(Fussy) “what car?” - £35k “interesting” family wagon
Discussion
Hi all,
I’m in the process of trying to sell my TVR Tuscan (let me know if you’re interested!), and am having to replace it with something more “familial”.
Following intense discussions with the other half, the criteria are (apologies in advance for the fussiness):
- around £30k (up to £35/36k for something spectacular)
- 19 plate onwards
- max 40k miles (ideally lower)
- large boot (480 litres minimum)
- room for at least 2 adults and 2 car seats
- petrol
- automatic
- max. 6 seconds to 60mph
- decent sound system
- interesting to drive (I’m coming from a TVR after all)
- heated steering wheel is preferred
My current considerations:
- BMW m340i (top of budget, but definitely my ‘heart’ choice)
- Skoda Superb 272 estate in L&K trim (wife thinks hatch is too ugly; currently no L&K versions for sale that I can see)
- BMW 5 series (540i would suit, though few seem to have many options)
- BMW 440i Gran Coupé (very few for sale that have decent options)
I’ve also looked into X3 m40i and Alfa Stelvios.
Have I missed anything?
Thanks in advance!
I’m in the process of trying to sell my TVR Tuscan (let me know if you’re interested!), and am having to replace it with something more “familial”.
Following intense discussions with the other half, the criteria are (apologies in advance for the fussiness):
- around £30k (up to £35/36k for something spectacular)
- 19 plate onwards
- max 40k miles (ideally lower)
- large boot (480 litres minimum)
- room for at least 2 adults and 2 car seats
- petrol
- automatic
- max. 6 seconds to 60mph
- decent sound system
- interesting to drive (I’m coming from a TVR after all)
- heated steering wheel is preferred
My current considerations:
- BMW m340i (top of budget, but definitely my ‘heart’ choice)
- Skoda Superb 272 estate in L&K trim (wife thinks hatch is too ugly; currently no L&K versions for sale that I can see)
- BMW 5 series (540i would suit, though few seem to have many options)
- BMW 440i Gran Coupé (very few for sale that have decent options)
I’ve also looked into X3 m40i and Alfa Stelvios.
Have I missed anything?
Thanks in advance!
bobsavage789 said:
Hi all,
I’m in the process of trying to sell my TVR Tuscan (let me know if you’re interested!), and am having to replace it with something more “familial”.
Following intense discussions with the other half, the criteria are (apologies in advance for the fussiness):
- around £30k (up to £35/36k for something spectacular)
- 19 plate onwards
- max 40k miles (ideally lower)
- large boot (480 litres minimum)
- room for at least 2 adults and 2 car seats
- petrol
- automatic
- max. 6 seconds to 60mph
- decent sound system
- interesting to drive (I’m coming from a TVR after all)
- heated steering wheel is preferred
My current considerations:
- BMW m340i (top of budget, but definitely my ‘heart’ choice)
- Skoda Superb 272 estate in L&K trim (wife thinks hatch is too ugly; currently no L&K versions for sale that I can see)
- BMW 5 series (540i would suit, though few seem to have many options)
- BMW 440i Gran Coupé (very few for sale that have decent options)
I’ve also looked into X3 m40i and Alfa Stelvios.
Have I missed anything?
Thanks in advance!
3 series is not actually very big in the back, especially with 2 kid seats, 5 series is better suited I’d say. I’m in the process of trying to sell my TVR Tuscan (let me know if you’re interested!), and am having to replace it with something more “familial”.
Following intense discussions with the other half, the criteria are (apologies in advance for the fussiness):
- around £30k (up to £35/36k for something spectacular)
- 19 plate onwards
- max 40k miles (ideally lower)
- large boot (480 litres minimum)
- room for at least 2 adults and 2 car seats
- petrol
- automatic
- max. 6 seconds to 60mph
- decent sound system
- interesting to drive (I’m coming from a TVR after all)
- heated steering wheel is preferred
My current considerations:
- BMW m340i (top of budget, but definitely my ‘heart’ choice)
- Skoda Superb 272 estate in L&K trim (wife thinks hatch is too ugly; currently no L&K versions for sale that I can see)
- BMW 5 series (540i would suit, though few seem to have many options)
- BMW 440i Gran Coupé (very few for sale that have decent options)
I’ve also looked into X3 m40i and Alfa Stelvios.
