Advice needed: seeking comfortable, automatic car ~R100k

Splinter said:
how about a Citroen DS3?
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edit: I mentioned this as my sister has one and she loves it; and I think it is great looking car. Thought hers was an automatic but it turns out it was a manual. As you were.
 
Colin62 said:
Look for an Audi then. There are plenty out there, and if you take your time, you'll find one at a decent price.
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Yeah especially in this price range.

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This chatter about auto boxes dying at 200k is it a 320d specific issue or some hocus pocus blanket statement with no merit?
 
SauRoNZA said:
Yeah especially in this price range.

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This chatter about auto boxes dying at 200k is it a 320d specific issue or some hocus pocus blanket statement with no merit?
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It would appear that ZF didn't do the smartest thing by making their 'boxes "Lifetime Fill". Unfortunately it just doesn't seem practical for hydraulic fluid to be expected to last forever.

I think if you take the knock early on and have the fluid and filter/s changed earlier on in the lifetime of the 'box you will save yourself this issue later on. That fluid takes most of its strain in the torque converter but then is still intended to ensure the sound operation of the clutches so with age the fluid will lose it's lubricating properties and the clutches will wear prematurely. The solenoids can also fail prematurely if the fluid is no longer in top condition.
 
Polo / golf / Jetta TSi with DSG box.
 
GMAN03 said:
It would appear that ZF didn't do the smartest thing by making their 'boxes "Lifetime Fill". Unfortunately it just doesn't seem practical for hydraulic fluid to be expected to last forever.

I think if you take the knock early on and have the fluid and filter/s changed earlier on in the lifetime of the 'box you will save yourself this issue later on. That fluid takes most of its strain in the torque converter but then is still intended to ensure the sound operation of the clutches so with age the fluid will lose it's lubricating properties and the clutches will wear prematurely. The solenoids can also fail prematurely if the fluid is no longer in top condition.
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Aaah one of those "lifetime" but has recommended service interval things.

BMW had the same on bikes with drive shafts. Now from last year they have a service interval due to many failures.
 
Sooo, I test-drove an A4 1.8T multitronic yesterday. A small little over my R150k cash budget, and 76k km on the clock.

BUT OMG IT'S A SEXY CAR!!! :love:

The auto pulls away and changes gears perfectly smoothly. Totally unlike the 320D I tested. The manual mode gear switching is cool, though I don't think I'll use it much (maybe just for overtaking?).

Body condition is near perfect (1 or 2 small scratches - the seller has that paint-and-scratch insurance, and made use of it regularly). For peace of mind, I'm getting my mechanic (he's a top notch dude) to have a look and give me the thumbs up.

Yes, I know, this doesn't meet my fuel consumption requirement, BUT IT'S A SEXY CAR! Actually, the more grown-up reason is that I've come to accept that my requirements were a little too... stringent.

Oh, it also has leather seats, like my current A4, and my bum doesn't complain (this is the first car I've tested, after sitting in many, that meets this non-negotiable requirement).

Busy negotiating price. Wish me luck, guys.
 
FiestaST said:
Coolio
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Oh, and with a sunroof. Dunno if I'll need/use that, but it adds to the sexy look :D

Seller seems happy with R160k, pending approval from his SO (it's actually her car, I believe).

Now just need to get my mechanic out there. Exciting times!! *rubs hands together gleefully*
 
Sodan said:
Oh, and with a sunroof. Dunno if I'll need/use that, but it adds to the sexy look :D

Seller seems happy with R160k, pending approval from his SO (it's actually her car, I believe).

Now just need to get my mechanic out there. Exciting times!! *rubs hands together gleefully*
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Make sure he has good look at the gearbox, it is hefty bill to replace the gearbox :P
 
Rouxenator said:
Try to be a little more creative than just settling for another VAG.
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I've looked at/driven and/or sat in/felt the seat of many vehicles. Nothing agrees with my post-operation backside :(

There simply aren't (or I haven't found) any cars out there with really comfy seats, besides VAG. And if you disagree, you're welcome to argue with my bum :p
 
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Sodan said:
I've looked at/driven and/or sat in/felt the seat of many vehicles. Nothing agrees with my post-operation backside :(

There simply aren't (or I haven't found) any cars out there with really comfy seats, besides VAG. And if you disagree, you're welcome to argue with my bum :p
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Volvo ? You should be able to find something like a V30/S40/V40 and the seats are really amazing.
 
f2wohf said:
Volvo ? You should be able to find something like a V30/S40/V40 and the seats are really amazing.
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Strange, in all of my looking, I never did check out a Volvo. If this current deal falls through, I'll be sure to have a look at one. Thanks :)

And thanks to everyone for all your advice. I know my requirements... evolved with time, making some of the advice less relevant. But I appreciate everyone's input. Even Roux's :D
 
Lol never thought I could hear something like this. A viewer seeking car advice from a motoring show says he's "a big fan of Chinese and Indian vehicles." :crylaugh:
 
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Excalibur said:
Lol never though I could hear something like this. A viewer seeking car advice from a motoring show says he's "a big fan of Chinese and Indian vehicles." :crylaugh:
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Is he also a big fan of going to the loo and discovering "too late" that there's no toilet paper? :D
 
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