What car: ca. £28k; 4 seats; 300+ HP
Discussion
I was after a similar car recently but wanted an estate... I had my heart set on a S4 Avant after years of F31 (320d) ownership... I ended up sticking with BMW and I’m picking up a 340i Touring with the addition of the M performance pack.
All of the mod cons, lots of space and 360bhp
All of the mod cons, lots of space and 360bhp
Edited by James-m5qjf on Sunday 21st June 16:44
Another vote for the 540i.
I went from a 330d Touring to a 540i xDrive Touring and it was a big step up in my opinion. At a push I'd say the 3 series handled better but on my day to day driving I haven't noticed any real difference.
Economy wise, 31mpg combined with most of my driving around town. There's more than enough room for 3 adults (OK maybe 2 adults and a smaller person) in the back, with 2 dogs in the boot.
I looked at the E43 AMG and was close to signing on the dotted line as they are quicker, but preferred the 5 series and the E43 was going to make way for the E53 AMG iirc.
Good luck with the search
I went from a 330d Touring to a 540i xDrive Touring and it was a big step up in my opinion. At a push I'd say the 3 series handled better but on my day to day driving I haven't noticed any real difference.
Economy wise, 31mpg combined with most of my driving around town. There's more than enough room for 3 adults (OK maybe 2 adults and a smaller person) in the back, with 2 dogs in the boot.
I looked at the E43 AMG and was close to signing on the dotted line as they are quicker, but preferred the 5 series and the E43 was going to make way for the E53 AMG iirc.
Good luck with the search
Jonnychloe said:
Hi,
I am due to sell my 18 plate black M2 if you are interested, looking for £29k.
18 plate (lci model light update)
30k Miles
2 main dealer services
Black pack grilles
Paint GuardX
Harmon Karden etc.
Let me know if you would like to discuss more,
Regards
Jonny
Thanks, Jonny, but I think a combination of relatively expensive servicing and the reduced practicality would rule the M2 out.I am due to sell my 18 plate black M2 if you are interested, looking for £29k.
18 plate (lci model light update)
30k Miles
2 main dealer services
Black pack grilles
Paint GuardX
Harmon Karden etc.
Let me know if you would like to discuss more,
Regards
Jonny
I wish you every success in selling it though!
bobsavage789 said:
Next weekend I’m planning on trying out a 440i GC: I’ll report back then.
I've got one at the moment - lovely car and will easily fit your requirements, especially with the big boot.For about £1500 you can get the MPPSK installed as I did - takes it to at least 360bhp / 500nm, and adds a lovely valved exhaust.
If you're ever around the West Mids you're welcome to see the difference it makes
Edited by stuart_83 on Monday 22 June 20:11
So there seem to very few 440 GCs that meet my requirements (for some reason lots have been specced without M Sport Plus pack, and I really like the look of the M Sport wheels/blue callipers!). Others are too new for the MPPSK, which I’d want to add at a later date... Dang.
Luckily, I found a 2018 340 Touring which I’m hoping to test drive this weekend.
I’ll report back on whatever I end up driving on Saturday/Sunday!
Luckily, I found a 2018 340 Touring which I’m hoping to test drive this weekend.
I’ll report back on whatever I end up driving on Saturday/Sunday!
This is becoming rather tiresome: the 340 touring has now sold, so I tried to arrange to test drive a 440 coupé (even if it was just to check out the interior and the B58 engine in that guise) that has recently appeared on AT. I was told this had also been sold...
I’ve decided to abandon trying out a 3/440i and check out a Stinger this weekend. It’s a pre-facelift version unfortunately, but I’ll see if I could live with the shortcomings, as it’d be by far the cheapest to run...
Let’s hope this one doesn’t get sold tomorrow!
I’ve decided to abandon trying out a 3/440i and check out a Stinger this weekend. It’s a pre-facelift version unfortunately, but I’ll see if I could live with the shortcomings, as it’d be by far the cheapest to run...
