BMW 4 series, BMW 3 series and Mercedes C Class

tart29016

Hi there,

Looking for a bit of advice from the helpful people here on boards.

As per the title, I am in the market for something along the lines of a saloon, "sporty" looking family car. I have 2 kids (4 year old and 2.5 year old). I mainly use it for city driving and mileage is very small.

I have been looking on the web for a few days and have found the below list of cars that I would like to focus on and hopefully get some advice from the experts on here.

Budget is around 25K and looking for a minimum 2016 aged car.

Regarding BMW 4 series, I do like to sporty look as it really catches the eye. I know for a minimum you need to get the M sport trim. But from I read the previous post on boards seemed to suggest getting kids in and out is troublesome.
Here are few links anyway.

https://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/bmw/4-series/fpa/201910103180201
https://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/bmw/4-series/fpa/201907240409065?SOURCE_ID=SOURCE_ID_FPA_FROM_FEAT_LIST
https://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/bmw/4-series/fpa/201911224642943

The 3 series and I felt they are not as sporty but still look good. Also, they are hybrid so maybe good for city driving.

https://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/bmw/3-series/fpa/201911074118713
https://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/bmw/3-series/fpa/201910243655546
https://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/bmw/3-series/fpa/201911294865766


Finally, from reading previous posts I think people also mentioned Merc C Class as an alternative in the same bracket. I think they are very much like the 3 series but the interior look much better.

https://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/mercedes-benz/c-class/fpa/201911144370152
https://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/mercedes-benz/c-class/fpa/201910032921892
https://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/mercedes-benz/c-class/fpa/201910163383120

I am really a novice when it comes to cars so would really appreciate any advice.

Thanks for your time.:)

Idbatterim

youd have to go back another year or two, but the audi a7 is a sporty looking class car!

tart29016

Idbatterim wrote: »

youd have to go back another year or two, but the audi a7 is a sporty looking class car!

Thanks for the comment. We have an audi A6 as the family car and this will be a replacement for my 13 year old Ford before it goes.

So really looking for something different to an Audi.

Why would you say I need to go back another year or two? Is because the price that are on these cars? I can go a bit higher if the car ticks all the boxes.

Cheers

agoodusername

I don't think that high mileage should make you rule out a car but a quick search shows that you can get something with very little driving done for only 2-3k more. Most of the cars that you listed have a decent if not outrageous amount on the clock already.

Duke O Smiley

An A7 is much bigger than a 3 series or C Class. It’ll come with bigger, more expensive tyres, higher servicing costs, higher insurance prices etc. I doubt the A7 is what the OP is looking for, but they are lovely cars.

Given that your annual mileage is low and most of your driving is city-based, you should really look for something petrol and not diesel. It is very difficult to find a petrol 4 or 3 series though. A regular poster on here (Hunky Monster) has a hybrid 3 series and as far as I remember he wasn’t very happy with its fuel efficiency. He might chime in if he sees this thread.

Also, I’m going to guess that most of those hybrid options posted (especially the last 2 C Class’) are UK imports and former private hire cars (taxis, basically)

Wildly Boaring

If you plan on small mileage around the city steer clear of modern diesels.

tart29016

tart29016 wrote: »

Hi there,

Looking for a bit of advice from the helpful people here on boards.

As per the title, I am in the market for something along the lines of a saloon, "sporty" looking family car. I have 2 kids (4 year old and 2.5 year old). I mainly use it for city driving and mileage is very small.

I have been looking on the web for a few days and have found the below list of cars that I would like to focus on and hopefully get some advice from the experts on here.

Budget is around 25K and looking for a minimum 2016 aged car.

Regarding BMW 4 series, I do like to sporty look as it really catches the eye. I know for a minimum you need to get the M sport trim. But from I read the previous post on boards seemed to suggest getting kids in and out is troublesome.
Here are few links anyway.

https://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/bmw/4-series/fpa/201910103180201
https://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/bmw/4-series/fpa/201907240409065?SOURCE_ID=SOURCE_ID_FPA_FROM_FEAT_LIST
https://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/bmw/4-series/fpa/201911224642943

The 3 series and I felt they are not as sporty but still look good. Also, they are hybrid so maybe good for city driving.

https://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/bmw/3-series/fpa/201911074118713
https://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/bmw/3-series/fpa/201910243655546
https://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/bmw/3-series/fpa/201911294865766


Finally, from reading previous posts I think people also mentioned Merc C Class as an alternative in the same bracket. I think they are very much like the 3 series but the interior look much better.

https://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/mercedes-benz/c-class/fpa/201911144370152
https://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/mercedes-benz/c-class/fpa/201910032921892
https://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/mercedes-benz/c-class/fpa/201910163383120

I am really a novice when it comes to cars so would really appreciate any advice.

Thanks for your time.:)

The first of those Benz is stunning, but don't expect it to be electric much of the time

Duke O Smiley

I’m probably going to be flamed for this, but would you consider a new model Corolla hybrid? You will get a 2019 in budget. It won’t stand up against the BMW or Merc in terms of interior quality, but they are a very good looking car and seem to be very well received by reviewers. Available as a hatchback or saloon

bazz26

If the car is being used for mostly city driving then you don't need a diesel. A 4 Series GC is going to be very tight for space and headroom if you have kids in the rear so make sure you are happy with the interior space. The C Class feels more upmarket on the inside than the 3 Series but would not be as engaging or sporty to drive. Also an A7 is a very big car and totally unsuitable for city driving.

bazz26

If you just want something that looks sporty then a Lexus IS300h might do the trick:

https://www.carsireland.ie/detail.php?ad_id=2408964&r=s.php%3Fm%5B%5D%3D44%26o%5B%5D%3D2674%26yn%3D2016%26pp%3D50%26g%3D0

tart29016

Thanks for all the comments. I do realize that most of the cars listed above are diesel and I guess that really leaves me with hybrid then.

