First what car thread of the week - £12 - 20k family car
Discussion
Hey,
Been putting feelers out for a while to get a view on some models I've been considering lately (130/330/530i, FD2 CTR etc). Now I've got my company car allowance sorted, I'm ready to move - will have to find something by 1st week of July!
Requirements - this is going to be our main car. Expecting our first child in October so it needs to have enough boot space to carry a pushchair and a couple of bags, and it needs enough space in the back. Don't do more than 9,000 miles a year, mainly v short commutes or v long road trips (e.g UK to Sweden!)
I sold my ST220 last year, and would like this to be at least as quick of the mark and as good to drive.
I'm not so worried about MPG - but it should hit at least 30 on a long run.
I'm currently working in Sweden for a bit, so it can't be so rare that I struggle for service and maintenance.
Budget - around £12k but can go up to £20k for something that will be good long term value. e.g. considering an E90/91 330i or 335i, but am also keen on a nearly new Insignia VXR as it comes with the lifetime warranty and over 5 / 7 years I'm happy that the extra up front cost will be recouped.
On my list so far:
Honda Civic Type R (£11k) - under budget, get to save money to go towards fancy pushchairs etc. 3dr but big boot...
Audi S4 B6 Avant (£10-12k) - ticks all the right boxes, but petrol isn't getting any cheaper. However can LPG it once I'm back in the UK. Huge maintenance costs?
Golf R32 (£12k) - great all rounder, cheap to run (excl fuel). Big enough for a family?
BMW 330i/530i (£13k/£14k)- basically anything with the N54 3 litre engine, but finding one with decent spec (pref a touring, certainly with leather), reasonable mileage and MSport trim is tricky.
VW Passat CC 3.6 V6 (19k)- I think they're great VFM for a nearly new car. 300bhp? 4motion (great for winter in Sweden).
Insignia VXR (£21k)- as above, huge and fast. Rubbish badge but by the sounds of it, a great car.
Anyhow, would be interested in your thoughts. Supply is important as I only have a shortish window to find something and bring it back over here...
Cheers
Been putting feelers out for a while to get a view on some models I've been considering lately (130/330/530i, FD2 CTR etc). Now I've got my company car allowance sorted, I'm ready to move - will have to find something by 1st week of July!
Requirements - this is going to be our main car. Expecting our first child in October so it needs to have enough boot space to carry a pushchair and a couple of bags, and it needs enough space in the back. Don't do more than 9,000 miles a year, mainly v short commutes or v long road trips (e.g UK to Sweden!)
I sold my ST220 last year, and would like this to be at least as quick of the mark and as good to drive.
I'm not so worried about MPG - but it should hit at least 30 on a long run.
I'm currently working in Sweden for a bit, so it can't be so rare that I struggle for service and maintenance.
Budget - around £12k but can go up to £20k for something that will be good long term value. e.g. considering an E90/91 330i or 335i, but am also keen on a nearly new Insignia VXR as it comes with the lifetime warranty and over 5 / 7 years I'm happy that the extra up front cost will be recouped.
On my list so far:
Honda Civic Type R (£11k) - under budget, get to save money to go towards fancy pushchairs etc. 3dr but big boot...
Audi S4 B6 Avant (£10-12k) - ticks all the right boxes, but petrol isn't getting any cheaper. However can LPG it once I'm back in the UK. Huge maintenance costs?
Golf R32 (£12k) - great all rounder, cheap to run (excl fuel). Big enough for a family?
BMW 330i/530i (£13k/£14k)- basically anything with the N54 3 litre engine, but finding one with decent spec (pref a touring, certainly with leather), reasonable mileage and MSport trim is tricky.
VW Passat CC 3.6 V6 (19k)- I think they're great VFM for a nearly new car. 300bhp? 4motion (great for winter in Sweden).
Insignia VXR (£21k)- as above, huge and fast. Rubbish badge but by the sounds of it, a great car.
Anyhow, would be interested in your thoughts. Supply is important as I only have a shortish window to find something and bring it back over here...
Cheers
jamoor said:
Octavia VRS?
The sensible side of me says yes - the PH side says there's probably only a few years left before big capacity NA engines are a thing of the past, so I should get my fill whilst I can!Hence the S4 and R36. Would also consider an AMG C32 estate but they're like hens teeth to find.
doogz said:
The Vauxhall lifetime warranty only applies to the first owner, so if that's the only reason you're considering a second hand one, forget it.
It has been extended to the second owners too.http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/98884/20110108/gen...
Make sure you are the second owner though!
Magictrousers said:
doogz said:
The Vauxhall lifetime warranty only applies to the first owner, so if that's the only reason you're considering a second hand one, forget it.
It has been extended to the second owners too.http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/98884/20110108/gen...
Make sure you are the second owner though!
nicklonguk said:
Hey,
Been putting feelers out for a while to get a view on some models I've been considering lately (130/330/530i, FD2 CTR etc). Now I've got my company car allowance sorted, I'm ready to move - will have to find something by 1st week of July!