Let’s hope this one doesn’t get sold tomorrow!
bobsavage789 said:
I’ve decided to abandon trying out a 3/440i and check out a Stinger this weekend. It’s a pre-facelift version unfortunately, but I’ll see if I could live with the shortcomings, as it’d be by far the cheapest to run...
Let’s hope this one doesn’t get sold tomorrow!
That's a shame, the B58 is an amazing engine, especially in MPPSK tune.Let’s hope this one doesn’t get sold tomorrow!
The Stinger is a lovely car though - can't fault you on that. I looked at them when I was car hunting, but on PCP they were significantly more than the 4 series.
Surprised the 3/440i's are going so quickly - from what I've been offered for mine from WBAC compared to sale prices you'd think no one wants them!
I’ve just got back from test driving the Stinger, and here are my thoughts...
Pros:
- excellent value for money, despite some shortcomings (more on those in a bit).
- when I put my foot down, I found the exhaust note surprisingly loud (in a good way!) even in the pre-facelift version.
- it does have every option going, pretty much
- it felt very exciting to drive; very alert and ‘on its toes’
- the exterior looks even better in the flesh (especially in black!)
Cons:
- far smaller on the inside than the exterior size would suggest (rear leg/headroom and the boot); like a reverse Tardis
- I found the seats quite uncomfortable
- the interior, whilst very functional, just didn’t feel in any way ‘special’ to me
- even in sport+, the downshift after planting the throttle seemed sluggish
I really, really wanted to like it more than I did (it is excellent value for money, after all), but just didn’t, unfortunately...
Currently, the head says “Kia”; the heart says “5 series”.
Hoping to test a C43 saloon next week and then be able to make a decision. I’ll report back on that as well!
Pros:
- excellent value for money, despite some shortcomings (more on those in a bit).
- when I put my foot down, I found the exhaust note surprisingly loud (in a good way!) even in the pre-facelift version.
- it does have every option going, pretty much
- it felt very exciting to drive; very alert and ‘on its toes’
- the exterior looks even better in the flesh (especially in black!)
Cons:
- far smaller on the inside than the exterior size would suggest (rear leg/headroom and the boot); like a reverse Tardis
- I found the seats quite uncomfortable
- the interior, whilst very functional, just didn’t feel in any way ‘special’ to me
- even in sport+, the downshift after planting the throttle seemed sluggish
I really, really wanted to like it more than I did (it is excellent value for money, after all), but just didn’t, unfortunately...
Currently, the head says “Kia”; the heart says “5 series”.
Hoping to test a C43 saloon next week and then be able to make a decision. I’ll report back on that as well!
Thanks, it's interesting to read your thoughts!
So far of my test drives my favourite two have been the Giulia Veloce and the XE v6. Both were fast enough and handled well. Good automatic zf8 setups. Both let down by rates of reliability? (Potentially) poorer interiors and horrific depreciation.
I hated the CVT gearbox in the lexus.
The stinger, from what you've said, is probably too big for me, at least on the outside! It's also disappointing to hear the seats aren't that comfortable, I'm quite lanky, so I find getting truly comfortable tricky. I'm going to be doing reasonable mileage, so it's a must.
It is however not an obvious choice and is certainly unique!
I'm trying to hold off on the BMW/Merc as I've always had a bit of an aversion to the default options! I also don't want it to feel like a company car.
My wildcard is a Mégane RS EDC in sport spec. The quoted prices new (with NHS discount) are less than a three year old car! So although I wanted something more grown up it's very hard to ignore. The trouble is the order book is shut awaiting facelift and will then likely be two months to arrival..
So far of my test drives my favourite two have been the Giulia Veloce and the XE v6. Both were fast enough and handled well. Good automatic zf8 setups. Both let down by rates of reliability? (Potentially) poorer interiors and horrific depreciation.
I hated the CVT gearbox in the lexus.
