316i query

[snorky]

My girlfriend and I are considering a 316i Touring as she does a lot of miles, needs a decent boot and our Saab Turbo is a little juicy

Is the 316 really, really dog slow (obviously, yes c/w the Turbo) or is it ok for daily driving.

Also, what sort of mpg could one expect out of it?

Kinda need a balance between the 2 ideally. The Saab is doing high 20's/ early 30's, btw.

Opinions/suggestions/ideas greatly accepted.

Cheers

Nick

[Jhonno]

1.6i is pokey - never gonna set any landspeed records tho

[jamesroools]

a 316i isnt very slow, it just aint fast, its fast enough for town driving, i.e. getting out of sticky situations, and if there driven carefully you can expect arround 40mpg round town, and maybe 50 on a run

[snorky]

So a 316i auto WILL be slow?!

Seen a nice one on the trader but its an auto.
Not cheap but in black, v. low miles and leather - yummy!

Cheers for the replies people

[Jhonno]

mines an auto.. and it pegged a 320i touring in a drag...

[snorky]

mines an auto.. and it pegged a 320i touring in a drag...

Sounds quick enough to me!

[jamesroools]

alot of ppl think auto's are slow, but they are wrong, they can sometimes be faster than a manual, especially with the kickdown

[Zayyan]

a 316i isnt very slow, it just aint fast, its fast enough for town driving, i.e. getting out of sticky situations, and if there driven carefully you can expect arround 40mpg round town, and maybe 50 on a run

50 on a run is pushing it.

Being very very careful you can average 40mpg, but then you have no fun and sit in 5th gear all the time.

However you can expect about 32-35 on average enjoying it a little as well.

These figures are for my 316i manual though.

[AndyTouring]

I was surprised how perky my 316 Touring was when I first drove it. It's down to low gearing tho' & this is reflected in the economy.

I get 26 - 28mpg on commuting duties of 7 miles at speeds up to 70mph. Cruising on a motorway at 75mph gives around 33mpg.

It's a manual with 72k miles. I could drive it easier but it encourages you to drive hard. It's good fun if a little noisey!

Lacks torque low down (best keep it over 2000rpm) & needs the box to be worked.

All in, I'd recommend one.