BMW 320d
Previous-generation 3 is a sound buy, with its great image and solid cabin. Look under bonnet for signs of leaks from steering.
Now this is a big improvement. The blue propeller is way ahead of the Volvo for badge appeal – but less than half the price!
I found this 64,000-mile 2004 320d ES automatic on the forecourt at Available Car, priced at £8,500. It’s a couple of years older than the XC90, but that gives you an excuse to haggle! I reckon I could get it for under £8k – especially as it was replaced by the current E90 3-Series in 2005, which makes it even cheaper.
For that you get prestige, comfort and lots of goodies. Plus, there’s strong 40.9mpg economy, 150bhp of power and a 0-60mph time of 8.8 seconds. Watch out for turbo wear on hard-driven cars and have a good butcher’s at the power-steering fluid – the system is renowned for leaking.
An equivalent manual 320d diesel is well worth a look, as you’ll return an extra 10.5mpg on average. Factor in a 440-litre boot and you’ve got the ultimate blend of luxury, practicality and budget-busting economy!
