What automatic estate to buy?

JoeyEmma

Reading up on kia, the 7 year warranty started on cars registered 1st jan 2010. That car was registered in 2009 so only has a bit left in the warranty. And yes, I'm in Manchester and that car is in London

getmore4less

bodgerx wrote: »

Although not a driver's car the Kia Cee'd is a great vehicle. Loads of room for its size and very reliable. My brother as a 2007 and its been perfect for him:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201212154627841/

Very cramped drivers footwell wheel arch intrudes too much, difficult to get comfortable

steve-L

The BMW tourer is as has been previously pointed out quite small interior space....

However, you also need to take into account split rear seat is an OPTION (If I remember correctly)....

Your preference for the BMW however is just that.... and you can shop around and find one with rear split seats.... if you need that!
(Hint, useful if you need more space and CHILD SEAT....)

I'll just give you personal experience! I own a Honda Accord Estate 2.2TDCI and BMW 330D saloon.

1) Car parts are less expensive than labour..... its cheaper to replace the huge clutch on the 330 (Rear wheel drive) than the Honda.... because the Honda is way more labour... even though the clutch is cheaper....
(Your local indy garage charges by the hour not by make)

2) Honda interior loadspace is HUGE.... It almost feels like I could stick in a ramp and put the 330 in the boot! OK, not quite but it is HUGE and very practical... when you clip the split rears everything folds up like it was designed by a japanese origami expert.
The Honda has just short of 180k !!!! Its cost a brake caliper (other than replaceable) over 25k we owned it and will require a clutch and possibly DMF in the next 3k... (Total cost £1000).... or negotiated with Honda I got it to 1300 from a genuine Honda garage! (They started at 2000 for the clutch and DMF and I got them down to 1300). other than that the turbo needed cleaning at 175k (just accumulated gunk, cost 300 or less and performed brilliantly since)

Its worth it because the car is otherwise near perfect to drive (if lacking excitement)
Its manual btw....gets similar figures to the Mondy for MPG.... leather interior is very practical (kids, bikes etc.)

The 330D is a hugely different beast.... it gets similar mixed driving MPG but actually gets better at 70mph than the Mondy or Honda when driven economically.... I have had an extreme trip where I got 65mpg from Poole to Woking! (Long story but not wanting to stop with sleeping child and empty tank)

I have done 10k (56 plate) since buying for 6,000 (originally 112k which is just worn in for the 3L diesel) .... Oil service is a bit more (it takes a of of oil but that was £130, pollen filter service I did myself for £20 (5 minutes no special tools or skill required) otherwise it would have cost £40

However: I still smile EVERYTIME I get in the BMW.... I'm not sure what that is worth in ££££ but I quite honestly love the car....

I wanted a estate/tourer and when I bought the saloon I just missed a 330D 56 plate tourer (fully loaded company sec car) with about 90k for £7500.
I wanted a manual but there are probably more auto's....

Personally I am 100% pleased I got the 330D not 320D or 320i etc.
The car just drives so nice... feels like it is built for the driver to drive and quite honestly a real pleasure.

Mine came with a Stage 1 remap (about £300) that increased power from 236 BHP to 275BHP.... so I didn't drive the factory one...


p.s. Saab 9-3 or 9-5 are both pretty good value.
p.p.s. Rover 75 .... only problem I had was they only did the 2.0D.... otherwise I think they are outstanding value for money....

Obviously the reason Saab and Rover are such good value is they went out of business but I don't think that is really a major concern... plenty of parts are available when you actually look!

bodgerx

JoeyEmma wrote: »

Reading up on kia, the 7 year warranty started on cars registered 1st jan 2010. That car was registered in 2009 so only has a bit left in the warranty. And yes, I'm in Manchester and that car is in London

I didn't really factor in the warranty. At your budget you are pretty much looking at cars out of warranty anyway, so anything is a bonus.

There are plenty of them around - I didn't really pay attention to location, it was just to give an idea.

bodgerx

steve-L wrote: »

The BMW tourer is as has been previously pointed out quite small interior space....

However, you also need to take into account split rear seat is an OPTION (If I remember correctly)....

Your preference for the BMW however is just that.... and you can shop around and find one with rear split seats.... if you need that!
(Hint, useful if you need more space and CHILD SEAT....)

