For the price of a three-year-old BMW 320d, the most popular vehicle and most sought-after derivative currently in South Africa, we have found these alternative charmers to turn your car-buying list upside down…
2016 BMW 320d Auto
With 94,000km on the odometer, a price of R279,900 and a list of features including leather upholstery; rear PDC sensors; climate control; multifunction steering wheel controls; and more, it is a great buy.
The BMW shown above delivers on its promises of engaging driving manners, solid build quality, and with the diesel engine fantastic fuel-efficient performance with 140kW of oomph under the right foot too. It leads the compact executive sedan class, but is it really the best way to spend your money?
2014 Audi A6 3.0 TDI Quattro S-Tronic (180kw)
Isn’t this better than a 3-Series? We think so. For a little more cash, you’re buying a lot more car thanks to the evils of depreciation. This 2014 Audi A6 3.0TDI Quattro S-Tronic carries a full service history, has 100,000km on the odo and a price of R299,899. It boasts a larger platform, more luxury, more features and greater technology. What’s not to like?
2016 Jaguar XE 2.0D Portfolio Automatic
Luxury. Style. Sophistication. British elegance. This is one fantastic premium sedan that offers distinctive appeal, a greater level of refinement. It has only 50,000km on the odometer, a host of features that easily outclasses a 3-Series and a stonking good engine too for R293,000.
2014 Volvo V60 D3 Excel Geartronic
A Volvo station wagon? That’s de rigeur for the family man. This one is in immaculate condition for its age and boasts low mileage too: only 64,900km. It is priced at R249,900 and is one of the safest vehicles on our roads. Being a station wagon, it also offers enhanced practicality – and sets you apart in the fashion stakes.
2012 BMW 530D M-Sport Automatic
This is a Full House special for only R289,900 with just 69,987km. It looks the absolute business in this colour, those wheels and the M-Sport styling kit. With 190kW of power underfoot, it is also no slouch… For the same money as an F30 S-Series? Smart money would look here, for that Bavarian appeal.
2015 Kia Sorento 2.2D Automatic
This is a large SUV with oodles of comfort and space for your entire family. One of Europe and the USA’s best selling SUV models, the KIA Sorento offers excellent value. This one is in great condition, and as a model it has a great reliability record. At R249,900 with only 87,000km on the odometer, it is a bargain buy for more car than the Beemer 320d.
2015 Subaru Outback 2.0D-S CVT
Outstanding quality, drivetrain and that crossover point between SUV and station wagon, this is a fantastic buy for R299,995. You won’t blend into the background in this highly-specced vehicle, while still enjoying the creature comforts you’d expect of a BMW 3-Series. This one has 97,000km on the odo, and the diesel boxer engine is a gem.
2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport 2.0 Diesel
Award-winning terrain response, excellent ergonomics and great heritage, the Land Rover Discovery Sport is a favourite amongst the Sandton set. With more comfort and space than a 3-Series, and the ability to go anywhere, this most certainly makes it more appealing. It has just under 96,200km and a price only R10,000 more than the comparable 3-Series. Which would you rather drive?
2015 Chrysler 300C 3.0 CRD Luxury Automatic
Basically a Mercedes-Benz E-Class underneath, this is a LOT of car for your hard-earned cash. This is such an imposing vehicle, but it does luxury and comfort in a way that only American design can pull off. Quiet, refined and quick too, this is a terrific vehicle with a personality. It has 87,000km on the clock and a price of R264,900. With a long list of features, it will make every drive a relaxing one.
Conclusion
No matter which vehicle you choose to buy, we hope it is a pre-owned and pre-loved example. There are more choices out there other than the default BMW 3-Series and such models. Thanks to the wonderful financial term called depreciation, we can all drive vehicles that offer more value for our money. Isn’t that what we all want at the end of the day? let us know your thoughts!
