Looking for Car Ideas & Inspiration Moving Back to the UK
Discussion
After 13 years in Dubai, my family and I are moving back to the UK in early 2026. It’s been an amazing experience out here, but It feels like the right time to wrap things up and head home. Its becoming overpopulated in my view and every man and his dog is heading out here.
We’re already well down the road with the logistics of moving back, buying a home, schools, etc. But one thing I haven’t put much thought into yet is cars.
We’ll need two cars, and we have a combined cash budget of around £70k (could flex with finance for the right thing, but trying to avoid too much extra monthly commitment, around £1k/month max is acceptable).
Car For my wife
She’s looking for something in the VW Tiguan / Audi Q5 / Mini Countryman space. Nothing massive, but enough room for two kids and two small dogs in the boot. Sensible, practical, relatively new.
Car For me
This is where I’m struggling. I want something that’s a genuine jack of all trades:
Big enough for family duties
Interesting to drive
Powerful
A bit luxurious / special
Estate or saloon is fine
My dream “real-world” car would be an Alpina B3 Touring, but that’s likely out of cash budget (though maybe doable with a bit of finance), and I know they’re quite rare. The M3 Touring is an option, but to me its a touch OTT to, though I could be persuaded otherwise. Happy to consider anything that is similar to be honest.
I’ve been out of the UK car loop for over a decade, and I’m also rusty on the pros/cons of PCP vs leasing vs outright purchase, especially in the current market.
So I’d love:
Car suggestions (for both cars)
Thoughts on best financing options in today’s UK market
Alternatives to the Alpina/M3 that I could consider
Any general advice from people who’ve done a similar return move
All ideas welcome!
Cheers
We’re already well down the road with the logistics of moving back, buying a home, schools, etc. But one thing I haven’t put much thought into yet is cars.
We’ll need two cars, and we have a combined cash budget of around £70k (could flex with finance for the right thing, but trying to avoid too much extra monthly commitment, around £1k/month max is acceptable).
Car For my wife
She’s looking for something in the VW Tiguan / Audi Q5 / Mini Countryman space. Nothing massive, but enough room for two kids and two small dogs in the boot. Sensible, practical, relatively new.
Car For me
This is where I’m struggling. I want something that’s a genuine jack of all trades:
Big enough for family duties
Interesting to drive
Powerful
A bit luxurious / special
Estate or saloon is fine
My dream “real-world” car would be an Alpina B3 Touring, but that’s likely out of cash budget (though maybe doable with a bit of finance), and I know they’re quite rare. The M3 Touring is an option, but to me its a touch OTT to, though I could be persuaded otherwise. Happy to consider anything that is similar to be honest.
I’ve been out of the UK car loop for over a decade, and I’m also rusty on the pros/cons of PCP vs leasing vs outright purchase, especially in the current market.
So I’d love:
Car suggestions (for both cars)
Thoughts on best financing options in today’s UK market
Alternatives to the Alpina/M3 that I could consider
Any general advice from people who’ve done a similar return move
All ideas welcome!
Cheers
Vsix and Vtec said:
I'd just get yourself something cheap and comfortable like CRV until you're sure of what you're doing. Don't forget to factor work into things (potential salary sacrifice etc) so take your time before jumping into some old beemer
Yeah agreed. I think the plan will be to get the Mrs's car first (cash purchase) and then hire a car for myself before figuring it all out. It certainly doesn't need to be boxed off on day one!Obviously I don't know your situation at all but I know a couple who came back from there recently and were extremely shocked by the cost of everything here when it came to buying a house and running cars, how far their money went. Please research everything properly and don't assume it's the same as when you left.
LRDefender said:
One thing you should take into account is insurance costs. Do you have a transferable insurance history wrt previous claims or lack of?
Good suggestion. I left the UK in 2012 with around 13yrs NCB.......these (to some degree) were accepted in the UAE and I've had that entire time free of claim here (touch wood that continues). I have age on my side when it comes to insurance so hopefully it won't be a huge pinch point.P675 said:
Obviously I don't know your situation at all but I know a couple who came back from there recently and were extremely shocked by the cost of everything here when it came to buying a house and running cars, how far their money went. Please research everything properly and don't assume it's the same as when you left.
