What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Which large cruiser will accommodate us and our baby?

We're looking to change our three-door BMW 3-Series convertible for something that will accommodate our baby. Overall we currently do less than 10,000 miles a year and the journeys we do tend to be at least 20 miles or so or longer, rather than stop and start.

We are looking for a very comfortable cruiser that has good fuel consumption and a reasonable boot with good economy. We tried the Lexus 450 but were disappointed and also tried the BMW X3, which was very well put together but that was also just too big a car. Any suggestions would be gratefully received, and our budget is up to £40k.

Asked on 14 July 2012 by JB, via email

Answered by Honest John
If the F25 X3 is too big, you could well be a customer for a Range Rover Evoque. Go for the five-door, not the coupe or you'll break your back lifting the child in and out of the back. It's up to you whether to go diesel or petrol.

The 240PS engine is the 2.0-litre chain cam Ford Ecoboost from the Mondeo and S-Max and you can choose manual or automatic. Alternatively, BMW has just facelifted its X1 model and that is now available with 2.0-litre turbo diesel engines offering up to 143PS to 218PS and an eight-speed autobox.
Similar questions
My wife and I are about to buy a new/nearly new car. We have two young children of school age and we live out in the country, so four-wheel drive is essential as my wife will spend a great deal of time...
Can you tell me which four-wheel drive vehicle has the most comfortable and pliable ride for a driver with back pain problems?
I am looking for a new/nearly new automatic four-wheel drive car. I have a £7000 part exchange and am expecting to pay £20,000/£25,000. I do 20,000 miles per year with about half that on the continent....
Related models
Handling is impressive for an SUV, large boot capacity and lots of rear-seat space, top engine choices deliver serious performance.
Range Rover style, practicality, off-road ability and badging on a budget.
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer