Thinking potent 6 cyl family car for 6k
Discussion
I currently drive an Alfa 147 2.0. I need something for 6k or less with 4 doors which will have better long distance cruising ability, a bit more performance and still offer some fun on the non-motorway driving. So far my top choices are a BMW 330i (E46) or a Mondeo ST220. Been highly impressed by the ST220 on a test drive but not driven the 330 yet (expecting to in the next few days).
Does anyone have experience of both? I'm looking for comments and ideas that might help my thought process. It's hard to get any balacned website opinions on these two as everyone who gives a view seems to own one and not like the other.
Also open to other suggestions.
Does anyone have experience of both? I'm looking for comments and ideas that might help my thought process. It's hard to get any balacned website opinions on these two as everyone who gives a view seems to own one and not like the other.
Also open to other suggestions.
I just picked up an X reg Audi A6 Avant 2.7T (2700cc V6 30valve, twin Turbo) Quattro for £2K under budget, its big comfortable and suprisingly nippy 
Maximum power 226 bhp @ 5800 rpm
Maximum torque 229 ft·lb @ 1700-4600 rpm
0-60mph 7.3sec
Maximum power 226 bhp @ 5800 rpm
Maximum torque 229 ft·lb @ 1700-4600 rpm
0-60mph 7.3sec
Edited by Herman Toothrot on Sunday 12th December 18:59
alongroad said:
INteresting, but I have driven an X type 3.0 and felt the ST220 was a bit more fun somehow. I know, it shouldnt be with FWD but that's what I felt. Nobody likes my 2 car shortlist then?
Nice cars, but I wouldn't want one for £6k.http://pistonheads.com/sales/1898142.htm
doogz said:
Herman Toothrot said:
I just picked up an X reg Audi A6 Avant 2.7T (2700cc V6 30valve, twin Turbo) Quattro for £2K under budget, its big comfortable and suprisingly nippy
How much did you pay for it then? Very happy with it, much more pokey than the 2.8 4motion Passat it replaced.alongroad said:
I currently drive an Alfa 147 2.0. I need something for 6k or less with 4 doors which will have better long distance cruising ability, a bit more performance and still offer some fun on the non-motorway driving. So far my top choices are a BMW 330i (E46) or a Mondeo ST220. Been highly impressed by the ST220 on a test drive but not driven the 330 yet (expecting to in the next few days).
Does anyone have experience of both? I'm looking for comments and ideas that might help my thought process. It's hard to get any balacned website opinions on these two as everyone who gives a view seems to own one and not like the other.
Also open to other suggestions.
I am familiar with both. I own a 330i but drive a friend's st220 regularly. I am full of praise for both. Both are good enough for me and both fit the bill for what you say your needs are.Does anyone have experience of both? I'm looking for comments and ideas that might help my thought process. It's hard to get any balacned website opinions on these two as everyone who gives a view seems to own one and not like the other.
Also open to other suggestions.
To try to help you consider the two:
Price and cost: to buy, there is not so much gap between the two any more (I think lots of 2nd hand buyers have realised the attractions of the ST), but the BMW still has a 3 to 5 mpg advantage and a £1xx (can't remember exactly) road tax advantage, depending on year.
Handling: for a FWD car of almost 1500kg the st220 is pretty impressive, with great steering, but the BMW is just that little bit better, especially when you lean on it a bit and push it around, that's when it comes alive.
Image: They both have negatives. Ford is 'just' a Ford, and BMW as we know is one of the most hated brands by some. I suppose with one you are buying at the top end of a budget brand, and on the other you are buying mid-way up a slightly upmarket brand.
Performance: hardly any difference overall, although the BMW has more torque ready to go at low-mid revs so feels more punchy to start with and the Ford is maybe a bit keener at the upper end so you have to use the gears more. Having said that, bear in mind that (excluding standing starts / 0-60 etc) FWD is the most efficient way to get engine power into wheel power, and the ST never goes short of bhp compared to the 'official' 226. They seem well long of that and, if you use the revs properly through 3rd and 4th it really blasts its way past 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, at least as quickly as the BMW does. Not that you would get to do these things on a test drive!
I totally agree with what you said about the Xtype not being as good.
As somebody who went from an Alfa 156 to an ST220 (after considering a 330i as well):
- 330i is marginally quicker, though it's not something you're really going to notice, I didn't anyway
- 330i feels a bit more balanced, not really sure if the RWD or weight distribution plays the biggest part here. That said, the ST220 is superb for a FWD, it's hugely confidence inspiring
- 330i will give you better mpg. I can't get above 25-26 from the Mondeo, but would expect low 30's from the Beamer
- You'll get a newer ST220 for the same money and they have a lot more kit as standard, I got sick of seeing 330i's with cloth interiors
- ST220 has a lot more room inside. The mk3 Mondeo is a big old car, closer to a 5 series than an E46 really
- ST220 is a pretty rare car to see around, which also means it can be harder to find the "perfect" one. There is a greater choice of 330i's, but also some tatty ones and plenty with a fairly naff spec.
I'd pitch my Renault Espace 3.5 V6 Initiale against most other cars. The 0-60 time of 8.1 is conservative, 140mph very easy and the mid-range is pretty good too. Handling is Renault Laguna (what's underneath) and the engine is sourced from the Nissan 350Z, so sounds cool too.
And you can wipe baby sick off the leather.
And you can wipe baby sick off the leather.
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