Skip advert
Advertisement

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.

Advertisement - Article continues below

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!

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £37,230Avg. savings £3,788 off RRP*Used from £15,300
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £3,576 off RRP*Used from £11,895
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £9,495
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £11,595
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

MG Cyber X will morph into a mini-Mercedes within two years
MG Cyber X design render - front

MG Cyber X will morph into a mini-Mercedes within two years

Boxy small SUV is gearing up for production, and our exclusive images show how the model might look
News
30 Aug 2025
New BMW i1 will cram big EV tech into a small package
BMW 1 Series render - front

New BMW i1 will cram big EV tech into a small package

The all-new BMW i1 will rival the all-electric Audi A3 and new Mercedes CLA when it arrives in 2027
News
28 Aug 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Racy and retro Renault 5 for only £188 a month
Renault 5 - front full width

Car Deal of the Day: Racy and retro Renault 5 for only £188 a month

The Renault 5 is taking the market by storm – and at this price it’s easy to see why. It’s our Deal of the Day for August 30
News
30 Aug 2025