Where would you put your money

[Mikey2312]

Hey all!

I’m looking at moving from my 2.0 TDI Passat to something a little more fun as my commute will be reducing, still looking for diesel as I’ll be doing around 40 miles each way to work 14 times a month.. I’ve narrowed it down to:

Mercedes C350 CDI
Audi A4 or A6 3.0 TDI
BMW 335D

I won’t be looking at brand new, probably around the 2009-2012 age depending on price etc

Any experiences on these cars in terms of reliability, etc and what people recommend would be appreciated

[Pistonheader101]

You’re gonna get lots of differing opinions saying ones bulletproof or it’s ticking time bomb or dpf faults or swirl flaps blah blah.


Honestly they are all brilliant suggestions, my personal pick would be the 335d

[thebraketester]

For that mileage….. petrol. :-)

[shtu]

As above, they're all decent choices, though you do have a mix of size classes there.

If you're considering an A6, why not an equivalent 5 series or E class?

[Deranged Rover]

Mercedes……………….C63AMG

[halo34]

Gearboxes in the Audis are going to be s tronic?

[Mr Tidy]

If I've got that right it's over 1,100 miles a month for work trips before you add in any other use, so diesel looks like the better option especially as a 40 mile trip should avoid any dpf issues.

I've no experience of any of them, but those look like good options.

Since 2014 I've only had BMWs so would probably go with the 335d (or maybe a 330d) but you really ought to try them all if you can before you decide.

[Mouse Rat]

Forget the C class. the better option at that age is the E350cdi. Its a great cruiser but not something to sling around for fun.
The BMW's are a good shout. But it will be a challenge to still find a clean example at that age.

A5 or A6 LeMans editions are very nice . Again it's finding a tidy one .

However Jag XF 3.0d S would be the pick.

[Pica-Pica]

All those will be EU5 emissions. You need 2016 onwards to be sure of EU6.

[simonw67]

Surely petrol at this milage.

[Mikey2312]

Sorry gents my notifications haven’t been coming through 🤦🏻‍♂️

The mileage I mentioned is just work mileage that doesn’t include personal mileage on my 2 weeks off and I do like to travel so diesel would be better, my Passat has served me well I’ve done 170,000 trouble free miles but now things are starting to knock and wear although the engine is still spot on I just want something a bit more premium and fun!

The jag is a good shout, I’ve heard they’re very hit or miss though?

I certainly would consider a 5 series or E class I just suggested an A6 as I like the shape, would the 5 or E be a better option or is it just preference?

I wish I could afford a C63 😂

[SlowV6]

I would add an F11 530d to that list, with ZF8 and variable dampers.

Edit: for some reason I read this whole thread as talking about estates! If saloon then F10 5 series not F11

[halo34]

My concern with Audis (since I want a6 3.0 tdi) is the s tronic gearboxes seem less reliable than the merc/bmw units IMHO

[Mikey2312]

Estates work for me too to be honest the Passat is at the moment, I don’t always need it but it’s good to have it! F10 5 series I’ll give it a look! Anything to be concerned about with them? Apologies for being a novice but do they have any issues with swirl flaps?

[georgeyboy12345]

I think the people suggesting petrol have poor arithmetic skills - at a minimum of 13,440 miles per year you can easily justify buying a diesel. It's certainly what I'd be doing.

I'm assuming you won't need to drive into London often, as most of these cars won't be ULEZ compliant.

If you want something fun, a 335d out of those you listed would be best. It'd be helpful if you could give your budget - you might struggle to find a nice one. You'll have more choice with 330i's, which are similar, but you'll still struggle to find a decent one.

Here's the best 335d I could find, but the dealer looks a bit dodgy.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106284...


Here's the best 330i I could find. Pretty low mileage, but then that makes me a bit concerned about the DPF. Though with the miles you are doing you shouldn't encounter any problems with it.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108045...


You could even get a newer F30 330i, but again, this dealer looks a bit dodgy and it doesn't appear to have an MOT
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106183...


Another choice is an Alpina D3 Biturbo - only a 2 litre, but plenty of power and a bit more special than your normal 3 series
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107124...


While not quite as sharp dynamically as a 3 series, the C-classes are still good, and they tend to be in better condition than equivalent 3-series.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104091...


As mentioned, the 3.0 TDI Audi A4s have the S-tronic gearbox, which is a DSG 'box. At this age, you could be starting to encounter issues with the flywheel, clutch pack and gearbox in general, there are plenty of expensive horror stories out there. By contrast the Autos in the BMWs and Mercs are torque converter gearboxes, which are more robust. The Alpina & 330i are manuals and they also might need a new clutches and DMFs soon.

Edited by georgeyboy12345 on Saturday 7th August 14:18

[Mikey2312]

Thank you for taking the time to find those!! I’ve driven manual for long enough now and given the journeys I do for work I’m crying out for an auto it just makes more sense and makes driving more convenient for me.

I could stretch to around £9k for the right car, I do like the idea of a 335D they seem to be raved about however I just like the premium look to the C350

[ZX10R NIN]

E350 Avantgarde Estate a much nicer place to be than the C Class:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104231...

Saloon E350 Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107145...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106013...

Avantgarde

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107054...

[Captain Smerc]

Deranged Rover said:

Mercedes……………….C63AMG

Is the correct answer.

[Jasandjules]

I replaced my Passat with a C Class..... If you can afford it, get a C63 !!