detheridge wrote:
Why not a V6? Probably the insurance? My XM and my clunky stopgap Merc are both Group 15.
..
My former garage had an XM V6 that was a delight to drive -so much welly, smooth and effortless and the guy there reeckoned 32mpg on a run, 20 around town.
Don't get too excited, the 2.5 ph2 is also a group 15 car and is £Mega bucks to insure. I did get it down to £44 per month once but it soon went up with a claim and the general premiums rise after a snowy winter. Before sorn'ing the car i was paying either £60 or £80 per month (can't honestly remember) but it's been sorn for over 6 months so I can't honestly remember.
As for MPG.. around town I get / got 17MPG in 3 different 2.5 safranes, motorway I could get 28 - 30MPG at 70MPH, slightly more at 60MPH. Main roads probably around 22 - 25MPG. In short, damned expensive and really thirsty but the safrane is pretty much my only pleasure / hobby in life so I kinda pay the price. That and the reliability / lack of repairs probably pays for the fuel in itself. It must be said though, you need reasonably deep pockets to run one especially if its for daily use.