£25k, 25k pa, What the hell do I buy?

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Will be looking to replace my shed shortly as it's marching on toward 150k and as some of the originally minor issues are starting to become major ones it's looking like it's time to get shot and move on.

Having saved my arse off for the last couple of years, I'd like to treat myself to something newer and nicer. Plan would be to buy it and run it until it dies. I typically cover around 25k a year, mostly motorway miles commuting to work with the odd 5/600 mile trip every couple of months. That mileage may increase to about 30k in the next 18 months though.

Budget would be around £25k max, I'd like to keep under that though to give me some margin for the inevitable bad decision making.

It would be nice to have something I could take the B roads home after work occasionally and have a bit of a blast or want to take out for a drive just for the hell of it, but it's not a must have.

I also have a rather terrible habit of buying the dud examples of good cars, with almost everything I've owned requiring money to be thrown at it within months of purchase to rectify the stuff I didn't spot when buying it, then cutting my losses and punting it on having spent more than the purchase price trying to put it right.

My Saved Cars list on Autotrader is currently littered with all sorts of stuff from big diesel saloons/estates to hot hatches to SUV's and with so many options and not a great deal of time to go and look at them all due to work commitments I'm trying to at least narrow the field a little.

So, stuff I need!

It would be nice if I could get 40mpg
Ability to carry a couple of mountain bikes, ideally either roof rack or towbar rack mounted but I'll live with them going inside the car so long as I don't have to dismantle them into their constituent parts
Cruise control is a must
A decent sound system would be lovely
Heated seats would be nice
Reliable! I can't handle another phone call to the AA whilst stuck at the side of the road, I just want it to work. I'll service it regularly, replace stuff as it's needed but a failure to proceed isn't on my wish list.
It will only need to carry more than 2 people a handful of times a year, the bulk of my journeys have just me in the car.
It would be nice if it was quick, I've rather missed a fast car
Sensible running costs in terms of servicing. I try and service my current car 3 times a year, with the big service in January (Belts, gearbox service etc)

So I open the floor to those who know better than I do, because I'm buggered if I can narrow my list down any!

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I should I can only have one car, I don't have enough time for 2 and I only have one parking space at the flat!

For just me the V90 is too big, but I do like the look of the V60 but the engines are a bit on the uninspiring side I always thought?

I had already thought the Octavia was probably the best bet, but there must be something else out there I should consider?

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barryrs said:

Mercedes C300 coupe with a roof rack for the bikes?

Pretty quick, decent spec, has been 100% reliable for me and I regularly get 42mpg.

I fancy an E350d, but the image that I should be retired and walking with a zimmer when I get out of it keeps putting me off. There's a stunning one for sale just now though that I keep going back to look at as it's just such a handsome big thing

Wagonwheel555 said:

Whatever you buy perhaps look at Approved Used from a dealer so you get at least a years warranty, saves you worrying about throwing money at it in the first few months.

Dealers tend to sort out wear and tear things like brakes and tyres before sale too.

That had been my plan, having typically bought at the cheaper end of the scale I'm not sure how comfortable I would be handing over £20+k in a private sale

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barryrs said:

I that the W212 model?

I traded in a 2014 E class coupe against a new C class coupe C205 model as it’s pretty much the same size. Personally I can’t quite get on the the proportions of the new E class coupe.

I have to confess to not being up to speed with the latest Merc model identifiers, it's a 2017 model year if that helps?

I'm not a fan of the coupe's, but I think the E class has a lovely shape to it especially compared to the comparable 5 series. I just wish they did a C350d as I'd probably be all over it

stevemcs said:

The Volvo engine won’t be any duller than a very diesel, how about a Jaguar XF or is that too big ? A lightly used 5 series would be a much better buy over a superb

Not a Jag fan to be honest, unless it was an XJR but no matter the man maths involved I can't make that one work.

I did look at the T5 V60 but there's not many about in the spec I would want.

And I've been down the M140i, 340i, 540i, 335d, 535d rabbit hole but I don't know if I'm prepared to deal with the BMW tax when it goes horribly horribly wrong

loskie said:

Why does image worry you?

I suppose it shouldn't, but I'm only in my 30's and the E class has always tended towards the older generation, certainly in the larger surrounding area where I live. As I said though, with the big wheels in the right colour it's a bloody good looking car in my opinion

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Having experienced BMW reliability at higher miles and the price of the parts it really puts me off them. I want to love the 335d and even the 340i but it nags me that when it breaks it’s 4 figures and I don’t know any specialists where I live.

I’ve looked at the Mondeo as well, having had two before I’d like a change to something else

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stevemcs said:

How about something french ?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106103...

Or something Japanese - Subaru even put manufacturers warranties on these with 100k on the clock

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/201908211...

