BMW 320d M Sport (F31) or Skoda vRS TDI (Mk3)

esmo

Folks, I'm in the market for a Sporty Diesel Estate, needs to be an estate for the hound and practicality etc...so I have narrowed it down to the cars above. It also needs to be diesel and I'm aiming for a 2013 or 14 reg. I love BM's, my last two cars were BM's, had a golf and Audi before and they broke my heart with issues so thats why I'm weary about the vRS. Although I know BMW had issues with that N47 engine with the timing chain but I'm hoping it has been resolved by 2013. I would also be planning on keeping the wagon for 5years+ hence why I'm concerned about reliability.
Any opinions on the above two motors? Cheers

GustavoFring

While both are diesel estates they’re very different.

If space is a priority the Octavia is the more useful car. Otherwise the Interior of the BMW is better, it looks better, drives better. You should be able to pick up an Octavia cheaper though as prices are crumbling in the UK. Get one with some options, big screen Nav and winter pack make it a lot nicer inside.

esmo

Yeah I would agree that the BMW would drive better. Space isn't a major issue, just need an estate. Any thoughts regarding reliability issues with both cars?

Heres Johnny

I think reliability will be more or less the same and you just hope to get a bit lucky with either of them.
I'd have the BMW all day long as I much prefer them it's going to drive, look and feel better. Probably more fuel efficient too.
At 3 to 4 years old price gap should be closing too.

MetzgerMeister

I've had my 2013 F30 330d for the last 2 years and 4 months with no reliability issues whatsoever. I'm the second owner of the car and from what I know the first owner only had an issue with the rain-sensor part of the wipers which was sorted a few months after purchase.

The Octavia is a nice car and drives well with lots of torque but as mentioned the BMW's drive and interior are a higher quality but you pay for it.

esmo

Cheers for the responses! Yeah I am leaning towards the BMW, had a few of them so was thinging of a change hense why I was looking at the vRS but maybe I'll just stick to what I know. Best option is to go for a test drive in both...I'm sure the answer will become clear then!

Wailin

If budget allows, try go for a 14 reg 320d with the B47 engine. More power, better economy and no timing chain issue, although that should be gone with a similar yr N47 engine anyway.

Both nice cars but the bmw will be a step up both in interior and driving.

bazz26

Think it wasn't until the 2015 facelift that the B47 engine appeared in the 3 Series.

esmo

Bazz26 you are correct, early to mid 2015 was the update to the F30 which included the B47. Don't think the budget will stretch that far. I'll have to hope that timing chain issue was resolved by 2013 or 14. I haven't heard of any cars effected for those years...

Wailin

Think you will be fine with a 13 or 14 320d. I had an 09 520d and a 13 525d. Both for 2 years, both with n47 engine and never an issue.

Drive both cars first. Vrs may surprise you over the 320d.

jsd1004

https://www.independent.ie/life/motoring/car-international/diesel-decline-looms-as-drivers-seek-clean-break-36414535.html

jsd1004

They are both dirt cheap in the UK as no one wants them over there any more. We will be in the same situation in about 12 months

Wailin

jsd1004 wrote: »

https://www.independent.ie/life/motoring/car-international/diesel-decline-looms-as-drivers-seek-clean-break-36414535.html

So?

bazz26

jsd1004 wrote: »

They are both dirt cheap in the UK as no one wants them over there any more. We will be in the same situation in about 12 months

Move along, a tree down the road needs a hug.

jsd1004

bazz26 wrote: »

Move along, a tree down the road needs a hug.

See you in 12 months..I have not been wrong yet

bazz26

Still waiting on those lotto numbers though.

carsfan2

If going for 320d buy an auto if you can. Much nicer to drive.

Lekrub

jsd1004 wrote: »

https://www.independent.ie/life/motoring/car-international/diesel-decline-looms-as-drivers-seek-clean-break-36414535.html

The green's will take this as a chance to increase motor tax for everyone now. All the crap about post 2009 reg cars for nothing

MetzgerMeister

Let's not have this become another diesel vs petrol debate and stay on topic