The stinger, from what you've said, is probably too big for me, at least on the outside! It's also disappointing to hear the seats aren't that comfortable, I'm quite lanky, so I find getting truly comfortable tricky. I'm going to be doing reasonable mileage, so it's a must.
It is however not an obvious choice and is certainly unique!
I'm trying to hold off on the BMW/Merc as I've always had a bit of an aversion to the default options! I also don't want it to feel like a company car.
My wildcard is a Mégane RS EDC in sport spec. The quoted prices new (with NHS discount) are less than a three year old car! So although I wanted something more grown up it's very hard to ignore. The trouble is the order book is shut awaiting facelift and will then likely be two months to arrival..
Each to their own, and that’s what makes life interesting!
However, just to add that I am also tall and thin and initially took a while to get comfortable in the Stinger’s seats. But they are adjustable is so many (8?) ways that I eventually found the perfect position. Saved it and now very happy and very comfortable on long trips.
Happy hunting both!
However, just to add that I am also tall and thin and initially took a while to get comfortable in the Stinger’s seats. But they are adjustable is so many (8?) ways that I eventually found the perfect position. Saved it and now very happy and very comfortable on long trips.
Happy hunting both!
I haven’t yet ruled out the Stinger: it’s by far and away the most sensible option on the shortlist. What do people think of the reaction of the gearbox? I forgot to say that I found it a bit too hesitant when I wanted it to kick down...
I actually tried to buy the 540i yesterday, but they just wouldn’t budge on price (sticker price was about £700 more than my absolute limit, with all lines of credit exhausted). It’d been listed for sale since mid-March, and they’ve dropped the sticker price by £500 in the meantime... it baffles me why they wouldn’t budge by that relatively insignificant amount, as I can’t imagine there’d be too much interest in a £30k, 3 litre petrol saloon in these times...
What do I know though...
I actually tried to buy the 540i yesterday, but they just wouldn’t budge on price (sticker price was about £700 more than my absolute limit, with all lines of credit exhausted). It’d been listed for sale since mid-March, and they’ve dropped the sticker price by £500 in the meantime... it baffles me why they wouldn’t budge by that relatively insignificant amount, as I can’t imagine there’d be too much interest in a £30k, 3 litre petrol saloon in these times...
What do I know though...
bobsavage789 said:
I haven’t yet ruled out the Stinger: it’s by far and away the most sensible option on the shortlist. What do people think of the reaction of the gearbox? I forgot to say that I found it a bit too hesitant when I wanted it to kick down...
I actually tried to buy the 540i yesterday, but they just wouldn’t budge on price (sticker price was about £700 more than my absolute limit, with all lines of credit exhausted). It’d been listed for sale since mid-March, and they’ve dropped the sticker price by £500 in the meantime... it baffles me why they wouldn’t budge by that relatively insignificant amount, as I can’t imagine there’d be too much interest in a £30k, 3 litre petrol saloon in these times...
What do I know though...
That seems very strange to me you'd think they'd want the sale! I guess the last few months have been challenging and they're holding out hope. I think it might take another month before pent up demand starts to dry up a bit.I actually tried to buy the 540i yesterday, but they just wouldn’t budge on price (sticker price was about £700 more than my absolute limit, with all lines of credit exhausted). It’d been listed for sale since mid-March, and they’ve dropped the sticker price by £500 in the meantime... it baffles me why they wouldn’t budge by that relatively insignificant amount, as I can’t imagine there’d be too much interest in a £30k, 3 litre petrol saloon in these times...
What do I know though...
I've just got back from my test drive, I know what you mean about there being a slight lag before the downshift in sport and sport plus. I found if I wanted to floor it manual control was much more satisfying.
The shift wasn't quite as quick as in the Alfa, but it got the job done. The dsg in my old cupra 290 was better than both of them.
Regarding comfort, the seat was a pain to get right, and I'm not sure I quite got it there on the test drive. I do think that with all that adjustment I'd get it right given a bit more time. Oddly I got out with my right arm aching which I've never experienced before in any car (I think the tracking was, off as the car was pulling left and I spent a bit of time countering it.)
