Cheap estate, Aerodeck or BMW

[Sinatra21]

Well I’ve been a long time lurker but finally need some advice from the great PH school of motoring. It’s time to get rid of the other halfs car, a xsara hdi. It’s been a reliable(ish) work horse but is no longer big enough for our needs.

I’m looking for an estate car to be able to throw the dog in the boot and keep the back seats hair free for any passengers. I don’t really want another diesel as our budget is pretty small at around 1200 and it’s only the newer more expensive diesels that have decent power. I have narrowed my search down to a civic aerodeck vti or a bmw 323i or 523i touring around the 97-99 vintage. Both have similar power, although the civic weighs a bit less and will do 30mpg round town and 35+ on a run (these are my minimum requirements). Obviously the BMW’s tend to come with more toys but is it likely the running costs will be significantly more? I have also seen several of the old PH favorite, the 328 in this price band, are these noticeably different to the 323 in driving and running costs?

Any other ideas, or advice from people of have owned either?

[Baryonyx]

I'd lean towards the Aerodeck. It's a bit more obscure than the BMW but parts should be readily available - but with it being Honda I doubt it'll need much! A nice piece of 90's Japanese engineering, what a treat!

[jimmyjam]

I had a £1300, 1997 318 Touring. Most reliable car I've ever owned.

[mat205125]

E36 Beemers are great cars, and the 323 is reputed to be a great compromise between performance and economy. The 323 Sport Tourings look great IMO.

[lawdevice]

I have to admit that I'm a bit of a Honda nut, and have never owned a BMW... but that generation Civic has to be the WORST car I've ever owned.

Badly thought-out interior and fittings. Bland and soggy suspension that still manages to be un-comfortable. And not particularly well screwed together. It's only saving grace will be the engine.

Basically, it's a Rover with a Honda badge on.

Get a proper car and buy a beemer.

[billzeebub]

are you retired? get the Honda..if not then the Beemer, load lugger but still a great drive when you aren't

[edo]

1998 BMW 5 SERIES 528i SE 5dr Auto Touring
Private Seller
comedy photo's - dont think one has the whole car in!





98,800 miles, 5 Door Estate, Green, Petrol, Automatic. tax 01.06.2011 Mot 27.07.2011 . Full Service History, Leather upholstery, ABS, Air conditioning, Alloy wheels, Cruise control, Front armrest, Immobiliser, Passenger airbag, Rear armrest, Roof rails, Radio/Cassette /cd chenger, Side airbags, Rear headrests, Traction control, Height adjustable drivers seat, Remote central locking, Reverse parking aid, Service indicator, Trip computer, Heated door mirrors, Steering wheel rake adjustment, Steering wheel reach adjustment, Audio remote control, Front electric windows, Drivers airbag, Electric door mirrors, PAS, Rear wiper, Alarm, Front fog lights, Rear electric windows. £1,250 Negotiable.

[edo]

1997 BMW 3 SERIES 323i 5dr Auto Touring
Private Seller



black metallic estate with beige leather interior, petrol, alloy wheels, sunroof, BMW dog guard, 11 months Mot, 6 months tax, 2 owners from new, 4 new Pirelli tyres, excellent condition. £1,500.

[edo]

1997 BMW 323i
Trade Seller: Oakleigh Garage Chesham




5 Doors, Automatic, Estate, Petrol, 99,000 miles, Metallic Blue. Service History, ABS, Adjustable seats, Air conditioning, Alloy wheels, Anti theft system, CD, Central locking, Child seats, Colour coding - Body, Computer, Cruise control, Driver airbag, Electric mirrors, Front armrest, Head restraints, Headlight washers, Heated seats, Leather seats, Lumbar support, Metallic paintwork, Multi function steering wheel, Park distance control, Passenger airbag, Power assisted steering, Radio, Rear armrest, Roof rails, Sports seats, Sunroof, Tinted glass. Insurance Group:15, Nice clean Example, In Good Condition. £1,595 p/x considered

[alfa pint]

Slightly more leftfield option for you:

Volvo V40 T4.

Plenty around for a few grand, comfortable seats, well built. The ride isn't amazing.

You could also look at Alfa 156 Sportswagons. Lovely interior, excellent handling and sharp steering, good diesel engine in the 2.4. Adequate performance in the 2 litre twinspark, less so in the 1.8. V6 might be a bit thirsty for you. Reliability / cam belt changes are an issue, but a good one would be ace.

Saab 9-5 2 litre light pressure turbo estate would be worth a look as well. Same as the volvo really - good seats, average ride, good overtaking oomph, fairly solid and reliable cars.