Alternative to 320D

[Dr Jekyll]

Have a possibility of a reasonably well paid job but with > 100 miles a day commute and was thinking about what kind of decent car to treat myself to if I got it or something similar.

I'd probably get a diesel, and the BMW 320D looks almost perfect except for being RWD. Heresy for PH I know but I'd far prefer FWD, far easier if it's snowy and I genuinely can't tell the difference in handling etc the rest of the time.

Audi? But allegedly not great to drive.

Some kind of Alfa perhaps?

[NadiR]

May sound a bit obvious here, but how about a Mondeo TDCI or Accord CDTI. Both very nice cars, in which I'd rather own then an A4.

[chrisispringles]

What about a Volvo S60?

[PH lurker]

Mercedes-Benz still make the C-class.

[forzaminardi]

Last generation Honda Civic 2.2D Type-S?

[Paul v8]

insignia

[pti]

Another vote for Mondeo here.

[Dr Jekyll]

Mondeo makes a lot of sense but the sheer size puts me off, probably irrationally.

[RicksAlfas]

320d and winter tyres?

[StescoG66]

Anything except.

Accord in our stable has been quite frankly brilliant. Could be quicker granted, but quick enough, and flawless in 2 1/2 years 41,000 miles. That I-DTEC engine is a peach.

Edited by StescoG66 on Wednesday 19th June 05:59

[2354519y]

Not sure a 3 series a good choice for long commutes. Found my 3 series seats to uncomfortable over distances and the poor ride gave me back ache, i do about 25000 miles per annum. Ford, Vauxhall, Volvo, Toyota saloons ideal for mile munching and better value if you are going for a 4 pot diesel

[jon-]

RicksAlfas said:

320d and winter tyres?

This. I've driven a lot of that sector, and the e92 320d is still my favourite all round car when you consider price, economy, comfort (once off runflats) and performance.

That said, I've not put a lot of time in an Accord. The Mazda 6 is a great car too so worth considering for a leftfield FWD suggestion.

[CraigyMc]

PH lurker said:

Mercedes-Benz still make the C-class.

It's still RWD, which seems to be the thing OP wants to avoid the 3-series for.

OP: Why not get a 320d xDrive? it's 4wd.

C

[philmots]

As someone else said, a set of winter tyres for £500 for a 320d.. Better than a FWD A4 or similar on normal tyres.

[daemon]

philmots said:

As someone else said, a set of winter tyres for £500 for a 320d.. Better than a FWD A4 or similar on normal tyres.

+1

Have to agree.

[valiant]

for a 100 mile commute, comfort would be my first priority so my money would be going towards a volvo S60.

[Amateurish]

Octavia?

Superb would be a great car for the long distance commute, although it is pretty massive.

[jay140285]

Impressed with my passat TBH.

Mrs in out in mine but basically

[Matt UK]

Dr Jekyll said:

Mondeo makes a lot of sense but the sheer size puts me off, probably irrationally.

Ford Focus or VW Golf? You can't really go wrong with either vs your criteria.

[FlipFlopGriff]

Mrs FFG looked at a 320d estate and ended up with an Alfa 159 Sportwagon ti. Looks wise no contest and the ride is fantastic in the Alfa. BMW was just bland. Sure it would be competant but heart ruled the head.
FFG