[Greg330]

Looking at replacing my partners Mini with someone more economical and larger!

As I have an e92 I don't really want another 3!

I've been looking at E60's but they are too big apparently....

I'm really drawn to the Alfa 159, but the other half hates them!

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...s/ti?logcode=p

I can't seem to think of any other alternative apart from an E90!!

Any alternatives I'm missing?!

[Rudz]

Mercedes c class :-)

[bigbeemer]

Audi A5??

Originally Posted by Rudz

Mercedes c class :-)

[shrink]

Even a 1 series is sgnificantly more spacious than a mini, and would make a good alternative.

Otherwise a c class sport is probably the closest competitor to an e90 in terms of ability and build

[verysideways]

Old shape 123d is quick and economical and spacious enough (compared to a MINI!), or if you're looking at newer then 120d or 125d?

There's a reason you like your 3 series - and the 1 series is the same (well, kinda, you know what i mean )

[Greg330]

Not a fan of Merc's so that rules that one out!

I like the idea of a 1 series, not really considered them as thought they maybe too small.

I get grief for only having BMW's but the people don't really realise just how good they are.....

Budget is about £8k and X3's are around that money. Could be a toss up between a 120d and and X3 2.0d!

Looks like the BMW fleet will continue!

[Mwp4me]

Originally Posted by Greg330

Looking at replacing my partners Mini with someone more economical and larger!

As I have an e92 I don't really want another 3!

I've been looking at E60's but they are too big apparently....

I'm really drawn to the Alfa 159, but the other half hates them!

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...s/ti?logcode=p

I can't seem to think of any other alternative apart from an E90!!

Any alternatives I'm missing?!

If you want economy, walk. Good for your health and does not damage the planet.

Save a fortune on fuel to.

[Guvernator]

Going through a very similar thought process as I will soon need to replace the E93 with something a bit more practical, just can't find anything I can get excited about which is

a) reasonably sized as the missus will drive it too

b) reasonably fun\quick

c) more practical

d) decent looking, most modern cars especially stuff which isn't coupe shaped is ugly.

Discounted Mercs (a bit boring and I've done the Merc thing), Audi's (boring), most modern 5 door hatchbacks (99% are ugly). I could go for an E90 but do I really want to replace one 3 series with another plus I don't like the rear end\lights on them at all (sorry E90 owners) Really at a loss to be honest.

[ukbeemerboy]

Ive gone through the same senario, but I always come back to a 3 series.... It just ticks all the right boxes.

[Greg330]

Originally Posted by Guvernator

a) reasonably sized as the missus will drive it too

b) reasonably fun\quick

c) more practical

d) decent looking, most modern cars especially stuff which isn't coupe shaped is ugly.

The four main points and they are so hard to meet....

I've been focused on X3's today, although I have a feeling prices are slightly inflated with the current weather. I've decided its not a good looking car but could look pretty cool with some decent wheels and a little drop!

[dotmit]

I had a rental Audi for a week. Drove it about 1200km. It was rubbish, don't get one!

[verysideways]

123d coupé.
Done.

[Guvernator]

Originally Posted by Greg330

The four main points and they are so hard to meet....

I've been focused on X3's today, although I have a feeling prices are slightly inflated with the current weather. I've decided its not a good looking car but could look pretty cool with some decent wheels and a little drop!

Must admit I've also been looking at smallish SUV's like the Q5, Evoque etc as nothing in the hatchback\saloon range excites me enough at the moment so I might as well say stuff it to the driver involvement and get an SUV instead and get a cheap toy for the weekend as I can't seem to find one car that does it all.

[Rudz]

Just been to the Merc showroom the new A class AMG style is a real stunner, much much better looking than the 1 series, go have a look mate, u will be impressed I am sure, the car looked roomy as well...

[Guvernator]

Originally Posted by Rudz

Just been to the Merc showroom the new A class AMG style is a real stunner, much much better looking than the 1 series, go have a look mate, u will be impressed I am sure, the car looked roomy as well...

I've been looking at those too and while they look lovely, they are slightly ruined by the fact that they are very expensive for what is a small hatchback and the ride is apparently atrocious, worse than a 3 series on run flats

[Greg330]

Seen the ad's and they do look good, however, a little out of my price range!!

[BarrySt]

X1 perhaps?

[shrink]

Originally Posted by Guvernator

Going through a very similar thought process as I will soon need to replace the E93 with something a bit more practical, just can't find anything I can get excited about which is

a) reasonably sized as the missus will drive it too

b) reasonably fun\quick

c) more practical

d) decent looking, most modern cars especially stuff which isn't coupe shaped is ugly.

Discounted Mercs (a bit boring and I've done the Merc thing), Audi's (boring), most modern 5 door hatchbacks (99% are ugly). I could go for an E90 but do I really want to replace one 3 series with another plus I don't like the rear end\lights on them at all (sorry E90 owners) Really at a loss to be honest.

Jaguar XF sport

[Greg330]

Originally Posted by shrink

Jaguar XF sport

Nice, but out of budget for me anyway....

[Greg330]

Any photoshop kings can you make this black?!

[Guvernator]

Originally Posted by shrink

Jaguar XF sport

I've been looking at these and really surpised at how much they depreciate, you can pick up a 2-3 year old example for very good money. Might need to go and check on out.

Greg is that a facelift X3?

Wasn't a huge fan of the original one but that one looks great.

[BanziBarn]

Before getting my e90 I nearly went for 159 TI... Has to be a TI though - they look great! I can see why you're drawn to them OP.

The engines aren't great though. The 1.9 diesel is probably the best option as the v6 is too slow and thirsty. The 5 pot diesel is ok - it's what I would have gone for but it's not a patch on the BMW 6 pot derv unit.