Have I missed anything?
Thanks in advance!
We just had 3 years in a Stelvio, with 2 kid seats then a minimac when no.3 came along! Can highly recommend.
Mercedes E43 Touring
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302234...
Audi S6 Avant
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302154...
You'll appreciate the extra space, luxury and kit compared to the cars in the tier below.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302234...
Audi S6 Avant
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202302154...
You'll appreciate the extra space, luxury and kit compared to the cars in the tier below.
Edited by SWoll on Tuesday 14th March 14:34
My criteria are almost identical to yours and it's not an easy task. I am prepared to go a little older than you which does open things up a bit more.
However, my current working list is as follows:
1. Mercedes C63 Estate (W204) - A modern classic. Sound great and drive well. A bit old now but lack of depreciation counters at least some running costs.
2. Mercedes C63 Estate (W205) - Possibly the top of my list right now. Within budget up to around 2018 model.
3. BMW 540i xdrive Touring - These are top of budget with reasonable spec. Realistically £35k plus for 2019.
4. BMW M340i Touring - My second favourite after C63 but entry point is actually around £39k as far as I can tell. I am waiting for one to drop to £36k but haven't seen a single one...yet.
4. BMW X3 M40i - Something different to an estate. Think they look and sound good. Within budget albeit seem to be marginally more expensive than 540i but may retain more value given preference for SUVs on used marked.
5. Golf R Estate - Really liked my Golf R Estate. Did everything I needed even though it was a poverty lease spec. Good car. Definitely in budget and could get mk7.5 with low mileage and on "20 plate.
6. Leon Cupra ST R - Think these look great and know they would work fine as family car having had the non "R" version but would potentially be quite expensive with most still being £33k to £35k.
7. Mercedes E or C43 - Not as hardcore as C63 but may be easier to live with and slightly lower running costs.
8. Audi SQ5/Mercedes GLC43 AMG - Have considered since similar to X3 M40i.
9. Skoda Superb 272/280 - Probably great all rounder but worried I would get bored with it.
10. Ford Focus ST Estate - Look good, good reviews. Manual only which may become annoying perhaps (I've been in autos only for years now). Good value though and probably fun to own and drive. Low cost overall but maybe steeper depreciation.
11. Audi S4 (B9) Estate - Cost around £30k plus for non-poverty spec version. Probably more like £33k plus. Like these and definitely an option.
Maybe the list will assist you. I am spending far too much time thinking about the options without actually making a final decision.
However, my current working list is as follows:
1. Mercedes C63 Estate (W204) - A modern classic. Sound great and drive well. A bit old now but lack of depreciation counters at least some running costs.
2. Mercedes C63 Estate (W205) - Possibly the top of my list right now. Within budget up to around 2018 model.
3. BMW 540i xdrive Touring - These are top of budget with reasonable spec. Realistically £35k plus for 2019.
4. BMW M340i Touring - My second favourite after C63 but entry point is actually around £39k as far as I can tell. I am waiting for one to drop to £36k but haven't seen a single one...yet.
4. BMW X3 M40i - Something different to an estate. Think they look and sound good. Within budget albeit seem to be marginally more expensive than 540i but may retain more value given preference for SUVs on used marked.
5. Golf R Estate - Really liked my Golf R Estate. Did everything I needed even though it was a poverty lease spec. Good car. Definitely in budget and could get mk7.5 with low mileage and on "20 plate.
6. Leon Cupra ST R - Think these look great and know they would work fine as family car having had the non "R" version but would potentially be quite expensive with most still being £33k to £35k.
