Nice "family car"

lookitsjonno

lookitsjonno

lookitsjonno

Soldato
Joined
10 Sep 2003
Posts
5,021
Location
Midlands
Hi there,

I'm in the market for a "family car", budget about 15k. I'm considering a BMW 320d Estate but wondering what you guys would suggest. Must have lowish milage (< 40k) and leather.

All i can think of that I like are A4 Avant and 3 series touring.

Jonno.
 
You list 2 estates and think they are only ones? There are lots of good estates out there.

Do you want something normal or are you specifically looking at 'executive' brands like BMW / Audi?
 
Morba said:
You list 2 estates and think they are only ones? There are lots of good estates out there.

Do you want something normal or are you specifically looking at 'executive' brands like BMW / Audi?
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my previous 2 cars are a Mk5 GTI and an Audi S3 so I suppose I am a bit of a car snob. I quite like the toureg v10 too :)
 
Hi Jonno, I'm looking for the same sort of thing too. I've ruled both the 3 series and A4 out though as they seem limited in rear legroom.
We've been round a car supermarket to look at the likes of mondeos (current favourite but haven't seen full leather ones around and not a 'prestige' brand), V50 (too small for us), V70 (OK), passat (OK), A6 (nice), E class (feels like I should wear a smoking jacket). It's proving tricky finding the right combination of model/engine/age/mileage/toys/condition/history/warranty that makes me feel I can justify spending that much money :/
 
wonko said:
Hi Jonno, I'm looking for the same sort of thing too. I've ruled both the 3 series and A4 out though as they seem limited in rear legroom.
We've been round a car supermarket to look at the likes of mondeos (current favourite but haven't seen full leather ones around and not a 'prestige' brand), V50 (too small for us), V70 (OK), passat (OK), A6 (nice), E class (feels like I should wear a smoking jacket). It's proving tricky finding the right combination of model/engine/age/mileage/toys/condition/history/warranty that makes me feel I can justify spending that much money :/
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glad i'm not the only one ! :(
 
2007 Audi A6 Avant 2.0 TDI TDV S-line

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201033366329248


Although I am a bit confused as to why emissions are a big deal given the last cars you've had :confused:

I was going to say Mk4 Mondeo, but the spec doesn't seem to be that great on the titanium x any more. I thought they were supposed to be just like the ghia x but without the plastic wood trim?
 
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[TW]Fox;17539153 said:
2 litre diesel is far too small for an A6. Needs at least a 2.7.
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I agree. OP seems to have a sudden tree hugging fetish though. The same goes for the 520d, mondy 1.8tdci and the c180 cdi. Engines that were produced purely with emissions in mind, not giving a damn about how well it works with the car.
 
monkey_boy said:
I agree. OP seems to have a sudden tree hugging fetish though. The same goes for the 520d, mondy 1.8tdci and the c180 cdi. Engines that were produced purely with emissions in mind, not giving a damn about how well it works with the car.
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This is what is making my hunt particularly difficult - I couldn't put up with an underpowered car, and what I call underpowered seems to cover the most popular engine sizes :( Might have a look at one of the 2.5T mondeos...
 
Quick Summary of why £15k is a budget that sucks:

a) It buys a pre facelift 3 Series. These actually start from £7k are increasingly turning up with EBay alloys and badly tinted windows in dodgy areas. Not what I'd want to share a £15k car with. Plus, the front end is horrible.

b) It buys a pre facelift 5 Series or a low spec LCI 5 Series (Though, actually, you might manage a nice 525i LCI). See above.

c) It buys the old shape A4, first introduced in 2000. For £15k, just, no.

I think this pretty much leaves the A6, which is dull but well built, or the E Class, which is more prestigious. Both available with proper 6 pots.
 
wonko said:
This is what is making my hunt particularly difficult - I couldn't put up with an underpowered car, and what I call underpowered seems to cover the most popular engine sizes :( Might have a look at one of the 2.5T mondeos...
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All the best with finding a petrol Mk4 estate, let alone a 2.5T. Why don't you have a look at the 2.2TDCI? The petrol estates will **** away money in depreciation so quick it's not even funny.
 
monkey_boy said:
All the best with finding a petrol Mk4 estate, let alone a 2.5T. Why don't you have a look at the 2.2TDCI? The petrol estates will **** away money in depreciation so quick it's not even funny.
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Thx for that, you're right there aren't many around, and there aren't that many 2.2TDCis either for that matter. I'd be going for either the hatch or estate, and estates are rarer so it would probably end up being a hatch. Know what you mean on depreciation, and am maybe looking at something a couple of years old so the worst bit is already over. Might also wait a bit for the new model to start selling as it could lower prices.
 
monkey_boy said:
I agree. OP seems to have a sudden tree hugging fetish though. The same goes for the 520d, mondy 1.8tdci and the c180 cdi. Engines that were produced purely with emissions in mind, not giving a damn about how well it works with the car.
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I get the feeling you have not driven many of them! - The 520d for example performs perfectly well, especially given what it is.

I drove my brother in laws old one (08 Reg 520d M Sport), and was very surprised at the performance.

OP, why the 40k mile limit? I'd double it & save yourself a packet, modern cars handle such mileages with ease.
 
[TW]Fox;17539135 said:
Not sure why emissions matter, its not a company car?
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Is it not the same for everyone who's suddenly buying a diesel? They're willing to spluge 5 figure sums for the car, but want to scrimp by, by saving a paltry amount every year on the tax?
 
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