spec me a mid-size car

v_man · 21 Jan 2007 at 14:10

Currently drive a C200k, but time for a change. Looking for a similar kind of car to be honest (similar size, couple/saloon, petrol, automatic). So far i've been looking at 325's and the Saab 93 2ltr Aero. Value of the merc at the moment is 7k, and I don't really want to spend more than 4k on top of this (not accounting for insurance).

Any recommendations would be great

Scania · 21 Jan 2007 at 14:13

E39 5 Series.

Imo, you won't get a better car for that sort of money.

(And what a nice e39 a £10k budget would get you!!! ) :cool:

Scuzi · 21 Jan 2007 at 14:14

For £12k you have quite a bit of choice. The BMW 330Ci Sport is in your budget. Don't bother with a 325 if the 330 is readily available. The extra power is definitely worth it and the penalty in fuel consumption is negligible.

Avoid the Saab 93, it just isn't in the same league. It's more akin to Mondeos and Vectras and other FWD family cars. IMO the 330Ci Sport is the best car to fit your criteria. Go drive one and you'll see why.

v_man · 21 Jan 2007 at 14:17

Umm yeh I thought about the E39, but my other car is a Jag S-Type, so looking for something in the mid-range class. I mean i've never driven the 5 series, and it's still a viable option, but just unsure about driving 2 similar sized cars.

Scania · 21 Jan 2007 at 14:19

v_man said:
I mean i've never driven the 5 series, and it's still a viable option

Try one! - It'll become much more viable option me thinks.

(My dads had one from new - its near 200k now - Great cars. )

v_man · 21 Jan 2007 at 14:22

Originally posted by Scuzi
For £12k you have quite a bit of choice. The BMW 330Ci Sport is in your budget. Don't bother with a 325 if the 330 is readily available. The extra power is definitely worth it and the penalty in fuel consumption is negligible.

Avoid the Saab 93, it just isn't in the same league. It's more akin to Mondeos and Vectras and other FWD family cars. IMO the 330Ci Sport is the best car to fit your criteria. Go drive one and you'll see why.

How much is a full tank for the 330 these days?

Scuzi · 21 Jan 2007 at 14:29

v_man said:
How much is a full tank for the 330 these days?

IIRC the tank is 60 litres so about £55-60?

EDIT: I just checked, it's 63 litres.

v_man · 21 Jan 2007 at 14:42

Interesting. The merc has got a 62 litre tank, so I guess I wouldn't see much difference in petrol costs, but probably a big difference in driving experience.

Scuzi · 21 Jan 2007 at 14:46

Aye, superior engine, superior chassis and a superior overall driving experience. All for similar costs.