W10

Ok, I'm going to look at a few cars today.

Need something more practical, four (ish) seats, quick, nice to look at and easy to sell (holding value too, in about 18 months)

I've jotted down

Mercedes 350C avant garde (i like the aggressive styling, haven't driven one yet)

Audi A5 (think it is overpriced though), or maybe a high powered A4 (depending on cost)

BMW 3 series couple/convertible (beautiful cars but seem pretty common and my boss has one)

Alfa Brera - stunning to look at...will drive it but not sure about selling on nor holdig value

Lexus IS300 - guaranteed to be able to sell and a nice car but they seem 10 a penny.

Any other suggestions?? I'm struggling...

Squirty Cream

I heard that Audis are very expensive to maintain so bear that in mind, especially for the re-sale value. Can you afford a Maserati - I mean they are gorgeous and who cares about costs if you've got one of those?

W10

I don't want to spend that much - besides, they have pretty poor resale value.

maintaince costs not too much of a worry as i don't do that many miles

Squirty Cream

Actually, I know nothing about cars and run mine into the ground so resale isn't my priority - but a good A/C is and from what I gather, the Lexus would be a good bet. But then again, Audis are lovely and comfortable and the power is always a bonus.

Happy car hunting and enjoy your test drives.

shiva

purely practical get the lexus, cheaper servicing, best reliability and good resale

petrol head, the alfa but you'll lose all your money, it will hardly ever work and you'll never sell it....all that said it would probably be the most fun to own and drive

Confucius

Im answering you with red knickers on...As if it wasn'tobvious...

Dutchie

Hi W10,

I'm negotiating at the moment to buy a second hand Audi A6 from a Dubai based dealer, okay not the model you're after. The one I had offered is 21 months old, none turbo version with full options. If I can get the dealer down to € 29.500 (Which is what? Ruffly AED 145.000?) I'll have it put in a 20 foot container and shipped to Holland. Gives an idea of the re-sale value.

benzonar

Would you not consider the Infiniti G37 as well, fantastic car.

Blue Cat

yes W10 they are really nice!

Grace O Malley

Hi W10

VW and Audi are very expensive on parts

Convertible , the AC's always seem to struggle and pack in.

How about the gorgeous Nissan sporty one, gorgeous, but expensive i think!

W10

Of all the cars I saw today, I liked the Merc 350C (its 204k without sat nav - which i don't need). The avant garde model is the AMG kit version with the big aggressive grill and the 18 inch five spoke alloys.

I liked the BMWs but way overpriced,

Big fan of the A5, its gorgeous and I'll be test driving it, but really pokey in the back considering its a pretty big car.

Lexus was beautiful inside, definitely the practical option as I am planning to keep it for 18 months only.

I also saw a Honda Accord Coupe...beautiful styling...dh117 (I know it isn't a luxury marque but I was really taken with the styling)

Dutchie

Hi W10,

Didn't want my posting to sound as an insult, just in case you tend to sell early, that why I mentioned it.

W10

Wasn't taken as an insult - one of the things I'm looking at is the resale value after two years.

I think you can get less than that for the A6.

Dutchie

It's interesting for me as I can import it as a company car meaning it remains luxury tax free. In Holland a car like this one, Audi A6 3.2 V6 will set me back at least € 46.000 This one if I get it down to € 25.000? Add +/- € 1.800 sea freight + € 2.500 to make it road worthy in Europe again is a sweet deal for me.

Confucius

204K??? That's a great price for a car like that!!! First time I hear a Merc cheaper than a comparable BMW...