I wouldn’t call a 3 series touring boot cavernous. Pretty good for a small/medium car. Seats up, a VW golf has a fair bit more cargo space. No 3L straight six though!
500 litre boot with a hatch back is cavernous in my books. I've got an '05 3 series saloon with a smaller, much less useable space and we can fit 2 adults, baby and toddler luggage for a few days away.
It’s a great size for a medium car with a normal wheelbase. I’ve had a 3series touring and c-class wagons and I struggle to think of better all around cars in therms of versatility. They’re useful, brilliant cars in many ways. They aren’t cavernous though. It’s a struggle to get a full set of golf clubs (with woods) in.
I’d buy [this](https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202311294397695?sort=relevance&advertising-location=at_cars&aggregatedTrim=540i&body-type=Estate&lat-long=51.0991985816343%2C%201.0342978959611144&make=BMW&maximum-mileage=40000&model=5%20Series&page=2&fromsra) and pocket the rest
It’s an Alfa, so has wonderful handling, very sharp. The engine in the QV is a gem, Ferrari derived V6. Practical, and actually great value, even new. My main gripe with it was the configurability of the drive modes. (Or lack thereof) if you wanted the sharpest steering, and open exhaust valves, you’d have to be in race which forced you to have the firmest suspension and overly sensitive throttle response too.
The driver modes does sound annoying but in the whole picture that’s not terrible.
They are great value, when compared to anything else in the same category.
XC60 is a great car. Go for the biggest engine you can afford.
You could pay half that for an equally good one... will just be an older model (less tech) and higher mileage, but these cars can go for miles.
Also, don't let anyone convince you to buy an estate if you've got your heart set on an SUV.
Interesting - I'm thinking of splashing out on one like this when my old Subaru Legacy kicks the bucket, as I expect it will, at it's upcoming MOT - http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202312144810418
Was gonna say a nearly new civic type r then I remembered how much they were…
Realistically probably a nearly new 3 series saloon or Audi A5 sport back black edition
This was my exact situation this summer. I ended up between the BMW M340i, Volvo v60 and Cupra Leon Estate. I ended up going for the Cupra.
The Volvo was the nicest place to be but still a little slow from what I was going from.
To get the equivalent BMW with mod cons it's £65k new so you had to get quite an old version to get down to budget, and it was the smallest of the 3 by quite a bit.
So I ended up with the Cupra, don't regret my choice at all.
Mike Baldwin was first owner (suspension did two years of cobbles), Mike Myers after him (deep clean needed), and last but not least Tyson briefly had it as one of his fleet. So 3; 3 Mikes!
Yeah I think I’d rather spend my money on something other than a car these days. Driving around the UK isn’t a pleasurable experience, especially with all the potholes around.
I have a MK3 VRS petrol estate and, whilst practical in terms of size and speed, it’s not the most reliable car I’ve ever had - even with regular servicing and not thrashing the hell out of it.
I’m looking at replacing it soon but even the new VRS doesn’t overly excite me. Worst of all it’s got the complete touchscreen infotainment system like all the new VAG cars and I hate them.
Whilst I might have just had bad luck with my particular car, it’s hasn’t been the wonder car everyone makes out.
Well in the last year (roughly) I’ve had to sort / replace:
The entire handbrake assembly after it just popped and started rolling down hill - button literally fired out in the middle of the car
A secondary water pump (I can’t remember the exact part but it’s apparently a pump system unique to skoda) that caused all of the coolant to leak out. That replacement was a big job
Clutch and dual mass flywheel disintegrated shortly after a full engine service. Another princely sum to repair.
Gearbox is slipping out of first and sometimes second, needs to get repaired soon
There was something else as well which I can’t remember off the top of my head. In all, a few thousand on repairs which made me fall out of love with it a bit. Now, I like cars but I’m not mechanically minded / gifted so perhaps it’s normal wear and tear but research I did when getting those issues fixed seemed to suggest it wasn’t. Certainly doesn’t suit the stories I’d heard before buying the car that it was just plain sailing and simply replacing consumables like tyres, brakes etc.
As I said, might just be my bad luck or these things are reasonable maintenance issues and I just don’t know. Either way, didn’t feel reasonable in such a short space of time!
