Replacing BMW coupe

sswats

sswats

sswats

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I'm looking to get rid of the coupe. Its repair costs are too much and too frequent, and not something I'm used to after owning 3 Hondas in a row.

The BMW is a e92 325i, and it is a very nice car to drive and is very comfortable, so I do want something similar. Not something crazy sporty but just feels planted and has some life in the steering wheel.

But I need more space as I have a kid now so I would prefer a saloon/hatch. I only do about 7-8k miles a year so a diesel is not too necessary.

I don't want to spend any extra, the selling price for the BMW seems to be around 9K. so that would be how much I spend.

So basically, nice to drive, comfortable, and must be very reliable.

The only car that I can think of is the Lexus IS250 at the moment.
 
Spend a bit less and buy a spec B legacy? Surprisingly decent inside (better in person than photos) and a lovely engine

Alternatively.... Mondeo
 
In a similar sort of position as I've sold my E92 and looking for a saloon/hatch although i'm looking at things on a lower budget

The cabin in an IS250 is comically small, headroom in the back is terrible and rear footroom is much worse than an E92 but the auto was nice and smooth and had better refinement than the E92, maybe worth looking at GS300s?
 
rodenal said:
Spend a bit less and buy a spec B legacy? Surprisingly decent inside (better in person than photos) and a lovely engine

Alternatively.... Mondeo
Click to expand...

looked at these too, hefty to insure, more to tax, economy will be much worse than an 325i and parts are expensive.

and strangely you can only open the saloon boot from inside the car...
 
rodenal said:
Alternatively.... Mondeo
Click to expand...

Life in the steering is not something the Mondeo can claim to have. All of the run of the mill Fords since about 2008 have had sucky suck suck steering. Reminds me of the old Vauxhall Corsa steering where it's so stupidly light.

The older Focus (<-57/08) has much nicer steering, with it being heavier and with some feel.
 
ZeeWrath said:
looked at these too, hefty to insure, more to tax, economy will be much worse than an 325i and parts are expensive.

and strangely you can only open the saloon boot from inside the car...
Click to expand...


Don't really get that, insurance is a non issue, economy will be about 5mpg worse if even that...is that "much" worse??

Tax I can't even remember where the two sit in comparison to be fair
 
Mazda 3 MPS? Or is that too sporty?

Honda Accord with a big engine? I don't even know what they make.. Type-S or something?
Mondeo?
 
rodenal said:
Don't really get that, insurance is a non issue, economy will be about 5mpg worse if even that...is that "much" worse??

Tax I can't even remember where the two sit in comparison to be fair
Click to expand...

it is when you compare the two,

my insurance is £200 more on a spec b than a 335i
they are £485 to tax unless you get pre march 06
plus more frequent servicing

real world mpg difference seem to be closer to 10mpg difference and what do you get, not much power difference and 4wd

so you could be a fair bit down on running costs you'd be banking on the reliability to even it out

Although having said all that, I like the idea of them
 
mjt said:
Honda Accord with a big engine? I don't even know what they make.. Type-S or something?
Click to expand...

Gen 7 (My shape accord) 2.4 - 190bhp Type S
Gen 8 2.4 - 200bhp EX model only (I think)

Speed between the both will be similar since the 8gen is heavier, but I love the updated look of the 8gen looks more aggressive
 
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Petrol V8 Disco 3. To hell with economy and reliability. It's the ultimate weapon for getting the kids moved about, and have all the space you could need.

Of course, your budget wont stretch to one with the expensive tax anyway, so that's fine.

Completely different from what you are looking for, of course. But that's where my money is going next I think. Time for another big 4x4, and with 7 seats, makes it a bonus.
 
xs2man said:
Petrol V8 Disco 3. To hell with economy and reliability. It's the ultimate weapon for getting the kids moved about, and have all the space you could need.

Of course, your budget wont stretch to one with the expensive tax anyway, so that's fine.

Completely different from what you are looking for, of course. But that's where my money is going next I think. Time for another big 4x4, and with 7 seats, makes it a bonus.
Click to expand...

This seems to perfectly match his requirements!
 
Yes, well obviously it is not a E92, sure.

But he is wanting something bigger, due to an expanding family. Doesn't necessarily want something sporty, but the V8 Disco would have plenty power. He's only doing 7-8 k per year so the petrol costs wont be too crippling. They are nice to drive and comfortable, so the only issue there really is reliability. But any decent car at that budget could have issues.

So it's not as HUGE a leap as you guys are making it out to be.

As for the S600 comment, that is absurd. Should have specced him an MX5, equally absurd. He didn't ask for some weapon spec saloon, or a two seater "sports" car.

A Discovery makes for a reasonably sensible family motor with plenty of toys, and a HUGE boot. Sure, going for a V8 one may be the lunatic point there, but the diesel one would be fast enough, and probably not all that much more on fuel than the 325i. Reliability may be an issue, but I had a grand total of 1 problem with my V8 P38 during my ownership, and that was a window regulator that cost £40. Hardly in keeping with its reputation.
 
Couple of Mondeo themed suggestions...

1) ST220. Older than you've been looking at, you'll potentially be buying something with an imminent clutch and/or flywheel bill, but you can budget for that. Rock solid reliability, fun to be had behind the wheel (although FWD not RWD), and plenty of space as a workhorse.

2) Mk4 Mondeo Titanium Sport (see Howard's recent thread) - right on the cusp of your budget, and whilst I don't have any experience driving it myself, it seems popular and well thought of. Check out Howard's thread for some more informed views.

Would your situation/plans support maybe going for another BMW but roll it on a PCP so warranty and service cover are in place?
 
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