new dad: quite fancy a 320d estate
Discussion
Folks,
I became a new dad two days ago :-)
it's quite apparent to me that my '02 plate golf gti isn't going to be able to hold all the baby stuff - and I've had it for about 4 years now , so due a change!
I really like the look of the 320d ['03 ish plate] and am curious to hear from anyone that has kid(s) and has one of these
is the load space useful?
.. and from anyone else... are they good cars to own ?[specifically is the diesel the one to go for?]
Many Thanks in advance
-ace
I became a new dad two days ago :-)
it's quite apparent to me that my '02 plate golf gti isn't going to be able to hold all the baby stuff - and I've had it for about 4 years now , so due a change!
I really like the look of the 320d ['03 ish plate] and am curious to hear from anyone that has kid(s) and has one of these
is the load space useful?
.. and from anyone else... are they good cars to own ?[specifically is the diesel the one to go for?]
Many Thanks in advance
-ace
Congrats first of all.
I have the 320d e91 and was happy with it till child no.2 came along a few weeks ago. It's not the biggest estate in its class but does the job for us (2 adults & 2 kids) 95% of the time. The rear has Isofix anchor points for a child seat and the tailgate opening is useful for chucking stuff in the boot. You can't get a passenger in the back with 2 child seats in though, so we'll end up taking 2 cars if I don't change it soon.
I have the 320d e91 and was happy with it till child no.2 came along a few weeks ago. It's not the biggest estate in its class but does the job for us (2 adults & 2 kids) 95% of the time. The rear has Isofix anchor points for a child seat and the tailgate opening is useful for chucking stuff in the boot. You can't get a passenger in the back with 2 child seats in though, so we'll end up taking 2 cars if I don't change it soon.
Quite a coincidence!
We are expecting our 3rd child soon, and are getting rid of our Mondeo estate because it is too big!
Yes, the Mrs is learning to drive and the size of the Mondeo is putting her off.
Therefore, we are considering a 320d touring, but I am thinking about a 330d touring for the £8000 - £10000 mark.
I also have a company car - a 57 reg focus TDCi hatch, and it can hold me, mrs, 4yr old son, 1 yr old daughter, and 16 year old sister in law in comfort.
Therefore, I can see no problems for your situation, as the e46 touring is a size between the focus and the mondeo.
I love the diesel engine in the focus - anything over 30mph and you're off - on motorways, I can keep up with many fast petrol cars, even Audi A3 2.0 TDi's. Recently took it round Yorkshire Dales (fast hilly twisty EMPTY B-roads) and the chassis coped brilliantly. I used to run a e36 323i, and the drive was a similar experience, although the Bimmer was more of an event.
Congrats on your new arrival, would highly recommend a 3 series touring to the point of getting one myself soon.
We are expecting our 3rd child soon, and are getting rid of our Mondeo estate because it is too big!
Yes, the Mrs is learning to drive and the size of the Mondeo is putting her off.
Therefore, we are considering a 320d touring, but I am thinking about a 330d touring for the £8000 - £10000 mark.
I also have a company car - a 57 reg focus TDCi hatch, and it can hold me, mrs, 4yr old son, 1 yr old daughter, and 16 year old sister in law in comfort.
Therefore, I can see no problems for your situation, as the e46 touring is a size between the focus and the mondeo.
I love the diesel engine in the focus - anything over 30mph and you're off - on motorways, I can keep up with many fast petrol cars, even Audi A3 2.0 TDi's. Recently took it round Yorkshire Dales (fast hilly twisty EMPTY B-roads) and the chassis coped brilliantly. I used to run a e36 323i, and the drive was a similar experience, although the Bimmer was more of an event.
Congrats on your new arrival, would highly recommend a 3 series touring to the point of getting one myself soon.
I've just bought an e46 320d touring - 54 reg - have three children under eight & it's perfect. I'm downsizing from an MB w210 estate which I find too cumbersome for daily use. I think it's great. My wife has a 328 e36 saloon & that's always been fine space-wise - then again we pack lightly when travelling...
cool - thanks for all the advice - how do people find the diesel engine?
... any comments on this vs the 325i? I'm guessing with the recent price increases in diesel fuel, you'll need to do quite a few miles before it starts getting cheaper - but does the oil burning engine suit the car better?
-ace
... any comments on this vs the 325i? I'm guessing with the recent price increases in diesel fuel, you'll need to do quite a few miles before it starts getting cheaper - but does the oil burning engine suit the car better?
-ace
The 325 is often overlooked these days and unless you are doing big mileage may well work out cheaper due to lower purchase price and nicer to drive, that's not to say that the 320d isn't a very good car.
You also won't have to worry a big turbo bill, which may never happen but will be in the back of your mind.
ETA: I meant it may cost less rather than sounding like a bird.
You also won't have to worry a big turbo bill, which may never happen but will be in the back of your mind.
ETA: I meant it may cost less rather than sounding like a bird.
Edited by Sheriff JWPepper on Saturday 7th June 11:01
Sheriff JWPepper said:
The 325 is often overlooked these days and unless you are doing big mileage may well work out cheeper due to lower purchase price and nicer to drive, that's not to say that the 320d isn't a very good car.
You also won't have to worry a big turbo bill, which may never happen but will be in the back of your mind.
My impression is that the 320/325/330 petrols are very similar in terms of fuel consumption and they are only 1 insurance group apart, therefore if you're considering one of the smaller ones you may as well go for the 3.0!You also won't have to worry a big turbo bill, which may never happen but will be in the back of your mind.
I would advise the OP to seriously consider the petrols, they are good on fuel for what they are, especially in manual form. Diesel will cost you about £10 more to fill up, you'll pay a lot more for the car, and there's a much greater risk that something expensive will go wrong. I've had to replace the turbo on my 530d and it hurt to see my annual fuel savings blown away with one repair bill.
Also have you considered looking at an E39 (the last shape 5-series) as you could get a decent 525d/530d or 530i for £8-10k, if you're happy to drive a bigger car
theboss said:
My impression is that the 320/325/330 petrols are very similar in terms of fuel consumption and they are only 1 insurance group apart, therefore if you're considering one of the smaller ones you may as well go for the 3.0!
I've heard this too, however I read an article recently in one of the BMW mags which suggested that the 325 was a little unloved, unfairly so, which made it great value and it's still a quick motor. Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff