A Luta Continua - My Merc E class

A 3-series Touring was certainly on the shortlist - but it still has the same problem as when I first tried one about 10 years ago - I can't get comfortable in it. I'm 5'7" (so a different problem from you!) with an average-sized body but shorter-than-average legs, and with the seat in the right position for the pedals, the steering wheel is too close. It's the same in my 125i, but I live with it as the rest of the car is so great to drive, and it's a convertible. Also in the 3-series there's no room even for a space-saver spare wheel, so you have to have runflats which make for a boneshaking ride.

The 220i Active Tourer is much better in this respect, and I very nearly went for one. But the seats aren't as supportive as they should be, and it was pipped at the post by the Audi Q2 2.0 TFSI. This has my favoured combination of big engine and medium-sized body, and the height of the car is just right in that you just get in and out, without climbing either up or down. And as with all the other VAG cars we've had, the driving position is just fine.

Should I have waited to try a Volvo XC40? Much lauded in the motoring press: I seem to be the only person who thinks it's ugly as sin (more so - sin can be quite attractive....) and it has everything, including heating and AC controls, operated by touchscreen, which I think is potentially dangerous and surprising coming from Volvo who pride themselves on making the world's safest cars.

I am well jel Avant, a Q2 would be top of my short list were I splashing out on a new motor. Alas, building a new house has put paid to that for around, oh, 15 years I reckon 😫.

That said, second on my shortlist is a Civic 1.5 turbo, which is a massive 7 grand or so cheaper than the Q2. So with man maths I might settle for one of those in a few years time instead!

...you, or the car.....?

go on then, how many of the proud males on here have the same amount of power.
I probably do , for one

I am in charge of blame, fault, contrition and apology.

Insofar as cars go; She has absolutely zero interest in the process, zero intention of participating in the process and an absolute refusal to provide requirements guidelines.

Anything I buy that over the ensuing years fails to provide 100% wifely satisfaction is clear proof of my incompetence and unwillingness to listen. My failure will be writ in stone, but her lack of participation is disregarded and me mentioning it is just me trying to make it her fault.

Soft furnishings? Ye Gods.