I'm tall and I couldn't see the top part of the HUD with the seat in it's most comfortable position I had to go right back and then the steering wheel wouldn't come close enough to get my arms comfortable. I think there is almost too much variability.
It is a big car, but I had no issue with that on the move, it's comfortable and well insulated, though wind noise starts to intrude at 'cruising' speed on the moterway. The cooling in the seats is lovely! Parking was easy due to the huge number of cameras. The rear visibility is terrible, again overcome by blind-spot warning and cameras.
I thought the interior was on a par with BMW, there is a bit of hard plastic very low down, that's a good thing to prevent scuffs as far as I'm concerned. I thought it seemed nicely premium.
I didn't think it felt that alert if I'm honest, but my benchmark right now is a gt86 and this is a different class of car. From a value for money perspective I'm not sure it can be beaten! Every toy under the sun, it looked stunning in red with cream leather.
I have left undecided mainly due to how much my arm aches at the moment!
Edited by Althalus on Monday 29th June 19:13
Interesting to get others’ thoughts on the Stinger.
Like any car, you will get used to it, it certainly took me a while. Pretty sure you will get comfortable, as you say, so much adjustment. I’d hope the achey arm could be avoided with some adjustment and getting the tracking sorted. The tracking was slightly out on mine when I bought it, but it was easily sorted.
I definitely feel very comfortable in mine now. You know that ‘fits like a glove’ feeling? I seem to be able to drive it faster and faster as I get to know it better.
In relation to the gearbox, it isn’t perfect but I find it very, very good and I have tried loads of autos, both torque converter and DSG / DCT / S-tronic.
At parking speeds and cruising it is impeccable. No DSG I have ever driven is totally smooth when manoeuvring. This torque converter naturally is.
At lower speeds it is perfect in auto mode.
When pushing on in Sport it occasionally changes up slightly less smoothly than I would like (DSG is amazing here) but I will accept that for the other benefits.
I’ve never had an issue with kickdown, especially in Sport and Sport +. It just changes down and flies! As a 2019 car, perhaps the software upgrade has helped with this? Certainly it is fun driving hard with the paddles, and it will stay in manual with the upgraded box.
Overall, a good effort by Kia having decided not to buy a gearbox in. Certainly doesn’t spoil the car for me.
Like any car, you will get used to it, it certainly took me a while. Pretty sure you will get comfortable, as you say, so much adjustment. I’d hope the achey arm could be avoided with some adjustment and getting the tracking sorted. The tracking was slightly out on mine when I bought it, but it was easily sorted.
I definitely feel very comfortable in mine now. You know that ‘fits like a glove’ feeling? I seem to be able to drive it faster and faster as I get to know it better.
In relation to the gearbox, it isn’t perfect but I find it very, very good and I have tried loads of autos, both torque converter and DSG / DCT / S-tronic.
At parking speeds and cruising it is impeccable. No DSG I have ever driven is totally smooth when manoeuvring. This torque converter naturally is.
At lower speeds it is perfect in auto mode.
When pushing on in Sport it occasionally changes up slightly less smoothly than I would like (DSG is amazing here) but I will accept that for the other benefits.
I’ve never had an issue with kickdown, especially in Sport and Sport +. It just changes down and flies! As a 2019 car, perhaps the software upgrade has helped with this? Certainly it is fun driving hard with the paddles, and it will stay in manual with the upgraded box.
Overall, a good effort by Kia having decided not to buy a gearbox in. Certainly doesn’t spoil the car for me.
Edited by dunc69 on Monday 29th June 18:27
Also agree that the Stinger is probably cheaper to run than the 540i.
Tax for one thing is £145, now £150 actually.
My insurance is very reasonable - perhaps due to all the safety aids.
Not sure about BMW servicing costs, but the Kia is £1000 for 3 years, or c. £170 per service.
