Time for a new car budget £8K approx

scamartist

scamartist

scamartist

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Been looking at getting a new car with the budget above.

Been looking at Seat Leon Cupra R and BMW 325 CI any other recommendations for cars in this price range.

Ideally I'd like something with usable back seats and also decent boot space.

Also any particular things to look out for on the above 2 cars.

Thanks in advance.;)
 
Out of those two BMW 325Ci (assuming convertible not coupe).

awaits someone criticising me for choosing the badge without realising
 
Something reasonably quick but comfortable enough for long drives on the motorway as I sometimes drive from Cardiff to Glasgow.

Needs to be able to accommodate 4 adults occasionally and have a reasonably large boot.

Fuel economy is also a concern so don't want something that necessitates having a fuel tanker following me.
 
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scamartist said:
Something reasonably quick but comfortable enough for long drives on the motorway as I sometimes drive from Cardiff to Glasgow.

Needs to be able to accommodate 4 adults occasionally and have a reasonably large boot.
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Not that I've driven one but MondeoST220 gets enough shouts around here. Or see if you can push for the 2.5T Mk4 Mondeo in Titanium spec.
 
I would strongly recommend a 330i in favour of a 325i. The running costs are virtually identical, so you may as well benefit from the greater power of the 330i. Easier to find, as well.
 
You could also get a very nice Mondeo ST220 for that too, with change even.

But I would recommend the BMW 330i over anything else you listed. I would suggest you drive examples of all the cars you are seriously interested in though, that's the best way to find what you really like.
 
From the looking I've done its going to be difficult to get a 330i that hasn't done high mileage at the price I'm looking to pay.

The Cupra R seems to be available at a decent price and mileage but not anywhere near me in Cardiff.

Problem is I don't fancy driving 150 miles to test drive a car.

Will just need to keep looking in the meantime.

Anything to look out for in particular on the 330i's?
 
What do you consider 'high milage' ? the 330i will eat miles without issue really, 'moon' milage cars wills still run very sweetly, provided that they have been maintained properly.
 
The problem for me is knowing whether or not they have been well maintained.

I will admit to knowing sweet FA about cars and can only really go by service book etc.

Is it best to go for one owner cars or just to make sure it has a full service history?
 
Basically you want to make sure everything sounds like it should, and nothing sounds 'odd', no clattering, clanking, rattling, squeaking or squealing etc. There are no obvious signs of the cars fluids being blasted around the engine bay, it should also start first time without any trouble.

Then of course you said the rest yourself, full service history, and preferably 1 owner vehicles, although that isn't to say anything that has had 2 owners is bad, but 1 is ideal.

Basically, if anything, looks or sounds and feels wrong, or out of place, it very probably is. The interior is another good one to look at closely, I always check the peddles too, see weather they show more signs of wear than you might expect from what the book mileage says.
 
Just picked up my new car today so thought I would give this thread a bump.

Finally decided on a Mondeo ST220 as it filled all my needs really well.

Managed to get a 2004 model in silver that was absolutely immaculate for below my budget.

Skipped out of work to collect it this morning.

Very happy with it although am thinking its too good to be true at the moment.
 
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