What Quickish Petrol Estate ?
Discussion
It looks like I will need a car to start commuting 15k miles a year. My 20 year old Subaru impreza wagon is just too noisy and unrefined, and the that sort of mileage would probably kill it.
Criteria:-
Budget is £10-20k
Ideally do 35-40mpg on a mostly motorway commute
Manual or a good auto
Under 5 years of age, or 50k miles
Sensible'ish running costs
At least 200bhp, ideally 250+
Estate
Preferably German/Japanese
Current options:-
Octavia VRS, can get a 1-2 year old in budget, 220bhp and a sensible option
BMW F31 328i - these are like rocking horse poo, and it's almost impossible to get any decent reviews on them, as every BMW fanboy dismisses them due to the retirement of the 6 cylinder engine
BMW e91 330i/335i - getting on a bit, and most seem to be an older style auto. Less depreciation
Leon Cupra ST - we already have a Leon in the household, and prefer a bit of variety so not seriously considering
Focus ST estate - something just doesn't appeal to me about them, but maybe I should try one.
What am I missing? Are there any good Japanese or Korean options, do Volvo make a car that fits the criteria? Is the truth that a f31 330d would actually be the best option, despite it being a diesel?
A Golf R estate or F31 335/340i are over budget sadly.
Criteria:-
Budget is £10-20k
Ideally do 35-40mpg on a mostly motorway commute
Manual or a good auto
Under 5 years of age, or 50k miles
Sensible'ish running costs
At least 200bhp, ideally 250+
Estate
Preferably German/Japanese
Current options:-
Octavia VRS, can get a 1-2 year old in budget, 220bhp and a sensible option
BMW F31 328i - these are like rocking horse poo, and it's almost impossible to get any decent reviews on them, as every BMW fanboy dismisses them due to the retirement of the 6 cylinder engine
BMW e91 330i/335i - getting on a bit, and most seem to be an older style auto. Less depreciation
Leon Cupra ST - we already have a Leon in the household, and prefer a bit of variety so not seriously considering
Focus ST estate - something just doesn't appeal to me about them, but maybe I should try one.
What am I missing? Are there any good Japanese or Korean options, do Volvo make a car that fits the criteria? Is the truth that a f31 330d would actually be the best option, despite it being a diesel?
A Golf R estate or F31 335/340i are over budget sadly.
My E91 330d is great. You could get a nice LCI model with all the toys for your budget.
Mines a 2005 car so one of the first, but DPFs 'fixed' and a remap, it's a very capable daily car. (270bhp/450ft lbs).
Only thing I don't like about it are the brakes, but that's just because it's a BMW I guess!
Mines a 2005 car so one of the first, but DPFs 'fixed' and a remap, it's a very capable daily car. (270bhp/450ft lbs).
Only thing I don't like about it are the brakes, but that's just because it's a BMW I guess!
IanCress said:
There's the Volvo V60 T5. 240bhp and should be capable of mid 30's MPG driven sensibly.
But....
They are very rare especially if you want the manual version.
http://www.mccarthycars.co.uk/used-cars/7259337-vo...But....
They are very rare especially if you want the manual version.
Edited by egoold on Thursday 4th May 11:44
Edited by egoold on Thursday 4th May 11:44
egoold said:
IanCress said:
There's the Volvo V60 T5. 240bhp and should be capable of mid 30's MPG driven sensibly.
But....
They are very rare especially if you want the manual version.
http://www.mccarthycars.co.uk/used-cars/7259337-vo...But....
They are very rare especially if you want the manual version.
Edited by egoold on Thursday 4th May 11:44
Edited by egoold on Thursday 4th May 11:44
dannyDC2 said:
My E91 330d is great. You could get a nice LCI model with all the toys for your budget.
Mines a 2005 car so one of the first, but DPFs 'fixed' and a remap, it's a very capable daily car. (270bhp/450ft lbs).
Only thing I don't like about it are the brakes, but that's just because it's a BMW I guess!
What is the DPF issue you refer to, and is the auto box on the E91 any good? Mines a 2005 car so one of the first, but DPFs 'fixed' and a remap, it's a very capable daily car. (270bhp/450ft lbs).
Only thing I don't like about it are the brakes, but that's just because it's a BMW I guess!
Give the Focus ST a try, but failing that what about this...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
Zetec-S said:
Give the Focus ST a try, but failing that what about this...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
That looks like a lot of fun! But, knowing that my current impreza with just 200bhp struggles to get 20mpg, I dread to think what that gets!http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
JackReacher said:
is the auto box on the E91 any good?
The Autobox on the E9x seems to suit the 330d pretty well but it can be dim witted at times, and the later 8 speeder is a much improved gearbox. I'm a big petrol fan but I reckon the 330d is a cracking all rounder for a daily, and in almost every way it makes it the default choice over the equivalent 6 pot 330i.
If you want a fast estate then I'm surprised you're not looking at a Mondeo or if it's small then the Focus ST ticks a lot of boxes also most modern cars have decent autos.
2016 Mondeo Titanium 2k 240bhp
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
2015 Mondeo Titanium with the X Pack 5k 240bhp
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
2015 Focus ST-3 20k 250bhp
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
Now the next car is a bit leftfield but they're very capable cars that have BHP to burn as well as 4wd, so are more than worth a test drive.
2014 Insignia VXR Supersport 59k FVSH 325bhp
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
2016 VXR (haggle hard & you should get this car in budget) 17k 325bhp
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
BMW wise to meet your criteria you're only looking at a 320i.
2016 320i M Sport 7k 185bhp
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
mileage=50000&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&make=BMW&minimum-badge-engine-size=2.0&year-from=2012&postcode=l192rf&price-to=22500&fuel-type=Petrol&radius=1500&price-from=9500&page=2
2013 M Sport 10k
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
2012 Volvo V60 T5R Design 20k 240bhp
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
I'd take the Mondeo over everything you've listed, it's a better car than the Octavia but I would have to test drive VXR first just to make sure.
2016 Mondeo Titanium 2k 240bhp
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
2015 Mondeo Titanium with the X Pack 5k 240bhp
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
2015 Focus ST-3 20k 250bhp
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
Now the next car is a bit leftfield but they're very capable cars that have BHP to burn as well as 4wd, so are more than worth a test drive.
2014 Insignia VXR Supersport 59k FVSH 325bhp
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
2016 VXR (haggle hard & you should get this car in budget) 17k 325bhp
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
BMW wise to meet your criteria you're only looking at a 320i.
2016 320i M Sport 7k 185bhp
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
mileage=50000&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&make=BMW&minimum-badge-engine-size=2.0&year-from=2012&postcode=l192rf&price-to=22500&fuel-type=Petrol&radius=1500&price-from=9500&page=2
2013 M Sport 10k
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
2012 Volvo V60 T5R Design 20k 240bhp
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
I'd take the Mondeo over everything you've listed, it's a better car than the Octavia but I would have to test drive VXR first just to make sure.
Edited by ZX10R NIN on Thursday 4th May 19:11
ZX10R NIN said:
I'd take the Mondeo over everything you've listed, it's a better car than the Octavia but I would have to test drive VXR first just to make sure.
I'm not the OP, but I have pretty a similar requirement - although possibly looking for a larger car.Edited by ZX10R NIN on Thursday 4th May 19:11
I did test drive an Insignia VXR and I was massively underwhelmed. Firstly, it's extremely ugly. I know whilst sitting in it that I wouldn't be able to see that massive chrome strip across the back, but I would always know it was there. Secondly, the power delivery is just rubbish. There is totally zero urgency until about 6K RPM, and then at 7K RPM it runs out of puff. I think with 325 BHP its 6.5 sec to 60, which is very ordinary. I really wanted to like it as they are good value, but I just couldn't.
Nice to know I've been out in one (admittedly mapped) & found it to be very quick if a little underwhelming in the same way as say an S4 in that the car was so capable but it did have some serious get up & go.
The owner said the map had transformed the car as out of the factory it's set up to act like an N/A so that seems to tally up with your drive of a standard one such a shame as on paper it should be a good car, also the manual box is long geared & does not like quick changes which may help explain the 0-60, but a mapped one would still be on my list on equal standing with an S4.
The owner said the map had transformed the car as out of the factory it's set up to act like an N/A so that seems to tally up with your drive of a standard one such a shame as on paper it should be a good car, also the manual box is long geared & does not like quick changes which may help explain the 0-60, but a mapped one would still be on my list on equal standing with an S4.
omniflow said:
I'm not the OP, but I have pretty a similar requirement - although possibly looking for a larger car.
I did test drive an Insignia VXR and I was massively underwhelmed. Firstly, it's extremely ugly. I know whilst sitting in it that I wouldn't be able to see that massive chrome strip across the back, but I would always know it was there. Secondly, the power delivery is just rubbish. There is totally zero urgency until about 6K RPM, and then at 7K RPM it runs out of puff. I think with 325 BHP its 6.5 sec to 60, which is very ordinary. I really wanted to like it as they are good value, but I just couldn't.