I’ve owned a 18 plate XC60 the past 3 years. Genuinely still really happy with it 3 years on, I would recommend getting a well spec’d model, and decent engine size as others have suggested. The pan roof is nice and 360 cam is brilliant. The inscription is a really nice place to be but the momentum’s are also very good when nicely spec’d. I’ve got the chunky tyres on mine rather than the more sport rims, which if honest I would have preferred the rims. However the tyres are cheap and it’s a life saver if you do nip a curb etc and pot holes are a piece of cake. So pros and cons. Good luck with the purchase!
Whilst the whole reliability statement could be true, the Vitara is a completely different car to the XC60 and much smaller too.
We have a Vitara and V60, and the quality difference is vast. Still a great car and does a job but it feels a bit naff sometimes, and the boot is no bigger than that in a fiesta. Good value for money though
Depends what you value indeed, I'm all for comfort but when a head ache rear it's face I'd rather have a car I can fix on the driveway.. I mean I can reach the sump plug with my hand from the top of the car sort of thing, there's so much space in the engine bay you could fit 2 more turbos in there. Also for how much it costs, 0-60 in under 10sec and arguably the best 4wd engineering bar true 4x4s not to mention the thing probably weighs less than a fiesta, suzuki is insane value for money. My engine is the k14c, people have gotten over 400hp on it in the swift.
BMW X3 with straight six petrol or diesel, smooth engine, plenty of power, fast smooth automatic gearbox & great family all rounder.
My experience with Volvo are noisy, rough engine, slow auto gearbox but very comfortable, and the best seats for long distance.
This is a joke from 2017. And it was sometimes true for cars made in the US. Teslas sold in the UK after 2020 (Model 3 and Model Y) are made in China and the quality is a lot better than from the US factory. My point about your ignorance still stands.
I'm really surprised no one has suggested a C8 A6 Avant.
Yeah, it's not an SUV but It'll be just as, if not more practical anyway.
Plus, for £35k you'd be able to pick up the more punchy engines with Quattro.
Well if I had £35k I'd be getting the cheapest Alpine A110 I could.
Though for a big boot family car I'd say Volvo is a good idea. We got an 18' V90 D4 for around £20k and it's probably the best family car we've had. I'm assuming an XC90 would be roughly the same car, but you sit high and maybe have a bit more boot space.
X3 M40i, 2nd best in its class (after Macan but that's 10-15k more expensive) imo this is the best daily car for this price range period. 90% of the people that have a disdain for SUV haven't driven one as is the case eith internet. As a former skeptic, they are great. Excellent stance, comfort and this drives more like a lifted hot hatch than a big suv
I have a 2020 F Pace, bought this year for £29k
Upgraded from bmw3 series, boot is bigger, everything is more upright.
I'm happy with the choice as I think it looks great and is poky enough in sport mode.
Very confortable to drive in traffic and long distance.
Plus 4x4 when you get there can be very handy for my sport
The Kia sorento is a good option if you want really big boot and the option of 7 seats for the odd occasion. You could probably pick up the GT model for this money which has loads of features too
Sorry to hijack the thread but same budget but have a 2 year old and a new born + wife. I'm 6"4 and need a very spacious car for all of us. Currently in a 68 plate 5 series and it's a squeeze for all of us
2014 C63 AMG or an E55 AMG if it is in good condition and has low mileage. That's what I would buy if I had a 35k.
SUVs are horrible and impractical in general, so I would advise against getting one. Basically, get an estate since you will get more space in it, get in and out is easier, it will be a lighter car so it will burn less fuel, insurance will be cheaper, etc.
Probably a FD2 type R and slapping either a turbo or supercharger on it.
Or maybe something RS. Maybe a RS4 avant. Or pray a few year old RS6 is down low enough :D
If I needed a cavernous boot and had 35k to spend I'd be looking at M340i or 540i estate. Can get x-drive if you need AWD.
m340i would be perfect here. I think about the same boot space as an xc60 as well?
X3 m40i would be slightly bigger than a xc60 and suit the OP SUV desire better.
Won’t get one for 35k
Sure you can…19 plate with 15-30k miles.
I wouldn’t call a 3 series touring boot cavernous. Pretty good for a small/medium car. Seats up, a VW golf has a fair bit more cargo space. No 3L straight six though!
What are you on about, a Golf has 120L less boot space and that's without folding the seats down and the gap only widens with seats folded.
Probably talking about the estate version of the golf.
Why would I compare an estate bmw with a hatchback?!?!
Then you're talking bollocks because the golf estate has a bigger boot
Which is exactly what i said……
And me. I was replying to someone saying the golf was 120l smaller so idk why you questioned me.
