Graham
RMS Photographer
This is a bit of a read...
Volkswagens MkV Golf, in 'Match' trim, has to be one of the greatest hidden gems of modern automotive history.
Having bought one off Jo's father around four years ago as a stop-gap, it ended up becoming our sole family car when the girls were very young.
Yes, it was cramped, and yes, Jo deserved to be in something nicer, but a spanner had been thrown into life's plan when I fell ill and we done what had to be done.
She's since put herself into a Santa FE to cope with family duties, which left me driving the Golf again for the last two years.
Over 50mpg achievable when driven in haste and at least 60mpg at all other times, it wanted for little other than the usual stuff that comes with 125,000 miles of driving on our roads.
It's been a fantastic few years!
That was until I'd lined up its replacement at Easter, soon after which the Volkswagen spat its dummy out. Suspected ECU woes led to headaches and lengthy diagnostics, I soon realised how convenient it is to have a car in the drive, when there isn't one sitting there.
Anyway, going back to the aforementioned replacement; I've hankered after an automatic for years, probably since parting with my Nissan 200sx S14a auto a long time ago.
Recently, the chance to own a car I've fancied for many years, in automatic guise, came to fruition when Jo's uncle said he was parting with his E60 BMW 530d LCI.
Now, an 'SE' trim BMW doesn't sound appealing, but with a handful of all the right, and some rare factory options, I'd have regretted not having a look.
Needless to say, I'm now the proud owner of a car which has aged incredibly well, historically has no indicators, and a vehicle that I hope will stand me well for a few years of wafting around the country!
Along with sunroof, factory tints, rear blind and a tow-bar, some of the more rare options ticked on this one include dual zone automatic climate control, radar cruise control, comfort access, soft closing doors and comfort seats.
As Jo reminded me recently, I'm not getting any younger, so this granda-spec Bavarian is just delightful.
Out with the old and in with the (older) new!
Volkswagens MkV Golf, in 'Match' trim, has to be one of the greatest hidden gems of modern automotive history.
Having bought one off Jo's father around four years ago as a stop-gap, it ended up becoming our sole family car when the girls were very young.
Yes, it was cramped, and yes, Jo deserved to be in something nicer, but a spanner had been thrown into life's plan when I fell ill and we done what had to be done.
She's since put herself into a Santa FE to cope with family duties, which left me driving the Golf again for the last two years.
Over 50mpg achievable when driven in haste and at least 60mpg at all other times, it wanted for little other than the usual stuff that comes with 125,000 miles of driving on our roads.
It's been a fantastic few years!
That was until I'd lined up its replacement at Easter, soon after which the Volkswagen spat its dummy out. Suspected ECU woes led to headaches and lengthy diagnostics, I soon realised how convenient it is to have a car in the drive, when there isn't one sitting there.
Anyway, going back to the aforementioned replacement; I've hankered after an automatic for years, probably since parting with my Nissan 200sx S14a auto a long time ago.
Recently, the chance to own a car I've fancied for many years, in automatic guise, came to fruition when Jo's uncle said he was parting with his E60 BMW 530d LCI.
Now, an 'SE' trim BMW doesn't sound appealing, but with a handful of all the right, and some rare factory options, I'd have regretted not having a look.
Needless to say, I'm now the proud owner of a car which has aged incredibly well, historically has no indicators, and a vehicle that I hope will stand me well for a few years of wafting around the country!
Along with sunroof, factory tints, rear blind and a tow-bar, some of the more rare options ticked on this one include dual zone automatic climate control, radar cruise control, comfort access, soft closing doors and comfort seats.
As Jo reminded me recently, I'm not getting any younger, so this granda-spec Bavarian is just delightful.
Out with the old and in with the (older) new!
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