Change in circumstance means a change in cars.

 

I've got two cars to trade in, approximate value £17k.

 

Looking for suggestions for something nice and/or interesting up to say £25k.

Does need to be reasonably practical and reliable. So probably newish.

Fuel and mpg doesn't matter too much if it's not mad.

 

Had considered Audi with quattro of some sort.

BMW 320d xdrive / 330d xdriv

Toyota Hilux

Mitsubushi L200

Volvo V60

 

Quickly ran out of ideas

 

Didn't like Mercs when I looked and Jags were overpriced.

Out of that list the 330d XDrive is the one I would go for, I don't have any experience of the Xdrive system but if they are still using the straight six diesel layout, I love the engine in my current car and I get 42mpg out of a 3.0 13 year old car, I can only imagine they have got a lot better!

 

What about the newer shape Kia Sorento or Hyundai Sante Fe?

Edited 16 February, 201610 yr by sigarland1987

I'd recommend a 3 series estate. A good chassis and a punchy 4 pot diesel should keep you entertained enough. For 25k you'd be able to get a next to new one. Or if you want the extra 2 cylinders, a car that is a few years old.

 

If it was me, I'd go for a 330d M-Sport estate. The saloons aren't that practical as I found out today trying to cart down some IT kit to Oxford.... my back seats don't go down!!!!

Edited 16 February, 201610 yr by Ally_bassman

I'd recommend a 3 series estate. A good chassis and a punchy 4 pot diesel should keep you entertained enough. For 25k you'd be able to get a next to new one. Or if you want the extra 2 cylinders, a car that is a few years old.

 

If it was me, I'd go for a 330d M-Sport estate. The saloons aren't that practical as I found out today trying to cart down some IT kit to Oxford.... my back seats don't go down!!!!

 

On the estate you also get the split tailgate which is a wonderful thing

Maybe have a look into Glenfords and see if they can do you a Great Deal on a Focus ST Estate if that appeals and AWD is not a necessity.

Or anything sitting at Sandeman Cars that might suit!

Superb 150 SEL 4x4, approximately £22.5k via a decent broker.

I've priced my 'ideal' car with a few options for approximately £25k.

Now i just need to win the lottery to buy it.

If fuel economy isn't a big issue why are you looking at diesel?

 

I'd be looking 328i or 335i you get more for your money and a powerfull petrol engine in a 3 series brings the chassis alive.

 

Lee

If it is a Diesel & an Estate, and AWD and Automatic, 

then you can have new or Demonstrator for much cheapness with a Seat Leon X-Perience.

 

Actually 'much cheapness' for just about any Diesel Estate from the Volkswagen Group new or nearly new.

Pre 1st March or even more so after.

If fuel economy isn't a big issue why are you looking at diesel?

 

I'd be looking 328i or 335i you get more for your money and a powerfull petrol engine in a 3 series brings the chassis alive.

 

Lee

 

They seem to be very rare.

Probably not as rare as a newish 7 series petrol that my friends currently after!

Depends exactly what you're after. If practicality is a relatively high priority, then look at a wagon. Then depends on drivetrain and if you want 4WD.

 

For something pretty exciting while being able to lug stuff about the Leon Cupra ST would take some beating in my view. Or a petrol Focus ST estate.

 

I like the 3-Series Tourings as well, so probably best going to try a few options on a test drive and see how you get on.

I'm leaning towards the 330d Xdrive even though it's over my budget. It seems to tick pretty much every box.

 

ST estate maybe worth a second look and I hadn't thought about the Seats.

 

I'm just not too keen on the looks of the current superb.

Current Leon has come on leaps and bounds quality wise, compared with the last one. And I really like the look of the wagon.

 

The Tourings are certainly a step up quality wise, and so they should be price-wise. You can get some decent deals on the larger engined models too, but you'd have to take into account your part-exchanges. Also the fact that BMW don't let dealers negotiate on CarWow. But have a look at Carfile and Orangewheels. I also have a decent dealer contact, if you want the details.

 

Just check rear space and boot as it's not the biggest lugger by any stretch - the Octy wagon trumps it easily for space to give you an idea.

There are some lovely 3 series out there:

 

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201602090874097?price-to=22500&model=3_series&keywords=x%20drive&page=1&radius=1500&body-type=estate&onesearchad=used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew&minimum-badge-engine-size=2.6&price-from=15000&postcode=AB16%206HQ&make=bmw&searchcontext=default&sort=locasc&search-target=usedcars&logcode=p

I forgot about the Leon Cupra wagon, with the performance pack on it (brembo brakes etc) it looks fantastic.

I had the 3.0tdi A4 Quattro and it was a really good car. Quite quick and I averaged low 40s mpg, it also makes a nice noise for a diesel too  it is a little 'sterile' to drive though and I put the Sport Diff on mine to help liven things up. One word of warning is, when it blew up it would have cost £7K to fix if it had been out of warranty.

I forgot about the Leon Cupra wagon, with the performance pack on it (brembo brakes etc) it looks fantastic.

 Didn't even know they made one cheers

I had the 3.0tdi A4 Quattro and it was a really good car. Quite quick and I averaged low 40s mpg, it also makes a nice noise for a diesel too  it is a little 'sterile' to drive though and I put the Sport Diff on mine to help liven things up. One word of warning is, when it blew up it would have cost £7K to fix if it had been out of warranty.

 

I was digging around for 3.0l Audis but they seem to be a bit crazy priced even compared to the beemers.

I was digging around for 3.0l Audis but they seem to be a bit crazy priced even compared to the beemers.

Perhaps they have gone up since I sold mine. I would have the Beemer over the Audi, but at the time I bought mine, the PCP on the BMW was a couple hundred pounds more expensive 'like for like'!! Have you been looking for A4s or A6s?

 

Sure Keith will be along soon with some links to prices

Edited 16 February, 201610 yr by Lady Elanore

A4 mainly.

 

I miss the 'oomph' of the VRS and the brakes.

I find the 150hp in the Accord ok but the brakes lacking.

 

Also I just have a hankering for a big lump before they all get legislated away.

 

Might get some stupid 5l+ thing to put in the garage for sunny days later.

Edited 16 February, 201610 yr by Aspman

M5 Touring!!!

I see what you mean. Had a look at prices and there are a few 2013 plates at around £25k or a little under, but nothing much until you find 2015 models at around £28k. perhaps the 2014 models are still on their PCP deals and not come back yet?  Next new Reg will probably help ('16' models)

 

Might get some stupid 5l+ thing to put in the garage for sunny days later.

 

 

Can I recommend the F150 Lighting or Harley equivalent, Pick-up. Hard to find, but the Lighting is hilariously to drive and properly quick.....in the dry......and in a straight line

...nice and/or interesting up to say £25k.

 

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201602131006316?postcode=bn213uu&radius=1500&page=4&make=tvr&sort=default&onesearchad=used&quicksearch=true&search-target=usedcars&logcode=p

 

Gaz     

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201602131006316?postcode=bn213uu&radius=1500&page=4&make=tvr&sort=default&onesearchad=used&quicksearch=true&search-target=usedcars&logcode=p

 

Gaz     

 

Friend has a yellow 500, and it is an awesome car. Trevor the TVR...