7. Mercedes E or C43 - Not as hardcore as C63 but may be easier to live with and slightly lower running costs.
8. Audi SQ5/Mercedes GLC43 AMG - Have considered since similar to X3 M40i.
9. Skoda Superb 272/280 - Probably great all rounder but worried I would get bored with it.
10. Ford Focus ST Estate - Look good, good reviews. Manual only which may become annoying perhaps (I've been in autos only for years now). Good value though and probably fun to own and drive. Low cost overall but maybe steeper depreciation.
11. Audi S4 (B9) Estate - Cost around £30k plus for non-poverty spec version. Probably more like £33k plus. Like these and definitely an option.
Maybe the list will assist you. I am spending far too much time thinking about the options without actually making a final decision.
madmatteo said:
My criteria are almost identical to yours and it's not an easy task. I am prepared to go a little older than you which does open things up a bit more.
However, my current working list is as follows:
1. Mercedes C63 Estate (W204) - A modern classic. Sound great and drive well. A bit old now but lack of depreciation counters at least some running costs.
2. Mercedes C63 Estate (W205) - Possibly the top of my list right now. Within budget up to around 2018 model.
3. BMW 540i xdrive Touring - These are top of budget with reasonable spec. Realistically £35k plus for 2019.
4. BMW M340i Touring - My second favourite after C63 but entry point is actually around £39k as far as I can tell. I am waiting for one to drop to £36k but haven't seen a single one...yet.
4. BMW X3 M40i - Something different to an estate. Think they look and sound good. Within budget albeit seem to be marginally more expensive than 540i but may retain more value given preference for SUVs on used marked.
5. Golf R Estate - Really liked my Golf R Estate. Did everything I needed even though it was a poverty lease spec. Good car. Definitely in budget and could get mk7.5 with low mileage and on "20 plate.
6. Leon Cupra ST R - Think these look great and know they would work fine as family car having had the non "R" version but would potentially be quite expensive with most still being £33k to £35k.
7. Mercedes E or C43 - Not as hardcore as C63 but may be easier to live with and slightly lower running costs.
8. Audi SQ5/Mercedes GLC43 AMG - Have considered since similar to X3 M40i.
9. Skoda Superb 272/280 - Probably great all rounder but worried I would get bored with it.
10. Ford Focus ST Estate - Look good, good reviews. Manual only which may become annoying perhaps (I've been in autos only for years now). Good value though and probably fun to own and drive. Low cost overall but maybe steeper depreciation.
11. Audi S4 (B9) Estate - Cost around £30k plus for non-poverty spec version. Probably more like £33k plus. Like these and definitely an option.
Maybe the list will assist you. I am spending far too much time thinking about the options without actually making a final decision.
Those are cars I've spent too much time looking at/thinking about as well. However, my current working list is as follows:
1. Mercedes C63 Estate (W204) - A modern classic. Sound great and drive well. A bit old now but lack of depreciation counters at least some running costs.
2. Mercedes C63 Estate (W205) - Possibly the top of my list right now. Within budget up to around 2018 model.
3. BMW 540i xdrive Touring - These are top of budget with reasonable spec. Realistically £35k plus for 2019.
4. BMW M340i Touring - My second favourite after C63 but entry point is actually around £39k as far as I can tell. I am waiting for one to drop to £36k but haven't seen a single one...yet.
4. BMW X3 M40i - Something different to an estate. Think they look and sound good. Within budget albeit seem to be marginally more expensive than 540i but may retain more value given preference for SUVs on used marked.
5. Golf R Estate - Really liked my Golf R Estate. Did everything I needed even though it was a poverty lease spec. Good car. Definitely in budget and could get mk7.5 with low mileage and on "20 plate.
6. Leon Cupra ST R - Think these look great and know they would work fine as family car having had the non "R" version but would potentially be quite expensive with most still being £33k to £35k.