Requirements - this is going to be our main car. Expecting our first child in October so it needs to have enough boot space to carry a pushchair and a couple of bags, and it needs enough space in the back. Don't do more than 9,000 miles a year, mainly v short commutes or v long road trips (e.g UK to Sweden!)
I sold my ST220 last year, and would like this to be at least as quick of the mark and as good to drive.
I'm not so worried about MPG - but it should hit at least 30 on a long run.
I'm currently working in Sweden for a bit, so it can't be so rare that I struggle for service and maintenance.
Budget - around £12k but can go up to £20k for something that will be good long term value. e.g. considering an E90/91 330i or 335i, but am also keen on a nearly new Insignia VXR as it comes with the lifetime warranty and over 5 / 7 years I'm happy that the extra up front cost will be recouped.
On my list so far:
Honda Civic Type R (£11k) - under budget, get to save money to go towards fancy pushchairs etc. 3dr but big boot...
Audi S4 B6 Avant (£10-12k) - ticks all the right boxes, but petrol isn't getting any cheaper. However can LPG it once I'm back in the UK. Huge maintenance costs?
Golf R32 (£12k) - great all rounder, cheap to run (excl fuel). Big enough for a family?
BMW 330i/530i (£13k/£14k)- basically anything with the N54 3 litre engine, but finding one with decent spec (pref a touring, certainly with leather), reasonable mileage and MSport trim is tricky.
VW Passat CC 3.6 V6 (19k)- I think they're great VFM for a nearly new car. 300bhp? 4motion (great for winter in Sweden).
Insignia VXR (£21k)- as above, huge and fast. Rubbish badge but by the sounds of it, a great car.
Anyhow, would be interested in your thoughts. Supply is important as I only have a shortish window to find something and bring it back over here...
Cheers
The Golf R32 certainly seems like a good choice in your circumstances, good boot space and plenty of room in the back. Decent residuals too.Been putting feelers out for a while to get a view on some models I've been considering lately (130/330/530i, FD2 CTR etc). Now I've got my company car allowance sorted, I'm ready to move - will have to find something by 1st week of July!
Requirements - this is going to be our main car. Expecting our first child in October so it needs to have enough boot space to carry a pushchair and a couple of bags, and it needs enough space in the back. Don't do more than 9,000 miles a year, mainly v short commutes or v long road trips (e.g UK to Sweden!)
I sold my ST220 last year, and would like this to be at least as quick of the mark and as good to drive.
I'm not so worried about MPG - but it should hit at least 30 on a long run.
I'm currently working in Sweden for a bit, so it can't be so rare that I struggle for service and maintenance.
Budget - around £12k but can go up to £20k for something that will be good long term value. e.g. considering an E90/91 330i or 335i, but am also keen on a nearly new Insignia VXR as it comes with the lifetime warranty and over 5 / 7 years I'm happy that the extra up front cost will be recouped.
On my list so far:
Honda Civic Type R (£11k) - under budget, get to save money to go towards fancy pushchairs etc. 3dr but big boot...
Audi S4 B6 Avant (£10-12k) - ticks all the right boxes, but petrol isn't getting any cheaper. However can LPG it once I'm back in the UK. Huge maintenance costs?
Golf R32 (£12k) - great all rounder, cheap to run (excl fuel). Big enough for a family?
BMW 330i/530i (£13k/£14k)- basically anything with the N54 3 litre engine, but finding one with decent spec (pref a touring, certainly with leather), reasonable mileage and MSport trim is tricky.
VW Passat CC 3.6 V6 (19k)- I think they're great VFM for a nearly new car. 300bhp? 4motion (great for winter in Sweden).
Insignia VXR (£21k)- as above, huge and fast. Rubbish badge but by the sounds of it, a great car.
Anyhow, would be interested in your thoughts. Supply is important as I only have a shortish window to find something and bring it back over here...
Cheers
The FN2 Type R is also quite practical - as you say the boot on it is massive, and with the seats folded down it's suprising just how much you can fit in. However, I'd point out that the ride quality is very harsh.
I like the R32, ED30's are also a possibility at 12k.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2851791.htm
With the bonus of £350 servicing over two years.
nicklonguk said:
Yes, of course. My bad. Basically the 258hp engine.
Is the 272hp engine not a better bet (and better on fuel)?http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...
Fuel consumption (urban) 25.7 mpg
Fuel consumption (extra urban) 48.7 mpg
Fuel consumption (combined) 36.7 mpg
0 - 62 mph 6.5 seconds
Top speed 155 mph
Cylinders 6
Valves 24 v
Engine power 272 bhp
Engine torque 263 lbs/ft
CO2 emissions 182 g/km
Insurance group 18
Vehicle tax band J
I've really took a shine to these!
GreatGranny said:
Hmmm, that is awesome.Always thought the E61 Touring was a bit too big, but with a 4.8 up front..
Anyone have any experience in the running costs of these versus the pre-FSI VAG V8?
Good call on the 9-3 Turbo X too. I kinda like the unique-ness of them, and I'd be happy to live with a slightly sterile ride. But people seem to asking an awful lot for what is a thirsty old model 9-3 from a company in dubious circumstances at the moment.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff