A real dilemma

[mondeoman]

Its coming up to car renewal time and I've got about £40-£43k to spend. My current squeeze is a chipped 330d, but its starting to feel a tad lethargic , but I know where I can go to get a bit more out of it.......

So, as I do about 45,000 miles a year, not all motorway by a long shot and I do tend to be a bit heavy with the right foot (all those numpties in queues are an overtaking opportunity ) do I go for an M3 and take a real hit on fuel consumption, go for a new 330d and get it chipped to the max to get the 42 mpg, get a 2.7d CLK (not as quick, but again can be chipped to give respectable performance) or an E320d ....

I just don't know. I love driving quick, but I need the economy as its all my money, not company funded. Has anyone got any fuel figures for an M3 in the real world?

Cheers

[pdavison]

Hows about a second hand M3 & a Peugeot diesel for those slightly less interesting journeys?

[mondeoman]

pdavison said: Hows about a second hand M3 & a Peugeot diesel for those slightly less interesting journeys?

Thats a possibility, except that company car tax still hits you for the new value of the motor, so you might as well buy new (AFAIK)...

and I've got no garage space!!

[mrsd]

Why is co. car tax an issue if

its all my money, not company funded

[pdavison]

Garage space - not a problem:

Diesel - keep it outside
M3 - hire a gagage (around my way they can be had for between £30-60 a month).

[mondeoman]

mrsd said: Why is co. car tax an issue if

its all my money, not company funded

Company car, private mileage ..... yes I really do do that much private mileage