Insignia VX-Line or BMW 320d M-Sport

[sidekickdmr]

Ok so the C5 needs to go as we have a puppy coming ( http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... ) as its a saloon, so we need a car with a better boot.

It's our "sensible" car and we do +2 hours commuting every day so it has to be very good MPG and comfy!

So, Insignia VX-line

http://classifieds.pistonheads.com/classifieds/use...

Or BMW 3 series 320d estate M-sport

http://classifieds.pistonheads.com/classifieds/use...

Edited by sidekickdmr on Monday 13th August 19:33

Edited by sidekickdmr on Monday 13th August 19:55

[Deerfoot]

Of the two, the BMW for me simply for being an estate.

[Big Al.]

sidekickdmr said:

By way of a mods report

Kieran, by way of a reply to your mods report, we can't change this thread into a poll for you it's not an option we have.

Can only suggest you try to raise a poll again, I have checked your admin page and you have the ability to create polls.

HTH.

[northandy]

3 series touring every time for me.

[sday12]

The Hatefaul or the Beemer?

Doh!

[Chrisw666]

Probably neither but if it was only those the 3 series, I'd prefer an SE though and would likely plump for something Volvo for your commute and dog carrying.

[littlebasher]

It it's comfort you want, the insignia should be somewhere near the bottom of the list

[blank]

littlebasher said:

It it's comfort you want, the insignia should be somewhere near the bottom of the list

Indeed.

Just above an M Sport BMW.




Don't look at "sporty" models if you want something comfortable!

[kambites]

These days "M-Sport" does not mean "sports suspension". It's a cost option on all models.

Of the two cars mentioned I'd go for the BMW unless you want to carry adults long distances in the back. But avoid sports suspension and run flats. I'd rather have a Volvo or a Citroen though.

[P4T]

Warning!.. Biased opinion below.

You will get more bang for your buck with an Insignia. Newer car with more spec.

General consensus on PH will be go for the BMW, however I think if you drive both back to back and compare what you will be getting for your money then the Insignia may win..

But we are all different so you may prefer the BMW!?

[SWoll]

P4T said:

Warning!.. Biased opinion below.

You will get more bang for your buck with an Insignia. Newer car with more spec.

General consensus on PH will be go for the BMW, however I think if you drive both back to back and compare what you will be getting for your money then the Insignia may win..

But we are all different so you may prefer the BMW!?

If he was comparing a Mondeo to the BMW then I might be tempted to agree with your point. Unfortunately it's an Insignia, which from personal experience of having had them a few times as hire cars from Enterprise are a thoroughly joyless and white good car in every way.

Buy the BMW.

[carreauchompeur]

100% the Beemer. Insignia is a deeply joyless lump from my dealings at work.

[JREwing]

I'd have to say the Vauxhall.

I've enjoyed Insignias I've driven. The 3-Series though? How short do you have to be to drive one comfortably!?
Horribly overrated cars because they have nice drivetrains and steering, with no other redeeming features. They're terrific, if you're looking for an excuse to get to know your osteopath.

[sidekickdmr]

Yeh good point, I am 6'6 so that thomas to be taken into account, test driven the insignia and there was loads of room, not driven the 3 series yet (although I have driven plenty of others before and they seemed fine)

[VxDuncan]

Purely on value for money stakes you're talking a nearly new insignia with decent warranty, vs a lot older 3-series. It's a difficult one as the bmw is far more desirable than the Vauxhall, but pound for pound I'd probably go for the later. There are alot of niggles with the insignias, they are far from reliable, but then the 3-series has been recently slated.

I'd go Mondeo (though hate the styling) or it's Japanese cousin, the Mazda6, preferably in 2.5 sport trim, which should work out a lot cheaper to run than the 2.0T Insignia which seems to get really bad fuel economy in real world driving.

[SWoll]

JREwing said:

I'd have to say the Vauxhall.

I've enjoyed Insignias I've driven. The 3-Series though? How short do you have to be to drive one comfortably!?
Horribly overrated cars because they have nice drivetrains and steering, with no other redeeming features. They're terrific, if you're looking for an excuse to get to know your osteopath.

Each to their own and all that, but don't understand this at all.

I'm 6ft4 and have owned/driven both E46 and E90 3 series models and never had an issue with comfort or driving position.

You mention that the 3 series has a nice drivetrain/steering but nothing else going for it. As far as I am concerned that's 2 more things than the Insignia. Wheezy engines, sloppy gearboxes, jumpy clutches, average ride quality and brakes, rattly interiors and dull as ditch water to look at.

Don't see what there is to enjoy TBH?

Not driven the VXR so my comments don't include that, just the run of the mill petrol/diesel variants

[VxDuncan]

sidekickdmr said:

Yeh good point, I am 6'6 so that thomas to be taken into account, test driven the insignia and there was loads of room, not driven the 3 series yet (although I have driven plenty of others before and they seemed fine)

If you test drive another, try with and without the active suspension and in the two different modes. I really didn't like the steering feel in the active suspension insignia, even in sport mode. In normal it was too light, and it was always lacking on centre feel, which is slightly better in the passive (non active) suspension models. Not a match for the Mondeo though. The ride quality in the vauxhall is pretty impressive however if you stick to sensible wheels.

[Wills2]

I'd look at a V70 estate big, comfy and perfect for a 6'6" frame and a dog.

I just can't see either a Msport or VX-line being very comfy.

[JREwing]

SWoll said:

Each to their own and all that, but don't understand this at all.

I'm 6ft4 and have owned/driven both E46 and E90 3 series models and never had an issue with comfort or driving position.

You mention that the 3 series has a nice drivetrain/steering but nothing else going for it. As far as I am concerned that's 2 more things than the Insignia. Wheezy engines, sloppy gearboxes, jumpy clutches, average ride quality and brakes, rattly interiors and dull as ditch water to look at.

Don't see what there is to enjoy TBH?

Not driven the VXR so my comments don't include that, just the run of the mill petrol/diesel variants

I'm 6'3" and have never been comfortable in any spec E90, and I've driven plenty. I have respect for the drivetrains and handling though - they are as you'd expect of a BMW.

If I'm honest, I'd put the Insignia at a pretty high level for ride quality and looks. Certainly a hell of a long way above a 3-Series. The interior's more handsome than a 3-Series (to my eyes) if slightly less solid.

I've never touched the VXR, but the 2.0 CDTi and 1.6T models I drove seemed fairly decent in terms of their drivetrains, although a 320d beats either in that respect. I can't argue there. In my experience (note that anything I say is my own experience rather than a sweeping statement, and may not be representative of the norm), a Vauxhall provides less trouble and is cheaper to own too.

[SWoll]

sidekickdmr said:

Yeh good point, I am 6'6 so that thomas to be taken into account, test driven the insignia and there was loads of room, not driven the 3 series yet (although I have driven plenty of others before and they seemed fine)

You might want to look at the E60 5 series as well then. Much more room than the 3 series, similar prices and IMO feels like a higher quality item than the E90.

I am biased of course , but drove both along with A4/A6 Avants and their was no comparison IMO. Bought an SE model as couldn't cope with the M-Sport suspension living out in the sticks with poor roads. Once the RFT's were swapped out it rides beautifully whilst still handling very well for a big car.

Edited by SWoll on Monday 13th August 22:20