Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[LC0112G]

So like all these Omega replacement threads where the OP is a fussy bastid (  ) and they've limited their options to an 'Omega like car' you've narrowed it down to a BMW 5 series or Mercedes E class with engine of choice IMO.  If you don't mind a slightly smaller car then the BMW 3 series or Mercedes C class.

Yup, I think that sums it up, and was the conclusion I came to. 5 Series/E class might be out of my price range though.

If you can let go of your RWD fixation then the Volvo V70 is excellent and for your ski trips then the AWD version or XC70 would be ideal. 

From memory XC70 is statistically the second most likely to be written off or suffer major accident damage in the French Alps. BMW X5 is top. 4WD helps traction in slippy conditions, but does bu99er all for outright grip or stopping - especially when fitted with the rubber bands they laughingly call all season tyres.

Alternatively, we might know of someone who might be letting go of a nice sounding Subaru Forester in the near(ish?) future. 

My Sister and BiL had a battered old Forrester when they did a winter season in New Zealand. Not a bad choice, but not for me thanks.

[Keith ABS]

 I dont think the 3 series or C class will be large enough for you Malc
5 series or E class. Unless you fancy Chris Kents CLS AMG which would be in your price bracket

[Sir Tigger KC]

I would have thought a set of chains on an AWD like an XC70 would make it pretty capable? 

I know you specified petrol, but the BMW 3ltr straight 6 diesel is an excellent engine.  I had an E39 530d Touring which pulled like train and sounded like one too!  I loved it! 

E39 a bit elderly now though, but you get the gist. 

[LC0112G]

I would have thought a set of chains on an AWD like an XC70 would make it pretty capable? 

Not certain, but I think I've read on the skiing forums that the XC70 isn't compatible with chains on standard rims and tyres. Not enough clearance to critical components like brake lines etc. It's a common issue with low profile wide rimmed FWD cars - too much gubbins behind the front wheels.

Anyway, it's rarely the car that's the problem, it's the nut behind the steering wheel who believes that 4WD or AWD makes them invincible in all conditions. Almost by definition tourists (like me) aren't used to driving in alpine conditions, and if you've got a false sense of invulnerability due to believing summer tyres on a 4WD is going to work, then it can rapidly turn to custard once the limits of driver talent are explored.

[Sir Tigger KC]

I would have thought a set of chains on an AWD like an XC70 would make it pretty capable? 

Not certain, but I think I've read on the skiing forums that the XC70 isn't compatible with chains on standard rims and tyres. Not enough clearance to critical components like brake lines etc. It's a common issue with low profile wide rimmed FWD cars - too much gubbins behind the front wheels.

Anyway, it's rarely the car that's the problem, it's the nut behind the steering wheel who believes that 4WD or AWD makes them invincible in all conditions. Almost by definition tourists (like me) aren't used to driving in alpine conditions, and if you've got a false sense of invulnerability due to believing summer tyres on a 4WD is going to work, then it can rapidly turn to custard once the limits of driver talent are explored.

The biological interface is often the weak link! 

[LC0112G]

I dont think the 3 series or C class will be large enough for you Malc. 5 series or E class.

I rented a 3 series estate about 10 years ago. I don't remember finding it a bit on the small side then. But you might well be right now the excesses of 10 years debauchery have expanded my boundaries. Next door has just bought a brand new 2021 320i estate, so I'll see if he'll let me sit in it - assuming the 3 series hasn't bloated in size like many cars have.

Unless you fancy Chris Kents CLS AMG which would be in your price bracket

Not really sure that's what I'm looking for.

[Doctor Gollum]

E Class 4 MATIC or R Class.

Ultimately depends on budget. 

[Sir Tigger KC]

E Class 4 MATIC or R Class.

Ultimately depends on budget. 

Fugly.                                                               

[Andy B]

E Class 4 MATIC or R Class.

Ultimately depends on budget. 

Fugly.                                                               

how very dare you!  I liked my R Class 

 ... and Malc said not interested in 4WD

[STEMO]

E Class 4 MATIC or R Class.

Ultimately depends on budget. 

Fugly.                                                               

how very dare you!  I liked my R Class 

 ... and Malc said not interested in 4WD

If it snowed on the R class, people would try to drive up it. 

[Sir Tigger KC]

E Class 4 MATIC or R Class.

Ultimately depends on budget. 

Fugly.                                                               

how very dare you!  I liked my R Class 

 ... and Malc said not interested in 4WD

If it snowed on the R class, people would try to drive up it. 

Or ski down it! 

[Andy B]

E Class 4 MATIC or R Class.

Ultimately depends on budget. 

Fugly.                                                               

how very dare you!  I liked my R Class 

 ... and Malc said not interested in 4WD

If it snowed on the R class, people would try to drive up it. 

They're a definite rarity on the road.

[Doctor Gollum]

E Class 4 MATIC or R Class.

Ultimately depends on budget. 

Fugly.                                                               

how very dare you!  I liked my R Class 

 ... and Malc said not interested in 4WD

There's enough cars available to tick the boxes, and going anywhere near mountains in winter awd and winter tyres is a pretty solid combination

[LC0112G]

So after several seconds of extensive research, I think I can rule out R class and anything 4-Matic.

Perhaps something like this?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107084777285

Or this?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107235364921

[Doctor Gollum]

Of those two, the E Class, without even blinking