Possible Car Change Time (NLC)

Doc883 · Post by **Doc883** » Fri Jul 26, 2013 12:14 pm

Currently have a 2012 Audi S3 Sportback as weekend/occasional use and a 2002 Audi A4 Avant 1.9tdi as my workhorse (101k miles). I am looking at a 13 reg BMW 320d M Sport Xdrive (ex demonstrator) as a possible replacement for both cars. It's a good spec, 4wd with a rear bias and 55mpg combined with low annual road tax. The S3 does just over 30mpg on a good day. With 184bhp the Beemer will be as quick, if not quicker, than the S3 in 'normal' driving and a far better steer and probably all I 'll ever need in a car (need to transport bikes and dog and 2 kids). Am I barking up the wrong tree

jj · Post by jj » Fri Jul 26, 2013 12:20 pm

Just buy one blind from a dealer down south and the return it if you don't like it?

Doc883 · Post by **Doc883** » Fri Jul 26, 2013 1:00 pm

jj wrote:Just buy one blind from a dealer down south and the return it if you don't like it?

There's an option, never considered that

Dark · Post by **Dark** » Fri Jul 26, 2013 1:30 pm

Bikes, dogs & 2 kids will be a tight squeeze in a 3-series - I looked at them before choosing the Legacy.

The 3-series was certainly a nice drive but it didn't have the space for my needs; very cramped back seats, poor access into a small boot, etc.

The Legacy does 40-45mpg around town and 45-50mpg on a careful motorway run. Lots of space in the back and handles like a heavy Impreza!

Other options are obviously available, Campbell will be along with the Skoda shortly....

Mike Scib · Post by **Mike Scib** » Fri Jul 26, 2013 2:08 pm

Dark wrote:Bikes, dogs & 2 kids will be a tight squeeze in a 3-series

I agree! Can be done however

Doc883 · Post by **Doc883** » Fri Jul 26, 2013 2:19 pm

Dark wrote:Bikes, dogs & 2 kids will be a tight squeeze in a 3-series - I looked at them before choosing the Legacy.
The 3-series was certainly a nice drive but it didn't have the space for my needs; very cramped back seats, poor access into a small boot, etc.
The Legacy does 40-45mpg around town and 45-50mpg on a careful motorway run. Lots of space in the back and handles like a heavy Impreza!
Other options are obviously available, Campbell will be along with the Skoda shortly....

Should have mentioned wife has an S-Max so if we ever have to haul the kitchen sink that will remain the weapon of choice

DDtB · Post by **DDtB** » Fri Jul 26, 2013 4:19 pm

When I was a kid my mum managed 3 kids, a dog and kit in a metro.... Yet my friends these days need a mini bus plus trailer for 1 toddler.....

Personally I think a 13 plate 3 series is quite a big car. Bigger than the e90 I had and it wasn't small.

Meh.. I've got no kids though so what do I know?!?!

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Mike Scib · Post by **Mike Scib** » Fri Jul 26, 2013 4:27 pm

DDtB wrote:When I was a kid my mum managed 3 kids, a dog and kit in a metro....

Triumph Stag for me and my brother

DDtB · Post by **DDtB** » Fri Jul 26, 2013 4:45 pm

Stag?!? Your mum sounds way cooler than mine!!

Lol

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Mike Scib · Post by **Mike Scib** » Fri Jul 26, 2013 6:02 pm

We only had one car so it was my dads really lol

DDtB · Post by **DDtB** » Fri Jul 26, 2013 7:11 pm

Must remember to turn that Tapatalk sig off. Most annoying!!!

BiggestNizzy · Post by **BiggestNizzy** » Fri Jul 26, 2013 9:34 pm

Metro's are cool.

Doc883 · Post by **Doc883** » Sun Jul 28, 2013 10:38 am

Eastern BMW (Newbridge) had an Open Day yesterday with test drives, hog roast, ice-cream, bouncy castle, beer & wine (for you passengers), face painting etc. Probably the 1st time where I have dragged the family along to a garage where they actually enjoyed it

If Carlsberg did Car Showrooms

A few tasty motors available to test drive including a rather Blue M6 and a nice M135i. I test drove a manual 320d X Drive which was a nice steer although the diesel engine did seem rather noisy and un-refined, is that normal for an ultra modern diesel engine

They didn't have a Tourer available with the 8 spd Auto which is the one I'm interested in as it was away at another car show so have requested a test drive in that for next weekend hopefully.

Mike Scib · Post by **Mike Scib** » Sun Jul 28, 2013 11:32 am

Doc883 wrote: I test drove a manual 320d X Drive which was a nice steer although the diesel engine did seem rather noisy and un-refined, is that normal for an ultra modern diesel engine .

Yeah my 177bhp is a little rough on idle I have noticed. Fine once on the move however.

Andy G · Post by **Andy G** » Mon Jul 29, 2013 7:53 pm

Have to say i drove a new 320D the other week after my flight was cancelled from LHR, leaving me with no option but to hire.

I was really impressed with it. It may not have all the toys that the 6 series has, but then its not stupid money to buy.

Superb for that sort of trek, and genuinely did 410 miles on a tank with me flogging it (was at Edi in 4.5 hours to my shock)

Highly impressed with how far it had come, and the go it had was surprising. Along an empty A702 it would go as fast as you'd want it to, and faster than your license might like.

Was very tempted by a 335d Msport Xdrive but the waiting list made a 640D MSport Coupe (a totally un-practical option) a better choice, although the feedback from Mrs G means the next BM won't be another 6 series as its "too small". I have reminded her its not her car, but that doesnt seem to matter...........

Scottish Elises