I'll just give you personal experience! I own a Honda Accord Estate 2.2TDCI and BMW 330D saloon.

1) Car parts are less expensive than labour..... its cheaper to replace the huge clutch on the 330 (Rear wheel drive) than the Honda.... because the Honda is way more labour... even though the clutch is cheaper....
(Your local indy garage charges by the hour not by make)

2) Honda interior loadspace is HUGE.... It almost feels like I could stick in a ramp and put the 330 in the boot! OK, not quite but it is HUGE and very practical... when you clip the split rears everything folds up like it was designed by a japanese origami expert.
The Honda has just short of 180k !!!! Its cost a brake caliper (other than replaceable) over 25k we owned it and will require a clutch and possibly DMF in the next 3k... (Total cost £1000).... or negotiated with Honda I got it to 1300 from a genuine Honda garage! (They started at 2000 for the clutch and DMF and I got them down to 1300). other than that the turbo needed cleaning at 175k (just accumulated gunk, cost 300 or less and performed brilliantly since)

Its worth it because the car is otherwise near perfect to drive (if lacking excitement)
Its manual btw....gets similar figures to the Mondy for MPG.... leather interior is very practical (kids, bikes etc.)

The 330D is a hugely different beast.... it gets similar mixed driving MPG but actually gets better at 70mph than the Mondy or Honda when driven economically.... I have had an extreme trip where I got 65mpg from Poole to Woking! (Long story but not wanting to stop with sleeping child and empty tank)

I have done 10k (56 plate) since buying for 6,000 (originally 112k which is just worn in for the 3L diesel) .... Oil service is a bit more (it takes a of of oil but that was £130, pollen filter service I did myself for £20 (5 minutes no special tools or skill required) otherwise it would have cost £40

However: I still smile EVERYTIME I get in the BMW.... I'm not sure what that is worth in ££££ but I quite honestly love the car....

I wanted a estate/tourer and when I bought the saloon I just missed a 330D 56 plate tourer (fully loaded company sec car) with about 90k for £7500.
I wanted a manual but there are probably more auto's....

Personally I am 100% pleased I got the 330D not 320D or 320i etc.
The car just drives so nice... feels like it is built for the driver to drive and quite honestly a real pleasure.

Mine came with a Stage 1 remap (about £300) that increased power from 236 BHP to 275BHP.... so I didn't drive the factory one...


p.s. Saab 9-3 or 9-5 are both pretty good value.
p.p.s. Rover 75 .... only problem I had was they only did the 2.0D.... otherwise I think they are outstanding value for money....

Obviously the reason Saab and Rover are such good value is they went out of business but I don't think that is really a major concern... plenty of parts are available when you actually look!

Having owned a 2008 Efficient Dynamics 3 Series tourer, I was very underwhelmed.

Over-boosted electric numb steering, ridiculously hard ride on the run-flats and pretty tight rear leg room in the back for an estate car of any type. Miserly levels of equipment for the money. Great engines though - when they aren't broke. It always tickles me the fact that they drink oil though - the local dealer always told me it was because it was a 'highly engineered piece of equipment'. If that's the case why does they drink oil? That's the sign of an old engine. My Civic 1.8 i-VTEC uses no oil at all between services.

Coveredinbees!!!!

We have a cee'd auto estate and it's not cramped at all as previously stated but if an i30 is to small the Cee'd will be too as it's basically the same car. It's fairly boring to drive but it's a family car not a hot hatch.

oliverr

In the Manchester area...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201301034773098/sort/default/usedcars/maximum-age/up_to_7_years_old/maximum-mileage/up_to_60000_miles/price-to/9000/fuel-type/diesel/body-type/estate/transmission/automatic/model/ceed/make/kia/onesearchad/used/onesearchad/nearlynew/onesearchad/new/page/1/postcode/m23dw/radius/40?logcode=p

Others on here seem to think it's alright, seems good value for money.

steve-L

bodgerx wrote: »

Having owned a 2008 Efficient Dynamics 3 Series tourer, I was very underwhelmed.