Hopefully the 7-year warranty may keep longer-term costs down too.
Good luck choosing chaps!
Tax for one thing is £145, now £150 actually.
My insurance is very reasonable - perhaps due to all the safety aids.
Not sure about BMW servicing costs, but the Kia is £1000 for 3 years, or c. £170 per service.
Hopefully the 7-year warranty may keep longer-term costs down too.
Good luck choosing chaps!
Edited by dunc69 on Monday 29th June 18:24
Value for money wise the 6 series' seem to really be providing the best value for performance/spec/comfort in a package at the moment - would definitely be where I went with this. Alternately if you're willing to go SLIGHTLY older; https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
dunc69 said:
Not sure about BMW servicing costs, but the Kia is £1000 for 3 years, or c. £170 per service.
Aren't the Stinger service schedules really short? Like 6k miles or something?On my 440 it's 18k / 2 years which is admittedly too long - for the first two services I think it comes to about £700, or £400 if you buy the service pack when new.
dunc69 said:
Interesting to get others’ thoughts on the Stinger.
Like any car, you will get used to it, it certainly took me a while. Pretty sure you will get comfortable, as you say, so much adjustment. I’d hope the achey arm could be avoided with some adjustment and getting the tracking sorted. The tracking was slightly out on mine when I bought it, but it was easily sorted.
I definitely feel very comfortable in mine now. You know that ‘fits like a glove’ feeling? I seem to be able to drive it faster and faster as I get to know it better.
In relation to the gearbox, it isn’t perfect but I find it very, very good and I have tried loads of autos, both torque converter and DSG / DCT / S-tronic.
At parking speeds and cruising it is impeccable. No DSG I have ever driven is totally smooth when manoeuvring. This torque converter naturally is.
At lower speeds it is perfect in auto mode.
When pushing on in Sport it occasionally changes up slightly less smoothly than I would like (DSG is amazing here) but I will accept that for the other benefits.
I’ve never had an issue with kickdown, especially in Sport and Sport +. It just changes down and flies! As a 2019 car, perhaps the software upgrade has helped with this? Certainly it is fun driving hard with the paddles, and it will stay in manual with the upgraded box.
Overall, a good effort by Kia having decided not to buy a gearbox in. Certainly doesn’t spoil the car for me.
I’m hoping the facelift might have helped the gearbox issues. Also, I didn’t really have time to use the paddles much on the test drive, so I suppose changing down manually before booting it would be the answer there if immediate power is required.Like any car, you will get used to it, it certainly took me a while. Pretty sure you will get comfortable, as you say, so much adjustment. I’d hope the achey arm could be avoided with some adjustment and getting the tracking sorted. The tracking was slightly out on mine when I bought it, but it was easily sorted.
I definitely feel very comfortable in mine now. You know that ‘fits like a glove’ feeling? I seem to be able to drive it faster and faster as I get to know it better.
In relation to the gearbox, it isn’t perfect but I find it very, very good and I have tried loads of autos, both torque converter and DSG / DCT / S-tronic.
At parking speeds and cruising it is impeccable. No DSG I have ever driven is totally smooth when manoeuvring. This torque converter naturally is.
At lower speeds it is perfect in auto mode.
When pushing on in Sport it occasionally changes up slightly less smoothly than I would like (DSG is amazing here) but I will accept that for the other benefits.
I’ve never had an issue with kickdown, especially in Sport and Sport +. It just changes down and flies! As a 2019 car, perhaps the software upgrade has helped with this? Certainly it is fun driving hard with the paddles, and it will stay in manual with the upgraded box.
Overall, a good effort by Kia having decided not to buy a gearbox in. Certainly doesn’t spoil the car for me.
Edited by dunc69 on Monday 29th June 18:27
Running costs are (for me) roughly £80 a month less than a 540i, which pays for half a holiday over the year, so as I say: it remains a contender for the time being.
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