7. Mercedes E or C43 - Not as hardcore as C63 but may be easier to live with and slightly lower running costs.
8. Audi SQ5/Mercedes GLC43 AMG - Have considered since similar to X3 M40i.
9. Skoda Superb 272/280 - Probably great all rounder but worried I would get bored with it.
10. Ford Focus ST Estate - Look good, good reviews. Manual only which may become annoying perhaps (I've been in autos only for years now). Good value though and probably fun to own and drive. Low cost overall but maybe steeper depreciation.
11. Audi S4 (B9) Estate - Cost around £30k plus for non-poverty spec version. Probably more like £33k plus. Like these and definitely an option.
Maybe the list will assist you. I am spending far too much time thinking about the options without actually making a final decision.
One other to add to the list - Mercedes CLA shooting brake, the looks are a bit Marmite, but I like them.
SWoll said:
Mouse Rat said:
First of all, why the hell are you selling a Tuscan.
But if you aren't drunk and the questions is serious.
Alfa Giulia Veloce.
It's a 4 door saloon without much rear space?But if you aren't drunk and the questions is serious.
Alfa Giulia Veloce.
Just about to buy a new V60 CC, and sell the old (3 years) one it meets the spec except its 6.9 to 60mph, its also more limo than sports car
Interesting thread, I'm in a similar position!
Currently have a 2015 Bi-Turbo Diesel SQ5 which is great but getting a bit long in the tooth.
X3 M40i is top of my list just now, I've not driven one but all reviews seem positive. The only challenge for me is that I want a towbar for carting the bikes around which heavily cuts down the pool of cars!
Currently have a 2015 Bi-Turbo Diesel SQ5 which is great but getting a bit long in the tooth.
X3 M40i is top of my list just now, I've not driven one but all reviews seem positive. The only challenge for me is that I want a towbar for carting the bikes around which heavily cuts down the pool of cars!
I have a m340i touring, very good car. Probably the quickest, best handling car on your list. Very competent and works great as a family car. But it lacks "theatre", and I imagine that coming from a TVR that matters to you. Something like a C63 estate would offer that, but at the expense of all weather traction and higher running costs.
AllyBee said:
Those are cars I've spent too much time looking at/thinking about as well.
One other to add to the list - Mercedes CLA shooting brake, the looks are a bit Marmite, but I like them.
They look a bit small though. Not sure if that is the case but it's put me off so far. Could be worth looking at if they are bigger than they look.One other to add to the list - Mercedes CLA shooting brake, the looks are a bit Marmite, but I like them.
CLA35s seem to be near to budget and the older CLA45 is within budget as well.
madmatteo said:
AllyBee said:
Those are cars I've spent too much time looking at/thinking about as well.
One other to add to the list - Mercedes CLA shooting brake, the looks are a bit Marmite, but I like them.
They look a bit small though. Not sure if that is the case but it's put me off so far. Could be worth looking at if they are bigger than they look.One other to add to the list - Mercedes CLA shooting brake, the looks are a bit Marmite, but I like them.
CLA35s seem to be near to budget and the older CLA45 is within budget as well.
bobsavage789 said:
Hi all,
I’m in the process of trying to sell my TVR Tuscan (let me know if you’re interested!), and am having to replace it with something more “familial”.
- interesting to drive (I’m coming from a TVR after all)
You'll regret selling the Tuscan the very moment you watch someone driving it away.I’m in the process of trying to sell my TVR Tuscan (let me know if you’re interested!), and am having to replace it with something more “familial”.
- interesting to drive (I’m coming from a TVR after all)
You'll struggle to get something else you find that enjoyable after owning a Tuscan.
Keep the Tuscan and get a comfy, automatic, daily that you wont worry too much about leaving it in a car park, or getting damaged by daily/family use.
Or, ignore that advice and get an Alfa Giulia Quadrifoglio thingy...
