Scottish Elises

OK Wise Wuns !

The Panzer Wagen is due to be punted in later in the year and I'm struggling to list a suitable replacement. I try not to buy the same car again (only done it once). Given recent SE wisdom and 'interesting' recommendations in other threads, I'm keen to see what you come up with.

The brief:
1. Ride & Handling - must be capable of managing daily commute through city streets and then feeling demonic on B and A Roads. Must be capable on autumn & winter roads (don't want to be stuck on the Lecht or Cairngorm ski roads. Winter tyres could be a simple solution...
2. Power - enough. Doesn't need to be mental, but allow tasty overtaking and plenty of linear torque.
3. Design - up to date aero, well built and, at least interesting to look at when parked. Not embarrassing to take to The Fennel.
4. 4/5 seats max, but could easily be tempted by 2.
5. Security - must be OK to be parked outside for the majority of the time.
6. Reliability - needs to start first and every time, plus all bits must work - no bodges or gaffer tape !
7. Budget - would match my monthly finances for smiles per mile.

I have plenty of pre-conceived ideas of what I think I like and hate, but this is where you challenge me to go a little out of my comfort zone.

Ask/suggest away

If fuel economy of much importance?

rossybee wrote: ↑

Sat Jan 13, 2018 2:32 pm

Saw one of them on the M8 the other day - looked lovely!

Jag.XE or XF R-Sport

rossybee wrote: ↑

Sat Jan 13, 2018 2:32 pm

Ross - my car of the moment. Top first attempt. Would also satisfy the TG “must have owned an Alfa” mantra.

Pushing it on the reliability criteria. The two journos (TG/Autocar) who have had them on long term test have had electronic gremlins. Where’s the nearest dealer ?

We passed through Modena in the summer and saw these being built at the Maserati factory.
RWD, so needs Winters.

j2 lot wrote: ↑

Sat Jan 13, 2018 3:54 pm

Jag.XE or XF R-Sport

How’s the XE fairing ?

Mr Momo wrote: ↑

Sat Jan 13, 2018 7:19 pm

rossybee wrote: ↑

Sat Jan 13, 2018 2:32 pm

Ross - my car of the moment. Top first attempt. Would also satisfy the TG “must have owned an Alfa” mantra.

Pushing it on the reliability criteria. The two journos (TG/Autocar) who have had them on long term test have had electronic gremlins. Where’s the nearest dealer ?

We passed through Modena in the summer and saw these being built at the Maserati factory.
RWD, so needs Winters.

Nearest dealer is Lang Stracht (good) but it's good ole Arnie Shark (bad)
Sub £50k for slightly used to over £60k for specced new. A more realistic price point is the 2.0t Veloce with 280bhp, still worth a look.
I will own one of these two at some point, which will be my 3rd Alfa

Arnold Shark has been revamped, so will take a look. Same monkeys servicing ?

Dominic wrote: ↑

Sat Jan 13, 2018 2:32 pm

If fuel economy of much importance?

No - keeps the planet warm

Mr Momo wrote: ↑

Sat Jan 13, 2018 7:44 pm

Arnold Shark has been revamped, so will take a look. Same monkeys servicing ?

Not a clue but I like to keep an eye on Alfa in Scotland as for long enough I feel they've not been well represented. It was Western in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth, now it's just Glasgow and ABZ, and both are Arnies. They need to up their game when selling high end Giulias and Stelvios....and not forgetting the 4c...

Giulia and Stelvio in Arnold Sharks. Both diseasels and look over-bodied and under-tyred. Have spotted a nice QV on PH.

Going to have a look at an Up ! GTi at some point, just for some contrast.

Mr Momo wrote: ↑

Sat Jan 13, 2018 7:21 pm

j2 lot wrote: ↑

Sat Jan 13, 2018 3:54 pm

Jag.XE or XF R-Sport

How’s the XE fairing ?

I am really impressed withhow sporty, comfortable and refined it is and have really enjoyed it so far. It has exceeded all my expectations in that I though it would be refined and comfortable but it is also sporty and handles well and is a great drivers car
We have the 180diesel so it's not truly quick but has great mid range grunt and a surprising turn of speed that can catch you out if your not watching your speed
The overall spec is good and I like the Jag app for monitoring the car and journeys and pre start the car for warming up/ defrosting. We miss the auto headlights and folding mirrors but that's all down to how the dealers specced the car.
Downsides are the rear legroom isn't grea and being a diesel it's not sporty sounding (although still fairly quiet for an oil burner). I'm also not expecting it's going to be up to much in the snow but that wasn't it's purpose anyway.
Overall I wouldn't be disappointed if it was my only car but glad I still have the Lotus

2013 M135i in Silver with Auto and Adaptive suspension..

I'm definitely not selling one..

RS4 Avant or 340i x drive touring