Buying a smaller estate witch cheaper VED

Our car is a Saab 93 Sportwagon Automatic 1.8t on a 55 plate and we average 32mpg (according to the on board computer).

We drive between 5,000 and 7,000 miles per year, so not enough to consider diesel.

We want to change to an automatic petrol estate, slightly smaller with less expensive VED and better MPG.

We have driven a BMW 318i touring which we like but are wondering how realistic their claimed mpg figures are and how close we may get to them?

Our other concern is the run flat tyres, which according to you and others have a considerably shorter life than ordinary tyres. The last set on the Saab were changed at 21,000 miles. The other cars that we considering are the new VW Golf Estate and the Lexus CT200h, but are concerned about the DSG box with a 1.4 engine and the technology of the Lexus being overtaken in the next couple of years.

As yet we have not been able to drive either car. Would the running costs of the BMW be more than our present Saab? Any advice or suggestions?

Asked on 18 April 2011 by mogman47

Answered by Honest John
Peugeot 207SW 1.6 auto or Renault Clio Sport Tourer 1.6 auto or Mini Clubman 1.6 auto. The Lexus CT200h is not an estate.
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