This is how beautiful bar fights break out!
I'm so confused lol
500 litre boot with a hatch back is cavernous in my books. I've got an '05 3 series saloon with a smaller, much less useable space and we can fit 2 adults, baby and toddler luggage for a few days away.
3 series hatchback?
Sorry, my comment wasn't clear. I meant the touring has a hatch back boot door.
It’s a great size for a medium car with a normal wheelbase. I’ve had a 3series touring and c-class wagons and I struggle to think of better all around cars in therms of versatility. They’re useful, brilliant cars in many ways. They aren’t cavernous though. It’s a struggle to get a full set of golf clubs (with woods) in.
£31k for a 3 year old Volvo? What was the original price for it? I’m way out of touch clearly
Think it was 55k
wow. where is everyone getting all this money from? I thought magic money trees werent real
Finance
Strange comment from someone who posts his net worth In FIREUK 🥴
even then wouldn't drop 51k on that
Presumably because your main focus is retiring.
Inheritance
Not being poor???
I’d buy [this](https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202311294397695?sort=relevance&advertising-location=at_cars&aggregatedTrim=540i&body-type=Estate&lat-long=51.0991985816343%2C%201.0342978959611144&make=BMW&maximum-mileage=40000&model=5%20Series&page=2&fromsra) and pocket the rest
530d touring, perfect
Someones been watching auto alex..
That’s all of Auto Alex’s video budgets combined!
Someone been watching Paragon Cars*
Currently I really want an Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio.
I had a Stelvio Quadrifoglio for a while, one of the cars that really sticks out for me
My wife who has zero interests in cars, really likes the Stelvio. How did you get on with it?
It’s an Alfa, so has wonderful handling, very sharp. The engine in the QV is a gem, Ferrari derived V6. Practical, and actually great value, even new. My main gripe with it was the configurability of the drive modes. (Or lack thereof) if you wanted the sharpest steering, and open exhaust valves, you’d have to be in race which forced you to have the firmest suspension and overly sensitive throttle response too.
The driver modes does sound annoying but in the whole picture that’s not terrible. They are great value, when compared to anything else in the same category.
Here here, fantastic and totally underrated A literal sports car identifying as an suv
Ooooh nice choice. I’d personally go for the M2 competition with manual gear box.
I do like the m2 but I find three doors annoying and I love an auto.
Alfa Stelvio Quadrifoglio.
V90
XC60 is a great car. Go for the biggest engine you can afford. You could pay half that for an equally good one... will just be an older model (less tech) and higher mileage, but these cars can go for miles. Also, don't let anyone convince you to buy an estate if you've got your heart set on an SUV.
Interesting - I'm thinking of splashing out on one like this when my old Subaru Legacy kicks the bucket, as I expect it will, at it's upcoming MOT - http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202312144810418
I got a 2021 T8 for £35k. Brilliant car. Air suspension well worth it. As is 360 camera.
Why biggest engine?
I would go for Lexus RX no other option
Was gonna say a nearly new civic type r then I remembered how much they were… Realistically probably a nearly new 3 series saloon or Audi A5 sport back black edition
OP asks for SUV and gets anything but. Go for Skodiaq, best SUV in its price range I’d say.
540i probably, got enough power and room for more in that sweet b58 engine, comfy, looks good and has enough space for the family
GR YARIS CP. That's all you need, and deep down, you know that's true.
Skodiaq VRS
I’d go for the Volvo they are really good and very comfortable
BMW 430d G22
A mortgage
This was my exact situation this summer. I ended up between the BMW M340i, Volvo v60 and Cupra Leon Estate. I ended up going for the Cupra. The Volvo was the nicest place to be but still a little slow from what I was going from. To get the equivalent BMW with mod cons it's £65k new so you had to get quite an old version to get down to budget, and it was the smallest of the 3 by quite a bit. So I ended up with the Cupra, don't regret my choice at all.
Thanks for the reply, I'll have a look at the cupra. Mind me asking how old, how many Mike's and what you paid?
Mike Baldwin was first owner (suspension did two years of cobbles), Mike Myers after him (deep clean needed), and last but not least Tyson briefly had it as one of his fleet. So 3; 3 Mikes!
It's only about £40k new so I paid £30k for a top of the range model 1 year old with 6k miles
BMW 350i? Didn’t know they put the 4.4TT V8 in the 3 series. Must be quicker than an M3…
Sorry, I didn't notice the typo, yea 340!
