Now I think I've figured out the tax / fuel card thing, I can make some decisions on my next car.

I used to have a company car - which I was looking forwards to the end of the lease for so that I could opt out and take the cash, that was up this July, but I left that company in November and now am starting afresh.

So I'll be taking the car allowance, which to me will mean a realistic budget of 17k.

Characteristics (in order of preference):

No 2 seaters, 4+ doors. Looking for something which I can use all the time, not just when it's only me & the mrs.
Big engine - prefer my torque to my rpms in a daily driver
RWD
Auto
Larger models - i.e 5 series rather than 3 series size

Options I've considered so far:
Jag S Type R
BMW 3ltrs - diesels and petrol, but from what I've seen, diesel is the best option there
MG ZT 260

Only one of those that has been ruled out so far is the MG (Mrs GSi doesn't approve of the styling, she's not keen on the others either, but the badges do well in her books...)

I was going to get a 350Z, but I've decided that the 2 seat thing is covered by the Westie and there are increased trips out with mates for Sunday lunch rather than an all night boozing crawl around town, so practicality for mates or parents means I can get more use out of the car, rather than having to be driven

I'm also getting old and quite enjoying the Armchair + Auto + Cruise control combo of the current pairing of big Swedish turbo cars..

So am I missing out on some other obvious contenders?
and do I really want RWD? (I can't get my head around this one.. i.e if I can get it, why wouldn't I?)

 

Do you really need an auto box?

 

It's only a two door, so that may be a deal-breaker esp given it's top of your list of criteria, but San is advertising his brother's AMG CLK in the FS&W forum - up at

 

Lexus LS ?
What price do the new G35 Skylines come in at?

Thought about any SUV/4x4 cars? RangeRover, HiLux, LandCruiser ?

 

ST24... second hand bargain.

 

Auto would be nice Nigel for times when I want to cruise, but I've discounted the M5 on the basis that I can't get a good one at that price.

That Merc is 2 door - pain in the arse when you've got a car full, but I'd discounted it mainly cause I thought most Mercs we FWD Thanks Mark for prompting me to look it up!

Lexus LS - is that the big one? or the Mondeo sized one?

Not sure about tall cars, so any 4x4 is off limits. I live in the sticks, but even I don't need 4wd to get off my drive

Mondeo would be ideal if it had another litre in capacity and another 100bhp


I'm basically looking for an M5 without the servicing costs.

 

Just buy an M3 like mine, well the SMG if you want auto

You will love it

 

Anyone know if the Lexus LS handles?

 

How many doors you got Andy?

 

LS400 is the older one 4.0 V8 ..
then LS430 .. think the new is LS460 (or LS600 hybrid) ..

All about 5 (if not 7) series size.