New car thread volume XXVIX
Discussion
Okay, I am in the process of replacing family car no. 2 (E320 CDi Estate) with something smaller and more frugal (40+ mpg, 4 doors). Current contenders as follows:
New Mini Countryman SD ALL4 (yes I know, "my eyes, my eyes" etc, but discounts are to be had and the 2 years 0%, 50% now, 50% in two years finance makes it appealing and a new one achievable, even at circa £24K)
Golf GTD 5 door, 2 year old ish, circa £16K
BMW 123d 5 door M Sport, again 2 year old circa £16K
The upside on the Mini is we'd probably keep it longer, being a new car, which may offset the price difference. It also has the 4WD going for it in the winter.
The Golf felt a quality bit of kit but with the Mark 7 on the way early next year I wonder what the residuals will be like longer term. The 1 series is already the "old shape" and gives me similar concerns.
Have driven the Mini and the Golf today and was fairly impressed with them both. Looks like I'll have to go further afield to find a 123d in 5 door / M spec but I'll try and drive the 3 door or coupe at least.
What would you guys go for from these contenders and am I missing any other likely suspects?
I like the sound of an Alpina D3 but these are rare 2nd hand.. Audi A3 is also about to be changed and current models leave me cold. Octavia VRS Diesel and Leon FR+ diesel also worth a look I guess but the badge snob in me ranks them a little lower, even if they share the Golf's engine etc.
How about a Polo GTi? Petrol not diesel of course and not quite so frugal but is it worth a drive? Comments on here from owners seem rather negative..
Decisions, decisions but I need to make my mind up if I go down the Mini route as the 0% deal ends at the end of March..
Any thoughts welcome??
New Mini Countryman SD ALL4 (yes I know, "my eyes, my eyes" etc, but discounts are to be had and the 2 years 0%, 50% now, 50% in two years finance makes it appealing and a new one achievable, even at circa £24K)
Golf GTD 5 door, 2 year old ish, circa £16K
BMW 123d 5 door M Sport, again 2 year old circa £16K
The upside on the Mini is we'd probably keep it longer, being a new car, which may offset the price difference. It also has the 4WD going for it in the winter.
The Golf felt a quality bit of kit but with the Mark 7 on the way early next year I wonder what the residuals will be like longer term. The 1 series is already the "old shape" and gives me similar concerns.
Have driven the Mini and the Golf today and was fairly impressed with them both. Looks like I'll have to go further afield to find a 123d in 5 door / M spec but I'll try and drive the 3 door or coupe at least.
What would you guys go for from these contenders and am I missing any other likely suspects?
I like the sound of an Alpina D3 but these are rare 2nd hand.. Audi A3 is also about to be changed and current models leave me cold. Octavia VRS Diesel and Leon FR+ diesel also worth a look I guess but the badge snob in me ranks them a little lower, even if they share the Golf's engine etc.
How about a Polo GTi? Petrol not diesel of course and not quite so frugal but is it worth a drive? Comments on here from owners seem rather negative..
Decisions, decisions but I need to make my mind up if I go down the Mini route as the 0% deal ends at the end of March..
Any thoughts welcome??
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