Can't really take the wife and sprog out in that...

If you're considering the BMC 3er route then it would be worth looking at the Audi A4/A5 as well. IME you will struggle to get 45mpg out of a 330d if you drive it with any enthusiasm or any of the larger engined diesels for that matter.

Passat is a fine car for the money and should average 45mpg in 2.0TDI 140 or 170 guise. Golf 2.0 TDI GT would be worth a look too...

Also worth considering the Saab 9-3 - the seats are great and they are good motorway cars. May also be worth considering the Volvo C30/V40/V50... with the D5 engine.

 

True point regarding the 330D mpg... not the best.

 

RX-8. Good friends has one, I like it. Not as fast as the S, but very enjoyable drive.

330D is the sensible choice i agree, with the little one, def the saloon and not the coupe, not great access to rear from 2 door.

I would probably get the 330D, but the RX8 will keep you younger for longer.

Phil

 

Be nice

Mine is a blinged up 5 series, but I still think the 320d M-Sport is the way to go. The M-sport is not just badging as some thing on here, it has firmer suspension and if you get one with 18" option wheels looks nice. This car will easily achieve 50mpg all day long and is a great handling car, could do with more urge for over taking on B roads though.

I disagree with the comments on the Passat, I think they are very very bland and not really in the same class or rewarding to drive (covered 30K in one) in the same way a 320d is

 

and poorer longer too...

RX-8... 30mpg? closer to 20mpg, I'd expect... and then there's the depreciation and maintenance issues...

My mate had a RX-8 low powered model and it could barely outrun my ex's Golf GT (140) Diesel, used oil like it was going out of fashion and returned less the 23mpg average...

As stated above, 330d will not see 45mpg in even moderately spirited driving... you might see 45mpg on the motorway at 70-75mph...

See my post above, BMW's are fine but worth looking around at different marques too... test drive a load and then pick your favorite...

I'm not saying BMWs are bad but they're not everyone's cup of tea... For example, the 3er M-Sports I've been in, whilst they handle and grip well, have a pretty hard/jiggly ride

As I said earlier, if you consider the BMW 3er, you've probably got to consider the Audi A3/A4/A5, Merc C-Class, Saab 9-3, Volvo V40/V50/C30, Passat, Golf etc.

 

[QUOTE=GIXER1,Nov 11 2009, 05:02 PM] My son has just got a Passat 2lt TDi and having had an extended play in it I must say I'm very impressed indeed It's a very nice place to spend a couple of hours on the motorway....

And all this from a car that on his daily commute has yet to return less than 52mpg

 

IME, don't get a Bluemotion VW, they're awful (admittedly not driven a Passat Bluemotion) but the Polo and Golf were awful, for NVH, stupid gear ratios and numb handling compared to the equivalent non-Bluemotion. If you were considering a Bluemotion save your money and byuy the non-Bluemotion version...

 

I run run of these as my cruiser. Take the kids, dog, bikes and is swift frugal and reliable.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1336918.htm

 

a legacy.

 

Hi, I've been forced to do this recently too (for similar reasons)...ended up with a SEAT Leon Cupra (diesel). Bit one-dimensional in the driving sense but it's interesting enough and feels well screwed together. Economy's not bad either with >40mpg easily achievable on long runs.
Mine's a Mk1 but I'm sure you could get a Mk2 with the newer 2.0 common rail diesel lump for your budget...a few people have mentioned Golfs but don't forget Leons are pretty close to Golfs under the skin and cost less!!