Opening the Pandora's box - decent new shape 3-series for around £20k?

Raider

Raider

Raider

Soldato
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Leamington Spa / Oxford
I'm looking for something to replace my Focus ST3 with in May, and i'm trying to cover all bases. My basic requirements are something that isn't stupidly slow, does at least 30 mpg combined (realistically, not comedy combined like the ST that actually does 24 mpg combined even when driving carefully).

Would also like 5 doors (don't laugh, I have to drive 3 other people to work, and I'm fed up of folding the seats and getting footprints in all the wrong places :mad:)

Would consider a diesel as long as it doesn't sound too much like a tractor..
 
Random suggestion but what about a Octavia vRS (either petrol or diesel)

It should be quick enough for what you want (200BHP in Petrol guise or 170BHP in diesel)
Very roomy (especially for 4 adults )
Reasonably fuel consumption (parkers suggests 35mpg)
Should get a good deal in terms of price (one I have been looking at to replace my A3 is £11.7k on a 06 plate.

2006 06 Octavia vRS
 
Diesel won't pay for itself in 10k miles pa. Nearly-new A3 2.0T Sportback 5-door will give 200hp and 30mpg. Also Golf GTI 5 door for similar money. Both will hold their value very well I should think.

The E92 (sorry E90) 3 series is super dull in saloon form imo. You'd get more for your money by getting a bigger car here, like an Audi A6 or 5er. 20k buys a lot of premium saloon.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/341278.htm
 
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The E92 3 Series is only available as a Coupe, the E90 is the Saloon.

I second flat-6's sentiments that a larger car would offer better value, but if you insist on an E90:

media


2005 55 Reg BMW 330i 2996 cc M Sport Saloon

That one is an Approved Used Car at £22k and is the cheapest M Sport on there. SE's start at £18k.
 
[TW]Fox;10984138 said:
Pretty much proves diesel is a waste of time at this budget - for the same money on the BMW AUC website there is a 2006/56 plate 330i M Sport with just 1000 miles on it.
Click to expand...

Yah but there is no shortage of people that will drop an extra 4/5k on a diesel to save 500 quid a year on petrol
 
[TW]Fox;10983985 said:
The E92 3 Series is only available as a Coupe, the E90 is the Saloon.

I second flat-6's sentiments that a larger car would offer better value, but if you insist on an E90:

media


2005 55 Reg BMW 330i 2996 cc M Sport Saloon

That one is an Approved Used Car at £22k and is the cheapest M Sport on there. SE's start at £18k.
Click to expand...

That looks pretty good. Maybe the 325i M Sport might be a bit more affordable though. (EDIT: Doesn't look that much cheaper to buy or own)

What will I be at looking at servicing wise? Is it a huge jump going to a BMW like that?
 
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Something like that isnt going to give you good fuel economy tho, well not any better than a ST.

Realistically any hot hatch, or performance saloon is going to struggle get much above 28mpg combined.
 
Tinders said:
Something like that isnt going to give you good fuel economy tho, well not any better than a ST.

Realistically any hot hatch, or performance saloon is going to struggle get much above 28mpg combined.
Click to expand...

Depends how old the car he gets is. The recent Efficient Dynamics 330i's give 39mpg combined.
 
[TW]Fox;10986298 said:
Depends how old the car he gets is. The recent Efficient Dynamics 330i's give 39mpg combined.
Click to expand...

What years are those in? 39 mpg combined is awesome for a 330i.. :eek:
 
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