We've sat down with our good friends who were visiting from the UK about a typical budget. They are quite similar to us. 2 kids, relatively modest house / lifestyle, hardworking but fortunate with good jobs etc. Some of it was quite eye opening but its important we know the reality of what it looks like now. Compared with Dubai there won't be enough savings in the UK to offset the 0% tax in Dubai but its closer than you think when you add it all up.F-Pace SVR and a BMW iX3.
The SVR is like a big hot hatch and was possibly my favourite car that I’ve owned. I don’t think anything has made me grin like that thing did and that’s compared to a subsequent Aston and currently a 992 GTS.
IX3 is a great family runaround, costs peanuts to run, safe, comfortable and the wife loves hers.
The SVR is like a big hot hatch and was possibly my favourite car that I’ve owned. I don’t think anything has made me grin like that thing did and that’s compared to a subsequent Aston and currently a 992 GTS.
IX3 is a great family runaround, costs peanuts to run, safe, comfortable and the wife loves hers.
Crumpet said:
F-Pace SVR and a BMW iX3.
The SVR is like a big hot hatch and was possibly my favourite car that I ve owned. I don t think anything has made me grin like that thing did and that s compared to a subsequent Aston and currently a 992 GTS.
IX3 is a great family runaround, costs peanuts to run, safe, comfortable and the wife loves hers.
Umm food for thought. Very different I know but I had a Jag F Type R a couple of years back...... what-an-engine! Will check out the IX3, CheersThe SVR is like a big hot hatch and was possibly my favourite car that I ve owned. I don t think anything has made me grin like that thing did and that s compared to a subsequent Aston and currently a 992 GTS.
IX3 is a great family runaround, costs peanuts to run, safe, comfortable and the wife loves hers.
JimmyConwayNW said:
Finance might be a challenge if you've been out the country for that long as won't have much in the way of credit footprint ( unless you have had something running here then forgive me).
Important point thanks. I've maintained a credit card in the UK since I've moved and recently setup a new mobile contract as I prepare a move back.
I receive a credit report from Clearscore and Experian each month in addition to TransUnion via my bank. They all sit in the very good end of the scale so hopefully ok there if I need it.
To be honest I'll want as little finance as possible but may need a small mortgage (<100k) to top up my savings. I do think I'll need a good 6 months to a year of regular UK income flowing through my bank though.....irrespective of my credit history.
MTK1919 said:
Important point thanks.
I've maintained a credit card in the UK since I've moved and recently setup a new mobile contract as I prepare a move back.
I receive a credit report from Clearscore and Experian each month in addition to TransUnion via my bank. They all sit in the very good end of the scale so hopefully ok there if I need it.
To be honest I'll want as little finance as possible but may need a small mortgage (<100k) to top up my savings. I do think I'll need a good 6 months to a year of regular UK income flowing through my bank though.....irrespective of my credit history.
May be fine if you have sort of trace of address somewhere in that case just had the potential if you didn't exist anywhere to have caused an issue worth thinking about. Credit score isn't the only factor so to speak ( reminded of this when getting both barrels when I couldn't get finance for a CEO of a large firm who recently took on the UK sector and was earning a salary that exceeded my annual profits I've maintained a credit card in the UK since I've moved and recently setup a new mobile contract as I prepare a move back.
I receive a credit report from Clearscore and Experian each month in addition to TransUnion via my bank. They all sit in the very good end of the scale so hopefully ok there if I need it.
To be honest I'll want as little finance as possible but may need a small mortgage (<100k) to top up my savings. I do think I'll need a good 6 months to a year of regular UK income flowing through my bank though.....irrespective of my credit history.
) To bring things up to date, finding a car for my wife remains the absolute priority. So, I did what any sensible, car-loving man would do... I went balls-deep into the search for my own car!
