8.5k to spend, needs to last 4 years

[KnackeredSwede]

So as the title suggests, new to me car needed for 8.5k.

I’d like a good all rounder that can go quickly when required. Needs to be half decent on fuel as doing 20-25k pa. reasonably low mileage too seeing as I’ll be piling the miles on. I’d like 4 seats but doesn’t need to be a big car, although not opposed to big cars at all.

Currently thinking;

120d/320d/330d as new as possible,
Pug 308 2.0hdi (new shape)
Mercedes C320cdi
Golf GTD/GTI but these seem strong money for what’s ‘just’ a golf

Any downsides to the above? I plan on going to test some this weekend so if there’s anything I should watch out for it would be great to go in with my eyes open.

Also any other suggestions?

Many thanks

Swede

[CX53]

I had a 308 1.2 turbo petrol auto as a courtesy car a while back and I really enjoyed driving it. They seem like good value, probably go alright with the 2.0 diesel.

[OFORBES]

You could pick up a pretty decent 123d coupe for that money. They are really quite impressive to drive.

[bennno]

KnackeredSwede said:

So as the title suggests, new to me car needed for 8.5k.

I’d like a good all rounder that can go quickly when required. Needs to be half decent on fuel as doing 20-25k pa. reasonably low mileage too seeing as I’ll be piling the miles on. I’d like 4 seats but doesn’t need to be a big car, although not opposed to big cars at all.

Currently thinking;

120d/320d/330d as new as possible,
Pug 308 2.0hdi (new shape)
Mercedes C320cdi
Golf GTD/GTI but these seem strong money for what’s ‘just’ a golf

Any downsides to the above? I plan on going to test some this weekend so if there’s anything I should watch out for it would be great to go in with my eyes open.

Also any other suggestions?

Many thanks

Swede

Mini Cooper SD has the BMW 2L diesel engine - I got a 2014 car with 45k miles and a full service history for 7k.

There are a few of the latest shape around as a diesel or 1.5 petrol at the money you have to spend,

[ZX10R NIN]

Do not go for the 2.0d BMW's as you'll be looking at cars that have potential timing chain issues, so if you're looking for a BMW go for a 330d, my picks would be these:

Giulietta Veloce 170 very good cars a bit underrated but worthy of a test drive

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

508 GT 205 auto loaded with kit reliable & swift

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Mondeo Titanium X Sport tdci 160/200 best FWD steer in class & a good reliable swift steer.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

3.0d Infiniti EX Premium these are a very smooth car (a 3.0d will always be better than a 2.0d) loaded with kit.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

CLS320/350

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

XF S Premium Luxury/Portfolio

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

308 GT 180

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

DS5 Sport 160

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

C350cdi

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

S60 D5

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[ninjag]

ZX10R NIN said:

XF S Premium Luxury/Portfolio

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Great cars to drive these, very quiet inside and the fantastic in-gear acceleration is very addictive. Loads of kit and the Meridian sound system is excellent.

[Wombat3]

ZX10R NIN said:

Do not go for the 2.0d BMW's as you'll be looking at cars that have potential timing chain issues, so if you're looking for a BMW go for a 330d, my picks would be these:

Yep, I'd avoid anything with a BMW 4 pot built between about 2006 & 2012/13. Look up anything you can find about N46/N47 engines & you'll see why

[Sc0tchland]

ninjag said:

ZX10R NIN said:

XF S Premium Luxury/Portfolio

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Great cars to drive these, very quiet inside and the fantastic in-gear acceleration is very addictive. Loads of kit and the Meridian sound system is excellent.

These look fantastic

[Obee72]

Can’t see past that Portfolio, it’s got all the toys including Adaptive Cruise. Just that interior wood that would turn me off.

[strath44]

I’d personally go A4 / A5 / A6 - good residuals at the back end even with miles added, they’ll give you little trouble, I would avoid anything Peugeot they’ll be a Pita and chew consumables quickly from experience!
Jag looks good!! Bills could get pricey but nice all the same!

[ZX10R NIN]

So OP any of the suggestions above tick the boxes?

[ninjag]

Obee72 said:

Can’t see past that Portfolio, it’s got all the toys including Adaptive Cruise. Just that interior wood that would turn me off.

I'm sure you can get some which have carbon fibre or brushed metal instead of wood. Not 100% sure though. The wood doesn't actually look all that bad in real life, besides the central part will probably be open anyway with drinks in it etc. Quite the sleeper these cars.

[CousinDupree]

Also look at the Focus Ecoboost 1.6 150/180 engined cars.

Same reliable very tunable engine as the Fiesta ST, good handling and ride and pretty much off the radar so cheap!

[DoubleD]

ZX10R NIN said:

So OP any of the suggestions above tick the boxes?

Always seems a little odd when folk ask for car advice, but then never reply. Especially after you have put in all that effort to help!

[Lukas239]

CousinDupree said:

Also look at the Focus Ecoboost 1.6 150/180 engined cars.

Same reliable very tunable engine as the Fiesta ST, good handling and ride and pretty much off the radar so cheap!

Are these not prone to the coolant leak and eventual ball of flames like the 1.0 ecoboost? Remember a lad in Suffolk with an early ST that became a pile of ash in minutes