Over-boosted electric numb steering, ridiculously hard ride on the run-flats and pretty tight rear leg room in the back for an estate car of any type. Miserly levels of equipment for the money. Great engines though - when they aren't broke. It always tickles me the fact that they drink oil though - the local dealer always told me it was because it was a 'highly engineered piece of equipment'. If that's the case why does they drink oil? That's the sign of an old engine. My Civic 1.8 i-VTEC uses no oil at all between services.

Perhaps the answer in that is in the Efficient Dynamics part?
The 320 ED is just a 316D with some extra electronics thrown in.
Same engine..... as the 320D, 318D and 316D.

Just like the 325D, 330D and 335D all share the same engine just detuned to the 325 and with an extra turbo on the 335

The 2nd hand price isn't THAT affected by the levels of equipment, especially by the OP's budget range.

However, I'd really say try for the 330D because that is THE engine from the range. (Well the 335D is great but commands a HEFTY premium even at that age and 2nd hand).

Now to be fair I haven't driven the un-modifed 330D.... as the one I bought already had a stage -1 remap taking the power up to 275 bhp and the Torque through the roof.... I would really like to compare but.... I had thought I'd buy then remap and the one I found had a remap (£300).

The engine to buy is the 2006 version of the 3.0D .. not early 2005.. try for something other than the standard SE wheels if you want to really run asymmetric (8.5J or 9J on the rear axle) as the SE comes with the cheapest option being 17" x 8J all round.

Mine came with Runflats already removed..... again, saved me doing it....

Prior to the Honda I had a 200 BHP 306 GTI-6 (turbo fitted and new valves)... and I have to say the 330D feels exciting (when you pump the gas yet get easily OVER double the MPG)....

I spent £600 changing the interior (ebay) as it came with non sports seats... and the non sport seats really don't belong in any BMW... they really are poor! This however gave me the chance to upgrade (with the £600 to sports seats and leather all round).... so total price was £6,600 though I must pick up my seats and sell them (for maybe 150 to recover some of the cost)

bodgerx

steve-L wrote: »

Perhaps the answer in that is in the Efficient Dynamics part?
The 320 ED is just a 316D with some extra electronics thrown in.
Same engine..... as the 320D, 318D and 316D.

Just like the 325D, 330D and 335D all share the same engine just detuned to the 325 and with an extra turbo on the 335

The 2nd hand price isn't THAT affected by the levels of equipment, especially by the OP's budget range.

However, I'd really say try for the 330D because that is THE engine from the range. (Well the 335D is great but commands a HEFTY premium even at that age and 2nd hand).

Now to be fair I haven't driven the un-modifed 330D.... as the one I bought already had a stage -1 remap taking the power up to 275 bhp and the Torque through the roof.... I would really like to compare but.... I had thought I'd buy then remap and the one I found had a remap (£300).

The engine to buy is the 2006 version of the 3.0D .. not early 2005.. try for something other than the standard SE wheels if you want to really run asymmetric (8.5J or 9J on the rear axle) as the SE comes with the cheapest option being 17" x 8J all round.

Mine came with Runflats already removed..... again, saved me doing it....

Prior to the Honda I had a 200 BHP 306 GTI-6 (turbo fitted and new valves)... and I have to say the 330D feels exciting (when you pump the gas yet get easily OVER double the MPG)....

I spent £600 changing the interior (ebay) as it came with non sports seats... and the non sport seats really don't belong in any BMW... they really are poor! This however gave me the chance to upgrade (with the £600 to sports seats and leather all round).... so total price was £6,600 though I must pick up my seats and sell them (for maybe 150 to recover some of the cost)

It was the 318i with the direct injection petrol that almost sounds like a diesel the injectors are so clacky.

Although prices at this age of car are maybe not affected so much by trim level, stripper models are tough to sell. Nobody wants a poverty spec lux brand.

I'm sure the the 3.0 six cylinder diesel is a peach of an engine. But, BMW reliability and running costs on a large and over complicated german engine would send me running a mile, out of warranty, I'm afraid. Each to their own

gord115

BigMan wrote: »

Definately a ŠKODA Octavia Estate.

As for the cambelt & DSG issues, most ŠKODA dealers will do a cambelt & water pump for £369 and a DSG change for £100-£150.

I agree,go for the 1.9tdi and if the oil is changed every year,it will run for ever....