which car 2 buy vauxhall astra or BMW 1 seris

[minyme]

I am 37 1/2 weeks and i should have brought my car ages ago as i am carless!!!! I like the vauxhall Astra and BMW 1 series and they have simular size boot size-but i can't make up my mind and i need to be quick.

I know i have to decide as soon as possible-
Ladies which one would you choose????
I would appriciate your opinions-thanks.

 

[chele]

I would choose the BMW 1 series myself. Depends on how much money you have. Are you getting new or second hand as there is a biiiiiiiiig price difference.

 

[gemgti]

I also prefer the BMW 1 series. i keep on at OH i want one. But then i guess you need to weigh up the cost of maintenance on them both. i would think the vauxhall would be cheaper for that?

 

[jaybee]

BMW is more reliable and better quality these days. However are more expensive to repair and service!
How do they compare on insurance and tax brackets?
Are they both new, pre-registered or second hand?

 

[minyme]

I would choose the BMW 1 series myself. Depends on how much money you have. Are you getting new or second hand as there is a biiiiiiiiig price difference.

I am buying second hand and i am able to buy either and i can't make up my mind..Thanks for your opinion.

 

[JuicyLucy]

im not in third tri - but deffo go for the bmw 1 series!

 

[chele]

Id say its easier and a lot cheaper to get a second hand astra than a 1series of the same registration year. The astra will def be cheaper to run, but still, given the choice, the bmw would get my vote. What are the insurance differences though?

 

[sophxx]

i like the bmw 1 took it out for a test drive but decided against it as my friend has one and hers is awful in the snow or ice to the point where cant drive ot or get it off the drive which is no good for me due to living in the country! also it was something like insurance group 20 and being 22 made it really expensive! so i choose something else

ohs fleet of work cars are all vauxhall astras every1 who drives them loves them they were brill in the bad weather and weve never had a problem with any of them yet there used everyday for long drives cash and carry ectx

 

[sophxx]

Id say its easier and a lot cheaper to get a second hand astra than a 1series of the same registration year. The astra will def be cheaper to run, but still, given the choice, the bmw would get my vote. What are the insurance differences though?

bmw 1 is insurance group 20 they told me at the garage so prob a bit more than the astra! x

 

[minyme]

ummmm.... thanks ladies.. I've given myself until the end of the week as i have been deciding from the start of my pregnancy.

 

[chatts]

BMW everytime!

 

[loopy_lou]

Sorry I can't stand BMWs. Husband had one dads had one and both ended badley I had a boss who's BMW breaks fell off on the motorway after a poor service. Astras are ok but unimaganitive have you considered mondeo or the vw cc as alternatives?

We have recently replaced our mondeo for a Volvo xc60 and it's brilliant with plenty of boot space and comes with booster seats for the older child.

 

[Alisha1985]

I dont think you can just go off looks for a car. You need to weigh up all the pro's and cons like others have said

 

[LoobyBump]

I'd say BMW from the heart, but maybe Astra from head.

My OH has a 1 series, and there is no chance of getting much, especially pushchairs in the boot. Its sort of square! Also not much legroom in the back and visability isn't great.

Also agree with previous poster...useless in this winter's ice/snow...it didn't move off the drive for 2 weeks as every time we tried it got stuck, so we gave up! lol

Good luck though...its up to you at the end of the day! xxx

 

[lili24]

I have had both and they are two completely different cars on so many levels. It really depends what you want out of it. I wouldn't recommend either for a family with a small baby, they are a similar size but the 1 Series has NO legroom in the back and can feel cramped inside. The astra feels slightly more spacious but is the most boring car I have ever driven. 1 Series is rear wheel drive and if you love driving you will love it, if you get a decent sized engine it's so much fun!

The 1 series is much better on fuel and more reliable in the long run but expensive to insure..

 

[subaru555]

For the money you would spend on a 1 series you could actually get a really decent, fairly new car. IMO if you're going for the small-ish sporty type then a focus would really give you value for money - and there is a lot more litres of space. To be honest I don't like Vauxhalls purely because they are so cheap & plastic looking inside. Where as the BMW is at the other end of the spectrum, too small for the money. I know what it's like when you have your heart set on a car but perhaps try putting your budget into the auto trader website and selecting ALL CARS and you'll be suprised at what comes up.

 

[RainbowDrop_x]

I'd go for the BMW although don't buy anything without checking the buggy fits in the car first!!!!! The boots on them aren't THAT big!!! Me and my OH made that mistake!!!

 

[MrsJD]

I have a BMW 3 series and have had a Vaxhaull in the past, no comparision really, BMW all the way!

 

[minyme]

Thank-You so much ladies biggg
this has been a huge help
I should have asked you earlier!!!!!!!
I think by the end of today i will make my choice as i don't know how long baby is given me to decide before making a appearance.

 

[ouchwithNo.2]

You would get your money back on the 1 series (especially a diesel) and if it was a fully loaded one as you don't get much with a BMW unless you pay extra.
BMW servicing is mega expensive though....
Astra...zzzzz... plastic fantastic inside (sorry) and the new model is out so the older ones will depreciate quicker (vauxhalls always do).
Personally, I wouldn't choose either, Astra rear visability is awful and as an adult passenger I always feel trapped in the back.
I would go down the route of a Ford Focus... TDCI or even an earlier ST if you want something a bit different. Fantastic cars, decent boot, solid and spacious in the back. Get more for your money than a Golf as well....
BMW I feel you always pay for the name and not much else!!
Good luck...