What to replace my BMW 330d with?
I currently drive a BMW 330d Touring. It's been a great servant and never missed a beat in the four years I've owned it, but it's coming to the time to move on. With the future of diesel looking at best unsure, what would be your recommendation for a long term replacement?
Typically I like to hold a car for about five years and in an ideal world to buy a one-year-old car. Looking for something practical yet fast, engaging and comfortable. A plug in electric car is out as I don't have and cannot get a power point installed in the apartment complex that I live in. Typically I do only 11,000km per year in this car and 90 per cent of the time is on motorway runs.
David Smyth (Dublin)Mar 2018 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi David,
How about a BMW 320i? Not as powerful as your 330d, of course, but a really lovely engine, and pretty frugal for all those long journeys. Of course, if you’re buying a year-old car then diesel is still a viable option, especially if you’re racking those miles up, so another 330d could well be a good choice. It’s Euro 6 emissions compliant, so even if there are some penalties for diesel models coming down the line, it probably (fingers crossed) won’t be affected.
There are some other options, of course. How about a Lexus GS 300h? Big, comfy, great for long journeys, and 40mpg+, plus you’re future-proofing yourself with a hybrid (not a plugin). The IS 300h is also a good bet, but is a touch small on the inside, hence we’d possibly try and spend the extra to the the GS. Here are a few reviews to read:
Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Advisor@neilmbriscoe