Needless to say Mrs Tonker won't be driving a Lexus anytime soon, so had good think. Not only about the quality of car but what we actually need it to do, and with the economic climate how we can be more frugal.
I have just bought a Mercedes A class A180CDI Elegance 05 plate!!!! Yes you may laugh, but stop and think. My RX had space for 5 and a good boot. My new A class has space for 5 and a less good boot(3 kids) The trim of the new A class really is every bit as good as a C or and E and being a fat person the seats are very supportive.
BUT. If i keep up with the lorries i get 65 MPG, and if i try and keep up with you lot 52MPG. Taking into account our mileage and how much extra diesel costs, we have saved since Monday £45 in fuel costs alone. Now as of today i have a good job so not much of a problem, but if either my wife or i loose our jobs in the current climate we are stuffed hence the granny mobile. Stereo excellent, again seats very good and switch gear all Merc. Comes with a 360 month free recovery package, yes 360 month. Plus Merc gave me an Orchid for the wife which was good timing as i have done my annual trick of forgetting her birthday! Ripped of Merc label and hey presto bl*w jobs are back on the menu.
Was £18,765 just over 2 years ago and we got it for £8000 with warranty mats tax diesel MOT and an Orchid!