Choosing between E46 320i/Honda Accord 2.0/Saab 9-3 2.0
Discussion
Due to the recent loss of the company van i've had for years I need some help deciding between the above cars. I've been looking over the last few weeks on various review websites and a few forums and could still do with a few pointers.
I've got about 3 grand and will be doing around 10k miles a year. It needs to be a 4 door saloon, and to not be likely to want much spent on repairs over the 18 months that i'll own it for. Not really bothered whether petrol or diesel, but if it's a diesel i don't wanna be worrying about the turbo going tits up or swirl flaps getting chewed up etc...
I probably like the E46 320i the most, but am a bit put off about by stories of people ending up with crap ones and having to spend loads on them. A 320i looks pretty solid though.
I quite like Accords but don't know much about them, apart from that they're pretty reliable and not bad to drive. Wouldn't know what engine size to go for.
Saab 9-3's i like. Again, i don't know much about reliability/which engine to go for. Dunno how the people get on with the roofs on the convertibles either
It looks like all these cars are within my price range with FSH and around 80k miles on 03 plates. So if anyone's got any advice it would be appreciated.
Thanks.
I've got about 3 grand and will be doing around 10k miles a year. It needs to be a 4 door saloon, and to not be likely to want much spent on repairs over the 18 months that i'll own it for. Not really bothered whether petrol or diesel, but if it's a diesel i don't wanna be worrying about the turbo going tits up or swirl flaps getting chewed up etc...
I probably like the E46 320i the most, but am a bit put off about by stories of people ending up with crap ones and having to spend loads on them. A 320i looks pretty solid though.
I quite like Accords but don't know much about them, apart from that they're pretty reliable and not bad to drive. Wouldn't know what engine size to go for.
Saab 9-3's i like. Again, i don't know much about reliability/which engine to go for. Dunno how the people get on with the roofs on the convertibles either
It looks like all these cars are within my price range with FSH and around 80k miles on 03 plates. So if anyone's got any advice it would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Their all good in their own way. The BMW will be the best drivers car, and make the best noise. The Honda will be the biggest of the lot and be the most reliable. The Saab looks the best IMO, and has a good range of engines.
Based on what you said, I would go for the E46 as your mileage isn't that high so fuel cost shouldn't be that much of a problem. I would like to say though that the (much faster) 325i will pretty much have the same economy as the 320i.
Based on what you said, I would go for the E46 as your mileage isn't that high so fuel cost shouldn't be that much of a problem. I would like to say though that the (much faster) 325i will pretty much have the same economy as the 320i.
I tossed the coin last June between an e46 325i and an Accord.
The BMW was a nicer drive tbh, but felt smaller and more claustrophobic. I went for the Accord which was two years newer with less mileage for the same money. Not had a single problem with it. Apart from the size what swung it was the spec. Mine has just about every concievable option as standard.
Very nice to drive to. Solid, no rattles or squeaks. My dad was so impressed with mine he went and got one too.
The only negative is they do look a bit dull on the outside. My last few cars have had a bit of car park appeal, but I never turn round and look at the Accord and get a bit giddy.
The BMW was a nicer drive tbh, but felt smaller and more claustrophobic. I went for the Accord which was two years newer with less mileage for the same money. Not had a single problem with it. Apart from the size what swung it was the spec. Mine has just about every concievable option as standard.
Very nice to drive to. Solid, no rattles or squeaks. My dad was so impressed with mine he went and got one too.
The only negative is they do look a bit dull on the outside. My last few cars have had a bit of car park appeal, but I never turn round and look at the Accord and get a bit giddy.
If you don't want to be spending money ( or the possible risk of spending money) on repairs then the Honda would be the one to go for, you'll get a newer lower miles car for the price of a BM, I've not enought knowledge of the Saab, but you mention the cabrio for your money you'll be getting the older shape, I test drove one once as really like the shape, but it was a horrid floppy thing.
Hmmmmm....
Will i be getting raped even harder and with even less lubrication on the insurance for a 325i than a 320i? The best i can find on a 320 is 750 quid...
Mileage is a factor cos i need to sell it after 18 months as i'll be emigrating.
Volvo S60/T5: Read a few reviews and i do like them a lot. All turbos though, any idea about insurance group/fuel economy?
Are any of these cars worth having with diesel engines?
Cheers for the help...
Will i be getting raped even harder and with even less lubrication on the insurance for a 325i than a 320i? The best i can find on a 320 is 750 quid...
Mileage is a factor cos i need to sell it after 18 months as i'll be emigrating.
Volvo S60/T5: Read a few reviews and i do like them a lot. All turbos though, any idea about insurance group/fuel economy?
Are any of these cars worth having with diesel engines?
Cheers for the help...
Had a look at insurance for a S60 D5 2003, seems to be affordable.
I want one.
I've had a flick through reviews and seen this page:
http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/volvo/s60-200...
The only really concerning thing i read was the chance of swirl flaps breaking off and getting chewed up by the engine:
'D5 Inlet manifold swirl flaps prone to breaking off at any time from 3 years old.'
and this bit:
'On early D5s (up to 2004) a rubber core plug can pop out into the bellhousing, depositing the engine oil on the clutch of manuals (a £750 repair job). Obviously thousands more if the engine seizes as a result.'
Would anyone be put off of buying one due to these issues? Any idea if the swirl flaps can be removed and blanked off like on BMW's?
I take it D5 is diesel and T5's petrol?
Cheers for the help.
I want one.
I've had a flick through reviews and seen this page:
http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/volvo/s60-200...
The only really concerning thing i read was the chance of swirl flaps breaking off and getting chewed up by the engine:
'D5 Inlet manifold swirl flaps prone to breaking off at any time from 3 years old.'
and this bit:
'On early D5s (up to 2004) a rubber core plug can pop out into the bellhousing, depositing the engine oil on the clutch of manuals (a £750 repair job). Obviously thousands more if the engine seizes as a result.'
Would anyone be put off of buying one due to these issues? Any idea if the swirl flaps can be removed and blanked off like on BMW's?
I take it D5 is diesel and T5's petrol?
Cheers for the help.
Having a look at this on sunday as it's near me:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VOLVO-S60-D5-SE-53-REG-D...
I asked about the service history and was told that it had had all scheduled services from a Volvo specialist. I asked whether it had had any large or major components replaced and he looked through the history and mentioned a drivers side lower control arm and an engine mount. He ran through a few other things but nothing that sounded major.
Any opinions?
Thanks.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VOLVO-S60-D5-SE-53-REG-D...
I asked about the service history and was told that it had had all scheduled services from a Volvo specialist. I asked whether it had had any large or major components replaced and he looked through the history and mentioned a drivers side lower control arm and an engine mount. He ran through a few other things but nothing that sounded major.
Any opinions?
Thanks.
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