It's time to order a new car, and I've narrowed it down to the X3 or 3 Series Tourer but I'm unsure about trim options. (though the A4 Avant is also a niggle in my mind).
I currently drive a 17 plate GLC 220d Sport, and when I first got it I didn't really like the height but now grown to quite like it. I have a golden retriever, which if I didn't I'd 100% get the 3 series saloon but don't fancy putting him in the back seats.
Right now I work from home, but from next year mileage will be increasing to approximately 10,000-15,000 business miles a year though it could realistically be significantly less. I get paid for business mileage. Personal mileage would be around 5,000 a year. The X3 is only available in petrol, and the the only petrol Tourer in budget is the 330i, if a diesel it would be the 320d.
I hate the infotainment system on my 17 plate GLC. Parking sensors are a must, and a camera would be preferred. I'd also want tinted rear windows (mainly for the dog) which I understand are a cost option.
I'm a bit miffed about the spec, the X3 is easy - I'm only able to select one, but the Tourer has a few options. I'm discounting SE, and whilst I like the look of M Sport I read that the suspension is pretty harsh? However, the equivalent M Sport is only £13 a month more than the Sport. I can add options, but these will soon add up (albeit, I will be adding the privacy glass) Then there is the option to add Pro Pack but I don't really see the benefit for £22 a month.
So, what should I get? I like the look of both of them, I get the Tourer will be more engaging to drive, and I suspect my dog will prefer it as well! But, I like the presence and size of the X3 and my previous 3 cars have been the small SUV type (GLC, Kia Niro (don't ask), Peugeot 3008).
I'm somewhat leaning towards the 330i M Sport with the 320d MHT M Sport in second place. The second seems more sensible, and if business mileage was a lot higher than I would go for that but feel that this is a good opportunity to get something a bit 'silly'.
X3: X3 xDrive20i xLine
BMW 3 SERIES TOURING 330i M Sport 5dr Step Auto
BMW 3 SERIES DIESEL TOURING 320d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto
BMW 3 SERIES DIESEL TOURING 320d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Pro Pack]
BMW 3 SERIES DIESEL TOURING 320d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Tech Pack]
BMW 3 SERIES DIESEL TOURING 320d MHT Sport 5dr Step Auto
BMW 3 SERIES DIESEL TOURING 320d MHT xDrive M Sport 5dr Step Auto
I've also looked at the A4 Avant, which is a contender, but I'm leaning more towards the BMW. Although, the A4 35 TFSI Avant Black Edition is around £50 a month less than the BMW which is tempting whilst the A4 35 TDI Black Edition is comparable to the 320d M Sport.
Decisions!
I currently drive a 17 plate GLC 220d Sport, and when I first got it I didn't really like the height but now grown to quite like it. I have a golden retriever, which if I didn't I'd 100% get the 3 series saloon but don't fancy putting him in the back seats.
Right now I work from home, but from next year mileage will be increasing to approximately 10,000-15,000 business miles a year though it could realistically be significantly less. I get paid for business mileage. Personal mileage would be around 5,000 a year. The X3 is only available in petrol, and the the only petrol Tourer in budget is the 330i, if a diesel it would be the 320d.
I hate the infotainment system on my 17 plate GLC. Parking sensors are a must, and a camera would be preferred. I'd also want tinted rear windows (mainly for the dog) which I understand are a cost option.
I'm a bit miffed about the spec, the X3 is easy - I'm only able to select one, but the Tourer has a few options. I'm discounting SE, and whilst I like the look of M Sport I read that the suspension is pretty harsh? However, the equivalent M Sport is only £13 a month more than the Sport. I can add options, but these will soon add up (albeit, I will be adding the privacy glass) Then there is the option to add Pro Pack but I don't really see the benefit for £22 a month.
So, what should I get? I like the look of both of them, I get the Tourer will be more engaging to drive, and I suspect my dog will prefer it as well! But, I like the presence and size of the X3 and my previous 3 cars have been the small SUV type (GLC, Kia Niro (don't ask), Peugeot 3008).
I'm somewhat leaning towards the 330i M Sport with the 320d MHT M Sport in second place. The second seems more sensible, and if business mileage was a lot higher than I would go for that but feel that this is a good opportunity to get something a bit 'silly'.
X3: X3 xDrive20i xLine
BMW 3 SERIES TOURING 330i M Sport 5dr Step Auto
BMW 3 SERIES DIESEL TOURING 320d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto
BMW 3 SERIES DIESEL TOURING 320d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Pro Pack]
BMW 3 SERIES DIESEL TOURING 320d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto [Tech Pack]
BMW 3 SERIES DIESEL TOURING 320d MHT Sport 5dr Step Auto
BMW 3 SERIES DIESEL TOURING 320d MHT xDrive M Sport 5dr Step Auto
I've also looked at the A4 Avant, which is a contender, but I'm leaning more towards the BMW. Although, the A4 35 TFSI Avant Black Edition is around £50 a month less than the BMW which is tempting whilst the A4 35 TDI Black Edition is comparable to the 320d M Sport.
Decisions!
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