Bit of help please - Barge Estate (not quite a 'what car?')

[Sticklebrick]

I am looking at buying a barge estate in the near future. I think I have narrowed it down to the BMW 323/8 Touring and Vauxhall Omega 2.5/2.6/3.0 Estate. I was just wondering if their is anyone on here that could give me their opinions of them and anything to look out for and specifically what kind of mileage I can realistically expect. I will mainly be doing motorway miles - 150 mile round journey each week. MPG is not crucial, but would like more than 30 on a long run.

I am looking at these two as I want a rwd, manual as I plan to hopefully use it as a drivetrain donor in about 6 months time. I have looked at the BMW 5 series and Merc' options but don't really like them. Budget is preferably up to £1000 but could perhaps stretch a little - any other suggestions welcomed.

I know there are some threads around on similar things and I am searching through them, was just hoping to get a bit more information and/or suggestions all in one place, especially the real world mileages.

[Big Rod]

If you want 30+ MPG then forget the Omega V6s. Dem's thirsty! The most I got from my 3.2 was 27 and that was drving very gingerly indeed.

Having said that, they're lovely cars. I had a 2.5 Elite and a 3.2 MV6, both estates cavernous, long legs and both sublimely comfortable for long trips.

ETA:- And you'll be lucky to find a manual one!

Edited by Big Rod on Wednesday 19th January 14:31

[Sticklebrick]

Is there any discernable difference in mileage between the auto and manual. Parkers doesn't really seem to think so, but does the extra gear in the manual help at all on the motorway? I appreciate this depends on the gearing, not just there being an extra one.

Anyone any ideas on the BMW?

Cheers

Edited by Sticklebrick on Wednesday 19th January 16:43

[Big Rod]

If anything the autos have longer legs.

[edo]

The only beemer on Autotrader close to your budget:

1995 BMW 3 SERIES 328i 5dr Touring


BMW 328 touring, 5 speed manual, Artic silver, full black leather in excellent condition, full service history, aircon with dual climate control, r/c/l with alarm, cd tuner, electric factory sunroof, mirrors, seats, 4 windows, abs, computer showing 30 mpg etc, alloys, new mot with no advisories, tax till July, excellent drive, bargain!. £1,495.