Help me choose a car please.

[Ed FM]

Hi,

I currently have an E46 M3 and think it is going to have to go. There are a few issues, my wife is due to have a baby in January so four doors would be easier. Last winter the car was a nightmare in the snow and ice and finally I have a hobby that requires more space than the M3 has. I can just fit all my kitesurf gear, wife and me in with luggage. With the addition of a baby and associated equipment it would be impossible. My wife drives the car more than me and the 25 mpg isn't ideal for her.
I am thinking maybe an Audi A4 3.0 tdi estate and possibly a remap but other than that I haven't really thought of anything that takes my fancy. I am trying to find something that fits the bill but is still enjoyable drive with some performance. Oh and within 20k would be nice.

Your thought?

Cheers,

Ed.

[sklar]

335d/335i M Sport Touring depending on your persuasion. 20k now.

Next!

This is how i'd like my 335:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2010...

Edited by sklar on Sunday 22 August 18:34

[wrighty78]

I think I'd be looking at an Alfa 159 Sportwagon if I was in your position. To my mind, it's far and away the prettiest of the baby-movers on the market at the moment.

[Ed FM]

I can't see the bmw suggestion being a great deal better than the M3 if we have another snowy winter. Am I wrong in thinking this?

[TotalControl]

How much would he Octavia 4x4 (4WD) estate be? It would probably give a decent performance boost with a remap too.

Edited by TotalControl on Sunday 22 August 18:52

[sklar]

You wont get great mpg off a 3.0tdi Quattro A4..Max 30mpg.

[edo]

cough.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1983425.htm

[TotalControl]

Shameless plug there, eh Edo?

[sklar]

edo said:

cough.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1983425.htm

Now that's a classy unit.

[wrighty78]

If you really want 4wd, how about a diesel version of the new shape Scooby Forester. Looks like you can pick up a low-mileage "10" plate demonstrator for just a smidge over £20k.

Or the previous shape Legacy in 3.0 petrol guise if you want a bit more excitement?

In fact - look at this: http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/1399263.htm
That's a lot of car for the money.

[Ed FM]

Out of interest edo, what mpg are you getting from your Audi?

[edo]

TotalControl said:

Shameless plug there, eh Edo?

sorry!

[edo]

Ed FM said:

Out of interest edo, what mpg are you getting from your Audi?

Mid 30's on average without too much effort. 40+ on a run no problem.

[Ed FM]

Cheers for that, your car does look nice i'm just not 100% sure that is what I want yet. This is the first time I have ever had to buy a car because I need to not because I want to and i'm not finding it easy.

[jwalkervaleting]

How about a Passat Highline - their powerful family cars, guaranteed to have a resale when the miles go up and comfortable to drive with the space its similar to the audi with a little bit of extra change for the next big car?


Estate

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1975811.htm

Saloon

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1821774.htm

[frosted]

That passat has no toys , look at the sel version . Iirc it's 170 brake standard, I'm thinking it will be useless in the snow also ( I had one since June )

It's bigger than an a4

[GreatGranny]

Volvo V70 AWD

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1987135.htm

All the toys you could possibly want and the most comfortable seats in any car (IMHO).

It will do 35mpg which might not be enough but its well under budget giving you a few grand for a toy!

[silver surfer]

wrighty78 said:

In fact - look at this: http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/1399263.htm
That's a lot of car for the money.

This would be where I put my money.....!
It's rarity will maintain re-sale value and it will be reliable.
4WD and enough power.
All the electric toys.
Only disadvantage compare to your Beemer would be a more plasticky feeling dash.

SS

[sebhaque]

Subaru Forester STi? It's a big estate car with 320bhp and performance to rival the Impreza. It's only available as an import but overall the cost of buying and insuring it should fall in your budget pretty well. Subaru dealers can service them too so that's not a problem.

[Number 5]

How about one of these, five doors with space for the sprog and still quite fun.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1987710.htm