All,

I currently own and have done since new a 02 Sti with PPP.

I now drive into London everyday and i'm finding it a bit pricey in fuel. Insurance is also very expensive.

I have been looking around and compiled a list of alternatives. In brackets I have put my negative thoughts on each.

1. BMW 330i (Would I be wishing it was a M3?)
2. BMW 330d (Would I be wishing it was a petrol?)
3. Honda Civic Type R (A bit hot-hatchy, noisy and harsh)
4. Audi S3 (A tad expensive)
5. Seat Leon Cupra R (is it being replaced in the near future)

I also have a bike which I would be using in the summer and my wife has a car also. So, my car would really be for the colder, winter months or when I need to take our son out.

Your thoughts
Kind regards
Gareth

 

IMHO 330d. You won't miss the drop in real life performance, it'll blend in more with the traffic and cost less to run. OR Buy a banger and use that for the commute. If it fails it's MOT get rid and buy another one, it'll be a lot cheaper in the long run.

 

If you dont mind diesel under the bonnet (cuz some people really hate them ), BMW 330d is your choice. My mum has 330xd with M-packet - the engine sounds quite good from inside, fuel economy is just perfect, handling is great even on snow (thx to AWD) and the car is really comfy compared to CTR/LCR... but if you are petrol addicted dont even bother

 

My wife drives a 306 TD, fantastic car.

I think I need to try a 330d.