The best all rounder car

[wilbo]

Next year, I will probably replace the Z4 with something a bit more practical but want something that will still put a smile on my face. Budget will probably be about £10k with a requirement to seat 4 and have a decent boot. The 335i seems hard to beat as an all rounder but just wondered what else people would consider. Another consideration is the 159 Ti which looks beautiful but know it won't handle as well as the 335 and the mpg for the engines it comes in is pretty dire. The 130i hatchback also seems a good all rounder but they just look a bit plain inside. Any other thoughts?

[Talksthetorque]

If the requirement to seat 4 is a frequent one, I'd be looking at a 5 rather than a 3, and I wouldn't bother with the 1, unless the rear passengers are kids.
A quick peek on Autotrader reveals there's a 550i and a 540i within haggle room of your budget. And several 535ds

[wilbo]

If the requirement to seat 4 is a frequent one, I'd be looking at a 5 rather than a 3, and I wouldn't bother with the 1, unless the rear passengers are kids.
A quick peek on Autotrader reveals there's a 550i and a 540i within haggle room of your budget. And several 535ds

I should have been more explicit, doesn't have to be 4 adults but just have 4 seats so it could seat a child in the back (wouldn't be the main family car though). An average of 28mpg+ would be another requirement too.

[DumfriesDik]

What about a Merc, the big engines are cheap as chips now.

CL55 AMG for £9k, if thats for real, its a winner surely?!

A shed load of 6 series came up in the search as did the retro looking 8 series, yummy.

Not sure about the mpg on these mind!

What a great problem to have, although sorry you will be loosing the Z4.

[LeeZ4MR]

I went with the 330i as I had a similar budget and just wanted something as a steady all rounder and I was also very tempted with the 130i but the looks are a little marmite but in fairness the 3 series is ugly too to be fair, I think the 335i is a very good shout though and I only didn't go for one of them because I thought it could be heavy on fuel if used hard but I have read from owners that the fuel economy is pretty much identical to the 330i anyway so I should have gone 335i I think.

I also thought about a 530i/630i.

[mr wilks]

Always liked these & ticks your boxes http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/ ... ?logcode=p

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/ ... ?logcode=p

remap to either should make you smile along with your 3 passengers

[NeilP]

Aren't Mercedes from this era plagued with electrical gremlins?

[mr wilks]

Aren't Mercedes from this era plagued with electrical gremlins?

& not cured yet by all accounts Still like the look of the CLS though

[wilbo]

Don't really like any mercs apart from the C63s. A B7 A4 2.0T looks a decent all rounder, especially with quattro for the winter, and quite a tuneable engine too.

[buzyg]

Fast Clio, seats four adults just. Will easily do 28+ and heaps of fun to drive. Way more fun than a boring old 3or5 series.

Sean Leon FR is another secret gem. Even the Derv is ok and it will return 50+ mpg all day long. even at full chat I'm told.

[Talksthetorque]

I got 43 average (over 120000 miles) out of my Leon FR diesel

And that was nailed everywhere. (Up to the speed limit obviously officer)

Why 28mpg+? Very specific number!
Better than the last one ?

I think tbh you nailed this search on the head with the 335.
Anything else will be nearly as good apart from .......( insert issue here)
Now, which shape?

[Xiaxio]

Why not a G37 Infiniti sedan?

[Dave1971]

Personal preference having had one if you do go for a 335 don't get an auto as it really does blunt the experience too much.

[z4_top_down]

Audi S4 or S6?

[Fast3000]

Whats your budget OP?

335i Saloon!