getting excited to hear reviews (that one is more in my ballpark!).
 
CF LION said:
A few months ago I sought some advice here but I've procrastinated and looked around some more to completely shift to three other cars:

A pre-owned Audi S5
A pre-owned BMW 428i
A new Alfa-Romeo Guilia

Love the Guilia, but am concerned about reliability. The S5 is fun to drive but lacks the sexiness of the Alfa. The 428 is a great car, but kind of dated.

Any experiences with these vehicles (especially the Alfa)?
Click to expand...

Worst car I ever owned in my life - Audi A8. Must have been built during Octoberfest. Never had a car with even one quarter the maintenance that the Audi required. I see them today and cringe.
 
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Nitwit said:
I am very much in the same boat although I'm interested in the Mercedes E class instead of the Audi, and maybe the BMW 5 series instead of the 4. Also considering the Jaguar XF. I haven't test driven any of them yet. As a current Mercedes owner, I'm partial to that brand and everything I've read rates the E class at the top of the midsize luxury car segment. My head is telling me to stay with the E class, but my heart is partial to the Alpha or Jaguar. I'll probably rule out the Gulia over reliability concerns. The worst car I've ever owned was a Fiat in the 70s, and even now after returning from Italy, my driver there told me to "buy German."
Click to expand...
Yeah well we have '12 E class. The GD fuel gauge is broken!! How does a 5 yr old fuel gauge suddenly stop working!!! I have had 30 yr old boats whose fuel gauges worked!! Why do I sense I have a $1000 bill going down the drain
 
A fun car to drive is a Subaru WRX STI. Loaded, around $40K, probably less out the door.

My son got one 6 month ago and although I was planning on a car with snakes on it (Shelby) for retirement, as I tell my wife, I'm reconsidering now that I have driven the STI......

Also, I'm sure the cars you are considering all have nice leather interiors. But if that is the issue with one of them you can have custom leather installed for $1500 to $2000. Two tone, pick your colors, embroidering, whatever you chose. Classic Soft Trim in Pittsburgh does a nice job.
 
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The Alpha Car & Driver had for testing versus other high-end coupes died twice, but still won their comparo because of driving dynamics. Fun to drive, when it's not being towed.
 
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sluggo72 said:
Yeah well we have '12 E class. The GD fuel gauge is broken!! How does a 5 yr old fuel gauge suddenly stop working!!! I have had 30 yr old boats whose fuel gauges worked!! Why do I sense I have a $1000 bill going down the drain
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This might be the fuel level sensor, probably located in the fuel pump assembly. Sometimes, not always, this is a precurser to the fuel pump failing as well, so I'd get it checked out.
 
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I looked at the Gulia but at 6'2" 265# it was not that comfortable for me. Plus at 280 hp I felt it was underpowered. They offer a 500+ hp but over $70k. And still not comfortable for me.

I felt there were enough BMWs and Audis on the road so I did not pursue either one.

My needs are different than yours so I ended up in a Jaguar F Pace.
 
You can't beat German engineering... especially if the pre-owned are certified (warranted) from a dealer. I've driven both BMW and Audi (mid size, not sure of the model) when working in Germany and they are both great. I have no personal experience with Alpha Romeo (other than test driving a used Spider back in the day).

Not that you should care what other people think, but I would suggest that the Audi has less potential for appearing like a douche/frat boy car as it's not nearly as iconic a brand. I'd compare it to Volvo, where it gives the impression that you value well made automobiles, but don't need to have the "look at me car brand" status. This is coming from a guy who bought a 3 series BMW before I bought my first house, so I am one of the ones who bought a BMW for status (before I realized the error of my ways)
 
I drove the Guilia (with the 500+hp engine) on a closed test track last summer (I work on the motor that is integrated into the new braking system).
It is a really fun car to drive, and also really nice to look at.
I also have an older S4 Cabriolet. Also a lot of fun to drive, and I am very partial to Audi.
No experience with the MB.
Nice options there, good luck!
 
GregInPitt said:
A fun car to drive is a Subaru WRX STI. Loaded, around $40K, probably less out the door.

My son got on 6 month ago and although I was planning on a car with snakes on it, as I tell my wife, I'm reconsidering not that I have driven the STI......

Also, I'm sure the cars you are considering all have nice leather interiors. But if that the issue with one of them you can have custom leather put installed for $1500 to $2000. Two tone, pick your colors, embroidering, whatever you chose. Classic Soft Trim in Pittsburgh does a nice job.
Click to expand...


WRX STi is a viable alternative for someone shopping Audi, M-B, Alfa, BMW... CFLion can use the subtle rear spoiler to display his flat-brimmed ballcaps
 
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massimoManca II said:
WRX STi is a viable alternative for someone shopping Audi, M-B, Alfa, BMW... CFLion can use the subtle rear spoiler to display his flat-brimmed ballcaps
Click to expand...

I did briefly look at one, but it's a bit youthful for me. Maybe 25 years ago.
 
My next car is going to be the Durango SRT... now if I were looking for a family car it would be a Maserati Quattroporte... if I were looking for a high dollar, fun to drive, look at me car it would be the Aston Martin DB11... if I were looking for a high dollar, fun to drive, 'please, please, please race me for pinks' it would be the Demon. Saw a new Porsche 911 Carrera 4S in black on the road the other day, too bad it was driven by some 50+ grey hair dude and not the hot blonde I saw driving a Red Carrera 4S Cabrio last summer... :cool:
 
Zenophile said:
Which one is your current frontrunner?
Click to expand...