I hate that I like them, but they don't really fill the fun bit of what I'm after

stevemcs said:

Or this and a roof rack

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106143...

I'm sure it's lovely, but as a daily driver to cover 25k I think the fuel bill alone would frighten me

lewisf182 said:

Based on your criteria I would 100% go for a 335i/m135i even. You’ll get one with an approved warranty you can keep ticking over once it’s run out too. Will hold value even with high mileage compared to more mundane stuff and will get you 40mpg. Perfect for the odd B road blast when possible too.

If I was going down this route I'd probably go for the *40i, newer model and engine, better fuel economy but every time I look at them I just remember the guy at work with a 17 plate 330d and the fact it's been recovered 3 times in the last year because it keeps breaking

PH User said:

stevemcs said:

A Volvo v60 is what you need, or buy another shed and a lotus Elise

Yep, something and a British light weight.

Why spend £25k on something dull?!

I have a motorbike if I want to go crazy, and I'm not running two cars. I don't have a garage to keep a second car in, I just need one that'll do everything

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BDKM said:

Forester XT
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105182...

RAV 4

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106083...

Edge

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106043...

Still lacking the fun part, appreciate they're good cars but not for me

OPC100 said:

Lexus RC

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

And one of these.

https://www.tweekscycles.com/uk/seasucker-mini-bom...

Good reliability, it will last and if you get Premier spec, you get the Mark Levinson stereo too.

I was parked next to a blue one with the white interior, it's a lovely thing to look at in the flesh but what are they like to drive?

Belle427 said:

330/335d Touring is hard to beat.

I know, it's the most obvious solution

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I should add, my current list of candidates was this

Mercedes E350d
335D Touring
340i Touring
M140i
Golf R Estate
Golf GTI Clubsport Edition 40
Skoda Octavia VRS 245 Estate
Skoda Superb 280 Estate
Hyundai I30 N Performance
Volvo S/V60 T5
Passat BiTDi Estate

Plus some random SUV/4x4 stuff that I probably wouldn't buy but Ive looked at anyway.

It's a daily driver at the end of the day, I'm fortunate that I'm single with no kids to worry about so I can be pretty flexible with my choices, but if I'm owning it for the next 5-7 years and banging 150k onto it I have to love it otherwise I'm just back into the cycle of selling it after year, taking a loss and buying something else.

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MiniMan64 said:

Better late than never

I did chuckle

PH User said:

One car that will do everything doesn't exist IMO, but you have your motorbike for fun so I guess that will help.

I've been bouncing back and forth between that since I started looking, then I realised I haven't used my bike in nearly 2 years hence the hoping for fun and frugal idea

fflump said:

My F-series 330d was a fast competent, did 60 mpg on a long run, and I'd imagine you could stretch to a G series by now.
That said, it was a bit dull so I got a Ghibli V6S that does 25 mpg-not an option for you obv.

In your shoes I'd ditch the fun requirement as you have bike and go for what is a pleasant place to spend large amounts of your life in.

To my eyes the E-Class has the most special interior. The E400d would be perfect but I think they are nearer 30k than 25k so the 350d a good compromise.

I've kinda already realised the fun part of what I'm looking for is harder to find. I love the E class shape and having been in a couple (admittedly as taxi's) they do seem a very nice space to spend time

Fusion777 said:

5-Series Touring is a better option than the equivalent 3-Series. Much better interiors, more comfortable, more space, yet the running costs are similar.

Have you tried finding one? A 540i Touring in a good spec for my budget appears to be a pipe dream

sevensfun said:

Is it worth keeping away from diesels given all the hate for them killing the planet and city centre restrictions ?

This is why I was looking at petrol's as well as diesels, given I'd like to keep it a while it's a concern for the future


I already know the best purchase is an Octavia VRS, it'll do everything I want perfectly well, it'll probably be reliable but will it make me look back at it in a car park? Probably not. I really want an FK8 Civic Type R but the running costs make me wince for the mileage I do.

Having run cheapish sheds for the last few years I had kinda drifted away from the whole car market for a while, and there's just such a baffling amount of stuff out there that I was struggling to even figure out where to begin

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Sorry gents, been working all weekend

ZX10R NIN said:

Go & look at the Infiniti Q50/70 the reliability is a given & interior wise is a step above a Mondeo/VRS/Superb & start using your motorbike!!!!

& you get to keep 10k in your pocket.

I've looked at and been in the Q70, it's a nice thing but doesn't float my boat. In saying that, nobody mentioned you could get a Q50 with 400bhp! https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106093...