In fairness, we have looked at plenty of options for her, but she’s even more indecisive than I am. Since I’ll be traveling a lot, the logic is simple: she can just use mine if it arrives first.
The Shortlist
Ideally, I’d love an Alpina B3 Touring, but they are incredibly scarce. Taking inspiration from The Intercooler’s three-way shootout, I decided to focus on the two other contenders, the M3 Touring and the M340i Touring.
Knowing that Redline Specialist Cars in Knaresborough had both in stock, and having a good relationship with a rep there, I arranged a visit. They were incredibly accommodating, letting me poke around a lovely M340i and an M3 Touring (even though the M3 wasn't quite my ideal configuration).
First up: the M340i.
The Spec: Brooklyn Grey looks much better in person than in photos, and the Cognac leather interior is luscious. If I were spec-ing it from scratch, I’d go dark blue over silver alloys, but for a used car, it’s hard to fault.
The Drive: Smooth, refined, and plenty of get up and go. I’m not a massive fan of the LCD screens but I know that’s the way the world is going.
The Options: A VIN check confirmed a great build: M Sport brakes, Pan roof, HK audio, M Diff, and M Adaptive Suspension.
Verdict: After 20 minutes, I was deeply impressed. It is, quite honestly, all the car I could ever need.
Next: the M3 Touring
I almost didn't bother taking the M3 out after the M340i felt so right, but since they’d warmed it up for me, I couldn't say no.
The Spec: This one wasn't quite my cup of tea. I find M3 interiors a bit garish, if I go this route, I’ll definitely need the standard comfort seats. Those carbon buckets are great once you’re in, but that hard plastic/carbon piece by your nutsack is... off-putting.
The Drive: It rides noticeably firmer and immediately feels more aggressive. On the same 20-minute loop, the family actually said, "Nah, we prefer the other one." Those feelings lasted exactly 22 seconds until the road opened up. Even on soggy, poor-surface Yorkshire roads, the M3 punched way harder than expected while staying perfectly composed. A few blasts down the bypass was all it took to show the massive performance gulf between the two. My boys loved it, the Mrs less so :-p.
The Conclusion (For Now)
I’m left with a tough choice. For 95% of the time, the M340i is spot on, it’s more handsome, more refined, and likely the direction I’ll go. But for that 5% "hoon" factor? The M3 wins hands down.
Do I want the M3's performance for my long commutes, or is the M340i everything I need without that final cherry on top? I’m still in decision mode, waiting for the right M3 spec to potentially sway me. Of course, if only there were a car that sat perfectly in between the two... the Alpina B3 Touring hunt might continue!
Some poor snaps. Didn't bother getting any of the M3 interior.
In fairness, we have looked at plenty of options for her, but she’s even more indecisive than I am. Since I’ll be traveling a lot, the logic is simple: she can just use mine if it arrives first.
The Shortlist
Ideally, I’d love an Alpina B3 Touring, but they are incredibly scarce. Taking inspiration from The Intercooler’s three-way shootout, I decided to focus on the two other contenders, the M3 Touring and the M340i Touring.
Knowing that Redline Specialist Cars in Knaresborough had both in stock, and having a good relationship with a rep there, I arranged a visit. They were incredibly accommodating, letting me poke around a lovely M340i and an M3 Touring (even though the M3 wasn't quite my ideal configuration).
First up: the M340i.
The Spec: Brooklyn Grey looks much better in person than in photos, and the Cognac leather interior is luscious. If I were spec-ing it from scratch, I’d go dark blue over silver alloys, but for a used car, it’s hard to fault.
The Drive: Smooth, refined, and plenty of get up and go. I’m not a massive fan of the LCD screens but I know that’s the way the world is going.
The Options: A VIN check confirmed a great build: M Sport brakes, Pan roof, HK audio, M Diff, and M Adaptive Suspension.
Verdict: After 20 minutes, I was deeply impressed. It is, quite honestly, all the car I could ever need.
Next: the M3 Touring
I almost didn't bother taking the M3 out after the M340i felt so right, but since they’d warmed it up for me, I couldn't say no.