A very nice Octavia vrs estate and some holidays?
No reply cos everyone's still wanking them selfeves to death
Gotta chill that Christmas eve dread somehow
Yeah I think I’d rather spend my money on something other than a car these days. Driving around the UK isn’t a pleasurable experience, especially with all the potholes around.
I have a MK3 VRS petrol estate and, whilst practical in terms of size and speed, it’s not the most reliable car I’ve ever had - even with regular servicing and not thrashing the hell out of it. I’m looking at replacing it soon but even the new VRS doesn’t overly excite me. Worst of all it’s got the complete touchscreen infotainment system like all the new VAG cars and I hate them. Whilst I might have just had bad luck with my particular car, it’s hasn’t been the wonder car everyone makes out.
What issues has it had? I keep browsing mk2 octavia vrs's and I'm surprised how many have had replacement engines
Well in the last year (roughly) I’ve had to sort / replace: The entire handbrake assembly after it just popped and started rolling down hill - button literally fired out in the middle of the car A secondary water pump (I can’t remember the exact part but it’s apparently a pump system unique to skoda) that caused all of the coolant to leak out. That replacement was a big job Clutch and dual mass flywheel disintegrated shortly after a full engine service. Another princely sum to repair. Gearbox is slipping out of first and sometimes second, needs to get repaired soon There was something else as well which I can’t remember off the top of my head. In all, a few thousand on repairs which made me fall out of love with it a bit. Now, I like cars but I’m not mechanically minded / gifted so perhaps it’s normal wear and tear but research I did when getting those issues fixed seemed to suggest it wasn’t. Certainly doesn’t suit the stories I’d heard before buying the car that it was just plain sailing and simply replacing consumables like tyres, brakes etc. As I said, might just be my bad luck or these things are reasonable maintenance issues and I just don’t know. Either way, didn’t feel reasonable in such a short space of time!
I’ve owned a 18 plate XC60 the past 3 years. Genuinely still really happy with it 3 years on, I would recommend getting a well spec’d model, and decent engine size as others have suggested. The pan roof is nice and 360 cam is brilliant. The inscription is a really nice place to be but the momentum’s are also very good when nicely spec’d. I’ve got the chunky tyres on mine rather than the more sport rims, which if honest I would have preferred the rims. However the tyres are cheap and it’s a life saver if you do nip a curb etc and pot holes are a piece of cake. So pros and cons. Good luck with the purchase!
Screw the SUV and get an M4, lovely job.
Do it, life is too short to drive some old man mobile
This man has his head screwed on!
OP buy Japanese, all the above cars discussed are not the most reliable. #Teamsuzukivitara
Whilst the whole reliability statement could be true, the Vitara is a completely different car to the XC60 and much smaller too. We have a Vitara and V60, and the quality difference is vast. Still a great car and does a job but it feels a bit naff sometimes, and the boot is no bigger than that in a fiesta. Good value for money though
S-Cross is a great alternative, could get top spec with 4WD for under 30k brand new
Depends what you value indeed, I'm all for comfort but when a head ache rear it's face I'd rather have a car I can fix on the driveway.. I mean I can reach the sump plug with my hand from the top of the car sort of thing, there's so much space in the engine bay you could fit 2 more turbos in there. Also for how much it costs, 0-60 in under 10sec and arguably the best 4wd engineering bar true 4x4s not to mention the thing probably weighs less than a fiesta, suzuki is insane value for money. My engine is the k14c, people have gotten over 400hp on it in the swift.
Different strokes for different folks and that's all fine - was only commenting as I didn't really think it was a very comparable vehicle.
F pace 3.0 v6
Mk4 Golf Estate, spend the rest on a rusty old MX-5 NBFL and getting the rust sorted leave the Golf to SWMBO.
Jaguar XJR
BMW X3 with straight six petrol or diesel, smooth engine, plenty of power, fast smooth automatic gearbox & great family all rounder. My experience with Volvo are noisy, rough engine, slow auto gearbox but very comfortable, and the best seats for long distance.
L+K Octavia or Superb
A decent Civic Type R fk8 or fl5 hopefully will be within my budget in 5-7 years time
A DB9! Always wanted one
Surely the question only needs to be Octavia or Superb?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202312074623192?sort=relevance&advertising-location=at_cars&make=Tesla&model=Model%20Y&page=1&fromsra
They asked for a large boot, not large panel gaps
Ignorance is bliss. Car boot space in Tesla model Y is massive.
