Up to £18k estate - any advice on 330d/A4/Cupra/Golf R?
Discussion
Hi all,
My cheap lease 308 went back a few weeks ago and like many on here I've found myself running in circles between options for an estate (for dog/bike carrying duties) replacement. Used buy via bank loan seems the way to go given mileage uncertainty.
Expecting annual mileage to be c.15k, commute is 40 mile round trip on rural a/b roads with very little stop/start traffic, longer a road/motorway trips every couple of weeks. Ideally 35mpg+, 200bhp+, reasonable handling/avoiding overly light steering.
Particularly keen to hear the collective experience of running these cars in the 50-120k miles range, thinking of major bills, showstoppers with my engine choices etc. Aiming to keep 4 years.
F31 330d/335d
340i is some way out of budget, not convinced re the other petrol engines
+ On paper performance strong, reviews rate handling well for an estate, seems to balance a half decent drive without being tiresome on longer journeys
- Hard to find with pro nav/HK sound options, design dates back to 2012, a few mentions on here that the 320d feels more nimble?
A4 3.0TDI 272/2.0TFSI Quattro
+ Interior design nice for age, particularly spec'd with virtual cockpit/B&O sound
- Concerned the steering will be lacking in feedback compared to other options
Cupra ST/Golf R
Prefer the Cupra exterior design, but not many 4drive models in budget, better residuals on the Golf?
+ Performance, competent handling, android auto on many, no future of diesel concerns
- Road/wind noise on motorway journeys? will it become tiresome after 4 years or so if my annual mileage is 15k plus? Not many with options such as heated seats and premium sound etc
Considered and discounted
Mondeo/Mazda6 - Larger than I'd like, struggled to find an engine with a balance of performance and economy
Merc c250d - Reviews suggest the 2.1d engine is pretty rough
A6/5 series/XF - Size again an issue (both for handling and tight parking) though there are decent engine options
All thoughts greatly appreciated!
My cheap lease 308 went back a few weeks ago and like many on here I've found myself running in circles between options for an estate (for dog/bike carrying duties) replacement. Used buy via bank loan seems the way to go given mileage uncertainty.
Expecting annual mileage to be c.15k, commute is 40 mile round trip on rural a/b roads with very little stop/start traffic, longer a road/motorway trips every couple of weeks. Ideally 35mpg+, 200bhp+, reasonable handling/avoiding overly light steering.
Particularly keen to hear the collective experience of running these cars in the 50-120k miles range, thinking of major bills, showstoppers with my engine choices etc. Aiming to keep 4 years.
F31 330d/335d
340i is some way out of budget, not convinced re the other petrol engines
+ On paper performance strong, reviews rate handling well for an estate, seems to balance a half decent drive without being tiresome on longer journeys
- Hard to find with pro nav/HK sound options, design dates back to 2012, a few mentions on here that the 320d feels more nimble?
A4 3.0TDI 272/2.0TFSI Quattro
+ Interior design nice for age, particularly spec'd with virtual cockpit/B&O sound
- Concerned the steering will be lacking in feedback compared to other options
Cupra ST/Golf R
Prefer the Cupra exterior design, but not many 4drive models in budget, better residuals on the Golf?
+ Performance, competent handling, android auto on many, no future of diesel concerns
- Road/wind noise on motorway journeys? will it become tiresome after 4 years or so if my annual mileage is 15k plus? Not many with options such as heated seats and premium sound etc
Considered and discounted
Mondeo/Mazda6 - Larger than I'd like, struggled to find an engine with a balance of performance and economy
Merc c250d - Reviews suggest the 2.1d engine is pretty rough
A6/5 series/XF - Size again an issue (both for handling and tight parking) though there are decent engine options
All thoughts greatly appreciated!
I have an F31 330D. It's very good indeed. Brilliant on the motorway and A roads, not really designed for B road blasting but if you can look past that then it's close to being a quiver killer. Ok so you don't get the engine noise like a 340i but it's still plenty quick enough and stealthy as well
Try and find an S drive 330D if you want to explore the BMW option. The 335, whilst more powerful, is only available in AWD and has the SE suspension so it's up on stilts and doesn't handle as well imho.
It will also likely retain it's money down the track when you come to sell up, if that's a consideration.
Try and find an S drive 330D if you want to explore the BMW option. The 335, whilst more powerful, is only available in AWD and has the SE suspension so it's up on stilts and doesn't handle as well imho.
It will also likely retain it's money down the track when you come to sell up, if that's a consideration.
itsnotarace said:
I have an F31 330D. It's very good indeed. Brilliant on the motorway and A roads, not really designed for B road blasting but if you can look past that then it's close to being a quiver killer. Ok so you don't get the engine noise like a 340i but it's still plenty quick enough and stealthy as well
Try and find an S drive 330D if you want to explore the BMW option. The 335, whilst more powerful, is only available in AWD and has the SE suspension so it's up on stilts and doesn't handle as well imho.
