Tips and tricks about a new car

[juliusbussche]

Dear gurus,

It is that time of the lease again to ask for hints for a car.

Unfortunately the original thread is display only now... https://archive.sap.com/discussions/thread/1651027

This time round my parameters have also changed a bit. I seldom drive more than 100km / week and perhaps every 3 months to Frankfurt (about 300km away). Also moved down the mountain to about 300m over sea level, so snow is not such a big problem anymore needing a 4x4 SUV. The missus now has a family wagon so I can go smaller.

So I am thinking of a cabrio - also because since the last round I am now over 40 years old and a cabrio makes one feel younger again, I am hoping.. 🙂

I have been looking around and compared to my previous cars (which were all dark green, except for one which was silver) I think the colour is going to be the biggest challenge here. A green cabrio (try google it...) is quite an eye sore...

So I am thinking that I must first choose the colour and then go looking for the make and model that it fits best to. Or first the new girlfriend and then a dog and based on that choose the make and then the colour? Or first the make and let the missus choose the model and the colour to keep me out of harms way? Uahh?? Help... 🙂

Anyone with good tips about current cabrios that are good all-rounders and fun to drive?

Cheers,

Julius

[VXLozano]

A Mazda MX-5 is the slipper you are looking for. Although I don't like these kind of cars, I cannot find a better fit for your needs. Sadly, it's not for sale in green in your country, mate.

You cannot tell "I don't need a SUV", because everybody and their mother need a SUV. It's THE car for "the wo/men of today". I love SUV's.

I'll go for a Subaru XV, and not just because it's the Japanese version of VX (they write weird), but because it's big/small enough for a family/single guy, it's high enough to move your butt through the mountain and to make you easy the task of climbing it (admit it, dude, your back is not the one it was 20 years ago).

Subaru XV or Mazda MX-5... and NEVER let her choose, or you'll find yourself in a FIAT store *facepalm*

-- Edit: plz reward if useful XD --

(this edition is a joke about ol'better times)

[former_member6619]

MX-5 is a cool one, but it only seats two. I have heard it is a hell of a ride (not formula type ride, rather a forever-young-thing). Subaru XV is not available as cabrio, as far as I know. Subaru XV is also far from being a fun car and where I come from, XV is "her choice".

If I would consider Mazda at all, I would consider RX-8 instead. Available as a cabrio, seats four AFAIK and looks cool (my taste at least).

There is also a thing called Maserati GranCabrio by the way :))

[juliusbussche]

I briefly looked at some 2 seater cabrios - but as we have kids it would be too limited as a nice drive on a sunny day would too often exclude the possibility of using the cabrio. So 4 seater is the sensible option and there seem to be enough of them around.

@ Vic: do you have an uncle or cousin who could chop the roof off the Subaru XV so that it can be used as a hardtop cabrio as well?

That does bring up another point - as it would not only be a summer car, I am thinking that hardtop cabrio is better idea. I test drove the Mercedes C-class cabrio, but they only have it in softtop. They say it is not a problem at all in winter, but I was hoping to get some insights here whether that really is as true as they claim?

Problem with Maserati is that you need to change the fanbelt every 10-15k kilometers. And to do that you need to remove the whole engine. So when buying the car you have to buy "maintenance packages" the price of which depends on the expected mileage you will be doing. If you drive more, then it becomes quite expensive (in addition to the car and the gas and insurance costs). At least that is what VW told me, but they have been known to invent facts before... 🙂

Cheers,

Julius

[matt]

My daughter in law is a big fan of the new minis. My son prefers yellow lambos. Personally I'd get an "ordinary" car with a stupidly over powered engine.

[juliusbussche]

Hmm.. this place seems to be dead... 😞

I have progressed further to at least the colour: matt silver with black interior and beige seats. But am undecided between a black steering wheel and a beige steering wheel.

Any thoughts?

Cheers,

Julius

[VXLozano]

black... never get the steering wheel the same color of the seats, or you'll can find yourself sitting in the steering wheel wondering who changed it by seats if someday you become key user or go to take a drink with Bryson...

[juliusbussche]

I have found what I have been looking for -> a DeLorean DMC-12.

That way I can also use SDN as it was in the beginning before the comic book format, nuked navigation/search and points arrived.

I will also try to "influence" things but am told by the previous owner that I cannot materially change history otherwise I cannot come back again.

From my side the question is closed, but I leave it open incase any other DeLorean drivers pop by... 🙂

Cheers,

Julius