BMW 3 Series, BMW 1 Seies, Sabb 9-3 or a Golf?

K

kernel-debugger

Member
 Leeds, West Yorkshire
BMW 3 Series, BMW 1 Seies, Sabb 9-3 or a Golf?

I have a Z4 3.0si but want to change my everyday car (VW Golf TDI) for something different......narrowed it down to the four above but just wondered if anyone had any plus or minus points of any? I would love the BMW 1 Series but it seems to be expensive as a used car option for what you get with high milages. The Saab comes very well equipped but hear very little about them? Of course I considered the usual VW Golf, Audi A3 but quite frankly find them both a bit....well boring. The 3 Seies is a sensible choice but hard to find with the right wheels and mix of extra's where as most 1 Series are about spot on. I have loooked at the Mercedes 220 too but after owning an A-Class (Wives) and getting constantly robbed on parts and servicing would rather avoid Mercedes.

So has anyone got a car to recommened or a point to warn me about?

Something well equipped, most likely diesel, comfortable, nice ride, between £8,000 - £12,000 & 2-4 years old?
 
9-3 is a vectra with a different body if I recall. Dont know much else about them.

I have driven a couple of 1 series as courtesy cars - nice but I would probably get a slightly older 3 series if it were my money - much roomier, more comfortable, quieter and more refined.

Test drove a couple of A3s when looking for a new car for my dad - highly disappointing having driven A4's/A5s etc - nothing special at all - and personally I think the new golf looks much nicer, especially if you can get one in gt/sport guise. The VW/audi turbo petrol engines look very impressive - punchy, quite and refined and less to go wrong than with a diesel and are also near enough as efficient in addition to being cheaper to buy - may be worth considering as an alternative?
 
1-Series are imo pretty bland to look at. But I borrowed one off a mate for a week and it was really fun to drive. Comfortable too for motorway crusing. All round excellent car tbh.
 
JamesCB said:
1-Series are imo pretty bland to look at. But I borrowed one off a mate for a week and it was really fun to drive. Comfortable too for motorway crusing. All round excellent car tbh.
Click to expand...
Msport version livens up the looks and agree completely with comments about the dynamics great cars
 
imo the 1 series is overpriced for what it is.

Also prob has the smallest boot out of the 4.

Personally i'd go with a 320d.
 
wegras said:
JamesCB said:
1-Series are imo pretty bland to look at. But I borrowed one off a mate for a week and it was really fun to drive. Comfortable too for motorway crusing. All round excellent car tbh.
Click to expand...
Msport version livens up the looks and agree completely with comments about the dynamics great cars
Click to expand...

X2

MSport in white look stunning IMO.
 
Looks like its a 3 Series BMW then. Just been on what car which slates the Saab and yes it is a Vauxhall Vectra in disguise. Disappointing as they were very, very well equipped for the money.

Soruled out are ...
Golf, replacing one and they are as interesting to drive as a shackleton high chair.
A3, ruled out as they are very bland, although excellently built
Saab, because it is actually a Vauxhall Vectra in disguise.
BMW 1 Seies, as a BMW 3 Series makes more sense.
Mercedes generally, because they always play Stand & Deliver by the Adam & The Ants whilst you pay for servicing.
Mini, because basically like Mechano you are forever putting it back together and tightening bits back up again.



I just wish I could have another Z4, perhaps a 2.0 to argue my case for running costs with the wife. Another 3.0 is out of the question! :? Apparenelty we must have 4 seats for our second car so she can pick her younger brother and mum up to bring them round for tea. Sounds like a good idea to only have 2 seats in that case but hey ho...

Anyone else has any suggestions I would welcome your comments & recommendations. At least whilst I browse looking for a BMW 3 Series with just the right mix of extras, colour and alloys....... :cry:
 
You dont want an M Sport 1 (or 3) series if you want a comfy ride. Try an SE, they are much cheaper too.

I basically got an 118d SE + sports seats, USB, xenons, logic 7 hi fi, upgraded upholstery and 17" alloys for the price of a 118d M Sport when I chose the SE because the ride was nicer. You also get a wider range of colours in the SE range.

The 1 series really are great fun to drive, but the 3 series are more refined.

I would go for a 320d or 120d. The Mini is very small (even compared to the one series)

http://www.autoquake.com/used-bmw-1-series/120d-se-2dr-diesel-manual/inspid=29666 - 120d SE coupe £12k
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom