Hi, First post here. I'll probably post a similar enquiry in a couple of other UK car forums too.
Over the next few months (certainly by April when its road tax expires) I must reluctantly replace my 1996 N-reg BMW 328i SE Auto. I bought it s/h in 1999 for £14k and it's still driving sweetly after its 109,000 miles. But I'm now keen to get four-wheel drive, as I'm fed up with being stuck on our estate side roads after the first inch of snow. And that apart, I'd like the extra stability when driving relatively briskly.
I've not been searching long (mainly AutoTrader) but so far haven't found a model that ticks all my boxes, so would much appreciate advice please. Here's a list of my requirements. It's not comprehensive (many things can be taken for granted) but hopefully it will be a basis for recommendations please:
1. Used, very good to excellent condition. I want to pay £18k - £22k.
2. Petrol engine with 6 or more cylinders. My mileage is low (I'm retired, so no daily commuting). I'm tempted by the many modern four-cylinder models with more than my 328's 192 bhp, but the quiet smoothness of my six is one of its pleasures.
3. Similar or better performance. (I think my 328 takes about 7.5 s for 0-62.) I've driven fastish cars for the last 45 years (last was Peugot 205 GTi 1.9), so although safety is now featuring more largely in my thoughts, I still value fast acceleration.
4. Automatic transmission.
5. Four wheel drive.
6. Sunroof. Yes, that's one that filters out many of the possibles! But I have grown to value that feature over the decades and although it's not *quite* a show-stopper, it would be a big factor.
7. Generous carrying capacity for trips to the tip or garden centre or holiday luggage for the two of us. (And that sunroof has often made a contribution, such as yesterday when buying an aluminium step-ladder.)
8. Adustable suspension options. I suppose like most drivers I want a comfortable (pot-hole absorbing) ride yet also want tightness and an agile steering wheel response. I gather modern cars seem to offer switchable modes to meet these.
9. Fully equipped cabin.
10. Spare tyre? Most of the cars I've seen so far seem to be these low profile types and I gather they're designed to either 'run flat'? Also, am I right that this means a harder ride ? Anyway, ideally I'd like the reassurance of being able to change a tyre if I had to.
11. Body type could be any if it meets the above. I'd prefer the high driving position offered by an SUV or 'cross-over', but their sheer size bothers me a bit. Nevertheless I'm tempted by models such as the BMW X6, for example.
Any and all comments and recommendations would be warmly appreciated please.
--
Terry, East Grinstead, UK
Over the next few months (certainly by April when its road tax expires) I must reluctantly replace my 1996 N-reg BMW 328i SE Auto. I bought it s/h in 1999 for £14k and it's still driving sweetly after its 109,000 miles. But I'm now keen to get four-wheel drive, as I'm fed up with being stuck on our estate side roads after the first inch of snow. And that apart, I'd like the extra stability when driving relatively briskly.
I've not been searching long (mainly AutoTrader) but so far haven't found a model that ticks all my boxes, so would much appreciate advice please. Here's a list of my requirements. It's not comprehensive (many things can be taken for granted) but hopefully it will be a basis for recommendations please:
1. Used, very good to excellent condition. I want to pay £18k - £22k.
2. Petrol engine with 6 or more cylinders. My mileage is low (I'm retired, so no daily commuting). I'm tempted by the many modern four-cylinder models with more than my 328's 192 bhp, but the quiet smoothness of my six is one of its pleasures.
3. Similar or better performance. (I think my 328 takes about 7.5 s for 0-62.) I've driven fastish cars for the last 45 years (last was Peugot 205 GTi 1.9), so although safety is now featuring more largely in my thoughts, I still value fast acceleration.
4. Automatic transmission.
5. Four wheel drive.
6. Sunroof. Yes, that's one that filters out many of the possibles! But I have grown to value that feature over the decades and although it's not *quite* a show-stopper, it would be a big factor.
7. Generous carrying capacity for trips to the tip or garden centre or holiday luggage for the two of us. (And that sunroof has often made a contribution, such as yesterday when buying an aluminium step-ladder.)
8. Adustable suspension options. I suppose like most drivers I want a comfortable (pot-hole absorbing) ride yet also want tightness and an agile steering wheel response. I gather modern cars seem to offer switchable modes to meet these.
9. Fully equipped cabin.
10. Spare tyre? Most of the cars I've seen so far seem to be these low profile types and I gather they're designed to either 'run flat'? Also, am I right that this means a harder ride ? Anyway, ideally I'd like the reassurance of being able to change a tyre if I had to.
11. Body type could be any if it meets the above. I'd prefer the high driving position offered by an SUV or 'cross-over', but their sheer size bothers me a bit. Nevertheless I'm tempted by models such as the BMW X6, for example.
Any and all comments and recommendations would be warmly appreciated please.
--
Terry, East Grinstead, UK
