andylinney

With the decision pretty much made to replace the Forester STi due to a couple of reasons I'm looking for something that meets a few criteria.

I have another little one en route so I need enough space for me, the wife, my 3 year old and come November, a newborn with all of the associated guff.

It is also needs to be quite quiet, I have just been diagnosed with hearing damage that seems for now to be getting worse, my consultant has made it perfectly clear that I have to actively avoid noisy environments if I want to have a chance of limiting any further damage.

The next bit is a bit subjective, I am shallow when it comes to cars, they have to make me smile.

So, bearing that lot in mind what do you recommend?

So far I'm erring towards a german diesel barge like an Audi A4 - A6 / BMW 5. I know my spending power puts me in an 06/07 car and that's fine but I'm curious what gems I might be totally ignoring. Any advice?

thenewgalaxy

My money would go on an A6 Quattro with the 3.0 diesel. Ticks just about every box!

My father ran a couple of E320 diesel Mercs, they were superb cruisers and quite quick off the line too. Had quite an appetite for tyres and servicing costs could occasionally be high but otherwise were excellent machines.

I was tempted (but didn't have the *****) a while back to buy an '06 E500 I came across but the thought of the air suspension going on one gave me cold feet. Have seen them on sale for as little as £5k.

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

New Astra CDTi SRi 150.

Cheaper to buy, so newer model, cheaper to repair, cheaper to insure. Win, win, win.

PaulC72

Octavia Vrs
Fabia Vrs (smaller, maybe too small for a family?)

May possibly get a VX VXR of some sort

all will make you smile and have family practicality.

john banks

If you want it really quiet, something with double glazing (7 series/A8/S class), maybe an option on smaller stuff, but I can't think of medical reason why you need to go quieter than a more widely available quiet single glazed car as you are more likely to be exposed to higher noise levels when not driving. My Audi with double glazing is quieter at full throttle, high revs and high speed than my Nissan is at warm idle stationary on its standard exhaust.

bustaMOVEs

iTrader: (31)

Or a modern petrol engine which is quieter and smoother, without the hassle of the diesel gimmicks (more reliable)

JC-R

How much you asking for the Forester STI Buddy ?

Carnut

5 door,one of the most reliable cars in the world,very good handling, medium running costs,torquee engine (2.5),fast,good specs,can get it in orange ,will support future mods,can get 08-09 with 40-60,000 miles for £10,000 easy.oh and its quite and comfortable.

I've said it before and seem to be alone on this one,but..............Ford Focus ST.


Or do what everyone else does and be a sheep in your BMW/Audi ,plus don't forget your Bluetooth for your ear.

andylinney

Not allowed anything 'in' my ears, so I need a built in system although if it makes the cliche even funnier for you I do have a pair of prescription Oakley sunglasses...

andylinney

Here's a link to the ad, I'm up in Anglesey.

https://www.scoobynet.com/subaru-444...ester-sti.html

john banks

Focus isn't bad in its class, had one and driven ST and RS, Golf/A3 just edge them for refinement, but the big Germans or a big Lexus etc are as different from these cars as these are from a budget supermini. My Legacy was a bit better for refinement than Golf/A3 but like a tin box compared with the properly insulated luxury stuff, which can be cheap to acquire if not run. Depends on priorities.

john banks

http://elevatingsound.com/the-top-30...-by-auto-bild/

http://elevatingsound.com/the-price-of-quiet-driving/

Carnut

Ha funny. I think that they do have built in Bluetooth, one I looked at even had a reverse camera with sat navigation just to say a few.

JC-R

Thanks for that, GLWTS

PlayFair

Why not just fit a standard exhaust back on your car?

bustaMOVEs

iTrader: (31)

Seems a bit extreme IMO, just put ear plugs in when out in the city as it will be hell of a lot noisy than your car

Rob Day

iTrader: (78)

Kids in tbe cabin will be noisier than any exhaust

dpb

I would naturally assume a 60 year old hearing would be half strength. ??

dpb

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifie...ion-v8/2028683