Estate - Up to £8k to spend

[cbmotorsport]

Need an estate car, looking to spend anything up to 8k

Would like it to be a nice place to be, reliable, economical, and not too bothered about performance, as long as it's not ponderous.

Have been looking at BMW 320d/320i Touring M Sport (E91) c.2010

And Merc c220d c.2010

I've had VAG cars for years, so looking for a change.

Any faults with these cars I should know about? What else is worth looking at?

Thanks!

[AllyBassman]

BMW 320d - look out for 'N47 Timing chain' issues aswell as the varios recalls that have been implemented.

They're not all bad, but 2010 is just after the worst offending engines were produced 08-09 I believe.

If it sounds like a skeleton having a w**K in a tin can - walk away!

Apart from that, the E91 is a fine choice and a good steer.

[cbmotorsport]

AllyBassman said:

BMW 320d - look out for 'N47 Timing chain' issues aswell as the varios recalls that have been implemented.

They're not all bad, but 2010 is just after the worst offending engines were produced 08-09 I believe.

If it sounds like a skeleton having a w**K in a tin can - walk away!

Apart from that, the E91 is a fine choice and a good steer.

Thanks! I'll double check.

[ninjag]

8th Gen Accord Tourer 2.2 iDTEC is a nice car and very reliable.

EX comes fully loaded, decent enough performance and returns 50.4mpg
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Type S is more powerful at 180bhp
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

There's also a nice looking SAAB 9-3 with privacy glass and twin turbo
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Skoda Octavia vRS
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Alfa Romeo 159 JTDM 16V SPORTWAGON, although I've no idea about reliability
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[SlowV6]

If you are considering an E91 320D then I would also recommend testing a 330D. They do use more fuel but are worth it in my opinion as the M57 and N57 6 cylinder cars are much nicer. I would recommend an auto if going 330D. If economy is a priority then 320D but as late as you can go as previously mentioned.

[RichB]

Have you dismissed a Volvo V70 for some reason? Excellent estates, available with all kinds of engines.

[jas xjr]

I quite like Subaru legacy estates. Mostly thirsty

[DailyHack]

E91 definitely consider it, good solid cars! Like mentioned before check for odd noises from chains, they don't all fail and 2009+ should be safer bet.

I run a 318d '12 one of the last E91s before the curvy/fatter F31's - it's a fine car really, no rattles or creaks in 107k, built like tanks.

[mondayo]

Are you dismissing everything VAG including SEAT?
How big a boot do you need? I'd say a 3 series boot, isn't that big....

[Deerfoot]

RichB said:

Have you dismissed a Volvo V70 for some reason? Excellent estates, available with all kinds of engines.

The V60 is worth a look too, there are a few 205bhp D5s around for your budget.

[ZX10R NIN]

As others have said be aware that even on the later cars there have been reports of timing chain issues not on the same scale but enough for me to want a 2011+.

Other very good alternatives are these:

Mondeo Titanium X Sport these are very hard to beat at this price point

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

Peugeot 508 Allure

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

Mercedes C320cdi Sport I'd always go for a six cylinder diesel

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

325d M Sport

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

330d M Sport

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

Honda Accord EX

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

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

Skoda VRS

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

[danlightbulb]

ZX10R NIN said:

330d M Sport

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

I keep looking at 3 series estates myself but what is it with the bloody headlights, almost every one for sale has crappy reflector headlights. Why on earth would someone buy a 330d m sport from new and not spec xenons its crazy.

[ZX10R NIN]

danlightbulb said:

I keep looking at 3 series estates myself but what is it with the bloody headlights, almost every one for sale has crappy reflector headlights. Why on earth would someone buy a 330d m sport from new and not spec xenons its crazy.

Cost is the answer.

[evoivboy]

Insignia!
Great value and nice place to be, it will be 4-5 years newer and less miles than a Audi or BMW for the same money
https://www.networkq.co.uk/used-car-search/9771485...

Edited by evoivboy on Saturday 13th April 21:39

[danlightbulb]

ZX10R NIN said:

Cost is the answer.

But they are buying one of the most expensive models in the first place! A high proportion of mondeos for sale have been equiped with xenons.

[ZX10R NIN]

The Mondeo is cheaper to buy so adding Xenons may well have kept the original owner in budget, xenons wasn't a cheap option just look how many E90's that don't have Xenons.

[cbmotorsport]

Wow, thanks for going to so much effort with examples. Great food for thought. Not fixed on a BM at all so will have a good look at the others you suggest.

I've had 2 Octavia VRS estates back to back, so fancied a change.

[anonymous-user]

I just sold a near identical 330D (but with Xenons!) privately, for £6k, so no need to spend that much.

[cbmotorsport]

What's the real world mpg on a 330d?

Thanks.

[ZX10R NIN]

With mixed driving you'll be in the 40's around town 27mpg.