New car - confused!!!

I bought my last car eight years ago and it's done me proud. However I feel as if it's on it's last legs and the times come to replace it. I'm pretty certain I'm going to buy something 1-3 years old, milage below 30k with the aim to keep it for a while. I'm looking at putting 10k down and take a loan for the remainder. I've looked at PCP etc and while there're some amazing deals I think the above is best for me.

I have two boys who are growing rapidly, and my wife is Italian and we'd love to do a road trip in the next couple of years. Also, I live in Bristol and they've just announced that they're banning Diesels in the centre, although I'm not sure if this will happen.

So the options are for below 30k

XC60 - 2018
x5 - 2016
x3 - 2018 (I'd want the face lift)
q5 - 2017/18

or save a bit of money, which isn't a bad thing; below 20k

A4 Avant 2016
3 series estate

I know there's a lot of car experts on here so any advice would be appreciated. Also, if anyone has alternative options they'd be greatly received.

There are VW, Skoda and Seat (?) versions of the Q5 and A4 which are worth looking at - same base vehicle and cheaper.

Pete

Honda CR-V hybrid (new) starts around 30K in the UK.

The first batch of Honda Company Cars are on the market for the wider audience here in Holland. I'm sure it will be the same in the UK. So higher spec cars will be available as well for around 30K. Enough space, bigger inside than the V60 and certainly capable of working faultlessly for 8 years. Overhere we get a 10 yr (!) warranty when buying a Honda.

Menno

EDIT: rapidly growing boys and a 3Series will not work.

5 series Touring 2018 M Sport 16000 miles circa £23k

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Originally Posted by hilly10

5 series Touring 2018 M Sport 16000 miles circa £23k

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Although I wouldn’t go for the Msport version, I don’t like the seats so much. But the difference between a 5 series and a 3 is significant, particularly in comfort.

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Originally Posted by Saint-Just

Although I wouldn’t go for the Msport version, I don’t like the seats so much. But the difference between a 5 series and a 3 is significant, particularly in comfort.

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Agreed. 2 customers of ours have the 330d touring and the 530d touring
I always notice the difference in sound and smoothness when driving away
The 5 is noticeably better than the 3 series

I ran an A6 Avant S-line black edition and it is a very capacious car and a nice place to sit.
50+ mpg on a decent run too.

I’d be looking at a Lexus NX300H or RX450H in that sector and price point.

Q5 boot is terribly small.

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Originally Posted by Saint-Just

Although I wouldn’t go for the Msport version, I don’t like the seats so much. But the difference between a 5 series and a 3 is significant, particularly in comfort.

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Not only comfort, finish and materials are so more upmarket also.

I would look at the Skoda Superb. Equipment level is good and cabin space is great, especially in the back.

Indeed it’s funny how much difference there is between 2 cars from the same maker, which look very much alike yet are so different. The same goes between a C class and an E class: in both cases, 2 very different worlds. I drove both touring versions recently and it was a complete no contest, the 5 touring won hands down.
It’s better to avoid 19” wheels as they take away a lot of comfort on the sort of A and B roads we have in the country. Better to look at a well spec’d model in SE than a MSport or Luxury. The 2.0D is probably the better choice (it may not be the most exciting but it’s no slouch and is ULEZ compatible.

Living in Bristol will sure fire limit your choices.

THe Mitsubishi hybrids are good for large families, or a petrol 5 series estate? The X2 is a decent vehicle in petrol format too im told.

Hard to see past these for your needs.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...=Petrol&page=1

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...=Petrol&page=1


Or 2019 pre-reg available for your upper budget

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Originally Posted by lenlec

Agreed. 2 customers of ours have the 330d touring and the 530d touring
I always notice the difference in sound and smoothness when driving away
The 5 is noticeably better than the 3 series

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I’ve just gone from a 3 series M-Sport to 530 M-Sport and the gap between the two cars is vast. There’s literally nothing I can moan about. It’s quick, comfy, very well spec’d, has a ton of boot space and pretty much a joy to drive. I’d take an estate out if I was you OP.

Thanks for advice. I'd not considered a 5 series but it looks really good value if you buy a year or two old.

I've got nothing against Skoda or Seat. To be honest I really like the look of the Kodiaq and Tarraco, a plus being they've got seven seats.

I'd love a year old X5 but it really isn't the sensible option. The 5 series looks great though, does anyone know what it's like to drive in terms of size, I've never driven anything that long.

Volvo Dundee had an advert on Instagram the other day for new XC60, seemed cheap to me so maybe worth a look.

*Just checked: £389 deposit and £389 per month PCP

And there was a crazy deal last week on the S90 for sub-£200pm, link was in the leasing thread

I sell JLR if you fancy an F-Pace/Epace or something from the LR range PM me

I have the 520d M Sport currently - I wouldn't knock the M Sport spec, much better seats and steering wheel, and ride not hampered by the wheels / suspension imho.

Coincidentally, my current lease ends in Feb and I'm considering doing a similar thing - buying a 2-year-old 5-series Touring. This was my first BMW (I previously had a Skoda Superb) but I've been very impressed - even in winter when with winter tyres.

If you are looking at the X3, just compare it with the current X1 for interior and boot space - they are very close
but the biggest engine you can get in the X1 is 2 Litre

I would always buy an estate over an SUV. Cheaper, more practical with small kids (they can get in themselves), and better to drive. We have an A6 black edition avant which has been brilliant, but if I had a choice I’d get a 5 series (it’s my wife’s car and she doesn’t like BMW’s for some reason I have yet to understand...).

Volvo V90 estate? Most are diesel but petrol should be available. Much better value imo

I've been doing a bit more research and I'm thinking of a 530e. As it's not a company car I'm still not sure if it makes financial sense, also I'm concerned how long the batteries will last.

The V90's a good shout, I'll have a look.

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Originally Posted by Rodder

I've been doing a bit more research and I'm thinking of a 530e. As it's not a company car I'm still not sure if it makes financial sense, also I'm concerned how long the batteries will last.

The V90's a good shout, I'll have a look.

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One of my clients had a 530e, not sure if they do a touring version. One of the drawbacks is the reduced boot size due to the batteries. I have my eyes on an e-class or 5 series touring. The car wow YouTube videos have quite good comparative reviews on aspects like space and practicality.

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Originally Posted by Rodder

The V90's a good shout, I'll have a look.

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Trust me - you really should sit inside a Volvo, the contrast between BMW/Merc is quite substantial

I wouldn’t discount a VW Passat Estate without having a good look at one.

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Originally Posted by Matt8500

I would always buy an estate over an SUV. Cheaper, more practical with small kids (they can get in themselves), and better to drive. We have an A6 black edition avant which has been brilliant, but if I had a choice I’d get a 5 series (it’s my wife’s car and she doesn’t like BMW’s for some reason I have yet to understand...).

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But oh so very, very dull. Enjoy your boredom.

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Originally Posted by Skyman

But oh so very, very dull. Enjoy your boredom.

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You are a funny little troll. I’m not remotely bored, but I was by the previous 4x4 we had.

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Originally Posted by yumma

I’d be looking at a Lexus NX300H or RX450H in that sector and price point.

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I would suggest the RX. My wife has an NX and I am not sure it's big enough for the OPs needs.

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Originally Posted by Matt8500

You are a funny little troll. I’m not remotely bored, but I was by the previous 4x4 we had.

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Please share what that was? And be honest.




Promise not to laugh.

Have a look at what discounts the pcp give, quite a few with manufacturers + dealers giving decent deposit contributions take the pcp deal then clear it in a few days with a personal loan at 2.9%



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