SinghSuperStud

iTrader: (2)

Hi,

currently have a 330d (E46) and a new PCH'd Renault Megane(wife's for commuting) . Had to get all sensible due to work commute (50 miles each way and so sold the scooby )

We have 2 young kids - both in child seats. We are looking to add to our number some time in the next 18-24 months and I want a car that feels a bit more 'surefooted' than my 330d.

I've seen a few 530d's that seem to fit the bill and also a few A6 TDI quattro's but then due to possibly having another child at some point in the future I'm also considering a diesel or LPG converted XC90 (7 seater will be useful when travelling with my parents etc).

Can anybody help me make up my mind?!

Price wise the E60 530d is coming in best value for money and best specced (£4.5k'ish) - although I do love A6 avant's. The only issue with the A6's is you can't get a decent one for less than £7k. The XC90's vary from between £4.5k - £8k dependent on age and petrol/diesel.

Factors I need to consider are:

Future-proofing (although I do get bored of cars quickly so nothing stopping me upgrading again nearer baby number 3

Price (don't want to pay too much and want to keep it sunny side of £6.5k'ish)

Spec and engine size - like a good quality chunky motor

Help!!

David Lock

Try car forum. Best of luck

jonc

I'd go for 2007+ Honda CRV 2.2 CTD-i. I did and it's a great car with masses of room for 3 growing kids in the back and a massive boot. Great family car and average around 40-43mpg, solid build and great reliability.

AndyC_772

iTrader: (2)

If your 330D doesn't feel 'sure footed' enough, consider putting some new tyres on it.

I've just put a set of Michelin Pilot Sport 3 on mine and it's made a big difference to the handling - it has a poise and lightness that I've never experienced from it before.

jonc

Point is you won't get 3 in the back. I had a 325i saloon (e46) you definitely will not be able to get 3 car seats in the back. I'm guessing by the time the 3rd one arrives, the other two will still be using boosters.

SinghSuperStud

iTrader: (2)

Checking out an A6 tdi 3 quattro (have always liked these) - 54 plate although not s line as I would've preferred.

And also going to see an XC 90 this evening but it has a transmission light on (spoke to dealer and he thinks it could be an angle gear - approx £800 + fitting)!!

Turbohot

Good choice. Hope you get that.

SinghSuperStud

iTrader: (2)

Audi had some issues that turned out to be quite worrying and so I ended up with the Volvo Xc 90

Nice example, good bargain so will give it a nice clean up and see how I go!

Turbohot

Shame about Audi, but I can understand. I bought a beautiful, black A4 once from a private seller (first and last ever private buy). He offered me a VGSH to go with it. but the cambelt snapped after 10 days of buying it, ouch! I took it to the scrap yard, then.

Glad you got the Volvo. That's a good car, too.