It will also likely retain it's money down the track when you come to sell up, if that's a consideration.
Thanks for the reply - alot of the cars out there seem to be xdrive, though I can't see I'd need it most of the time. It also seems most cars have a decent spec aside from the pro nav which is less common.Try and find an S drive 330D if you want to explore the BMW option. The 335, whilst more powerful, is only available in AWD and has the SE suspension so it's up on stilts and doesn't handle as well imho.
It will also likely retain it's money down the track when you come to sell up, if that's a consideration.
Have you found parts/maintenance costs reasonable so far?
Pilotguy said:
I've considered these, though not sure if ride comfort is any better than the Golf/Cupra, I'm assuming build quality is similar. Certainly seems to be lots of recent low mileage models in budget, I'd just need to get over the split headlights front end!Recently returned my Cupra ST 4Drive after just under 2 years
Did about 14k per year and was perfectly ok on the motorway, with DCC set to comfort its pretty supple. Mine had heated seats as part of the Winter Pack
Perfectly decent car but went back early as I was bored to tears with it, very quick, no rattles or squeaks, pretty economical - just lacked any kind of character - indirectly replaced with a Skoda Kodiaq with a mere 1.5 litre petrol engine and in contrast I'm loving it
Did about 14k per year and was perfectly ok on the motorway, with DCC set to comfort its pretty supple. Mine had heated seats as part of the Winter Pack
Perfectly decent car but went back early as I was bored to tears with it, very quick, no rattles or squeaks, pretty economical - just lacked any kind of character - indirectly replaced with a Skoda Kodiaq with a mere 1.5 litre petrol engine and in contrast I'm loving it
Invented Brush said:
Thanks for the reply - alot of the cars out there seem to be xdrive, though I can't see I'd need it most of the time. It also seems most cars have a decent spec aside from the pro nav which is less common.
Have you found parts/maintenance costs reasonable so far?
I have pro nav and HK in mine along with adaptive xenons, adaptive dampers and a panoramic sunroof. Must admit I spent ages (10 months) waiting for the right car but really glad I didHave you found parts/maintenance costs reasonable so far?
Servicing costs at main dealer have been really good actually. Much less than I was expecting on the condition based servicing. I did have a vertical acceleration sensor on my adaptive dampers fail and that cost around £230 to put right, could have left it stuck in comfort mode (which is really good even with 19s and runflats on crap roads) but I do use the firmer setting on the motorway a lot. Oh and about £150 for a new battery but other than that it's been completely trouble free. Although I should point out that mine has only done 65k now so perhaps with higher mileage then more bills would be expected.
Edited by itsnotarace on Monday 20th July 17:03
Isn't the answer to "what estate car" a Skoda Superb?
It was for me, but it might be a bit bigger than you need - external size is the same as the old E61 5 series. Loads more space inside though. Compares favourably with an E61 for ride and build, with plenty of kit in L&K trim.
£18k should just about get you a 280bhp petrol estate in L&K trim (top spec). It's built on a stretched Golf platform, and the 280 uses a slightly detuned Golf R engine and 4wd system. 0-60 in under 6 seconds, and 35mpg is easy out of town.
Much less nickable than a Golf R too.
It was for me, but it might be a bit bigger than you need - external size is the same as the old E61 5 series. Loads more space inside though. Compares favourably with an E61 for ride and build, with plenty of kit in L&K trim.
£18k should just about get you a 280bhp petrol estate in L&K trim (top spec). It's built on a stretched Golf platform, and the 280 uses a slightly detuned Golf R engine and 4wd system. 0-60 in under 6 seconds, and 35mpg is easy out of town.
Much less nickable than a Golf R too.
I have an F31 335D bought almost twelve months ago at 45kish miles for £17k as an approved used car from a BMW dealer. Have done 9k this year somehow. I’d come from an E93 335i. I can’t say that I’ve noticed it being “up on stilts” but would say that it was much improved by ditching the run flats and replacing them with some pilot sports. I’d also say that my arse and back are benefiting from moving away from the 19” 5 spoke wheels I had on my E93...
Given that neither’s a sports cars, I’d say that, outside of the rarefied realm of PH, the dynamics are great for an estate. It’s easily quick enough for me for general road use. I really wasn’t that fussed about the Pro Nav- I’ve got Bluetooth connectivity and that’s all I need. What I *am* quite taken with is the electric tow bar which was fitted as a factory option- perfect for mounting my bike rack when needed and then discreetly folding away when not.
I took my E93 to the Dordogne as a last hurrah last year and I’m going back in the F31 in two weeks (hopefully)- think the new car will be much better suited to that.
