Best estate for around 30K?

Minstadave

Minstadave

Minstadave

Caporegime
Joined
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Rutland
Currently I have an F10 5 series saloon that I've had far longer than intended, its 10 years old, almost 150,000 miles on the clock and starting to slowly fall apart (AC whine, cold start wobble, leaking rear doors, alternator gets hot and melts the engine cover grommets). On top of this we did the first journey with new baby, 5 year old and dog and it just doesn't cut it space wise.

The obvious answer seems a 5 series estate, with a budget of 20-30K that gets me comfortable into the G31. I like the look of a 530D Xdrive (had trouble with my RWD 5 series in winter and like bigger engines) and this one looks pretty good to me (over budget ofcourse):

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202006290654419?advertising-location=at_cars&maximum-mileage=40000&price-to=35000&postcode=LE15 8LH&body-type=Estate&model=5 SERIES&page=2&price-from=18000&radius=60&make=BMW&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly New&onesearchad=New

What alternatives are out there? The A6 seems an obvious choice, I don't know much about the A6, what year does the most upto date model begin?

I have never considered a Mercedes, don't really like their image but am I missing much discounting them?

Looking at other marks there's Mondeos/Passats/Superbs but they all seem really boring.

I'm not into 4x4s, the father in law has an X5 but they seem more expensive than a similar 5 series. Is there anything I should think about, Q5 maybe?

Lastly, nearly all of the decent spec cars still are diesels but there's the worry they'll be penalised in the near future. Is diesel now to be avoided? I still do 10K+ miles a year. There's the odd petrol available but seem rare:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classi...d=Used&onesearchad=Nearly New&onesearchad=New

Thanks for any advice.
 
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Look at a G32 6 series. They are absolutely astounding value for money and significantly better specced than the 5 series, most of which come with the crap looking base headlights whereas proper Icon LED is standard on the 6 Series.

It has more load space than the G31 Touring too.

There really is only one downside... The looks. I sourced one for my Dad which was 10 months old and cheaper than a 2 year old 5 series tourer.

Buying a used G series 5 is very painful unless you want no spec but massive wheels.
 
[TW]Fox said:
Look at a G32 6 series. They are absolutely astounding value for money and significantly better specced than the 5 series, most of which come with the crap looking base headlights whereas proper Icon LED is standard on the 6 Series.

It has more load space than the G31 Touring too.

There really is only one downside... The looks. I sourced one for my Dad which was 10 months old and cheaper than a 2 year old 5 series tourer.

Buying a used G series 5 is very painful unless you want no spec but massive wheels.
Click to expand...

Thank Fox, I'll prepare myself mentally before viewing this monstrosity :)

Decent spec doesn't seem to hard to find (unlike nearly all the F11 535Ds nearby all of which have base spec nav :rolleyes:) but 30K+ seems to be the entry point, especially for 530D/Xdrive combo.

Looking at the A6 it looks like 2018 is the move to the latest model, ever had a poke around one? I cant bring myself to consider the previous version with the stuck on screen.
 
Look closely and you'll see that most of the 5s including the one you posted above end up missing important bits of spec - usually the icon led lights.

The new A6 was late 2018, I have not had the pleasure yet.

I have driven various Mercedes and until I got one with the new MBUX system I found the instrument panel and infotainment interface to be beyond terrible. MBUX is a total game changer and goes right to the top of the class but it's very new and only comes to the E class from the facelift, out this month.

A really well specified G31 530d is about as good a car as you'll ever find - the trouble is that finding it is very hard in the UK. The 6 makes this easier by virtue of its generous standard spec, even a panoramic roof is standard on the M Sport.
 
Minstadave said:
unlike nearly all the F11 535Ds nearby all of which have base spec nav :rolleyes:
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I got one going if you fancy? Top spec. Completely mint, except...


Of the current gen premium estates, the Merc E and the 5 Tourer are all the car you need, and then some. The amount of additional gizmos with the back seats, boot space, glass hatch, load rails etc. They're designed for useful space. Choice is down to personal preference between the two really.
 
The 5 series Estate is the best in class, I looked at the pre FL E class, and it was nice inside, big, but soft as hell and dull dull to drive. Ive also tried an A6, and its typical Audi, the automotive equivalent of a grey suit, smart, ticks a lot of boxes, but ultimately no driver involvement. Fantastic infotainment setup tho.

A friend has recently bought a G32, i cant imagine its great for a Dog in the boot, but as much as i like Estates, for a dog, baby and a 5 year old, the X5 has to be the front runner.
 
Tinders said:
A friend has recently bought a G32, i cant imagine its great for a Dog in the boot
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It's perfect for a dog - my Dad's carries a full-size adult Labrador. The boot is massive - it has more space the 5 series tourer.

It's basically almost an X5 for those who don't want an ungainly SUV.

I put 2000 miles on a current model X5 last year as well as a 630d and can think of absolutely nothing the X5 wasn't worse at.
 
My dad used to have an F07 5GT. I don’t know how different it is to the 6, but here are some notes comparing it to a 5 Touring:
  • Sloping rear hatch makes carrying big, bulky things impossible. Touring is more practical (they had to have the hatch open when transporting an armchair). FWIW the F07 had more luggage capacity With the seats down, but the F11 more with the seats up.
  • Rear seat base slopes back to make it more comfortable for rear passengers, but this meant that my kids were leaning forward slightly in rear-facing child seats (their heads fell forward while sleeping);
  • Rear leg room is ridiculous and therefore great for the front passenger if you have a rear-facing child seat;
  • Longer wheelbase and spec, etc make it a great long distance cruiser. Can be a bit wieldy around town though.
 
jpaul said:
How much are warranties on 6 series, even if purchase price is low

V60 ? quasi premium , bigger than its peers, fwd for winter (fuel economy vs x drive), looks, and, of personal interest, reputed seat comfort
eg. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201907089844953
Click to expand...

I struggle with the looks of the V60, both inside and out. Oddly I think the XC60 looks better externally and they're very similar. I'll see if there is anywhere I can see one up close.
 
Fox have you tried the 520D version of the G30/G31? I had written it off without even thinking, is it liveable with coming from a 530D?

My head says you're right the G32 is the better buy but I'm not sure I can get over the looks. Going to book this one for a test drive:

https://www.spaldingcars.co.uk/used...o-auto-xdrive-ss-5dr-spalding-202006170239648

The standard spec doesn't leave me wanting for much at all apart from HUD, which is pretty rare on the G31 too so I suspect I'll have to live without.

I did find a 530D Xdrive with the updated lights (not sure if just adaptive vs Icon - is it easy to tell visually?) but the leather looks weird and shiny and it's higher mileage than Id like:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202006130093560?advertising-location=at_cars&year-from=2015&price-to=30000&postcode=LE15 8LH&body-type=Estate&price-from=20000&model=5 SERIES&page=2&radius=50&make=BMW&year-to=2020&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly New&onesearchad=New&modal=description
 
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I looked at the G31 when I was changing from my F11. Its just didn't seem that much difference to warrant the cost of change. I had also decided I wanted the B58 motor in my next car so in the end although I hadn't really considered it I took the X3 M40i and M40D out for a test drive. They were a hoot to drive even though they are higher up, I ended up going for the M40i (with the B58). Its a much better drive that the 530d F11 I had was, Tows my caravan much better and is more practical for the family. I actually get in the car every time and enjoy taking it for a drive and the engine is absolutely superb. The only down side if I had one is that some of the build quality isn't quite as nice as the F11. That said I am very picky so most people wouldn't notice.
 
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