Many thanks for all the contributions so far. To reply to some of the questions/comments:
- I’d certainly have a C63 in W204 or W205 guise (think the estate version has a different code). Unfortunately, there are none in budget that meet the rather exacting criteria.
- Kia Stinger is a good suggestion. I test drove one before buying my C43 saloon, and it didn’t quite feel “special” enough.
- interesting comments about rear space in the current generation 3 series: I’ve sat in the back of one, and it felt quite roomy. Not tried it with car seats, but we tried a car seat in a 4 series GC, which fit OK: surely the rear is more spacious in the new 3, than the old 4GC..?
- As I said, I quite like the idea of a Stelvio, plus they look great (in my opinion). Could anyone comment on running costs, as the servicing seems to cost a lot for what it is.
- Madmatteo: many thanks for your list, and I’m glad that it’s not just me struggling to find stuff! Audi S4 estate is a good call.
- I’m selling the Tuscan (one of my childhood heroes) because I’m just not using it enough to justify daily driving a far cheaper car (2005 Jaguar XJ8). Of course, I’m very sad about this. We’re also planning on producing child number 2, and the accompanying costs/parental leave etc mean I need to reduce my automotive outgoings.
- Big fan of the Giulia: worth looking into, though the rear space does look tight.
- Can’t stand the CLA I’m afraid. I tend to associate it with people who enjoy a tracksuit, McDonald’s drive through and spate of littering. Not that I’m making a sweeping generalisation or anything…
- my wife has just swapped her Volvo S60 for a current generation Focus ST: the Volvo auto box was appalling, I’m afraid, so no more Volvos for me!
- I appreciate that nothing will compare to the Tuscan, so my expectations of driving dynamics/excitement are far lower.
Probably should say that the wife has a Focus ST, which is actually quite fun to drive…
- I’d certainly have a C63 in W204 or W205 guise (think the estate version has a different code). Unfortunately, there are none in budget that meet the rather exacting criteria.
- Kia Stinger is a good suggestion. I test drove one before buying my C43 saloon, and it didn’t quite feel “special” enough.
- interesting comments about rear space in the current generation 3 series: I’ve sat in the back of one, and it felt quite roomy. Not tried it with car seats, but we tried a car seat in a 4 series GC, which fit OK: surely the rear is more spacious in the new 3, than the old 4GC..?
- As I said, I quite like the idea of a Stelvio, plus they look great (in my opinion). Could anyone comment on running costs, as the servicing seems to cost a lot for what it is.
- Madmatteo: many thanks for your list, and I’m glad that it’s not just me struggling to find stuff! Audi S4 estate is a good call.
- I’m selling the Tuscan (one of my childhood heroes) because I’m just not using it enough to justify daily driving a far cheaper car (2005 Jaguar XJ8). Of course, I’m very sad about this. We’re also planning on producing child number 2, and the accompanying costs/parental leave etc mean I need to reduce my automotive outgoings.
- Big fan of the Giulia: worth looking into, though the rear space does look tight.
- Can’t stand the CLA I’m afraid. I tend to associate it with people who enjoy a tracksuit, McDonald’s drive through and spate of littering. Not that I’m making a sweeping generalisation or anything…
- my wife has just swapped her Volvo S60 for a current generation Focus ST: the Volvo auto box was appalling, I’m afraid, so no more Volvos for me!
- I appreciate that nothing will compare to the Tuscan, so my expectations of driving dynamics/excitement are far lower.
Probably should say that the wife has a Focus ST, which is actually quite fun to drive…
No comment on the Golf R, but there are quite a few VW group options... Cupra Ateca? (You asked for estates but also seem to be looking at SUV options)
I think this thread is the reason why all the fast estates are thin on the ground or overpriced. Another one who is looking here too!
I think this thread is the reason why all the fast estates are thin on the ground or overpriced. Another one who is looking here too!
andburg said:
Another almost all criteria…a late low mileage Vauxhall vxr8?
Estate? Are there actually more than one or two in the country?Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff