New family car (330i touring or X1 or something else?)

[smirkoff2000]

So in our infinite wisdom, 3 years ago, we decided to buy a Nissan Qashqai (2015, 16k miles) to replace our mechanically terrible Kuga. In that time it’s been OK cost wise (apart from a front camera break after an errant stone hit it). It’s only got 32k on the clock but has a clutch judder in 1st and is just a depressing drive. It also appears to have worryingly lost a huge amount of its value since we purchased it if current valuations are accurate.

Even my wife has commented on how bad it is to drive and she’s a self confessed “non-driver”.

So I’m getting itchy feet and have been looking around. Top of the list is a 330 touring (had a e46 330ci before the kuga) but I’m hearing some issues with running costs. The other idea is an older X1 (hybrid) which might suffer the same issues and would probably need us to fit a wall charger unless a standard 3 pin will suffice for its small battery.

She commutes daily up a dual carriageway for a max of 5 miles each way so I’ve always been wary of engine wear hence the thought on the hybrid.

I realise I’m comparing an SUV to an estate here as well as a 3 series vs a 1 series but I’m casting around and running short on ideas.

Summary:
- 8-10k miles per year
- V short 5 mile commute 5 days per week
- Needs to accommodate a 5 year old and a 1year old (and their stuff)
- Max 4 yearly longer trips e.g. 350mile trip to north Wales from Kent
- Not diesel
- A reasonably exciting drive
- I’d love it not to have lost 60% of its value in 3 years time or cost the earth to maintain.
- Budget £16k-£24k (ideally no more than £20k)

Any ideas gratefully received.

[Jag_NE]

I don’t think you can go far wrong with a 3er OP. I’d take the 3er over the X1 as it will have a better cabin and likely be much better value due to SUV’s commanding a premium.

[fflump]

The 330i Touring looks a good bet TBH.

However, given that it is still a 2 litre 4-pot engine I'd personally be forever hankering after the 340i though.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012317...

[Jon the Monk]

I didn’t think of the 340i for some reason, it looks like a bit of a beast.

Wondering if it would hold its value as well as the (slightly) less thirsty 330i as the low milage we do means depreciation is, hopefully, one of major costs of ownership. Might be over thinking it though.

I do miss the straight six from the old e46 330!

[anonymous-user]

Jag_NE said:

I don’t think you can go far wrong with a 3er OP. I’d take the 3er over the X1 as it will have a better cabin and likely be much better value due to SUV’s commanding a premium.

The older shape 330i cabin is lower quality than the X1.

My last few company cars have been 2013 1-series, 2016 5-series and 2020 X1. The 3-series cabin is very similar to the 1-series cabin, built down to a price. The X1 is much better quality.

I went X1 because I wanted a hybrid that could carry my time trial bike - the 330e wasn't available at the time.

However, for the OP, the X1 hybrid will be out of reach as they're a 40 grand car brand new and have only been available for about 12 months.

With such a short commute, I'd be looking at a PHEV, though - so a 330e or 530e. If you can live with a saloon, then go with the latter, they're a very good car with fantastic interiors and tech.

[Jon the Monk]

Landcrab_Six said:

However, for the OP, the X1 hybrid will be out of reach as they're a 40 grand car brand new and have only been available for about 12 months.

You’re right regarding price, I’d seen a few at £28k and managed to convince myself that they’d drop in the next few months!

I think we’d struggle with a saloon, purely based on boot access and flexibility, bit of a shame the 330e touring has only come out recently.

[anonymous-user]

Jon the Monk said:

You’re right regarding price, I’d seen a few at £28k and managed to convince myself that they’d drop in the next few months!

I think we’d struggle with a saloon, purely based on boot access and flexibility, bit of a shame the 330e touring has only come out recently.

If the X1 hybrid drops into your price range, or you stretch to one, I'd recommend them. I'm not consistently doing the business miles I used to - but I've done some long trips since getting it - South Wales to Leicester and back in a day. I've done nearly 5 hours over to close to Ipswich for a lunch meeting, too. They're very relaxing and have more than enough performance - plus the security of AWD on slippery days.

[ZX10R NIN]

smirkoff2000 said:

So in our infinite wisdom, 3 years ago, we decided to buy a Nissan Qashqai (2015, 16k miles) to replace our mechanically terrible Kuga. In that time it’s been OK cost wise (apart from a front camera break after an errant stone hit it). It’s only got 32k on the clock but has a clutch judder in 1st and is just a depressing drive. It also appears to have worryingly lost a huge amount of its value since we purchased it if current valuations are accurate.

Even my wife has commented on how bad it is to drive and she’s a self confessed “non-driver”.

So I’m getting itchy feet and have been looking around. Top of the list is a 330 touring (had a e46 330ci before the kuga) but I’m hearing some issues with running costs. The other idea is an older X1 (hybrid) which might suffer the same issues and would probably need us to fit a wall charger unless a standard 3 pin will suffice for its small battery.

She commutes daily up a dual carriageway for a max of 5 miles each way so I’ve always been wary of engine wear hence the thought on the hybrid.

I realise I’m comparing an SUV to an estate here as well as a 3 series vs a 1 series but I’m casting around and running short on ideas.

Summary:
- 8-10k miles per year
- V short 5 mile commute 5 days per week
- Needs to accommodate a 5 year old and a 1year old (and their stuff)
- Max 4 yearly longer trips e.g. 350mile trip to north Wales from Kent
- Not diesel
- A reasonably exciting drive
- I’d love it not to have lost 60% of its value in 3 years time or cost the earth to maintain.
- Budget £16k-£24k (ideally no more than £20k)

Any ideas gratefully received.

3.3T Kia Stinger GTS & you'll still have 3 years warranty

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012066...

2.0T GT Line S with 5 years worth of warranty both are good steers the 3.3 is the pick but 2.0T is still a decent steer & the Stinger isn't doing badly depreciation wise, the warranty is also helping to keep prices firm.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102219...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101288...

[anonymous-user]

Whilst those are good choices - 5 mile commute plus the ability to do long trips infrequently but regularly is PHEV territory. Will save a fortune on daily running costs.

[Pistonheader101]

Why not go for a 218i active tourer

[anonymous-user]

Pistonheader101 said:

Why not go for a 218i active tourer

225xe, surely?

[Wagonwheel555]

Pistonheader101 said:

Why not go for a 218i active tourer

20/20 vision would be my guess.

330i would be my choice, Wife's sister has an X1 and I just don't see why people get them.

I would go AUC with that budget, look for something with Pronav if you can.

Problem I had was finding a 330i in a decent spec in the colour the Wife wanted which wasn't 300 miles away. So we settled for a 330D as they are ten a penny. She still loves it but being diesel it needs a good run every month or so for the DPF jobbie

[Jon the Monk]

Looks like it’ll be worth considering the X1 for the PHEV use for the short commute or possibly holding on for the 330e once that drops into budget.

Estimations for PHEV savings for the commute are in the region of £650 per year so worth considering but only if the price difference isn’t massive.

Thanks all.