looking for a decent car with a 3k budget

[F3rritt]

Hi,

I'm selling my current MY15 grand picasso due to buying a new house so I'm looking for another car.

My last 5 cars have been a s type jag, RR supercharged, fiat 500, Lexus CT and then the current picasso. So its fair to say a varied selection in cars.

The picasso's been great as a family wagon and great for our camping trips so it will be sad to see it go but needs must a replacement is needed.

I've been looking at merc E class (E320), Mazda CX-7, Nissan murano. Ideally I'd like something with space but I have liked the E320's for a long time. Petrol or diesel doesn't bother me. Plus something with abit of pace would be great. My partner already has her car (panda) and I use my work van all the time so milage wise I'd do maybe 5/6k a year tops.

Any recommendations welcome. It doesn't have to last me a lifetime as if everything goes to plan I'll be leasing a pickup for work in a year or two.

Thanks

[Toed64]

I'd go for a Subaru Outback or Legacy estate. The 3 litre is lovely, they are fast enough to be fairly effortless to drive and supremely comfortable. All wheel drive too.

I've had 2 over a period of 10 years and lots of miles. Other than normal services (oil, brakes tyres) I have only ever had to replace 2 suspension bushes and a CV gaiter.

If you want slightly sharper handling, the Legacy spec B rides a bit lower and has Bilstein shocks...and was also available with a 6 speed manual...but the auto box is excellent.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2006-06-Subaru-Legacy-3...

They make the E Class feel cumbersome and heavy by comparison (I've had one of them too and it was not nearly as reliable - electrical gremlins and transmission failure).

[F3rritt]

Toed64 said:

I'd go for a Subaru Outback or Legacy estate. The 3 litre is lovely, they are fast enough to be fairly effortless to drive and supremely comfortable. All wheel drive too.

I've had 2 over a period of 10 years and lots of miles. Other than normal services (oil, brakes tyres) I have only ever had to replace 2 suspension bushes and a CV gaiter.

If you want slightly sharper handling, the Legacy spec B rides a bit lower and has Bilstein shocks...and was also available with a 6 speed manual...but the auto box is excellent.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2006-06-Subaru-Legacy-3...

They make the E Class feel cumbersome and heavy by comparison (I've had one of them too and it was not nearly as reliable - electrical gremlins and transmission failure).

Thanks for that. I have looked at the legacy's previously and tbh I do like the look of them. Autotrader has none in my budget and if I was the raise it I'd be tempted to go for a tribeca as I really like the look of them. A legacy R spec B has been added to my list though. Regarding the merc I'd only go for the E320 sport option and after looking around the selection for 3k or less isn't great.

[ZX10R NIN]

You won't get an E Class Sport for that budget but you can get a C Class

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Also look out for the ST220:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Saab 9-3 Aero

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Signum 2.0T

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Vectra SRI

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[Mr Tidy]

I sold a BMW 325ti Sport earlier this year for half your budget - I still keep thinking it was too cheap!

[ericmcn]

can vouch for the legacy spec b, have one over 2 years now (longest I have had a car tbh) and its fantastic - the lack of them on the roads also is nice. Manual transmission and the H6 is a hoot to drive

[F3rritt]

Thanks for the suggestions. I think I've narrowed it down to a legacy R B spec, tribeca or a cx-7.

The murano was close but I don't fancy another CVT box after having my CT200h. All I have to do now is sell my c4 grand picasso....

[ericmcn]

if you drive a legacy spec b it will make your mind up for you, swiftly. A 5 minute drive in my one was enough to win me over, previously had a CL55 AMG so used to some high speed but the handling and driver feedback on the manual box from the Legacy is really good.

[dhutch]

Mr Tidy said:

I sold a BMW 325ti Sport earlier this year for half your budget - I still keep thinking it was too cheap!

Thats very nice isnt it. Coming from someone with a 330ci sport in imola.


Daniel