Looking to Change - Not Sure to What

Kintarō Hattori

Hi Folks,

The missus currently has a 2005 E90 320i which she absolutely loves. However it's starting to show its age as it's having a few problems one after the other, despite regular independent BMW servicing. The latest being that the brakes seem to be almost gone and the car jerks at times (dropping it in today to get this resolved).

So it's time to change. Things have changed personally in that we now have an 11 month old daughter so things like small hatchbacks, coupes etc aren't really in the running. Ideally she'd love something like an A5 or another 3 series but her budget is going to limit those aspirations.- she's willing to spend around €11,000, though I suppose we may go a little higher if we find something she really likes.

I have a 2012 Fiat 500 which she hates as it 'rattles'. It's built to a budget so that's understandable but she doesn't like the non premium feel. As her journey is 30km each way a diesel doesn't make sense so it's probably best to go petrol. I have mentioned electric to her but she doesn't like the 'hassle' of charging.

Any suggestions folks? Ideally no older than 2010, petrol, can't be under powered, ideally lowish mileage, roomy enough to accommodate a growing baby and a budget of in and around €11000.

Notch000

Trade in you missues for a younger model, she sounds like high maintenance

Nuw

Would she consider a Lexus CT200h ? Hybrid mpg with nice interior, automatic, should be spacious enough for the little one, quite safe as well... plus it won't require much maintenance apart from the normal services... you should be able to source a nicely kitted one within budget (leather, gps etc...).

Kintarō Hattori

CT200h is a lovely option but I can only see the one that falls within budget on Donedeal:

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/lexus-ct200h-1-8-cvt-se-hybrid-automatic-model-/18438441

Do you folks know something I don't

cart man

Nuw wrote: »

Would she consider a Lexus CT200h ? Hybrid mpg with nice interior, automatic, should be spacious enough for the little one, quite safe as well... plus it won't require much maintenance apart from the normal services... you should be able to source a nicely kitted one within budget (leather, gps etc...).

I don’t believe it would be practical for a young family, the boot is too small for all the paraphernalia that goes with a baby

Nuw

I'd say that the loss of actual space in the boot from the beamer is well compensated by the hatch setup in the lexus, I can't really see it as less practical on that front tbh.