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

[Raider]

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 )

Would consider a diesel as long as it doesn't sound too much like a tractor..

 

[Raider]

How many miles do you do?

Around 10,000 a year

Not too interested in the Skoda. The Audi is quite nice though..

 

[Raider]

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:

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.

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?

 

[Raider]

Depends how old the car he gets is. The recent Efficient Dynamics 330i's give 39mpg combined.

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