330d vs 430d gc thoughts, experiences and words of wisdom

[Badgertron]

Afternoon All,
First time poster after lurking for quite some time. Looking to change my current car - 15 plate diesel skoda octavia vrs estate - to one of the above mentioned. Having test driven both an f30 330d saloon and 430d Gran Coupe I was really impressed with them both. Keen for any words of wisdom that other users may have had with their ownership of them, or indeed any horror stories. Ideally looking to spend about 18k-20k on something up to 4/5 years old which I intend on keeping for 4 to 5 years. Current commute about 40 miles per day, minimum 5 days per week with the odd longer trip at the weekend. Would prefer an auto and it will be used primarily for transporting me and the good lady about but with the possibility of a smaller passenger in the near future. Any advice/thoughts or alternatives welcome. Cheers!

[Pica-Pica]

I have a 66 plate F30 335d. Great car. Of course it is AWD and has twin turbo, so a bit more ‘fruity’ than the 330d. I would recommend getting the LCI F30 (LCI = life cycle impulse, aka mid-life refresh), which will be 2015 on. I would suggest a 16 plate onwards for that.

[Badgertron]

Thanks for the info Pica, food for thought.

[JimmyD78]

I bought a 2016 430d GC in January so similar to what you're looking for - it's been a great car so far, pretty swift and spacious inside. The hatchback makes it very practical as well, more so than the 3 series (unless you are wanting to carry three adults in the back on a regular basis). As it's the 4 series platform it's a little bit wider and lower than the 3 series and feels more 'sporty' than the saloon.

Spec-wise the M-Perfomance pack gives you larger wheels/brakes, lower suspension (430d is rear-wheel drive not X-drive) and upgraded sound and infotainment. Only thing missing that I would like to have is the heated steering wheel.

I went for a dark metallic blue one with red interior for some added pizzaz and love it!

[AlmostUseful]

Having owned an F30 335D, I’d take the 430D GC.
I found the saloon useless in terms of practicality, the folding seats and hatchback would win it for me on the GC. Having previously had a 330D I don’t think I’d have particularly missed the 35D engine either.

[Badgertron]

Thanks for the input guys. The practicality of the 4 is appealing to me, perhaps not with the red leather though Jimmy! Each to their own though. Will be keeping an eye out over the next while. Cheers