So what's on your shortlist Omniflow? It might help the OP decide.I did test drive an Insignia VXR and I was massively underwhelmed. Firstly, it's extremely ugly. I know whilst sitting in it that I wouldn't be able to see that massive chrome strip across the back, but I would always know it was there. Secondly, the power delivery is just rubbish. There is totally zero urgency until about 6K RPM, and then at 7K RPM it runs out of puff. I think with 325 BHP its 6.5 sec to 60, which is very ordinary. I really wanted to like it as they are good value, but I just couldn't.
OP do you have a shortlist & have you had any test drives?
ZX10R NIN said:
So what's on your shortlist Omniflow? It might help the OP decide.
OP do you have a shortlist & have you had any test drives?
I've had a bit of scope creep.OP do you have a shortlist & have you had any test drives?
I'm currently considering a nearly new Mk5 Mondeo, a T6 V70 (preferably Polestar) or a Jag XFR Sportbrake.
I can't find one single XFR estate for sale anywhere, but I've seen quite a few on the road. They're coming up to 3 years old now, so hopefully they'll start appearing soon. No idea what they'll sell for, but the saloon XFR is quite reasonably priced secondhand.
The Volvo isn't much easier to find, there are a couple on autotrader but they're too old and they've got moon mileage. The one Polestar that was available sold in about 3 days.
The Mondeo is a bit easier to find, but they too seem to sell really quickly. I'm currently trying to work out which options are essential and which I can live without.
The 328i is a nice car, i would pick one over the 330d, the 330d is quicker though. Sadly most BMWs are diesel, we have picked up 9 today and all are diesel. The last petrol we had a 435i sold in less than 24 hours.
I've seen an indicated 46mpg out of a 428i over a 150 mile run, the 8 speed box is great, yes the 330i makes a nicer noise, is quicker and smoother but i wouldn't be dissapointed with a 328i
However my money would go on the Ford Mondeo.
I've seen an indicated 46mpg out of a 428i over a 150 mile run, the 8 speed box is great, yes the 330i makes a nicer noise, is quicker and smoother but i wouldn't be dissapointed with a 328i
However my money would go on the Ford Mondeo.
So I had a look at a few cars yesterday, but have more to look at, it's a time consuming business!
Octavia VRS - test drove a 230bhp edition with DSG, felt a bit more upmarket inside than I was expecting and it certainly goes and handles pretty well for it's size, the artificial sound in sports mode is a bit weird, and the strange farting noise on fast upshifts. Overall, it felt very much like my old Mk5 Gti with a bigger boot, and that's not a bad thing at all. There was a bit more road noise inside than ideal but it was liveable. There was a facelift model at the dealer which looks much better in the flesh than some photos
Golf estate - had a brief look at a base spec, slightly smaller in the back and boot than the Octavia, but didn't feel anymore "premium" than the Octavia. Need to find an R to drive but think they are probably over budget anyway
Mondeo - It's a big car isn't it, possibly too big for what I want, and I quite like the looks. Interior didn't feel as nice as the VRS to be honest and the infotainment didn't seem as good. Again probably need to drive one, but have a feeling it would drive like a big car with a quick engine rather than be exciting.
3 series Touring - It felt Golf size to be honest inside, and the boot is actually smaller. Smartest interior to be expected, but the real problem here is that all of their used cars were diesel, and not even a 330d. Going to find a localish dealer with a 330d to try, as I don't think a 328i is going to come available.
More to try
Octavia VRS - test drove a 230bhp edition with DSG, felt a bit more upmarket inside than I was expecting and it certainly goes and handles pretty well for it's size, the artificial sound in sports mode is a bit weird, and the strange farting noise on fast upshifts. Overall, it felt very much like my old Mk5 Gti with a bigger boot, and that's not a bad thing at all. There was a bit more road noise inside than ideal but it was liveable. There was a facelift model at the dealer which looks much better in the flesh than some photos
Golf estate - had a brief look at a base spec, slightly smaller in the back and boot than the Octavia, but didn't feel anymore "premium" than the Octavia. Need to find an R to drive but think they are probably over budget anyway
Mondeo - It's a big car isn't it, possibly too big for what I want, and I quite like the looks. Interior didn't feel as nice as the VRS to be honest and the infotainment didn't seem as good. Again probably need to drive one, but have a feeling it would drive like a big car with a quick engine rather than be exciting.
3 series Touring - It felt Golf size to be honest inside, and the boot is actually smaller. Smartest interior to be expected, but the real problem here is that all of their used cars were diesel, and not even a 330d. Going to find a localish dealer with a 330d to try, as I don't think a 328i is going to come available.
More to try
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