• Summary

    3 out of 5 3.0

    What does this car say about you?

    Practical but boring!

    What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

    Image is poor but friends are impressed with the interior feel.

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    No. Disappointed with drive. Slow and underpowered and it is uneconomical and expensive to tax.

    What are you likely to buy next?

    BMW 3 Series.

  • Buying experience

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Independent

    Did you buy this car new?

    No

    What price did you pay?

    £7,000

    When did you buy the car?

    November 2012

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    Good price compared to other similar spec models for sale at the time.

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    Seat comfort and safety.

    What was the dealer like?

    Helpful and friendly independent mid size used car sales garage. Offered reasonable deal on part exchange but room for negotiation was limited due to bargain price car was already on sale for.

  • Driving it

    2 out of 5 2.0

    What's it like to drive?

    Driving dynamics are poor. Car has a big sturdy safe feel but handling is poor and uninvolving. Also considering it is a 2.0 petrol it is very underpowered, have to work the engine very hard to get any go out of it. Often needs downchange on motorway inclines.

    What's it like to park?

    Good to park despite being a biggish car. Mirrors and visability are good. No parking sensors despite being top model though.

  • Living with it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    Yes, Air conditioning has failed. In 3 years and 40k miles only other problems have been consumables like tyres and brakes. Overall very happy with reliability.

    What's most practical about your car?

    Reasonable boot but small by estate car standards.

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    SE Lux spec is high. Nicest feature is comfortable heated memory leather seats.