15k - 3 series, C Class, A4 or other?

[Nish]

Another what car thread I'm afraid.

Have two runabouts on the drive at the moment (clio 197, mini convertible) which I want to consolidate to one.

The missus will be the main driver so has to be Auto, she uses it daily for the work commute (approx. 35 miles a day total). Apart from this it will be used for shopping duties and general runabout stuff. 4 doors ideally as this will be the sensible car.

The only cars I can think off are the 3 series, C class or A4. But I've never owned anything from these manufacturers, or a car with more then 2 doors!

Given the number on the road I am guessing they do the job well. Any obvious choice between the 3?

[dibblecorse]

330 Auto is job jobbed ... or the C Class if you want wafty rather than sporty ......

Avoid the A4 unless its the Quatrro (Google 'multitronic gearbox' to see why ....

[Willy Nilly]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/used-cars/kia/optima/u...

No need to thank me.

[Nish]

not looked at a Kia before.

Not really a badge snob but will it fall apart in comedy fashion or are they pretty well established nowadays?

Thanks for the heads up on the multi tronic boxes - looks like one to avoid

[Sparks]

Well with a 7 year warranty, even if it does fall apart, you are covered

I am impressed with the wife's Kia Picanto. While not up to premium brand quality, it is pretty good.
Go take a look at one, you may be surprised.

Regards

Sparks

[F1GTRUeno]

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

[cerb4.5lee]

Nish said:

not looked at a Kia before.

That's because you have an interest in cars, I would keep it that way! Another thumb up here for 330i/330d

[V88Dicky]

At around 9000 miles per year, I wouldn't really entertain the idea of a diesel, so how about a 530i, a 325i or:

http://autotrader.mobi/used-cars/advert/2013010147...

[Deva Link]

Nish said:

The missus will be the main driver so has to be Auto, she uses it daily for the work commute (approx. 35 miles a day total). Apart from this it will be used for shopping duties and general runabout stuff. 4 doors ideally as this will be the sensible car.

Honda Jazz

(The CVT auto though, not the 2009-2011 automated manual).

Easy for her to park and they'll carry loads of shopping.

[Nish]

Deva Link said:

Honda Jazz

(The CVT auto though, not the 2009-2011 automated manual).

Easy for her to park and they'll carry loads of shopping.

I might need to drive it now and then so this is out

[Nish]

V88Dicky said:

At around 9000 miles per year, I wouldn't really entertain the idea of a diesel, so how about a 530i, a 325i or:

http://autotrader.mobi/used-cars/advert/2013010147...

Jag looks nice.

Diesel is out for the reasons you mention, doesn't seem worthwhile.

I like the 5 series, however she has scraped the mini trying to park it - in an empty parking lot.

I'm not sure what she'll do to a car the size of the 5 series

[BlackPorker]

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

[underphil]

DSG Golf ?

[cerb4.5lee]

Nish said:

V88Dicky said:

At around 9000 miles per year, I wouldn't really entertain the idea of a diesel, so how about a 530i, a 325i or:

http://autotrader.mobi/used-cars/advert/2013010147...

Jag looks nice.

Diesel is out for the reasons you mention, doesn't seem worthwhile.

I like the 5 series, however she has scraped the mini trying to park it - in an empty parking lot.

I'm not sure what she'll do to a car the size of the 5 series

I agree the jag does look nice & I didn't realise you could get them for that money, the 5 series is a nice thing to drive imo but as you say maybe a little too big for the mrs.

[cerb4.5lee]

BlackPorker said:

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

It's unreal how much motor you get for the money at the moment...shares in shell required running one of those, tempting though if only doing limited mileage.

[Nish]

This looks pretty good to me:

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

[Easternlight]

Not a badge snob, ok then, PH favorite Skoda Yeti!

[Nish]

Easternlight said:

Not a badge snob, ok then, PH favorite Skoda Yeti!

too big

[Easternlight]

Nish said:

too big

Yet is smaller than 3 series,c class,A4

Fabia Vrs?

Edited by Easternlight on Wednesday 2nd January 16:48

[cerb4.5lee]

Nish said:

This looks pretty good to me:

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

I like the look of that!