But like Duke O Smiley mentioned someone has a 330e and is not very happy with it.

em.. decision....decision....

tart29016

bazz26 wrote: »

If you just want something that looks sporty then a Lexus IS300h might do the trick:

https://www.carsireland.ie/detail.php?ad_id=2408964&r=s.php%3Fm%5B%5D%3D44%26o%5B%5D%3D2674%26yn%3D2016%26pp%3D50%26g%3D0

This is a good looking car and also a hybrid. So is it the case that in this range my option is limited to hybrid?

To be honest I have never thought about Lexus. Ideally would like to choose between BMW and Merc.

eljono

tart29016 wrote: »

This is a good looking car and also a hybrid. So is it the case that in this range my option is limited to hybrid?

To be honest I have never thought about Lexus. Ideally would like to choose between BMW and Merc.

I drove an IS300, really liked the interior and exterior styling, but didn't like the way it drove. I also drove a C350e and didn't gel with it, even though it's a beautiful, well built car. Really liked the 330e I test drove, but in the end, there were a couple of practicality issues that I couldn't live with.

Best thing to do is drive the cars you're interested in and see which one you like the feel of, looks of and practicality of.

eljono

To throw in a curve ball... Mazda 6 is quite sporty looking, nice interior, plenty of space and comes with a petrol engine.

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/mazda-6-se-l-nav-plus/23175482

tart29016

eljono wrote: »

I drove an IS300, really liked the interior and exterior styling, but didn't like the way it drove. I also drove a C350e and didn't gel with it, even though it's a beautiful, well built car. Really liked the 330e I test drove, but in the end, there were a couple of practicality issues that I couldn't live with.

Best thing to do is drive the cars you're interested in and see which one you like the feel of, looks of and practicality of.

Yeah, absolutely. Planning to test drive a few on Saturday and see what happens.

So from the suggestions so far, I need to stay away from diesel which rules out the 4 series. Are there anything that I should be aware of when buying a hybrid? Or anything to pay attention for 2016 BMW 330e or a 2016 C350e?

Is it even worth while asking the dealer if the car was an ex-rental or fleet car?

Clareman

25k for a 2016 3 Series seems very high to me, I've been offered 20k as a trade in for mine and I was delighted to get it (318)

In regards to the kids, mine are a little bit older than yours but I can't see the 3 series being a problem at all, I've tried the 4 series and the kids don't have any problems getting in or out of it so neither should be an issue for you, I don't know about the merc

Heres Johnny

Clareman wrote: »

25k for a 2016 3 Series seems very high to me, I've been offered 20k as a trade in for mine and I was delighted to get it (318)

In regards to the kids, mine are a little bit older than yours but I can't see the 3 series being a problem at all, I've tried the 4 series and the kids don't have any problems getting in or out of it so neither should be an issue for you, I don't know about the merc

Yep, these can be got from 12k STG in the UK, not the best examples at 12k but 15/16k STG will get you a good one and msport if you want it, and it should come in sub 20k imported.

bazz26

You should be able to get into a 2017 330e for close to the top end of your budget. Here is a nice looking M Sport with some decent extras such as the M Sport Plus pack, heated front seats and a reversing camera. If your not trading a car in I'd expect to haggle on that asking price:


https://www.carsireland.ie/detail.php?ad_id=2443242&r=s.php%3Fm%5B%5D%3D10%26o%5B%5D%3D86%26f%3D3%26yn%3D2017%26yx%3D2017%26pp%3D50%26g%3D0

SeanaciousD

bazz26 wrote: »

You should be able to get into a 2017 330e for close to the top end of your budget. Here is a nice looking M Sport with some decent extras such as the M Sport Plus pack, heated front seats and a reversing camera. If your not trading a car in I'd expect to haggle on that asking price:

Recent 330e purchaser here. Got a similar spec to the one above in blue for 20k (with a meager trade in).

It's worth noting that it looks like that particular 330e doesn't have split-folding rear seats (identified by two latches on either side of the boot up top). May be an issue if you ever have to buy a bike for your kids or whatnot :pac:. Why in God's name it's an optional extra I'll never know.

I was also looking at c350e's and I would have to conclude that the merc was the nicer car overall but was less "sporty" feeling, though it wasn't any slower mind! Interior quality is better, and ride is more comfortable on Irish roads.

I went with the 330e for a few reasons: my daily commute is just beyond the c350e's EV's range but just inside the 330e's (depending on weather), I found the hybrid system in the 350e a bit "clunkier", and I just really like blue colour and sporty look of the 330e

As an all-round family saloon though, I would go for the merc. It really depends on how much the "sporty" aesthetic means to you.

User1998

A plug in hybrid would definitely suit you. I was in a similar situation and bought a Golf GTE over a GTD. Bear in mind you will need to charge the car everyday or you’ll just be driving around a big heavy 2 litre petrol (Much heavier than a 320i) If its possible for you to charge at home then I’d definitely recommend a plug in hybrid for you. You’ll end up being in electric mode all the time and spending nothing on petrol. Electric driving is just so much smoother than diesel or petrol as well. You asked is there anything to look out for when buying a hybrid. Just make sure the battery is full when you test drive so you can try out all the driving modes and make sure the charge cable is working. If it doesn’t come with one then make sure to negotiate a few hundred off the price to buy one