And I know I need to use the bike more, but I work 6.5 days a week and with lockdown and all the other crap that's happened it's just sat in the garage with a dust sheet over it. It also needs a new battery and probably a service, I will make time at the end of summer for it, I promise!

braddo said:

2017
14k miles
0-60 in 5.7secs
40+ mpg capable
£20k

Might make you want to turn around as you walk away from it

https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/11585801

Alfa do their own roof bars to suit too.

I looked at them briefly but had written it off because it's Italian, an Alfa and those two things historically meant unreliability. Having not paid much attention to them I assume things have improved drastically?

Fusion777 said:

I'd be going 530/535d over the 540i, but it depends how much of a preference for petrol you have. There are quite a few of the diesels around.

£24k for the 2018 330d posted just seems a lot for a 3 year old 3-series with that interior. That particular one doesn't even have the Pro Nav.

I'm not too fussed about petrol or diesel, it was mainly from the viewpoint that if I'm keeping it long term petrol may be more socially acceptable in 5 years, and the resultant fuel costs would be kept lower than compared to a diesel. I love the 6cyl diesels that BMW make, it's just all the stuff around them that worries me!

drgoatboy said:

Civic type r for sure. Running costs won't be too crazy and better mpg than an i30n.

However I would personally drop the budget a but spend £15k and get the best vrs you can get. Or maybe a golf GTi. In 100k miles time its not going to be worth much and the difference between 3 and 5 year old cars is pretty slim nowadays... Save yourself £10k in depreciation and keep it for when you don't need to drive as. Much.

Problem with the Type R is not many people do lots of miles in them, so getting a proper figure for running costs isn't easy when everybody seems to be doing 5k a year in them. I think it's probably one of the more expensive cars I've considered to run, and as much as I'd like one it's still something I have to consider

ahenners said:

G31 530d Touring. Lovely place to cover that mileage, cracking engine which is frugal but fast. There is an approved used 2017 at a BMW dealer in Leeds for £25k.

Forgive my ignorance, my ability to keep up with the BMW model numbers expired around the E34. Which one is the G31?

MDL111 said:

A Cayman with a rood rack and borrow a car the few times a year that you need nore than 2 seats?
A 987 Gen 2 should be reliable - manual and pdk available depending on your preference

No, just no The only Porsche I'm ever buying is a GT2 RS, and that'll be with a lottery win!

AndrewO said:

330d Msport Shadow Edition Estate.....will send you a link if its allowed .

Mine is 67 plate, before BMW changed things on emissions 2018 so its a euro6 but doesn't have the adblue.

Got your PM, thank you, it'll be a few weeks before I get the chance to go looking at stuff as but if it's not sold I may well be in touch!

Mouse Rat said:

The Octavia VRS Tdi Estate is a practical choice. They are good cars, fun to drive and sure footed and you will average 50mpg like I did over 2 years ownership with mixed driving (50% motorway)
However it wasn't very exciting, and I don't miss it.

My colleague had the Alfa Gulia 2.0T 280. Sexy car, fantastic to drive, better than a 3 series and on par with an XE. Small ish inside and never registered over 30mpg.

330d is a great shout in estate form as others have said.

However, E350cdi coupes are great value at the moment. You can pick up a low mileage 66 plate with premium pack for late teens. Well built, reliable, solid and will return 45mpg. I'm averaging 42mpg so far and if you was to run a car for a while this would be my choice as these are much more interesting than most others mentioned. You will need to stick a towbar on for bike racks.

Also a MK7.5 Golf GTI would be fun and reasonably practice. I bike rack (halfords type) straps on well and doesn't effect MPG too much (unlike a saloon / coupe) due to the flat hatchback design.

If I was going for the Merc it would be the saloon, I never liked the look of the coupe and the newer shape estates I think lost some of the sharper lines from the previous model. It's still in the running though as despite the slightly old man image its a lovely looking thing and nice place to spend my time.

The only worry about the Golf is transmission, finding a non-DSG car with a decent spec is difficult

Don Phil said:

What about an electric car? Tesla model s might creep into budget.

Or some newer models with decent range might creep into budget too?

I've no means to charge an electric car. I live in a 2nd floor flat, and my workplace have already confirmed they don't plan on fitting chargers until they're forced into it so that's out the window I'm afraid

Edited by D_T_W on Monday 21st June 05:36

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ZX10R NIN said:

OP do you have something resembling a shortlist?

Yup

D_T_W said:

I should add, my current list of candidates was this

Mercedes E350d
335D Touring
340i Touring
M140i
Golf R Estate
Golf GTI Clubsport Edition 40
Skoda Octavia VRS 245 Estate
Skoda Superb 280 Estate
Hyundai I30 N Performance
Volvo S/V60 T5
Passat BiTDi Estate
Honda Civic Type R

Plus some random SUV/4x4 stuff that I probably wouldn't buy but Ive looked at anyway.

Though it's changed a little now