- Joined
- Oct 23, 2016
- Messages
- 79
- Reaction score
- 191
- Points
- 33
So after about 20 months of ownership, which is the longest I've kept a car for the last 12 years, it's time to change the S3 as it just doesn't suit my needs anymore.
I'm a registered rally marshal so I often go into forest tracks and its only a matter of time before I damage a wheel, tyre or the underside of the S3 so I need a bit more ground clearance. I also regularly take two cocker spaniel dogs in the car (more space needed) and I have some back problems and find getting in to, or especially getting out of, the S3 a bit tricky at times (more height required) which is all pointing toward a SUV type vehicle although I've never been a great fan of these. My partner stays about a 300 mile round trip away so I do a fair amount of road miles so also need something which also has decent road manners and is a bit more economical than the sub 30mpg trips in my S3.
So time to grow up (I'm in my mid 50's lol) and get something sensible and after a long search and discounting 2wd only vehicles, those that I just couldn't see myself in and the dealers that I contacted that I would never do business with, I finally purchased a BMW X1 Xdrive yesterday. It's a 190bhp, 8 speed auto version which was pre-registered a couple of weeks ago so has a very healthy discount over a new vehicle but maintains the full 3 year warranty (minus 2 weeks) and also has the same finance deal on offer as a new car @ 3.9% apr on a pcp. I was in the dealership for over 3 hours yesterday, partly trying to get a decent part-ex for the S3, but also trying to get my head to rule my heart (which doesn't happen often when I buy cars) and realise this was the way to go.
Although I haven't posted on here often I come on regularly to read the posts as there are so many enthusiastic and knowledgeable people on the forum and lots of varied points of view.
I've really enjoyed my time with the S3 which I would say is probably the best all round vehicle I've owned.
I'm a registered rally marshal so I often go into forest tracks and its only a matter of time before I damage a wheel, tyre or the underside of the S3 so I need a bit more ground clearance. I also regularly take two cocker spaniel dogs in the car (more space needed) and I have some back problems and find getting in to, or especially getting out of, the S3 a bit tricky at times (more height required) which is all pointing toward a SUV type vehicle although I've never been a great fan of these. My partner stays about a 300 mile round trip away so I do a fair amount of road miles so also need something which also has decent road manners and is a bit more economical than the sub 30mpg trips in my S3.
So time to grow up (I'm in my mid 50's lol) and get something sensible and after a long search and discounting 2wd only vehicles, those that I just couldn't see myself in and the dealers that I contacted that I would never do business with, I finally purchased a BMW X1 Xdrive yesterday. It's a 190bhp, 8 speed auto version which was pre-registered a couple of weeks ago so has a very healthy discount over a new vehicle but maintains the full 3 year warranty (minus 2 weeks) and also has the same finance deal on offer as a new car @ 3.9% apr on a pcp. I was in the dealership for over 3 hours yesterday, partly trying to get a decent part-ex for the S3, but also trying to get my head to rule my heart (which doesn't happen often when I buy cars) and realise this was the way to go.
Although I haven't posted on here often I come on regularly to read the posts as there are so many enthusiastic and knowledgeable people on the forum and lots of varied points of view.
I've really enjoyed my time with the S3 which I would say is probably the best all round vehicle I've owned.