Dirk, our Classic Motorsports regular photographer, is car shopping. His 8-year-old Golf needs a new turbo, and he is ready to move on. He lives in Belgium.
His shopping list:
Diesel--has to be diesel-powered.
Has to be a wagon and also big enough to carry photo gear. (A MINI is too small.)
Not too old since it's basically a workhorse.
Comfortable since he drives a lot.
And, he adds, something with modern safety features so Mom doesn't worry.
Go!
BMW 5 series? Not sure in europe.. but if the 3er can be had in estate and diesel.. there is a lot of win there
BMW and Volvo wagons immediately come to mind...
He shouldn't have to look hard. Aren't you describing every vehicle sold in Europe that we can't get here?
GameboyRMH wrote: BMW and Volvo wagons immediately come to mind...
Not to mention Audi and VW.. and Skoda, Seat, Opel, Vauxhall, Fiat... the list goes on and on.. like stated above.. basically any car in europe not availible here
BMW 1-series hatch
Great handling, good looking, great fuel economy, and an all around stellar car. I rented one in Ireland and loved it. If they sold in the U.S. for $25-$30K I'd have one in my garage.
David S. Wallens wrote: Dirk, our Classic Motorsports regular photographer, is car shopping. His 8-year-old Golf needs a new turbo, and he is ready to move on. He lives in Belgium. His shopping list: - Diesel--has to be diesel-powered. - Has to be a wagon and also big enough to carry photo gear. (A MINI is too small.) - Not too old since it's basically a workhorse. - Comfortable since he drives a lot. - And, he adds, something with modern safety features so Mom doesn't worry. Go!
Isn't this like yelling down from the castle walls to ask the peasants what type of cake the Duke should be eating?
Joe Gearin wrote: BMW 1-series hatch Great handling, good looking, great fuel economy, and an all around stellar car. I rented one in Ireland and loved it. If they sold in the U.S. for $25-$30K I'd have one in my garage.
I agree with you. Not a single BMW product sold here in the US interests me right now.. not even the Z4 now that they dumbed it down and softened it up...
but if I could get a 135 2 door hatch... I could open my wallet up to a monthly payment
156 Wagon.
In reply to alfadriver: You would say that, wouldn't you. 
I'm firmly in the 135 hatch crowd, just because I want one so bad. However, I'm wondering if it's actually big enough for him.
beamer benz or bentley
/que song
Volvo.
I'm always very jealous of the European's with their new, extremely efficient, small diesel, small-to-midsize luxury wagons, particularly the RWD/AWD ones. 1 series, 3 series, C class, A3, A4, etc. While I was in Germany this year I borrowed a C180 wagon and an E220 wagon (both new) and in US-like cruising speeds of about 70 mph, they got 40 and 37 mpg in steady state highway driving (respectively). For relatively large, comfy cars with all the modern doo-dads, that's awesome fuel economy. Ride was awesome, handling above average, and they looked very sharp. Of course, these are pretty pricey, but I was still jealous.
If I were trying to get one of these and price was a factor, I'd probably end up with a 116d wagon or a C180 wagon, with the A3 tdi quattro as another slight possibility.
Bryce
They make, like, everything in a diesel over there. I just looked on Ford's UK site and they had FIVE different diesel engine options for a Focus.
The world is your oyster. I'd suggest a Focus Estate.
alfadriver wrote: 156 Wagon.
I was going to say a SAAB but there is the winner right there.
alfadriver wrote: 156 Wagon.
I drove one of those as a rental the last time I went to Germany. Loved it ! Why can't we have fun stuff here?
Matt B wrote: In reply to alfadriver: You would say that, wouldn't you.
You think I would suggest a Mondeo Estate?
Ford Excursion lol
Cotton wrote: Ford Excursion lol
Seriously, this. An SUV is the best photographer's car. Tons of space, height to shoot from, ground clearance to drive off the side of the road for better angles, a tailgate to shoot from when moving, lots of space for light gear, etc.
I'd suggest a 2 or 3 year old Range Rover diesel. It's what Top Gear shoots from.
I shot the UTCC cover from my Trooper, which surprised me because I'd expected it to roll over before we got to that point on track.
BMW X1, with the diesel. If he drives it, he will buy it.
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