Replace X3 35D with town car

[Artsy]

Hi All,

I've got a bit of a dilemma and thought I would turn to the collective knowledge of Pistonheads to see if I've neglected to consider alternatives.

I currently drive a BMW X3 35D which I'm considering putting up for sale (after buying it out from BMW on the PCP). Without going into too much detail, I stand to make about 4k in doing so as I haven't done much mileage and the 4k is even with the likes of WBAC or Motorway.

While the BMW is a lovely car and I can afford to keep it, it is rather excessive for what is has ended up being used for (see school runs inside London with the odd jaunt out once a month).

I've been looking for a replacement that will be reliable, automatic, petrol and around the £5k mark or less and have come up with the following options:

1) Lexus IS250 (my personal favourite as I think it's probably the best for reliability and quality plus it will retain some luxury element compared to the rest of the list)
2) Nissan Note (had not considered this but according to Pistonheads forums it is unlikely to have any auto-box issues being torque-converter as opposed to DSG, Powershift, CVT and all other types of auto-boxes)
3) Honda Jazz CVT7 (while this is a CVT I can't find that many horror stories about it)
4) Hyundai i30
5) Kia Cee'd (not sure if this is torque converter or DSG or some sort)

I would have happily had a Lexus GS300 but I can't stomach the idea of paying £600 for VED plus another £510 to the council for parking it (hence the IS250 choice).

The wife wants something small and easy and has expressed a preference for SUV, but I'm not a fan of small non-premium SUVs as it just feels like a contradiction in itself...

Any opinions on the above list? I've considered Honda Accord 2.4 petrol too but the Lexus probably is probably nicer so I've left it out at this point.

The main usage will unfortunately be a school run but I'd like to retain the ability to leave London with two small kids in the back (so I've ruled out diesel completely plus London doesn't like us diesel drivers and I'm also not too keen on anything below a 1.6 - I'm dropping enough BHP as it is!!!)

Any opinions/experiences welcomed.

[joropug]

I like the Lexus but they are getting on a bit - that said I hear they are pretty reliable and a lot more interesting than the other cars on your list !

I believe that the Lexus may require premium unleaded due to the E10 - one of the few newer cars that seem to be have been impacted

[Artsy]

joropug said:

I like the Lexus but they are getting on a bit - that said I hear they are pretty reliable and a lot more interesting than the other cars on your list !

I believe that the Lexus may require premium unleaded due to the E10 - one of the few newer cars that seem to be have been impacted

I've just checked that point online and it appears to be that if it's after Sept 2007 it's ok.

[ninjag]

I've had a Honda Accord 2.4 and it's a brilliant engine, incredibly reliable. I would only get an EX model as it's fully loaded and the leather seats are very comfy. I think the tax bracket isn't too bad either. Vtec engages at 6,00rpm and it revs to 7,200rpm.

[DT1975]

I've thought of doing the same. I have a 340i and although its a lovely car its probably wasted on me. As an ex Lexus owner the IS250 (auto for VED purposes) has been on my radar for some time, more than some time actually and I really should have moved on one as they were such brilliant value used. However although I own the 340i outright and its worth about £24k I don't need the money and my worry is that once in the IS250 I'd start the whole buying process again with something else.

Confused you bet but yes the IS250 is a solid choice.

[ZX10R NIN]

The IS250 is the pick but try to find one with the Nav as you then also get the better stereo:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204234...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204084...

[Artsy]

DT1975 said:

I've thought of doing the same. I have a 340i and although its a lovely car its probably wasted on me. As an ex Lexus owner the IS250 (auto for VED purposes) has been on my radar for some time, more than some time actually and I really should have moved on one as they were such brilliant value used. However although I own the 340i outright and its worth about £24k I don't need the money and my worry is that once in the IS250 I'd start the whole buying process again with something else.

Confused you bet but yes the IS250 is a solid choice.

I'm leaning that way unless I just give up and get something small that is easier for the wife.

I've had motorbikes in the past that have been very cheap and the peace of mind when shedding is tempting.

My only real concern with the Lexus is that I'll actually like it and care for it.

Don't get me wrong, I'm mechanically sympathetic to anything I own but it would be nice to not care if it gets scratched...

[Artsy]

ZX10R NIN said:

The IS250 is the pick but try to find one with the Nav as you then also get the better stereo:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204234...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204084...

Thanks!

I think I also need to focus on cars after 2007 to avoid the E10 issues.

[ZX10R NIN]

Yes you do which is why I linked to 57+ plate cars.

[Artsy]

ZX10R NIN said:

Yes you do which is why I linked to 57+ plate cars.

Nice!

Is the consensus on these that mileage not too much of an issue?

Do the gearboxes need fluid changes?

[ZX10R NIN]

The mileage isn't a concern & yes a change of gearbox fluid will aid longevity