What to do? Stick or twist for £11k

[Wriggle5373]

Hi PH,
Have been lurking for some time and finally decided to join now I'm at the point of actually buying.
I've been closely following a number of threads, looking for car ideas. Currently own a BMW 118i (and a Model Y but that's going as part of a job).
Trying to decide what's best to do - keep the 1 series (a bit dull and slightly small) for a bit or change it.

Price: £9-10k mark - lower is better.
Mileage per year is around 10k, largely weekend driving on some A roads and a few long journeys on motorways (London to North East, Lakes, Cornwall) per year.
Needs to be ULEZ compliant
Somewhat reasonable running costs. I'm not terribly worried about fuel consumption (given the mileage I do) and would ideally like something a bit more enjoyable. Not sure how much more horsepower I'll be able to make the most of and how different the cars will feel.

My car history and knowledge is limited but I'm fairly practical for simple work if needed. I've renovated almost everything in my house without much knowledge so backing myself!

It's likely we'll become a 2 car household again before too long. Though for now looking for something big enough to take golf clubs, cat (and all it's boxes) plus the missus (we don't pack lightly) on the long journeys - guessing we could fit with a decent sized saloon

Now the question is do I go for a longer term estate car now, something bigger like a 3 series touring (questions about which engine here, seen 330i mentioned a few times) - and perhaps get something more fun later. Or a saloon for now and save for the touring later. Or buy a touring now and maybe get myself a smaller more fun car later? Thoughts welcome.

Open to SUVs as well, but see a lot of the boot space to be disappointing and figured the estate would drive better.

Ideas I've looked at and like: Vauxhall Insignia (again VXR looks rapid but not sure if I'll make the most of it and never owned a Vauxhall), 3 / 5 series (maybe touring?), Skoda Octavia, Infiniti are interesting (again unfamiliar)
Unliklely: Skoda Superb Estate - the other driver in the house said too big when we hired one a while back, don't love some of the older Ford shapes

Lastly, how high mileage would you consider too high for the usage I'm looking at and any hints on when going to view.

Thanks for all the threads so far to get the cogs turning. Hope I can build a more interesting garage to contribute more! I tried to take what I could from similar cost threads, 2 car garage, etc.

Happy for any suggestions on approach, cars, what to look for in engines sizes / power and - required reading!

[sunnyb13]

Keep the 118i if it’s not causing you any stress and there’s nothing wrong with it.

[Wriggle5373]

Thanks - no stress but would love a bit more space in the boot.

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd say stick BUT if you want a bit more boot space & something that's a more interesting drive, then I'd be looking at these.

Kia ProCeed GT Tech:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309202...

Or the Astra GTC VXR if you want a full fat hot hatch:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309151...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309282...

[biggbn]

ZX10R NIN said:

I'd say stick BUT if you want a bit more boot space & something that's a more interesting drive, then I'd be looking at these.

Kia ProCeed GT Tech:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309202...

Or the Astra GTC VXR if you want a full fat hot hatch:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309151...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309282...

Really fancy one of those Kia, well made, handle well, lots of kit, look great...hear they are a wee bit juicy though?

[Wriggle5373]

ZX10R NIN said:

I'd say stick BUT if you want a bit more boot space & something that's a more interesting drive, then I'd be looking at these.

Kia ProCeed GT Tech:


Or the Astra GTC VXR if you want a full fat hot hatch:

Thanks! Can I ask why you’d stick and also any ideas for slightly bigger? Shame because I like the look of both actually.

Thanks again

Edited by Wriggle5373 on Wednesday 4th October 07:23

[Belle427]

Skoda Octavia Vrs estate, job jobbed.

[soad]

biggbn said:

Really fancy one of those Kia, well made, handle well, lots of kit, look great...hear they are a wee bit juicy though?

Isn’t it a hot hatch? Depends if you have a heavy right foot too.

Realistically, will be miles better than something like a EP3 Civic Type R etc.

[Kingdom35]

biggbn said:

Really fancy one of those Kia, well made, handle well, lots of kit, look great...hear they are a wee bit juicy though?

I can vouch for them. I have a Proceed GT Tech. Paid mid 8s for a 64 plate 2.5 years ago.
Mpg ranges for me between 32-38mpg on a commute of 20miles round trip and 40mpg.
Managed 45mpg which seems the limit on the 200mile trip back from Exeter when I bought it.
It’s not as juicy as some say but I’d say it’s not as economical as a Fiesta ST.
It’s rare though compared to the ST’s.
Anything you need to know let me know.
Reliable, I’ve had zero problems so far and it sounds fairly good and it’s a warm hatch that shows a few up.

[Mr Tidy]

It sounds like you feel the need for a change!

Skoda Octavia VRs already suggested, but even a hatch would have much more boot space than your 1 Series.

[Wriggle5373]

Thanks! Am I being stupid in that the hatch boot space would be bigger? I thought the 1 series would be the same to most (other?) hatches, what am I missing? Am I going to the extreme by thinking estate already?

[biggbn]

soad said:

biggbn said:

Really fancy one of those Kia, well made, handle well, lots of kit, look great...hear they are a wee bit juicy though?

Isn’t it a hot hatch? Depends if you have a heavy right foot too.

Realistically, will be miles better than something like a EP3 Civic Type R etc.