Given that neither’s a sports cars, I’d say that, outside of the rarefied realm of PH, the dynamics are great for an estate. It’s easily quick enough for me for general road use. I really wasn’t that fussed about the Pro Nav- I’ve got Bluetooth connectivity and that’s all I need. What I *am* quite taken with is the electric tow bar which was fitted as a factory option- perfect for mounting my bike rack when needed and then discreetly folding away when not.
I took my E93 to the Dordogne as a last hurrah last year and I’m going back in the F31 in two weeks (hopefully)- think the new car will be much better suited to that.
Owned a 330d f31 from 40 -76k miles in 2 years. Didn't miss a beat and we used to drive from Coventry to Criccieth every 3rd sat and those roads involved a heavy foot. Missus used it as daily commute and also long motorway runs to St ives. All we changed were the brakes and tires and only sold it as it was 4 years old, just out of warranty and we wanted something newer. However it was the luxury rather than the m sport and a little more if a pleasant ride.
We test drove a golf DSG and were disappointed with the box in the golf compared to the BM.
Had a Leon estate in Spain and loved all the tech in it compared with the other two and was big inside but was manual (assume same DSG issues as the golf).
Can't comment on the A4 as no exp
We test drove a golf DSG and were disappointed with the box in the golf compared to the BM.
Had a Leon estate in Spain and loved all the tech in it compared with the other two and was big inside but was manual (assume same DSG issues as the golf).
Can't comment on the A4 as no exp
Edited by TheDrownedApe on Monday 20th July 20:12
Edited by TheDrownedApe on Monday 20th July 20:14
335d M Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
330d M Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
215/3.0d Audi S Line
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
330d M Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
215/3.0d Audi S Line
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Similar budget, similar requirements although I'm wondering whether buying the fastest or flashiest version available at that price point is better value in the long run (even if it's older or higher mileage without being moon miles). They're far more likely to retain a strong residual over a more run of the mill well specced one.
I've been running a Golf R estate for the last 3.5 years and covered circa 43k miles in that time (obviously much reduced in recent months!). It replaced an E92 330d coupe.
I think the R estate is a great car and covers most bases very well, the performance is exceptional and it's very practical too. Given the performance available, running costs (fuel, tyres, servicing) have been reasonable and (so far anyway) it's been reliable.
However, I do a lot of motorway/dual carriageway driving and to be honest, it could be quieter/more refined for these types of journeys. It's probably worth remembering that it is just a Golf at the end of the day, albeit a very fast one.
In terms of other downsides, my impression is that it's very much built to a cost and VW are clearly cutting corners these days. I'd say that build quality is mostly adequate but no more than that. Mine has recently developed a couple of the common issues (leaking rear door, broken bonnet release) which is disappointing, and frustrating now that it's out of warranty. The sat nav isn't great and my experience at the local VW dealer (albeit pretty much restricted to routine servicing) hasn't been great - to varying degrees they manage to display incompetence every time I visit.
If you do a lot of motorway driving, I'd be inclined to go down the 330d/335d route. Much as I like my Golf, I'm not sure I've ever bonded with it in the way I did with the 330d that preceded it. It was faultlessly reliable (I sold it at over 100k miles and other than replacing the GPS fin for the sat nav, I can't recall it requiring anything other than routine maintenance) and it was tremendous on longer journeys - refined, comfortable, superb performance, very decent economy. It just felt like a higher quality car than the Golf does. Unless BMW have been significantly cost cutting too, I'd imagine this would hold true for the F generation 3 series.
Given the choice, and setting aside concerns about diesel (both in terms of future residuals, restriction of use in cities and reliability of complex diesels) I would probably go down the BMW route. But the Golf is a very good car too and I wouldn't expect that anyone buying one would be disappointed.
I think the R estate is a great car and covers most bases very well, the performance is exceptional and it's very practical too. Given the performance available, running costs (fuel, tyres, servicing) have been reasonable and (so far anyway) it's been reliable.
However, I do a lot of motorway/dual carriageway driving and to be honest, it could be quieter/more refined for these types of journeys. It's probably worth remembering that it is just a Golf at the end of the day, albeit a very fast one.
In terms of other downsides, my impression is that it's very much built to a cost and VW are clearly cutting corners these days. I'd say that build quality is mostly adequate but no more than that. Mine has recently developed a couple of the common issues (leaking rear door, broken bonnet release) which is disappointing, and frustrating now that it's out of warranty. The sat nav isn't great and my experience at the local VW dealer (albeit pretty much restricted to routine servicing) hasn't been great - to varying degrees they manage to display incompetence every time I visit.
