Family estate musings.

[Happybiker80]

Looking to replace my m135i with something a bit more sensible while we go through these rocky times, and then hopefully get something with a silly engine if I emerge from the other side unscathed.

Considered Octavia's, Golfs, Mazda 6's, Accords etc but have settled on a 320d. I found a nice one from a private seller with BMW warranty until next March, but after reading all the N47 timing chain issues I'm still unsure if that's wise.... This is a 15 plate so has the N47T.

The other option is this:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201051...

Ad says new cambelt and water pump, gearbox service at Audi and front brakes, 1 owner. However it's been on AT since Jan, I wonder if there's something up with that?

[stevekoz]

Personally i would forgo the Audi for sure. Having had several Audi's, all of which have thrown up big bills due to the brand tax really and not much more. The trade on the badge for me but underneath are no more reliable or nice to be in than anything else. Much prefer BMW from that standpoint. But i would even say forgo that and get the Passat. Yes VAG group i know. But still, never had an issue with a Passat and i've owned several, worked on a few as well from friends perspectives and all very easy and non complicated.

You can get a slightly newer car, better spec, more performance and all with below average mileage all in the same kind of budget -

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205165...

if you were going BMW. I would get the 6cylinder - you won't notice much difference in the way of Fuel economy. I have had several and still get high 40s on a motorway run and that isn't really holding back. If I am careful with the right foot, it would creep into the 50's. None of the issues associated with the 320'd engine etc. Just a nicer more refined engine too, far less agricultural.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205145...

[Happybiker80]

Food for thought, that 330 hasn't the best service history, 1st is amber and the next one 3 years later.

[Happybiker80]

The Passat says part service history which puts me off... This 330d is better spec than the one above but higher mileage.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205175...

Is the 320d not worth considering even if it has 10 months BMW warranty? The whole point of my car changing exercise was to get into something more frugal to make selling it on more attractive. The running costs, which aren't bad at all in my 135i aren't a problem to me, I only do 9k miles a year, average is showing 33mpg over 3 years!

[stevekoz]

Happybiker80 said:

The Passat says part service history which puts me off... This 330d is better spec than the one above but higher mileage.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205175...

Is the 320d not worth considering even if it has 10 months BMW warranty? The whole point of my car changing exercise was to get into something more frugal to make selling it on more attractive. The running costs, which aren't bad at all in my 135i aren't a problem to me, I only do 9k miles a year, average is showing 33mpg over 3 years!

Sorry was more the model than those specific examples. But there are those available in that price bracket.

Have you considered a more wallet friendly petrol car rather than diesel? Given the mileage you do and the difference in value on fuel diesel vs petrol. The gap is such, that you can have a bigger petrol engined car and still spend less than you would on a "frugal" diesel. My 435d would do upwards of 58mpg on a motorway cruise at 70-80mph, but averaged only 35-38 mpg as 95% of my 4000 miles a year were around town. It just killed any point of having a diesel.

I don't know what kind of journey's you do to make up that 9000 - but you may not see the figures you'd be hoping for, from a diesel if its all start stop around town.

if its all motorway though - then yes a smaller engine diesel unit like a 320d would be better agreed.

I won't say its not worth considering, internet "issues" are always over egged by the number of posts you see but no one posts up to talk about a good car right? Its only ever bad. So what you are seeing is not overtly indicative of every car you'd buy. But there are risks to that engine that are well known. The timing chain is an issue so as long as the car still has BMW warranty that should alleviate some worry. I personally for the difference in mpg would go for the 6cylinder as you wouldn't see masses of difference BUT all depends on what kind of driving you are doing. Sorry maybe not much help.

[Happybiker80]

Most of my driving is a 15mile commute which is dual carriageway apart from 5 mins in town and the rest is longer trips.

I did consider a 320i but most people say the diesel drives better, being a bit more gutsy. There's also VAG 2.0 petrols but I find the interior of most of them quite dull.

[757]

Insignia Tourer, yes it's a VX, but they are incredibly well made and personally look pretty nice especially in estate form, better reliability and definitely get more for your money - one is used at work as a pool car, it does look rather classy outside in the car park.

But you would have to get past the Vauxhall badge unfortunately ha

Ran a few BMW's and have a 3 series Tourer, don't do anything for me anymore won't get another one.

Edited by 757 on Thursday 26th May 15:49

[ZX10R NIN]

Have to agree with the poster above, the Insignia Tourer makes a lot of sense & will have more modern tech inside:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203223...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204285...

[Happybiker80]

Ok, worth a look, any particular engines to avoid? What are the Astra estates like, I'm happy with a smaller car as my wife has a Sportage arriving in July and we don't need 2 massive cars.

[georgeyboy12345]

You don't drive enough miles to justify buying a diesel. I'd be looking at petrol.

Audi A4 Avant 2.0 TFSI
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205225...


BMW 320i Touring
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205246...


Mercedes C200 Estate
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202162...


Skoda Octavia vRS Estate
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202112...