I generally get better mpg than others, not a fast driver anymore but the general comments from testers was that the Kia uses more fuel than a 200hp modern 'warm' hatch should. If it could eke 40mpg on my 20 mile commute at my 60mph cruise on commute speed, it would be a definite contender when my current car falls to pieces. Thanks to the other poster who has suggested this may be a possibility. Dad's on his third Kia, daughter had one, friend is on his second, all well specced, nice to drive and faultless. One of these wee fun cars, or the triple 1.0 turbo picanto would be a right giggle I think.

Edited by biggbn on Thursday 5th October 16:31

[jaydeeuk1]

I'd say stick, pretty much any car will feel cramped and slow if you're used to a model Y LR, even more so if its the performance version. Granted the 1 series are generally poor but even a 330i of the age and mileage £10k will get you will feel a bit "oh...".

[Wriggle5373]

jaydeeuk1 said:

I'd say stick, pretty much any car will feel cramped and slow if you're used to a model Y LR, even more so if its the performance version. Granted the 1 series are generally poor but even a 330i of the age and mileage £10k will get you will feel a bit "oh...".

Thanks! Got the LR and appreciate nothing at this price will do the same. Just wondering if I compare to the 1 series if there’s something worth swapping for the money.

[ZX10R NIN]

Wriggle5373 said:

Thanks! Can I ask why you’d stick and also any ideas for slightly bigger? Shame because I like the look of both actually.

Thanks again

Edited by Wriggle5373 on Wednesday 4th October 07:23

I said stick because you didn't seem to fussed about changing BUT if you want a change then the two cars I recommended are where I'd be looking

Do you want suggestions for something bigger than the two above? Both of those have huge boots compared to the 1 series.

[Wriggle5373]

ZX10R NIN said:

Wriggle5373 said:

Thanks! Can I ask why you’d stick and also any ideas for slightly bigger? Shame because I like the look of both actually.

Thanks again

Edited by Wriggle5373 on Wednesday 4th October 07:23

I said stick because you didn't seem to fussed about changing BUT if you want a change then the two cars I recommended are where I'd be looking

Do you want suggestions for something bigger than the two above? Both of those have huge boots compared to the 1 series.

Fair and I think I hadn’t made my mind up but the more I think the more I do want to change. I’d be looking for a slightly bigger car as the only one - though you’ve made me want one of the hatches after! Good to know re: boot space. Would be great to get your thoughts on bigger! Thanks.

[Wriggle5373]

ZX10R NIN said:

Wriggle5373 said:

Thanks! Can I ask why you’d stick and also any ideas for slightly bigger? Shame because I like the look of both actually.

Thanks again

Edited by Wriggle5373 on Wednesday 4th October 07:23

I said stick because you didn't seem to fussed about changing BUT if you want a change then the two cars I recommended are where I'd be looking

Do you want suggestions for something bigger than the two above? Both of those have huge boots compared to the 1 series.

Fair and I think I hadn’t made my mind up but the more I think the more I do want to change. I’d be looking for a slightly bigger car as the only one - though you’ve made me want one of the hatches after! Good to know re: boot space. Would be great to get your thoughts on bigger! Thanks.

[ZX10R NIN]

Wriggle5373 said:

Fair and I think I hadn’t made my mind up but the more I think the more I do want to change. I’d be looking for a slightly bigger car as the only one - though you’ve made me want one of the hatches after! Good to know re: boot space. Would be great to get your thoughts on bigger! Thanks.

If you want bigger then the Mondeo is a great option but like all Dual Clutch gearboxes the services need to be carried out on time & you'll want to see evidence of it being done:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309292...

Titanium:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202310052...

Mazda6 Sport Nav:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202308281...

2.0t Insignia SRI VX Line Nav:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202308251...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309162...

Or you could go for the full fat VXR Insignia:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202308271...

[Wriggle5373]

ZX10R NIN said:

If you want bigger then the Mondeo is a great option but like all Dual Clutch gearboxes the services need to be carried out on time & you'll want to see evidence of it being done:

Titanium:

Mazda6 Sport Nav:


2.0t Insignia SRI VX Line Nav:

Or you could go for the full fat VXR Insignia:

Amazing, thank you. I'll try to test the SRI vs VXR.

I wonder if going for just a saloon at this point will be enough, looks big inside. The Mazda looks great, but maybe a bit boring as the only car to drive I fear based on the power (maybe unfair?!).

Question for you, as fun as the VXR looks - do you think that difference in power is going to be something enjoyed daily / occassional use? And for the Mondeo - any tests for the gearbox issues in driving or when viewing?

Thanks again - much appreciated!

[ZX10R NIN]

Wriggle5373 said:

Amazing, thank you. I'll try to test the SRI vs VXR.

I wonder if going for just a saloon at this point will be enough, looks big inside. The Mazda looks great, but maybe a bit boring as the only car to drive I fear based on the power (maybe unfair?!).

Question for you, as fun as the VXR looks - do you think that difference in power is going to be something enjoyed daily / occassional use? And for the Mondeo - any tests for the gearbox issues in driving or when viewing?

Thanks again - much appreciated!

The Mondeo should feel smooth any jerkiness could be a sign but make sure they have receipts for the gearbox services (actually that should be the same for any work/maintenance carried out) have been done.

All of the above are hatchbacks so have the boot space you're looking for.

From your usage the 2.0T will be fine but if you want a more enjoyable experience then yes the VXR is the better car BUT you have to balance that against the higher tax & fuel consumption, this is only a question you can answer.