Hi all,

I am thinking about changing the Fabia vRS SE for something bigger. Kids and shopping = very full car so thinking of something bigger.

Current thoughts:

1. Skoda Octy vRS

2. BMW 3 Series

3. Merc C-Class

4. Audi A4

Anyone got any thoughts or comments?

Out of those 4, I would go for the octy, but the estate version.

A4 isn't much bigger than the vRS,

The BM would probably be OK but for the stereotypical driving habits of most owners and the reaction from other drivers,

The Merc would do the job in estate form and is a lovely car but the octy estate would be better value for money.

I have never been a great fan of Estates to be honest - have been looking at a few though. Was kind of hoping to get away with a saloon having a bigger boot.

I'd be torn between the Octy Estate and the BMW 3 Series. The Skoda is a great car but the BMW has that lovely balanced RWD handling.

Have a look at this website... http://m.usedcarexpert.co.uk/

It gives the boot capacity for most cars.

The octy is not that much smaller than the merc

Octy's a hatch not saloon.

Of thinking of a bm you should only look at a 330d as the engine is bulletproof, the 320 give probs. my dad has a estate octy vrs, loves it, I love it too! Looks so different gets alot of looks with the blue. Boot is MASSIVE! Out the kids in it too lol

Edited 28 March, 201214 yr by wilsy7

Have you not thought of the Fabia vRS Estate (new one) miles more space than a 3 series touring and cheaper... I fit the dog and weekly shopping in mine no problems!

Saloon/hatch you get the idea!

Not keen on the new fabia DSG box and petrol though hence not looked at it as an option.

Will have a look at that link thanks

i had a 2008 bmw 3 series before the octy, nothing but bother mate, honestly, ECU went bang took the MAF sensor with it and half the engine electronics. Was with BMW for 3 weeks getting fixed, luckily under warranty but still. Also had an annoying habbit of telling me i had a flat tyre every so often when it was fine, something to do with the runflats. BMW assistance were a nightmare, if it wasnt for one lassie in the dealership being a gem i would have never got the car back !! Apart from that no one will ever let you out of a junction. Also.....winter driving a mission and a half, spend 2 and a half months in the drive and i used the wifes Suzuki Jimny !!

Edited 28 March, 201214 yr by Graeme B

You're not an estate man? lol

Example of a pimp estate - RS4 Avant is miles better looking than the saloon...

3 series looks a bit meh unless it has the M-Sport kit and so does the Mercedes unless the AMG kit is on it.

I love 3 series estates!!

And as for reliability its like any car!

Our x5 has been completely bombproof! All its needed in the last 4 years is tyres! Cheap motoring that!

Edited 28 March, 201214 yr by BigJase88

Lots to think about. I suspose everyone will have good/bad stories about each.

just to put one in from left field, my mates dad has a Mazda 6, 2.5L petrol, lovely car, one of the nicest interiors i have seen in a while, expecially compared to BMW mid range models. He cant fault the car.

Not thought about a Mazda actually. Will look in to one. 2.5l petrol must be a bit thirsty though?

Depending on what your budget is, this will decide which car you can get.

My guess would be that you could get a lot newer Octy with less miles on that the others, with the Audi / BMW next, followed in last place by the Merc.

I personally would look at my money, & see what can offer me the newest car with lowest miles, and running costs, specially given that in August fuel will go up 3p per litre.

A Mercedes would be last on my list unless i was paid a 6 figure salary, as the dealer service costs are stupidly expensive ( SWMBO had a SMART & these were serviced by Mercedes).

And most important- Drive one first