Compact or estate 3 series?

[Goochie]

I'm looking to replace the wife's "runabout" P reg corsa with a 3 series for about £3k. It must be an estate or compact as she uses it to take to dogs out (and they wont like being shut in a saloon!)

Other than the obvious size difference and the difference in the number of doors, what are the differences between these 2 bodies and the more common saloon models?

I presume they share roughly the same engine line-up and RWD chassis?

Here is an example of a compact:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/891046.htm

and a similar estate:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/938569.htm

Edited by Goochie on Friday 24th April 14:42

[SpeedIsProgress]

Never, under any circumstances should anyone ever buy a BMW compact.

HTH

ETA: That means get the estate, you won't be throw up all over yourself every time you see it.

Edited by SpeedIsProgress on Friday 24th April 16:53

[sniff diesel]

Go and have a look at an E36 touring with a tape measure first, you may well be suprised how small it is in the boot.

[Dave Dax builder]

If you are considering a BMW compact then why not just buy a Golf instead.....Unless you like a bit of sideways action. I love my BMW's but I wouldn't touch a Compact with a 5hitty stick......Purely on looks alone.

[StuB]

SpeedIsProgress said:

Never, under any circumstances should anyone ever buy a BMW compact.

HTH

ETA: That means get the estate, you won't be throw up all over yourself every time you see it.

Complete & utter tosh IMHO.

The E46 compact is a great little car - rated as 4 stars by Evo.

You'd be lucky to see one at that budget though.