BMW or Volvo?

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Tue 16 Apr 2013 00:12
BMW or Volvo? - abs982

Re: Forum Seat Leon FR or Skoda Octavia VRS

I was so close to go and view some Octavia VRS's until i checked the insurance quote which was ridiculously expensive. I checked insurance quotes on Seat Leon Fr and they seem to be reasonable.

So gutted (i was actually looking forward to buy one).

So im back to square one...

what do i buy?? needs to be family sized car.

So ive come up with 2 options: Volvo S40 2.4 D5 (180bhp) or a BMW 320d (162bhp)...

Any advice?

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Tue 16 Apr 2013 00:18
BMW 3 series, Saab 93 or Volvo S40? - abs982

Or am i best just stciking to a Seat Leon FR?

By wednesday i want either to have made a firm decision or put a deposit down.

Edited by abs982 on 16/04/2013 at 00:22

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Tue 16 Apr 2013 09:26
BMW 3 series, Saab 93 or Volvo S40? - Happy Blue!

Life is short - please remind us of: -

Size of your family and age of children/parents

Annual mileage and type of driving

There is a deal of difference between a Leon petrol turbo hot hatch and a Volvo saloon diesel. Forget driving excitement for a moment - what do you actually need? Then we can consider power and performance.

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Tue 16 Apr 2013 11:04
BMW 3 series, Saab 93 or Volvo S40? - daveyK_UK
I would choose a Leon over the above, but if you want to change why not consider a suburu?
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Tue 16 Apr 2013 11:58
BMW 3 series, Saab 93 or Volvo S40? - madf

I assume you have checked insurance costs on your options first?

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Tue 16 Apr 2013 16:59
BMW 3 series, Saab 93 or Volvo S40? - abs982
Yup checked insurance quotes on 3 and more than happy with them.
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Tue 16 Apr 2013 16:57
BMW 3 series, Saab 93 or Volvo S40? - abs982
Subaru too expensive on insurance, more on fuel and bit load for my looking. I loved Subarus few years back but think more of boy racing things now.
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Tue 16 Apr 2013 20:51
BMW 3 series, Saab 93 or Volvo S40? - barney100

For what reason would you choose a Leon over a Volvo?

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Tue 16 Apr 2013 16:55
BMW 3 series, Saab 93 or Volvo S40? - abs982
I need car that will accommodate me, mrs, child 1 (2 year), 2nd one on way end of year.

We need a car that will last us for a few years at least, reliability, comfort, 4/5dr.

Average mileage annually I would say 7k. I have my moments with driving, sometimes cruising and at time heavy footed.
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Tue 16 Apr 2013 17:24
BMW 3 series, Saab 93 or Volvo S40? - RT

Shouldn't you be looking at petrol-engined cars at that mileage? 7,000/year is way below the breakover point.

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Tue 16 Apr 2013 18:42
BMW 3 series, Saab 93 or Volvo S40? - abs982
Break over point?
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Tue 16 Apr 2013 19:05
BMW 3 series, Saab 93 or Volvo S40? - RT
Break over point?

While diesel cars are cheaper to run over 15,000 miles/year, petrol cars are cheaper at annual mileages below that.

Edited by RT on 16/04/2013 at 19:06

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Tue 16 Apr 2013 19:52
BMW 3 series, Saab 93 or Volvo S40? - squarecarman

Indeed. Also I don't know if you're buying new or second hand.Diesels can develop some very expensive problems as they get older...DPF, EGR,DMF,turbo etc etc. Failure of any one of these can be the death Knell of an older car on economic grounds.

DPFs are particularily prone to problems if you do a lot of short runs. All these issues have been flogged to death on these forums and a search will gie you more detailed information.

Personally I would opt for petrol for your kind of motoring.....but it's upto you!

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Tue 16 Apr 2013 22:22
BMW 3 series, Saab 93 or Volvo S40? - Happy Blue!

Not only that, but with two young children I would not be looking at a small hatchback, nor a saloon, but a practical smaller MPV with a higher seating position, making it easier to strap children in without breaking your back.

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Tue 16 Apr 2013 22:23
BMW 3 series, Saab 93 or Volvo S40? - unthrottled

.DPF, EGR,DMF,turbo etc etc. Failure of any one of these can be the death Knell of an older car on economic grounds.

Why do people always compare the points 'n' carbs petrols of their youth with state-of-the-art diesels and make unflattering comparisons regarding complexity?

Turbo petrols are considerably more complicated than their diesel counterparts. That's not to say that they aren't nicer to drive, but in terms of ruggedness, the diesel has an advantage.

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Tue 16 Apr 2013 22:50
BMW 3 series, Saab 93 or Volvo S40? - abs982
Well after all the advise - many thanks to everyone.

I have finally put a deposit down on seat Leon 2.0t tfsi tf, 2007 (07 plate), 68k miles, 1 year warranty. Fsh.
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Wed 17 Apr 2013 00:16
BMW 3 series, Saab 93 or Volvo S40? - Avant

Good luck: I hope you enjoy it. That's a great engine and should go very well in the light Leon body. Let's hope you can squeeze the family in there somehow.

I'm surprised you found the Octavia vRS expensive to insure: the premium on mine was reduced from £402 to £368 this year, which is reasonable I thought.

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Wed 17 Apr 2013 00:51
BMW 3 series, Saab 93 or Volvo S40? - abs982
I was very suprised at the quote as well, the Leon was much cheaper. The trader was good though to be honest - the deposit is subject to my wife liking the car so we are going down next to take it for a long test drove with my little girl.
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