New 'Power Daily' Purchase Help - £12k Budget

[wutang200]

Right guys, I'm in the market for a new daily to replace my boring ass Mondeo 2.0 TDCi but can't decide on what to get. Just need some opinions from those of you that have owned some of the ones I'm considering would be great. I commute to Manchester to work and back every day so need something comfy but powerful.

Requirements
-has to be a diesel
-has to be 3 litres
-has to be a saloon

Contenders
2009+ BMW 330d SE (facelift shape)
2009+ BMW 530d SE
2008+ Audi A4 3.0 V6 TDi S Line

Can't think of any others that I like. Anyone ever owned one of the above cars that can chime in on what they're like to drive?

I've already test driven the Audi which was quite nice but steering feel wasn't the best (minor annoyance).

[R3K1355]

330D, job done

[sparky_s13]

335d?

Twin Turbo and stupid power when tuned.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-3-Seri...AAAOSwT~9Wl5U1

[Quail]

The BMWs will handle much nicer than the Audi. Saying that, the A4 is still lovely place to be and a bit rarer than the equivalent 3 series.

To be honest, those three are all fantastic cars. I'd test them all and make a decision with your gut.

I'd also be looking at Approved dealer cars with warranty.

[Evilchap]

I'd be looking at the 5s. They're that bit bigger, which makes them comfier and they're still a nice drive. You'll get a nice one with that budget too!

[-ghost-]

Except foor decent engines strongly dont like bmws. Inside they are terrible and souless. Even fiat put better tech in there cars.

id probs go with a e class again pretty souless id go for the 2.2 but quicker version of it.

A fast diesel is a bit like a long distance relationship with hot model grate till you want rag it.

[Quail]

Except foor decent engines strongly dont like bmws. Inside they are terrible and souless. Even fiat put better tech in there cars.

id probs go with a e class again pretty souless id go for the 2.2 but quicker version of it.

A fast diesel is a bit like a long distance relationship with hot model grate till you want rag it.

Disagree on all points

[Mark]

Disagree on all points

Me too

530d or 535d would get my vote if you are looking at the Germans but i would go buy a XF

[redlinezak]

Jag XFS - had one and was a very nice place to be although didn't hold its value well so don't pay top money for it.

[Chriscooke]

I've never owned any of them but...

If you are tall the 5 series is a far better option than the 3 or a4 with regards to cabin room and rear seat leg room. I'd look at the avant/touring/estate version of each as it's more practical and looks better Imo.

[MEL]

Jag xf - interior pisses all over everything mentioned so far. Soooooo comfortable. All round lovely cars.

[Jezz_S13]

Jag xf - interior pisses all over everything mentioned so far. Soooooo comfortable. All round lovely cars.

Yeah I'd agree, I think I'm on the verge of a XF S purchase.

[Si]

The diesel 3l XFSs are bloody wonderful things.

[wutang200]

Sorry chaps, I feel like I'm still a little too young for the Jag which is why it's not on my radar.

I'd love the 535d but feel like the F10 shape will be out of my budget. 335d should be do-able.

[Mark]

Sorry chaps, I feel like I'm still a little too young for the Jag which is why it's not on my radar.

I'd love the 535d but feel like the F10 shape will be out of my budget. 335d should be do-able.

See now thats a stereotype thats keeping you from buying the best car and if thats the only reason you wont get one then you are a fool.

[DLowe]

The jag xf is far superior to the 5 series in every way from the experience I've had of them through the company cars at work. ..

But then that's a good thing, like with volvo and their image problem, it makes the better cars cheaper for me in the second hand market

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

[Scottie]

What sort of budget have you got? That might help people suggest some alternatives.

I'd also look at Merc's.

[Jezz_S13]

What sort of budget have you got? That might help people suggest some alternatives.

I'd also look at Merc's.

Which Mercs would be work looking at?

[munkul]

the Jag XF is better than the e60 5 series in EVERY WAY, i should know cos I have had both I'm 26 and age should not be an issue, it's the first truly NICE jag to be made for years. And it's a fecking bargain s/h.

The f10 doesn't appear to be much better.

The only problem with the XF (and I do mean ONLY) is that the rear legroom is not great for the size of car - similar to 3 series, although the overall size is closer to 5 series.

Get a 3.0D with a few tasty extras (keyless entry, B&W/Meridian sound system, premium lux spec) and love daily life forever mine still feels special every single time i get into it, and that's 6 months later.

(I have the 4.2 V8, which helps)

[wutang200]

Nice!

Hmm I'll have to think about it then. I just feel like it's more of a pipe and slippers car as I know quite a few of my mates Dad's that own them lol

I've increased my budget to £15k now and the F10 is currently the top contender.

260bhp, 0-60 in 6 secs, FULLY loaded, 54mpg combined, 45mpg around town, £130 tax! Currently the fastest of the bunch and most fuel efficient if you exclude the 335d.