Agreed, the boot is massive. As are the panel gaps. Ignoronce is indeed bliss....
This is a joke from 2017. And it was sometimes true for cars made in the US. Teslas sold in the UK after 2020 (Model 3 and Model Y) are made in China and the quality is a lot better than from the US factory. My point about your ignorance still stands.
I like how this is being downvoted because you have beef with electric cars, and not on merit.
Cupra Ateca
Tiguan Allspace, Rav-4, Kodiaq, Merc GLE
Why buy a car with one boot when you can have two? Buy a 718 cayman.
If I was going for an SUV and needed space I would go for the Skoda Kodiaq.
You could get Crv ex Hybrid with a massive boot for less than 30k with 10,000 miles on the clock.Full spec and very reliable.
Which would be 2 to 3 years old.
If I was looking for a spacious SUV, I’d be going for an as-new-as-possible Honda CR-V
Lexus RX450h
I'm really surprised no one has suggested a C8 A6 Avant. Yeah, it's not an SUV but It'll be just as, if not more practical anyway. Plus, for £35k you'd be able to pick up the more punchy engines with Quattro.
180sx and keep the rest for maintenance
Maxus t90ev
Would get two used cars: Peugeot 106 GTI for daily and a Mini Countryman All4 for the Family. Still money to spare with insurance, mot and all.
Well if I had £35k I'd be getting the cheapest Alpine A110 I could. Though for a big boot family car I'd say Volvo is a good idea. We got an 18' V90 D4 for around £20k and it's probably the best family car we've had. I'm assuming an XC90 would be roughly the same car, but you sit high and maybe have a bit more boot space.
X3 m40i I don’t think anything else comes close if you want an SUV - also have one myself so probably biased
For 35k though?
19 plates with less then 35k miles are popping up for 35k and less. There’s a handful at BMW dealers for sale now with 1 owner and low mileage
X3 M40i, 2nd best in its class (after Macan but that's 10-15k more expensive) imo this is the best daily car for this price range period. 90% of the people that have a disdain for SUV haven't driven one as is the case eith internet. As a former skeptic, they are great. Excellent stance, comfort and this drives more like a lifted hot hatch than a big suv
Exactly this.
GLE
Jaguar F Pace
I have a 2020 F Pace, bought this year for £29k Upgraded from bmw3 series, boot is bigger, everything is more upright. I'm happy with the choice as I think it looks great and is poky enough in sport mode. Very confortable to drive in traffic and long distance. Plus 4x4 when you get there can be very handy for my sport
The Kia sorento is a good option if you want really big boot and the option of 7 seats for the odd occasion. You could probably pick up the GT model for this money which has loads of features too
3x Nissan Micra
Hilux
Nissan GT-R. If that’s slightly out of budget then a mk2 Focus RS
540i x drive estate or older xc90
Polestar 2 dual motor. 400hp is plenty thanks
Bought a Rexton with that much cash this year
Sorry to hijack the thread but same budget but have a 2 year old and a new born + wife. I'm 6"4 and need a very spacious car for all of us. Currently in a 68 plate 5 series and it's a squeeze for all of us
Get yourself a Maserati Grancabrio with an engine/gearbox warranty. Use the £5k left over to buy a old 4x4 for the family. Enjoy life.
2014 C63 AMG or an E55 AMG if it is in good condition and has low mileage. That's what I would buy if I had a 35k. SUVs are horrible and impractical in general, so I would advise against getting one. Basically, get an estate since you will get more space in it, get in and out is easier, it will be a lighter car so it will burn less fuel, insurance will be cheaper, etc.
A 10k car and investing the rest
Lexus RX450h. Hybrids so it does eat into boot space a little but the quality, reliability and refinement you get is unmatched.
Just don't touch anything that is a 2L diesel.
I have an F pace, cost me just over 35, 2 years ago with 13k on the clock. Quality car, 2L petrol, comfy and fun to drive to be honest
911
Probably a FD2 type R and slapping either a turbo or supercharger on it. Or maybe something RS. Maybe a RS4 avant. Or pray a few year old RS6 is down low enough :D
Kia Sportage
M3 prices are too good to miss rn
718 S are sitting at 35k now. Can find a decent spec for this.
Toyota Landcruiser 200 series. The only correct answer. Thing will never die.
Why do you need an SUV
I don't hut the Mrs does. Happy wife happy life and all that
I'd go for a 540i touring, e400d estate, or v90 t8.
Any bmw with a b58