Car to Carvoeiro ?

Ellie · Post by **Ellie** » Tue May 20, 2003 1:36 pm

We are in a dilemma at the moment.Our Sierra estate seemsto be giving up the ghost and we have to search for new(or nearly new car) inwhich to drive out endof August. Afraid "money" is an object so we have to be practical.
If you were making an overland trip from UK to our Favourite Spot and money was "no" object in buying or running it,which model would you choose?
Being such a long journey,with us its not just road worthiness but comfort as well--but we keep eyeing a BMW convertible and say "shall we"? But unfortunately common sense keeps overiding us.
Our very first trip ever was in an oldish 5.2 BMW-wonderful motor,but was ruined on Algarves deep-rutted back roads with couple months. Second in a "motorhome" -a cumbersome,lumbering journey& never again!But our Sierras served us well on last 2 trips,but we have to say goodbye to her now

So what would your choice be ?

Gambrinus · Post by **Gambrinus** » Tue May 20, 2003 3:14 pm

An SUV seems to be the obvious choice, a combination of comfort, space and off-road abilities makes it ideal for longer journeys - my vote goes to the VW Touareg.

Nevertheless, there is something to be said for convertibles when cruising through the sunny towns in southern europe - add comfort, 4 wheel-drive and a quality finish and out comes the new Audi A4 cabriolet.

e-richard · Post by **e-richard** » Tue May 20, 2003 6:34 pm

Sorry Gambrinus, the new A4 Cabriolet is not 4 wheel drive. Yes, its a superb bit of motor, comfortable and fast - and looks good

.

Maybe you're thinking back to the Audi Quattro - now that was a classic - and remains one today.

Gambrinus · Post by **Gambrinus** » Wed May 21, 2003 10:30 am

I beg to differ, Richard - the new Audi comes with two engines that have quattro drive, the 1,8T and the 3,0.

You are welcome to configure it yourself at http://www.audi.de

Gambrinus · Post by **Gambrinus** » Wed May 21, 2003 10:38 am

......Audi.co.uk appear not to make these available to english customers - they should come with multitronic and 6-speed gearbox, but that does not exist on the UK configurator.

e-richard · Post by **e-richard** » Wed May 21, 2003 10:49 am

Yes, my apologies - I realised after I sent it that my response was horribly UK Centric

I had just got back from a weekend in Devon with my brand new Audi Cabriolet, and the weather was absolutely foul - constant rain so that the top never got a chance to come down, and slipping in the mud, so that I really noticed the absence of 4 wheel drive - hence my hasty response

Anyway, I didn't even know that 4 wheel drive was an option in Germany, so thanks for that bit of info. Not that I can do much with it

Richard

Blondelle · Post by **Blondelle** » Wed May 21, 2003 11:23 pm

Fellas,
Im overwhelmed by your knowledge on cars and realise "I know nothing"!
H infomed me today that if lottery comes up itll be the new "Jag" out next month for him(hes not sure--is it X4 or Z4 ?),
failing that--he'll be going to the Modeo showrooms Boston--looks like it'll be one of MR FORDS again--never mind, one day perhaps!
Shame about all that rain & mud in Devon Richard--no wonder our Maddis gone off to Skiarthos !

Gambrinus · Post by **Gambrinus** » Thu May 22, 2003 10:03 am

Oh dear!! A Ford - as in Fix Or Repair Daily?

Surely you must have heard of the quality craftsmanship of german automobile manufacturers? A beamer, an Audi, a VW or even a Merc will last you longer than any other. Ford & Co. have not been able to produce a decent car since the Sierra Cosworth...

Oh well, if you must, do yourself a favour when you choose the vehicle - check the undercarriage for a white mark.
Reason: Every so often a vehicle comes off the production line and is checked meticulously. After the check, the head mechanic marks the underside with a white stripe.

That is the reason, why Ford staff always check the lot for a white mark before the purchase their discounted staff cars

(this one came to my attention through a friends friend who´s ex-wifes brother-in-law knew somebody who was a direct decendant of Henry Ford

)

e-richard · Post by **e-richard** » Thu May 22, 2003 1:19 pm

Hey Gambrinus, are you of German descent, or do you just have good taste ?

Gambrinus · Post by **Gambrinus** » Thu May 22, 2003 1:55 pm

Richard,
the answer to that would be both

Ellie · Post by **Ellie** » Thu May 22, 2003 9:44 pm

Gambrinus--so cruel !!
But Ive questioned "Himself " once more and he tells me the new "Jag" would be for "showing off" purposes (whats he mean by that?) but for the journey to Favourite Spot he would have the latest 4x Mercedes Tourer,for the ultimate in efficiency,comfort etc.
How about that ?
But I fear its all a "pipe dream"------

Gambrinus · Post by **Gambrinus** » Fri May 23, 2003 8:58 am

A good choice.

Take into consideration, that you are going to be spending a considerable amount of money on an asset that starts loosing value the minute you put the key in the ignition. The least you should do is make sure you buy something you are really happy with - compare - test drive, take your time.

cowboy · Post by **cowboy** » Fri May 23, 2003 9:50 am

good point on the loss of value, gambrinus,... i would look for a good 2-4 yr. old used car... the orignal owner takes most of the loss of value, and insurance is cheaper... if you choose to go that route, have a quliafied mechnic (sp) look at it before you buy..may cost you $ $ up front, but it will save you money in the long run...

Ellie · Post by **Ellie** » Fri May 23, 2003 4:57 pm

Thanks for wise advice Gambrinus--I know youre of German nationality but name has me fogged --it sounds very latin or Roman.Do you have a long lost "gladiator " in you distant past --sort of sounds like Maximus,Claudius, Tiberius --get my drift ?
Cowboy,youre right and we are taking a "mechanic" friend along to check out one we choose,
Thanks to you both, Elle.

Car to Carvoeiro ?

Car to Carvoeiro ?

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Car to Carvoeiro

car to Carvoeiro-good advice