It's been a good year and I'm on the hunt for a replacement car I'm a BMW guy through and through, but, like Bravehearted, can be tempted to get inside a better looking model if the price is right.On the BMW side I'm thinking X5 or 535 to support both my ego and rapidly expanding family, but there must be comparable options out there in terms of price, running costs and good looks. With everything on the table except the Range Rover Evoque which is the 4 wheeled equivalent of a handbag, any suggestions?

Get something that will last, I'd maybe wait a year for Bentley to bring out their SUV model

If you really want to impress your clients with your "value for money credentials" and get some wheels with surprising hidden muscle, you really can't do better than the Nissan Micra. I have the limited edition "testarossa" version and I'm quite literally beating the young ladies away with a big stick...Car of the Year 1993.(And the Renault Safrane was only THIRD that year!!!)

Here's a good 5-series BMW for you - just £840 toohttp://www.autotrader.co.uk/used-cars/bmw/5-series/used-bmw-5-series-528i-se-4dr-kings-langley-fpa-201306107206324?logcode=p

OK - I'm going to quit this thread with my tail between my legs....

Ha ha! Don't do that! Cars are great - seriously! I love the fact that 50% of people agonise over the torque rating of the GTi option on the new Zabadabadoo, and the other 50% have narrowed down their search to "a four-door"

A flash motor is nice to have, but largely they're a waste of money. Myself, I couldn't care less what other people think of my "ride". I'm just as happy driving the Jag to the supermarket as I am my wife's Vauxhall Nova. LOL j/k - but you get the point.Why not stash the extra cash to one side and take the kids to Disneyland or buy them a new computer, or maybe build up a deposit for a house for them when they're older or something to help with their university fees? The young people are our future and they deserve every extra life experience we can give them. If I were given the choice between a new car for myself or a new BMX for my kids (and cash alternatives or redeploying the resources to maximise household income and the like wasn't an option), then I'd go for the BMX every time... it's all about the young people

Get the one with the best lights. You'll need them as it is pretty dark when you get up early to avoid the traffic on your way to the office in central London.Avoid paying a premium for something that is CC exempt. The rules will change and you will have to pay the CC in the future. Possibly before the first battery dies.

Also, for a large/growing family, how about a people carrier of some sort? Maybe a ford galaxy for fun days out with the family - lots of space in the back and the kids would love it if you got one with DVDs in the headrests? :)

BEP - I cannot lie, I'm often torn between investing in my kids' future and splurging on flash consumables. And your thoughts did bring a guilty tear to my eye.The problem is that even if I buy a Ford people carrier with DVDs in the back, yes, Portensia and Amadeus would be happy they finally had something to listen to other than their dad singing, but I'd feel that I'd finally sold out to cardigan country...I think I feel it's like saying "ok - Hugo Boss suits are out.... But M&S slacks and comfortable slip-ons? Yes please!". It's like admitting you've given up and started the journey through middle age towards my 40s...

Hi Arby, instead of buying, what about contract hire?

Arby - don't let BEP lay a guilt trip on you. As long as you love and cherish your kids they'll be happy - and it's a lot easier to love your kids driving home to them in a Porsche!

Heh, I'm not guilt tripping anyone... just helping Arby stay focused on what matters most...In 20 years' time, what will they have appreciated more? £50K deposit towards a house, or that their dad had a 5-series BMW (which in 20 years' time will be known as a "crate", even more so than the one in that link I posted earlier) when they were of the age where frankly they would have been just as happy in the back of a MKII mondeo?What about getting a people carrier type car for everyday use, putting some of the money your kids' way, and putting some of it towards one of those car clubs where you get a lambo for the weekend every now and then?p.s. What's wrong with M&S suits? I have saved a fortune on dry cleaning bills with my M&S machine-washable/tumble-dryable suit. ;)

[quote]Heh, I'm not guilt tripping anyone... just helping Arby stay focused on what matters most...In 20 years' time, what will they have appreciated more? £50K deposit towards a house, or that their dad had a 5-series BMW (which in 20 years' time will be known as a "crate", even more so than the one in that link I posted earlier) when they were of the age where frankly they would have been just as happy in the back of a MKII mondeo?What about getting a people carrier type car for everyday use, putting some of the money your kids' way, and putting some of it towards one of those car clubs where you get a lambo for the weekend every now and then?p.s. What's wrong with M&S suits? I have saved a fortune on dry cleaning bills with my M&S machine-washable/tumble-dryable suit. ;)[/quote]I love M+S suits!

Oh and I suggest a Nissan Qashqai, good for the growing family!

Come on guys get a grip.You're men, kids can sort themselves out.I agonise daily over whether to take the V8 16mpg American muscle or my classic 18mpg.THankfully neither are cc friendly but who would want to drive a nice car to LOndon anyway - it would just get nicked or car jackedTo pick up on mr cools point I find driving in London gives my triple carbs air /fuel mix problems - got 3 webers on mine at moment anyone know what works well in LOndon ? When I listen to southern people they say take the engine out and replace with batteries :-) DC

LOL, weber carbs, those were the days!! Stick a bottle of redex through it, that should do the trick ;)

Seriously, what about contract hire? Seen some really nice cars available. There's this old adage that if it appreciates, buy, but if it depreciates, then lease.

PB, I did think about getting a Qashqai, but then I realized I was not a 35 year old mother of triplets and didn't fancy driving around in something that sounded like a Korean sneezing...

Camster - spot on - this is what I'm planning to do.

WARNING: this post may contain traces of a management consulting pun.@Arby - you should work for BCG. They have a matrix that advises against dealing with a dog and a problem child by investing in a qashqai

The Quattroporte is a fun car and should meet the needs of your family.