The Spec: This one wasn't quite my cup of tea. I find M3 interiors a bit garish, if I go this route, I’ll definitely need the standard comfort seats. Those carbon buckets are great once you’re in, but that hard plastic/carbon piece by your nutsack is... off-putting.
The Drive: It rides noticeably firmer and immediately feels more aggressive. On the same 20-minute loop, the family actually said, "Nah, we prefer the other one." Those feelings lasted exactly 22 seconds until the road opened up. Even on soggy, poor-surface Yorkshire roads, the M3 punched way harder than expected while staying perfectly composed. A few blasts down the bypass was all it took to show the massive performance gulf between the two. My boys loved it, the Mrs less so :-p.
The Conclusion (For Now)
I’m left with a tough choice. For 95% of the time, the M340i is spot on, it’s more handsome, more refined, and likely the direction I’ll go. But for that 5% "hoon" factor? The M3 wins hands down.
Do I want the M3's performance for my long commutes, or is the M340i everything I need without that final cherry on top? I’m still in decision mode, waiting for the right M3 spec to potentially sway me. Of course, if only there were a car that sat perfectly in between the two... the Alpina B3 Touring hunt might continue!
Some poor snaps. Didn't bother getting any of the M3 interior.
For the wife, kids, dogs...
A relatively new car will be full of tech, touch screen rubbish she may hate.
My wife, with two small dogs, had a BMW X1 new in 2016, did 100k miles, then looked at a new one in 2023 but it had lost the i-drive so we went back to the last of those models, 2021. They can be kept in warranty to 10yrs/100k.
Bigger in the rear than a Macan (she had one briefly in between X1s). Rear tailgate lower than a Macan, for doggy jumps in.
The 2.0i Xdrive is quick, handles OK, comfy with sports seats and I enjoy its relaxed driving.
We tried all the usual contenders, including the Macan S she bought, but for an everyday kids, dogs, load lugger that she won't be scared driving down a B road it beat the likes of Tiguan, Q3, Q5, anything from the far east.
A relatively new car will be full of tech, touch screen rubbish she may hate.
My wife, with two small dogs, had a BMW X1 new in 2016, did 100k miles, then looked at a new one in 2023 but it had lost the i-drive so we went back to the last of those models, 2021. They can be kept in warranty to 10yrs/100k.
Bigger in the rear than a Macan (she had one briefly in between X1s). Rear tailgate lower than a Macan, for doggy jumps in.
The 2.0i Xdrive is quick, handles OK, comfy with sports seats and I enjoy its relaxed driving.
We tried all the usual contenders, including the Macan S she bought, but for an everyday kids, dogs, load lugger that she won't be scared driving down a B road it beat the likes of Tiguan, Q3, Q5, anything from the far east.
Thanks for the replies.
I'm still non the wiser on a decision. The Mrs has since found a Mini Countryman she's keen on and whilst it's definitely a marmite type of car, it drove well. I suspect we'll end up getting that first now.
Whilst the idea of the Alpina is a nice one and it addresses all the pros and cons I have of the other two, I think I'll be sat waiting a while. It's definitely a head (340i) Vs heart (M3) decision. Will I find the 340i special enough when I inevitably have a weekend free, go to some car event etc. Or will I be glad to have a discreet, amazing all rounder ready for any task. If the M3 wasn't renowned as this amazing do it all car, I might quickly disregard it but it seems it is!
I'm still non the wiser on a decision. The Mrs has since found a Mini Countryman she's keen on and whilst it's definitely a marmite type of car, it drove well. I suspect we'll end up getting that first now.
Whilst the idea of the Alpina is a nice one and it addresses all the pros and cons I have of the other two, I think I'll be sat waiting a while. It's definitely a head (340i) Vs heart (M3) decision. Will I find the 340i special enough when I inevitably have a weekend free, go to some car event etc. Or will I be glad to have a discreet, amazing all rounder ready for any task. If the M3 wasn't renowned as this amazing do it all car, I might quickly disregard it but it seems it is!
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