Probably the S5. But since I'm looking for a used late model on the S5 or 428i, inventory is an issue. Plenty of CPO A4's and 3 series available, but I'm looking for a sport coupe. (.....realizing that the Guilia is a 4-door, but I'll overlook that).
 
lionroar88 said:
My next car is going to be the Durango SRT... now if I were looking for a family car it would be a Maserati Quattroporte... if I were looking for a high dollar, fun to drive, look at me car it would be the Aston Martin DB11... if I were looking for a high dollar, fun to drive, 'please, please, please race me for pinks' it would be the Demon. Saw a new Porsche 911 Carrera 4S in black on the road the other day, too bad it was driven by some 50+ grey hair dude and not the hot blonde I saw driving a Red Carrera 4S Cabrio last summer... :cool:
Click to expand...

Good ta' know
 
psuro said:
I looked at the Gulia but at 6'2" 265# it was not that comfortable for me. Plus at 280 hp I felt it was underpowered. They offer a 500+ hp but over $70k. And still not comfortable for me.

I felt there were enough BMWs and Audis on the road so I did not pursue either one.

My needs are different than yours so I ended up in a Jaguar F Pace.
Click to expand...

Thought about a performance SUV, but I've got a 2008 MDX that has never missed a recommended service and I plan to drive it into the ground. It's perfect for hauling the bikes, PSU tailgates, snow, etc. The new wheels will be an every day driver in nice weather that has some built-in seduction.

Maybe I should take a look at the XE.
 
CF LION said:
Probably the S5. But since I'm looking for a used late model on the S5 or 428i, inventory is an issue. Plenty of CPO A4's and 3 series available, but I'm looking for a sport coupe. (.....realizing that the Guilia is a 4-door, but I'll overlook that).
Click to expand...
CF LION said:
Thought about a performance SUV, but I've got a 2008 MDX that has never missed a recommended service and I plan to drive it into the ground. It's perfect for hauling the bikes, PSU tailgates, snow, etc. The new wheels will be an every day driver in nice weather that has some built-in seduction.

Maybe I should take a look at the XE.
Click to expand...

IIMHO the thrill of the hunt is very much a part of the fun.

How urban is your everyday driving?

(apologies if this is question is retreading old territory)
 
massimoManca II said:
WRX STi is a viable alternative for someone shopping Audi, M-B, Alfa, BMW... CFLion can use the subtle rear spoiler to display his flat-brimmed ballcaps
Click to expand...
Can use the spoiler to fry up bacon and eggs on a hot day at a tailgate too . Audis price point seems to be about 10k below the Benz and Beemer, better value, best interiors. A little less look at me. Subie is a performance value, styling is a little boy racer, but a heck of a car for the money.
 
Zenophile said:
IIMHO the thrill of the hunt is very much a part of the fun.

How urban is your everyday driving?

(apologies if this is question is retreading old territory)
Click to expand...

Not very. I no longer work in Philly and can now drive mostly back roads to my office in the suburbs. But they are fun, twisting, hilly Chester County back roads if you are familiar.
 
ClarkstonMark said:
This might be the fuel level sensor, probably located in the fuel pump assembly. Sometimes, not always, this is a precurser to the fuel pump failing as well, so I'd get it checked out.
Click to expand...
thanks, now I think I really under estimated the bill!!
 
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Zenophile said:
Now I completely understand this purchase.

By chance does your son know how to drive a car with a manual transmission?
Click to expand...

He's only 14, so unless he's taken one out for a spin without my knowledge....
 
CF LION said:
A few months ago I sought some advice here but I've procrastinated and looked around some more to completely shift to three other cars:

A pre-owned Audi S5
A pre-owned BMW 428i
A new Alfa-Romeo Guilia

Love the Guilia, but am concerned about reliability. The S5 is fun to drive but lacks the sexiness of the Alfa. The 428 is a great car, but kind of dated.

Any experiences with these vehicles (especially the Alfa)?
Click to expand...

I love the S5 (or A5).
I've had 5 A4s and an A3.
Love the Audis with Quattro. Fast, responsive, and fun to drive. Iif you live where it snows, you'll never feel concerned about weather. I don't know enough about the S5 options. I assume all the S5s have quattro, but make sure. Do not buy an Audi without Quattro. The alternate is DVT and it is a different drive-train and not nearly as well performing.

That said, I don't think you'll go wrong with either the BMW or Audi. I don't know anything about the AR. Good luck!
 
CF LION said:
He's only 14, so unless he's taken one out for a spin without my knowledge....
Click to expand...
:D Right. Given the playground that is your daily drive and a son who will need to be taught, I very genuinely hope that whatever you ultimately choose has a manual shifter.

I treasure the memories of learning from my father, and I'm very much looking forward to someday teaching my son.
 
heckmans said:
I love the S5 (or A5).
I've had 5 A4s and an A3.
Love the Audis with Quattro. Fast, responsive, and fun to drive. Iif you live where it snows, you'll never feel concerned about weather. I don't know enough about the S5 options. I assume all the S5s have quattro, but make sure. Do not buy an Audi without Quattro. The alternate is DVT and it is a different drive-train and not nearly as well performing.

That said, I don't think you'll go wrong with either the BMW or Audi. I don't know anything about the AR. Good luck!
Click to expand...
One side note, if you get any performance vehicle, such as an S5, it has summer performance tires. You will need winter tires. A5 not so much. I believe all S models are standard Quattro.
 
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CF LION said:
Not very. I no longer work in Philly and can now drive mostly back roads to my office in the suburbs. But they are fun, twisting, hilly Chester County back roads if you are familiar.
Click to expand...

CF Lion, not sure gow close you may be, my family has been using a car shop in Kennett Square for years. They will put a search out for what you are looking for and they go to auctions etc. We have gotten many used cars from them over the years and its been fantastic. They are top notch and very reasonable. If interested let me know, I can provide some more info.
 
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