15K for a car - options - Honda, Ford, BMW
- Thread starter bandit
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![[TW]Fox](/data/man-of-honor/2009.png){kind=avatar}
Whereas I have owned a Mondeo, own a 5 Series, have driven many other 5 Series, and driven every model of Mondeo, but my opinion doesn't matter cos I'm me
Soldato
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Jez, what E class would you recommend for the OP?
Soldato
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How does this compare to the BMW 530d he was considering?
Doesn't handle as well, isn't as involving to drive, but is more relaxing, comfortable and looks more prestigious.
5 series all the way.
I've got the 530d M Sport saloon.
Things i needed to consider: Space for car seat and pram, 70 miles a day or so driving for work, toys in car, good to drive, i'm 6ft 3 also etc.
I was on a 15k budget or there abouts
After looking at mondeos and accords etc, test drove a 5 series and that was that. Much better drive, more fun, goes like stink for a big car (0-60 in 6.9), full sat-nav, bluetooth phone connection, 6 cd changer etc etc.
Ok so the budget went out the window and i looked around for a while and got a mint 55 plate with all the toys for £19k. Had it now 6 months and only thing so far is rear breaks and a vehicle check for £250 from a main dealer as it's still under 12 month BMW warranty.
Test drive the 5 series and i would be suprised if you picked anything else. You should consider a saloon rather than an estate as they easily fit a pram and all the gubbins in the boot. also get about 38-40mpg
Good luck
I've got the 530d M Sport saloon.
Things i needed to consider: Space for car seat and pram, 70 miles a day or so driving for work, toys in car, good to drive, i'm 6ft 3 also etc.
I was on a 15k budget or there abouts
After looking at mondeos and accords etc, test drove a 5 series and that was that. Much better drive, more fun, goes like stink for a big car (0-60 in 6.9), full sat-nav, bluetooth phone connection, 6 cd changer etc etc.
Ok so the budget went out the window and i looked around for a while and got a mint 55 plate with all the toys for £19k. Had it now 6 months and only thing so far is rear breaks and a vehicle check for £250 from a main dealer as it's still under 12 month BMW warranty.
Test drive the 5 series and i would be suprised if you picked anything else. You should consider a saloon rather than an estate as they easily fit a pram and all the gubbins in the boot. also get about 38-40mpg
Good luck
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Its a comfier more luxurious car at the expense of driving dynamics, pretty much the same as every other Mercedes/BMW counterpart
Different strokes for different folks, its definitely worth the OP testing out.
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[TW]Fox;13844350 said:Whereas I have owned a Mondeo, own a 5 Series, have driven many other 5 Series, and driven every model of Mondeo, but my opinion doesn't matter cos I'm me
Sorry oh car reviewing god.
OP - Get the BMW, there is no other alternative
subaru and Lexus i had not considered thanks
I was considering the e class actually, but the reviews all mention electrical issues in the earlier models, and, well its a bit boring no?
certainly i think i should reconsider and see what i can get at my price point
Ive added for the sake of clarity another criteria (and the main reason i need the bigger car) which is my rapidly growing daughter, and the need to have a pram and car seat in the car.
Octavia is a Hatch, lexus is a saloon, but I would consider it as you will get sick of forever fixing BMWs.
Please don't discount the Subaru
until you take it for a drive, only then you will see that it's much better than all the other cars listed on this page when it comes to "nice to drive"
I doubt you could call a 525d estate fun. RWD doesn't instantly mean it's more fun (i'm sure an Integra would be more fun than a BMW diesel estate)
As would an MX-5 but were are comparing it to a group of estate cars!
Fair point, but it's not all about how it drives.
This is often the view of poeple who have no experience. Your statement is totally fair however, drive both and form your own opinion but those who have driven both or at least passengered in both will have a different view most of the time. A 5 series is built better, feels better, drives a bit better, has a better engine, is more refined and has more capacity than a Mondeo, which is also an excellent car. People who suggest that the ONLY reason people buy BMW's is down to the badge are often more ignorant than the few they choose to critacise I find and usually come from a standpoint of ignorance in the main, even if it is applicable to some owners of BMW's.
Indeed, the BMWs are more expensive for a reason, if you look beyond the surface at them and see how "heavy duty" some of their bits are compared to the mondeo, stuff like soundproofing, carpets, seats etc.
Well what do you expect when you make a sweeping comment on two vehicles you've no experience of?
Sorry oh car reviewing god.
OP - Get the BMW, there is no other alternative
He's owned both cars so has a slightly more authoritative opinion to your "an estate is hardly fun" comment.
I am fairly sure he has owned neither.
His last car was a Mondeo and his current car is a BMW 530i Sport.
O RLY.
He's going to say that as the 5 is an E39 and the Mondeo a Mk2 then obviously the relative merits of each are utterly different to the current models.
He is, of course, wrong.
The Mondeo has become more refined since the Mk2, it now cruises much better than before and is a lot quieter and better built. This has not added to its 'fun factor', therefore if a Mk2 Mondeo wasn't 'as fun' as a 5 Series, neither is a Mk4 in theory. Luckily I've had a Mk4 Mondeo for the weekend so was able to confirm this theory, just as I've driven several E60's for reasonable periods of time.