BMW 1 Series v Honda Civic

rodenal

Ruby_Roo wrote: »

I asked for opinions and I got 'em - but the Prius is not remotely attractive to me. I'd like a car more economical that my Cooper S, but its not a necessity, especially not at the expense of it being pleasing to my eyes

The Kia, which someone suggested, is quite nice to look at but it would depreciate massively - far more so that my Mini, the BMW or the Honda (with the latter depreciating the most of those three).

I also thought about an Audi A3 - but there is no Audi dealer here and I can't find a garage which has one for me to test drive.

That's not really the case - if you buy the same age Ceed as you could get 1 series for your 11k you'll likely find you would lose quite a bit less in real terms over the time you own the car.

sunshinetours

Ruby_Roo wrote: »

I asked for opinions and I got 'em - but the Prius is not remotely attractive to me. I'd like a car more economical that my Cooper S, but its not a necessity, especially not at the expense of it being pleasing to my eyes

The Kia, which someone suggested, is quite nice to look at but it would depreciate massively - far more so that my Mini, the BMW or the Honda (with the latter depreciating the most of those three).

I also thought about an Audi A3 - but there is no Audi dealer here and I can't find a garage which has one for me to test drive.

As this is MSE then, you current car will be best. you know its history and you have just reinsured and taxed. mpg on your mileage will not make a huge savings on the sort of cars you are looking at. Part exing anywhere you are going to be selling at likely lowest value so taking a hit there and then paying a dealers premium on their car

Your words are that your car costs are crippling you I believe, so maybe reassess other areas of your life first and then see what car you can really afford? A newish car might be nice but its very rarely MSE (especially if any of its on finance)

penrhyn

Anyone for a Cube ?

The factory down the road from me makes a small hybrid car called an Auris.

almillar

As has been mentioned above, you're not really suited to a diesel due to your low mileage. Diesels are better suited to long runs and high mileage. Short runs will NOT get you that lovely MPG you're after, and if there is a DPF (most modern diesels) it could get clogged up if it never gets long runs.
Sounds like you could be getting a better deal on a 1 series, or at least the dealer is making it easier for you. Since you're used to a pocket rocket, I'd drive the 116i and the 118i, if the 116 doesn't feel too slow then go along with that. As above, consider the coupe if you can get it on budget - bigger boot, but less practical maybe than the hatch.

Tippytoes

(Old) joke:

What the difference between a BMW driver and a cactus?
A cactus has the pr**ks on the outside.

I own neither BMW nor Honda, but that joke still makes me smile and considering the driving habits of some BMW drivers, there may well be some truth in it!

sunshinetours

Tippytoes wrote: »

(Old) joke:

What the difference between a BMW driver and a cactus?
A cactus has the pr**ks on the outside.

I own neither BMW nor Honda, but that joke still makes me smile and considering the driving habits of some BMW drivers, there may well be some truth in it!

Do you ever get invited back to places after the first time.....?

Ruby_Roo

sunshinetours wrote: »

Your words are that your car costs are crippling you I believe, so maybe reassess other areas of your life first and then see what car you can really afford? A newish car might be nice but its very rarely MSE (especially if any of its on finance)

I said they'd aren't crippling but as we're wanting to change anyway, something more economical would be preferred. We just need something a bit bigger than a Mini, as this is our main car.

sunshinetours

My apologies you did indeed.

Hotspur

As you're looking at the A3 then try the latest version of the VW Golf, best small car IMHO having run mine for 3 years and 34k; quiet, economical (60mpg achieved) , practical and reasonable to look at. My 2.0 TDi is ready for a change and I'd get another. With your number of miles then a petrol would probably be a better option.

C_Mababejive

Sgt_Pepper wrote: »

Strange short list.

Yes i agree...Oh how i wish i lived in sunnier climes because then there would be only one choice..!