Eyeing up an eco-sporty motorway cruiser

[finlay666]

Well currently I'm doing 300+ miles a week to/from work (kindof closer to 400 atm) and it's costing me a fair bit in fuel, as well as having a car that is as fun to drive and as engaging as a blind man watching a game of cricket while wearing earplugs

The fact I rarely have a working handbrake is getting annoying too (the calliper keeps sticking)

So I have started putting money to one side for a new (to me) car, something with a decent engine with some grunt but still returning a decent mpg.

Currently looking at a BMW 120d/320d/330d (provided I can fit in them with leg room)

Not entirely sure about what else, thinking about another Honda Accord with the 2.2CDTi engine but not sure which would be better, the performance/economy (and to a point road tax) of the BMW engines is appealing (the 330d would cost me £5 less on road tax than my Accord now and only a bit more on insurance)

Looking around £7k tops inc trading in my 1997 Accord (Ideally £5k but that is in case the Accord goes totally), prefer a manual gearbox (just as a preference), decent spec and enjoyable to drive

Any other suggestions than BMW? Was thinking about a Saab 9-5 but apparently they are Vectra Chassis and not as fun to drive

[Guy]

You should be fine in a 3 series, I can fit and there is a fair bit of room left. Likewise the 1 series is actually not too bad room wise, had one for a few days as a courtsey car.
No 5 on the agenda?

[finlay666]

You should be fine in a 3 series, I can fit and there is a fair bit of room left. Likewise the 1 series is actually not too bad room wise, had one for a few days as a courtsey car.
No 5 on the agenda?

Is that your 3 series or the series before also?

I was thinking about it, just the economy/performance was worse than a 3 series (obviously) but the spec/price levels were very similar

wouldn't say no if a decent one came along though

[Behemoth]

I take it you've ruled out the Mondeo TDCI then ?

[finlay666]

I take it you've ruled out the Mondeo TDCI then ?

Not ruled it out, just not seen many with a good spec, not sure if they even do leather seats etc, and they are a bit slow in comparison

[jimbouk]

Old Fabia VRs? I've always had a soft spot for them, one day I'll buy one...

[Gerrard]

Not entirely sure about what else, thinking about another Honda Accord with the 2.2CDTi engine but not sure which would be better, the performance/economy (and to a point road tax) of the BMW engines is appealing (the 330d would cost me £5 less on road tax than my Accord now and only a bit more on insurance)

What about the Civic? Uses the same engine, but should be cheaper and faster. Not sure how much smaller it is for you though.

[PetrolHead]

old fabia vrs? I've always had a soft spot for them, one day i'll buy one...

+1

[finlay666]

What about the Civic? Uses the same engine, but should be cheaper and faster. Not sure how much smaller it is for you though.

In the style Dave87 has (new style with the 2.2cdti)?

If so they aren't really in budget
As in they are around 7k for ones and the spec doesn't seem amazing unless I get an ES/EX (ex being the ES + sport stuff) I do like the look of them though and the spec is fairly decent otherwise, not sure if they do full leather on the car, I think it's a class thing really

Old Fabia VRs? I've always had a soft spot for them, one day I'll buy one...

I like them, problem is the cost and standard spec level, finding one with cruise control is enough of a chore and the ones with leather seats on the newer models are up into BMW territory again

Looking at the Leon TDI in the 2l engine as it seems to have some oomph to it as well but not sure of anything else to look at

[Guy]

Is that your 3 series or the series before also?

I was thinking about it, just the economy/performance was worse than a 3 series (obviously) but the spec/price levels were very similar

wouldn't say no if a decent one came along though

Both. (Well clearly I'm fine in mine ) But yes the E46's are just as roomy.

Also you won't notice any difference in performance between a 330/530D. Likewise economy will be 1-2mpg difference max. I would rather have a 5, as usually higher speced and that bit more comfy on longer journeys.

[Zak33]

Was thinking about a Saab 9-5 but apparently they are Vectra Chassis and not as fun to drive

95 is too big for a sensible fuel consumption and performance from the diesel.. the 2.2 was old, the 1.9 150 aint man enough for that car to be "fun" and the 3.0 V6 has enough potential woes to not be worth tracking down. And it's a Cavalier chassis basis.. but it's a distant cousin at that.

What you need is a Saab 9-3 TiD 150 with a DTUK chip that takes it from 150 to 200bhp.

Look for Vector Sport and the slightly lower trim Linear Sport.

[finlay666]

What is the 9-3 chassis like? any particular model age to look at?

[Biscuit]

I have got a 120D M-Sport out the front at the moment (housemates company car but we work for the same company so i can drive it). Got some serious grunt when you need it but in normal circumstances it remains pretty civilized. Not convinced by the driving position, pedals and gearbox though! Im short and skinny and it feels a little cramped.

[Zak33]

What is the 9-3 chassis like? any particular model age to look at?

its "the vectra" but more neautral and capable.
rear axle work on the 9-3 was totally different to the Vectra, costing Saab millions more quids. It has a slight passive rear steer. In my own experience Vectra has a more twitchy front end, with steering being ovely sensitive to compensate for it's more cardboard rear axle. 9-3 is better, especially in an emergency braking/steering situ.

Having driven lots of vectra over many thousands of miles and having done even more miles in 9-3's, I can say that ESP on Vectra's cut's in much earlier than on 9-3. 9-3 is cleverer design.

04 to 06 ish plate is the first incanation and likely to be what you can afford.
07 Model Year had the new chassis and dash but original headlamps.
08my got the new look.

tbh.. they're all pretty good.

[Zak33]

besides... who makes a better seat than Saab for motorway plodding?

no one.

[DanceswithUnix]

Have you considered an LPG car?

I think this one is a tad over your price range, but you get the idea. A car that usually does 25 mpg (so it is fun!) converted to LPG to massively improve fuel costs.

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/2062973.htm

Otherwise, much though the Italian car enthusiast in me hates to admit it, I believe BMW still make the best oil burners. Alfa 147 1.9 jtdm has plenty of toys and can be found at a good price though.