If you do a lot of motorway driving, I'd be inclined to go down the 330d/335d route. Much as I like my Golf, I'm not sure I've ever bonded with it in the way I did with the 330d that preceded it. It was faultlessly reliable (I sold it at over 100k miles and other than replacing the GPS fin for the sat nav, I can't recall it requiring anything other than routine maintenance) and it was tremendous on longer journeys - refined, comfortable, superb performance, very decent economy. It just felt like a higher quality car than the Golf does. Unless BMW have been significantly cost cutting too, I'd imagine this would hold true for the F generation 3 series.
Given the choice, and setting aside concerns about diesel (both in terms of future residuals, restriction of use in cities and reliability of complex diesels) I would probably go down the BMW route. But the Golf is a very good car too and I wouldn't expect that anyone buying one would be disappointed.
ZX10R NIN said:
335d M Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
330d M Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
215/3.0d Audi S Line
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Redline on the 335d showing 5,500rpm sweet. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
330d M Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
215/3.0d Audi S Line
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Cheers for the responses everyone.
Cupra/Golf - others experience seems to back up my concerns. I'm sure the power would be entertaining on the 20 mile drive to work (not that I'll be doing it for a while) initially, but perhaps not the best choice for longer weekend journeys and for the long term.
1977amm - thanks for the detailed ownership account. I'd be looking at a c.2016/50-60k Golf in budget, so expect a few age/mileage related niggles would be showing up.
Superb - No doubt it's a capable car especially with the 280 engine, but it feels on the large side for what I need, I rarely need to carry rear seat passengers and parking at home is a bit restrictive on length.
In terms of driving dynamics, I'm coming from a string of 4 cyl diesel hatches, so the bar isn't set that high!
Feels like I need to sit on my 3 series searches for a couple of weeks and see what comes up. May need to up my current 70 miles search area and be prepared to travel further given very few new ads are coming up. Might still be worth me testing a Golf/Cupra for comparison, though I'm hoping to gel with the chosen car and run for 4-5 years.
Cupra/Golf - others experience seems to back up my concerns. I'm sure the power would be entertaining on the 20 mile drive to work (not that I'll be doing it for a while) initially, but perhaps not the best choice for longer weekend journeys and for the long term.
1977amm - thanks for the detailed ownership account. I'd be looking at a c.2016/50-60k Golf in budget, so expect a few age/mileage related niggles would be showing up.
Superb - No doubt it's a capable car especially with the 280 engine, but it feels on the large side for what I need, I rarely need to carry rear seat passengers and parking at home is a bit restrictive on length.
In terms of driving dynamics, I'm coming from a string of 4 cyl diesel hatches, so the bar isn't set that high!
Feels like I need to sit on my 3 series searches for a couple of weeks and see what comes up. May need to up my current 70 miles search area and be prepared to travel further given very few new ads are coming up. Might still be worth me testing a Golf/Cupra for comparison, though I'm hoping to gel with the chosen car and run for 4-5 years.
Obviously in addition to the PH sales area, keep an eye on F30 post UK sales section or put a wanted ad up.
https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/forumdisplay.php...
Also worth noting that if you went for a BMW AUC car they will transport them countrywide to your local dealer if you place a refundable deposit
https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/forumdisplay.php...
Also worth noting that if you went for a BMW AUC car they will transport them countrywide to your local dealer if you place a refundable deposit
I drove a Golf GTI Performance pack earlier today with DSG and there was nothing about the engine I preferred over my F30 330d.
People rave about petrols but when mated to an auto box that wasn’t as good as the ZF8 it had no advantages in my view.
Apart from the odd DSG fart which the novelty wears off after a few miles they don’t even sound that nice.
Overall the Golf is a nice car but the 4 cylinder VAG engines disappoint so I’d look at the six cylinder BMW.
People rave about petrols but when mated to an auto box that wasn’t as good as the ZF8 it had no advantages in my view.
Apart from the odd DSG fart which the novelty wears off after a few miles they don’t even sound that nice.
Overall the Golf is a nice car but the 4 cylinder VAG engines disappoint so I’d look at the six cylinder BMW.
Brett748 said:
I drove a Golf GTI Performance pack earlier today with DSG and there was nothing about the engine I preferred over my F30 330d.
People rave about petrols but when mated to an auto box that wasn’t as good as the ZF8 it had no advantages in my view.
Apart from the odd DSG fart which the novelty wears off after a few miles they don’t even sound that nice.
Overall the Golf is a nice car but the 4 cylinder VAG engines disappoint so I’d look at the six cylinder BMW.
This so much. Going from an 8 speed ZF to anything else just leaves you flatPeople rave about petrols but when mated to an auto box that wasn’t as good as the ZF8 it had no advantages in my view.
Apart from the odd DSG fart which the novelty wears off after a few miles they don’t even sound that nice.
Overall the Golf is a nice car but the 4 cylinder VAG engines disappoint so I’d look at the six cylinder BMW.
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